Off the shelf: Transcending Mission

What constitutes mission within the life of the local church has gone through something of a renaissance over the last few years. Seeking to think about local and global spheres of ministry through the lens of mission has been helpful, but it has also brought some challenges. One example is this; just what do we mean when we talk about mission? This is the main thrust of what Stroope seeks to address in his provocative, yet well-reasoned assessment of the current situation in the discussion of mission.

Reset: OMF February 2019

“Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell of my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking”. (Ezekiel 1:28)

Everything had changed. Picture it. As Ezekiel stood looking out across his new home around the Chebar canal, he knew the world was never going to be the same again. It had been a long 5 years on the other side of the world. Reaching his 30’s made him stop to think about what could have been. Trained as a priest, ready to fulfil his calling; but that had all disappeared.

OMF September 2018: Fakes?

“I know what you are doing: you have a name for being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1b)

Why do we even care if we have a name if the reality is that we are just big fakes? This is a really serious question which pokes and probes in and around the area we don’t like anyone to access; our heart and it’s motives.

OMF August 2018: Learning From Thyatira

“All the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works” Rev 2:23b

What is at the heart of this message Jesus has for his people? As we read it we can see that he calls into question those who claim to be his followers but who are involved in sexual immorality and free flowing sacrifices to idols. And this is correct, that is what Jesus identifies. However what is going on under the surface?

More Than A Simple Formula: OMF February 2018

“And God said ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it’” (Gen 1:28)

We all tend to get caught up in on our own areas of interest or focus in on our own situations, and this is understandable, right? After all it is not bad to have things which we enjoy or to put time and effort into our personal life. It is honouring before God that we take time to spend with family and friends, it is good for us as people to have things we like to do adding to the wholeness of life.

A Greater Motive: August 2017

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3) 

Last month we looked at reminding ourselves of our purpose in an ever changing world, focusing on making much of Jesus and pointing others to him. I’m sure that neither of these things we would disagree with. That being said, sometimes the way these truths are communicated can cause hindrance to those who are watching the believer’s life or listening to the believer’s words. Clearly this is something which Paul understood.

Though you do not see him: OMF April 2017

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible” (1 Peter 1:8)

As Peter writes to the believers scattered across the Roman empire in the first century he is well aware of the challenges that they face. For many the pressure to conform would have been immense and the risk of identifying as a believer in the crucified Messiah would have been high.

Gospel grace & East Asia: OMF February 2017

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8)

God’s word is very clear that no matter who we are or where we come from we are all people who are in a very desperate situation. Our attitude towards God has been one of disobedience and our condition before God is spiritual deadness (2:1-3).

New Year, Same Purpose: OMF January 2017

“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb!” (Rev 7:10)

As we start this new year of ministry together it is good to listen in to the chorus we hear echoing out from the throne room of heaven. It is both a very encouraging message and a great reminder of what we are involved in.

Local Work – Global Impact

It is a joy to see the way our denomination is journeying by taking up the task of reshaping for mission. Proposed church plants, revitalisation work and continued gospel ministry all point towards further kingdom growth in our nation. With that as the backdrop the words of Hudson Taylor, the founder of OMF, seem very pertinent; “Let us in everything not sinful become like the Chinese that by all means we may save some”. Loving people by bringing Jesus to them in ways which are culturally relevant is what we have signed up to; this is exciting.