Psalm 96

Why do some Christians reject mission?

Mission is against the pluralistic view of the world. Many Christians claim to not feel called to worship.

Why we shouldn't reject mission

The God of the Old Testament was a missionary God. We see that in this Psalm, as the Israelites share God with the nations they encounter. This passage also weds together worship and mission. They are linked together, after our worship we then should follow up with mission. If mission is not on our heart after worship, then that worship is half-baked.

Christ is a missionary. We see in Jesus'ministry He was preaching to people of other nations.

The Sprit within us is a missionary Spirit. Look at the day of Pentecost and you'll see the nations represented and witness to the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples. When we encounter the Spirit He is there for mission.

It is clear from the Bible that mission is at the centre of what it means to be a believer in God. Even if we don't feel like it or don't feel called we are still supposed to be missional people.

Should we focus on local or global mission first?

The early church turned inwards and last their focus. Their secondary issues caused them to be weak and lose several regions to Islam. In the reformation the truth of the gospel was not kept within political boundaries. The impact of the reformers spread around Europe. When they had a missionary vision they didn't just keep it to themselves, they shared it with other so then they went out as well. A more modern approach is that if we want to grow the church locally the we must have a vision and passion for global mission. As we invest in global mission it gives perspective to local issues. If we are focussed on evangelism then we are united in that and our church will grow.

Isn't mission old-fashioned?

More growth has happened in the last 60 years than ever before. The global church has shifted and there are now more believers in previously closed off countries than there are in the West.

Despite these advances there are great needs. These include things like Bible Translation. We fight over ours and issues when there are those who have never heard them.

How should we respond?

There are many things we could do, some even today!

• Be informed about mission in the world.
• Start giving to mission supported by the church.
• Engage and write to missionaries.
• Start praying! Use resources to inform your prayer.
• Short-term mission trips.
• Meet people from different ethnic backgrounds.