A. What Is Biblical Mission? “Biblical mission means more than simply going overseas to plant churches or spread civilization. It means the church participating in the ‘mission of God (Missio Dei)’ and seeking the restoration of God’s rule and glory throughout the whole earth. Mission is not a program that begins with human enthusiasm; rather, it is the heart of God that runs throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and is a fundamental reason for the church’s existence. Let me clearly summarize five essential principles of true mission as presented in Scripture. 🌍 1. The Mission of God (Missio Dei) The subject and initiator of mission is not human beings but God. In order to save fallen humanity, God first comes to us, sends His Son, and sends the Holy Spirit. He is the “missionary God” who sends. Biblical basis: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) Key meaning: The church acknowledges that God has the initiative in mission and serves as His agent, obed...
“Ephraim people” within the church?
The
Ephraimites said to Gideon,
"Why
did you not call us when you went to fight against the Midianites?
How
could you treat us like this?"
and
they argued strongly with Gideon (Judg. 8:1).
Similarly,
they confronted Jephthah, saying,
"Why
did you cross over to fight against the people of Ammon without calling us to
go with you?
We
will burn your house down over you!" (12:1).
Although
the Ephraimites questioned
why
they were not called to war by Gideon or Jephthah,
examining
Jephthah's response reveals that their claim was not entirely accurate:
"I
called you, but you did not save me from their hands.
So
when I saw that you would not help, I took my life in my hands..."
(vv. 2-3).
When
I contemplate this reality,
I
think there are people in the church who are like the "Ephraimites":
1.
They talk but do not act.
2.
Therefore, even when church leaders seek help,
they do not offer assistance.
3.
They do not take communal responsibilities
seriously.
4.
Despite this, they desire to be treated well by
church leaders.
5.
When they do not receive the treatment they
desire, they become angry.
6.
Consequently, they engage in disputes and
arguments with church leaders.
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