all the nations together. Isaiah 25:6-7, psalm 72:11, 86:9 revelation 7:9-10, genesis 12:1-3 confirmed in Galatains 3:8, psalm 67 (all), daniel 7:14,27, psalm 138:4, Revelation 4. pslam 47:9,
There is a promise that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, whether in this life or the next. revelation 5;13. As Christians, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations. Paul echoes the sentiment to present "everyone mature in Christ". that has become my goal- to engage everyone with the Gospel to teach and rebuke and train them. Jesus goal is to make people more in the image of Jesus Christ, to bear the name of Christ or Christian. WHen we die to ourselves and put on more of Christ, we have a desire to engage and redeem the broken world with the Gospel that has changed our own lives. there should be an urgency to share the good news and hope of the Gospel that has changed our own hearts with a full world of people who have not heard. The Gospel does just become contained to evangelism, the winning of souls, or the preaching of justification by faith. The Gospel becomes integral to discipleship, the building of passionate followers of Jesus, and the growth/maturing of one's faith by sanctification. The goal then is to KNOW GOD reichly and then so be changed that 2) WE desire to make GOD KNKOWn.
The goal then of missions is not solely evangelism (or winning people to Christ) and not solely discipleship (building people in Christ). Not two distinct entities, because the Gospel which wins people is the Gospel which grows people. We cannot seperate methods and strategies but must engage both
though we all are called to vocational missional fields in the home, office, government, or military, at some point in my life it is my desire to be in full time vocational ministry laboring for the nations. its not about me or my dreams or my plans. if God truly desires his glory, he can be glorified by writing books and preaching to millions or by cleaning th sludge on port-o-potties. I must be faithful to follow where he calls.
- thousands before have left everything not for a glorious or easy but a tough, improbable fight. its not going to be easy- millions have lost their lives for the cause of Christ. but for the sake of the gospel, its the most glorifying and satisfying cause to live my life- to know God and make Him known. to present everyone mature in CJ (Colossians 1:28)
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God has grown and expanded a heart for the nations. Ever since I was a little kid, my dreams were big. When I was a kid, I can remember a night sitting in the middle seat between my older siblings in the old Buick Park Avenue talking about my completely realistic dream of being a professional football, baseball, and soccer player while also being a missionary pastor. I vaguely remember compromising my desire (it was cramped and you can believe there was always a good deal of bickering in that car, typically instigated by me.) I remember sitting in Dr. Gluodenis Chemistry class sophomore year writing a scholarship application where they asked a question about my future and dreams. Somewhere in the midst of that essay, God be glorified in a three-prong cultural
baseball
medicine
missions
Since that time, a more whollistic vision has arrived. Love of theology and teaching/preaching. FIgures like Jim Elliott working or Amy Carmichael's love for the orphans of India have propelled me. Most formative, the hope for Haiti where micro-enterprise formed with humanitarian operations. The use of indigenous missions and partnerships as a staple to movements. The use of the Indonesia short-term missions teams to influence new cultures for Christ. Using baseball and sports (AIA or SB2W). The biggest need is prayer and support. It's big and definitive. Education, Orphan adoption/sponsorships, micro-enterprising.
Southwestern Mexico: Chiapas, Guerro, or Oaxaca
Nehemiahs Vision Ministry
Heartcry Missionary Society
International Cultural Bible Ministries of India
Training Leaders International
Compassion International
SB2W in Dominican Republic
Voice of the Martyrs
Tim Tebow Foundation
Gospel for Asia
Emoyeni
Great Opportunities in Global Outreach
omf
