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...
“If God is for us” (6) [Romans 8:31-34] Last week, we meditated on Romans 8:33b-34a, “… It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?” Whoever God justifies can never be condemned. In John 8:3-11, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, put her in the center of the court (v. 3) and said to Jesus: “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” (vv. 4-5) They asked this question in order to find an excuse to test Jesus and accuse him (v. 6). In conclusion, Jesus said to the woman: “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you? … I do not condemn you, either Go From now on sin no more” (vv. 10-11). If Jesus did not condemn her, who would dare to accuse and condemn her? On one! Never! It is God who justifies, and who is...