Missions on Point

MoP185 Discipleship in the Church - 5 Goal

Most people think of discipleship in terms of teaching, but it is easily neglected or undervalued.  It's too easy to think that something else is the objective.  Keeping this goal in mind, though, has dramatically important implications for the church and missions.  We cannot fulfill the goal without the life-long discipleship that is found in the local church.  From the cradle to the grave, everyone is still learning to grow in their obedience to all that Jesus has commanded his disciples. 

MoP184 Discipleship in the Church - 4 Beginning

Who should we invest our time and efforts into making disciples?  How do we know if someone is truly serious about pursuing discipleship or not?  Jesus has given a very simple command, and it should be considered the beginning of discipleship.  Baptism is the glue between the church and missions, and we need to get baptism right in order to hold the two together.  

MoP183 Discipleship in the Church - 3 Scope

What is the scope of discipleship endeavors in the church?  Who should we seek to make disciples of?  Jesus makes a radically inclusive call for all peoples in every tribe, tongue, and people group to become his disciple.  And thankfully, we are given the promised vision in heaven that this reality will one day be true.  For now though, we need to set our sights on the nations of the world, especially those places that are darkest, the unreached and unengaged.

MoP182 Discipleship in the Church - 2 Authority

Jesus begins the Great Commission by declaring that all authority in heaven and earth have been given to him.  But what does this mean for the church and for missions?  Jesus' authority is essential for missionaries because it grounds them in the sure foundation of God's word and the church which is where Jesus' authority is exercised.  Be wary of missionaries who are untethered from the church, just as we should be wary of anyone who comes in their own authority.  

MoP181 Discipleship in the Church - 1 Introduction

Matthew 28:18-20 is the familiar final command of Jesus giving to us "The Great Commission."  In this series we do a deep dive into the Great Commission to see its implications for missions and the church.  Jesus gives the central command for the church to make disciples.  Discipleship is then defined with 5 distinct aspects, which will then constitute the remaining episodes in this series.   

MoP180 Missions Insights from the New Testament - The General Epistles and Revelation

Here in the closing books of the New Testament, we see faithful church leaders writing to scattered Christians under persecution and to specific local churches. These books give instruction, encouragement, and correction to church leaders and the believers in their care. We continue to observe that the local church is the greenhouse for growing Christians in their faith. The startling visions of Revelation are also bookended with specific instruction and hope-filled comfort for local churches, which are the fruit of missions and God's global redemptive plan. God is sovereign! Jesus wins! He uses us to reach the nations in His name!
In this episode, after 3-1/2 years of Missions on Point, I introduce myself and my assistant Joel Hollins, who will be podcasting the next series. Please feel free to comment, give us feedback, subscribe, like, and follow Missions on Point. And, please tell your friends about the podcast.

MoP179 Missions Insights from the New Testament - Paul’s Impact and Teammates

The life and writings of the Apostle Paul are God's gift to the church. It's fair to say that we wouldn't understand the Gospel, theology, or missions well apart from Paul's example and letters. So, we read the New Testament and are encouraged to prioritize the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His church. Paul's example also teaches us to be team players, stick to priorities, and have a big heart for those supporting and serving alongside us.

MoP178 Missions Insights from the New Testament - First Missionaries, Acts 11-15

This is a dramatic and critical narrative of the beginnings of the church, the first sent-out missionaries, and the grace of God through the Gospel to Gentile believers everywhere. Persecution exists as a thread throughout the story of missions. God's deliverance for His servants also exists. The first time believers were called Christians was in a Gentile church in a Gentile city. We wear that nametag today across the world. God used the church in Antioch to be the first sending church to Barnabas and Saul, who proved their qualifications and calling in the context of their local sending church.