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...
The name of Jesus Christ [Acts 4:1-12] During the pilgrimage to the Islamic holy site, known as the "Devil's Stoning," a tragic incident occurred in which over 340 people lost their lives, and more than a thousand were injured. What is the "Devil's Stoning"? This annual religious event, called Hajj, brings Muslims from all over the world to the holiest Islamic site in Saudi Arabia, Mecca. It involves a declaration of faith affirming the oneness of Allah, as well as five daily prayers, religious dues, fasting during Ramadan (Islamic calendar's ninth month), and other practices that Muslims are obliged to follow as long as their health and financial means allow. The Hajj pilgrims, who have gathered in Mina, a plain near Mecca, for the past few days, engage in prayers and contemplation to prepare for the actual pilgrimage. On the way back to Mecca on the 10th day, pilgrims perform a ritual where they throw seven pe...