Missions on Point

MoP148 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions - 7 In God’s View

In this episode, we explore the scope and nature of God the Father's view of the centrality of the local church in missions. We discover that God is the originator and designer of the local church. The Bible is full of evidence of His involvement and purpose behind the local church together with its unique mission on earth. God's mission is the local church's mission. God's glory is found in and through local churches.

MoP147 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions - 6 In Paul’s View

We dare not underestimate the incredible role of the Apostle Paul in establishing the centrality of the local church in missions. Paul clearly understood his special calling to preach the gospel and to establish local churches. In fact, he was under submission to his own sending church as he went out. His view and understanding of the centrality of the local church in missions is a model for our thinking and implementation of missions today. We pray this series will rock some boats, rattle some cages, and change some people's minds about how missions should operate in our world biblically.

MoP146 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions -5 in the New Testament

"You can't see the forest for the trees" can be true of us. Sometimes we don't see the big picture because we don't lift our eyes to see the most obvious things. Every book of the New Testament was written by church leaders and church planters to local church leaders and local churches for the good of local churches everywhere. The local church is the beginning and end of missions. But it's not just the focus of missions; it is also the center of God's plan!

MoP145 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions - 4 For the Hearers of the Great Commission

When the Apostles and disciples of Jesus heard the Great Commission, what did they do? How did they obey it? We'll see in this episode that they went all over the map preaching the Gospel and disciplining believers resulting in the planting of local churches. Acts is our guide for this 30,000-foot overview of early church history.  Church tradition about the Apostles' work also confirms this summary: early believers planted churches in obedience to the Great Commission.

MoP144 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions - 3 In the Great Commission

Please consider the well-known "Great Commission" passages in the Gospels and Acts. These contribute to a solid understanding that the Great Commission cannot be adequately fulfilled apart from planting local churches. It is NOT only evangelizing and disciplining; it IS establishing a mutually committed body of believers who worship, care for each other, study the Scriptures, observe the Ordinances, have qualified church leaders, and continue to obey the Great Commission.

MoP143 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions - 2 In Christ’s View

We like to start with the Bible. What better way than to start with Christ's view of the local church?  After getting a big-picture overview of the use of the word "church" in the New Testament, we'll dive into how Christ Himself portrays His connection to and special relationship with local churches.  In the largest scope, the whole New Testament, inspired by Christ and fueled by His Great Commission resounds with local-church-centered teaching.

MoP142 The Centrality of the Local Church in Missions - 1 Introduction

This introduction begins a more extensive series on "The Centrality of the Local Church in MIssions." It is my heartbeat. It crystallizes my lifelong convictions for the local church and missions. Please listen attentively, recommend it profusely to others, and pray for its ultimate effectiveness for God's glory through the church to all nations.

MoP141 Sharing Jesus During Ramadan

The Muslim world is in the month of Ramadan (Mar. 22 -Apr. 20, 2023). This episode hopes to open your eyes to the strategic time of opportunity to share Jesus with your Muslim friends, coworkers, fellow students, and neighbors. Muslims are especially sensitized to pursue spiritual things during this month. They need to know more about their "Prophet" Jesus. They are more open to reading the New Testament (their Injil) to learn more. Your testimony, presented with sensitivity and loving concern for Christ's sake may bring fruit, by God's grace, in their coming to faith in Jesus. May it be so.