Staying On Mission

Missions is in the DNA of the Bible-based, Christ-centered, Gospel-driven church.  Here at Goshen, we have a strong commitment to sending, praying for, and supporting missionaries all around the globe (check out goshenbaptist.org, “Missions”).  Plus, we also have a high priority on out­reach right here—with Explorer Girls, Awana for Boys, Mom2Mom, Upward, Preschool, VBS, etc., AND through your friendships with co-workers, classmates, and next door neighbors.

Having said that, we’re praying that God will take us much further down the exhilarating road of his world-changing work:  1) in prayer, support and sending of global witnesses (take note that the Missions Team is in conversation with Wycliffe Bible Translators about supporting a new missionary in light of the recent retirement of Carrie Heisler); 2) with short-term missions (for adults and youth, in settings from local to national to global); and 3) by challenging all of us to be ready “to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentle­ness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Last Sunday I preached on Matthew 28:18-20 to help us focus (or refocus) our attention on Jesus’ charge and our calling—which is to make disciples among all the people groups in the world, doing so by going, baptizing, and teaching.  This is Jesus’ command—and he speaks as the One who has “all authority.”

My aim was to help us resist the incessant pull of politics, and fix our eyes on Jesus.  Too many Christians are giving the impression (on Facebook and elsewhere) that politics is everything!  Think about it:  what are we saying to the watching world when political passions con­sume us with joy or rage, and when culture-war issues fill our hearts?

We’re saying that Jesus is ho-hum, that the venture of discipleship is no big deal, and that the hope of heaven isn’t worth our time and attention.  Just think—what a horrible message to send! Ask yourself:  are your words and actions implying that Jesus is a marginal figure—a Jesus of no consequence?  Have we forgotten we’re citizens of heaven and Jesus Christ is our Commander-in-Chief?  If you have, confess it—God is gracious, and he’s ready to embrace his straying children who come to their senses and return home to his loving embrace!