evangelism missions

Kingdom Evangelism

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When it comes to evangelism and missions, Jesus wants us to show the world what a citizen of the kingdom looks like. Immediately after the beatitudes in Matthew 5 we hear Jesus saying “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14, NIV). (Paul says something similar in Philippians 2:14-16.) Then he gives the command “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16, NIV). Thus, after explaining what kind of people his disciples should be, he directs them to go out and display the kingdom of God in their lives. His point is that when others see what the kingdom looks like in us, then some of them will also become people who glorify – display – God and his kingdom. God is looking for seekers who will Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Jesus Gave Us Peace – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Peace be with you” (John 20:19, 21, 26, ESV). After Jesus arose he appeared to his disciples and at least three times he said to them “Peace be with you.” They had been extremely distressed by his death and the opposition of the Jewish leaders but now Jesus is emphasizing that they should now have peace. “Peace” includes a general inner harmony and freedom from turmoil. This peace is available to all his followers who keep their focus on him and walk in his Spirit. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit and so if we keep faith we experience a deep peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). When we embrace fear and unbelief this peace fades but we can always refocus ourselves on the peace Jesus gives. He wants us to have peace and he provides it. Let us be encouraged that God is in control of all things Continue Reading →

Social justice

Pursuing Social Justice In Christ – Part 2:How Much Can We Transform Society?

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Last week we saw that pursuing social justice is our responsibility because it is part of the kingdom of God that Jesus brought. Will we be able to complete the fulfillment of the kingdom of God? No. We must wait for Jesus to return and execute a final defeat of evil. There is no passage in the New Testament directing believers to fully establish the kingdom of God in this age. Rather, people are invited into the partial kingdom that Jesus has already established. Jesus and his apostles speak of believers finding the kingdom, entering the kingdom and spreading the message of the kingdom so that others may enter. Jesus brought the kingdom so it is here now and people can choose whether to enter or not. But we can not complete it. Yet this lack of full establishment does not discourage us because he is using us to spread Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Peace Amidst Tribulation – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV). Jesus had just given a long talk to his disciples and encouraged them that they will have joy and be able to ask anything from the Father in Jesus’ name. But these words in verse 33 are not just for the disciples; they are for all his followers. When we abide in him we have inner peace even though outside, in the world, we have tribulation. This is a great description of life during the overlap of the former age and the kingdom of God. Since Jesus brought the kingdom when he came his followers get to experience the kingdom inside themselves. Thus, in the midst of a turbulent world we have something that no other group can Continue Reading →

Social justice

Pursuing Social Justice In Christ – Part 1

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Anyone who longs to see justice and harmony in society should be ecstatic about Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God. Jesus’ goal is a perfectly just society. When we seek social justice in Christ we know that we will bear fruit, whether or not we change an entire society. When we give our lives to provide a better living for humanity our “success” does not depend on outcome. Whatever the results, our efforts to produce change display the light of the kingdom of God for anyone around us to see. The pressure to make sure we achieve our desired results is off of us. God does his part and we do our part and we trust God for the outcome. Ultimately, God will establish complete social justice. As we pursue social justice, what we seek and how we seek it shows others the goodness of God and gives them Continue Reading →