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.

Unchanging God Changing Asia: OMF Scottish Conference 2016

Last weekend Jennifer and I were able to gather with others for the OMF Scottish conference through in Arbroath. Typically for Scotland the rain was on hand making an appearance and I’m glad it did. It allowed me to see a wonderful scene; over the north sea there was a rainbow, its colours cascading out of the clouds into the sea, reminding me of the God who does not change. It is good to be reminded of this because the world around us exists in a constant state of transition and change mainly due to the forces of globalization.

Off The Shelf: Not so secret; Being contemporary agents for mission

Book: Not so secret: Being contemporary agents for mission 

Graham Orr has worked for a number of years in Japan in urban Tokyo and this book exploring the task of being mission agents in normal life has been a really helpful and informative read for me. Although much of the experience is based on observations from Japan, Orr has thoughtfully related this to the similar challenges which face the church across the UK.