Rethinking Mission

MP3
If God had a name card, what job title would He have on it?
Psalm 146:6-9 describes God as "the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them" and....

• Defends the oppressed,
• Feeds the hungry,
• Sets prisoners free,
• Gives sight to the blind,
• Lifts up those who are bowed down,
• Watches over foreigners/migrants,
• Sustains widows and orphans.

This divine mission was reflected in the Law (Ex. 22:21-22) and in the Prophets (Zech. 7:8-10), and eventually in Jesus' description of His ministry (Luke 4:18-19).

Gospel vs. Good Works, really??
The two are rather complementary than contradictory, if we consider these verses in the New Testament: James 1:27; 1 John 3:17-18; Galatians 2:1-2; Acts 6:1-2; 10:38.

• Christian acts of mercy, compassion and justice have been the mark of the Church from its very beginning.
• The Lausanne Movement (1982) also strongly affirmed this importance: "Evangelism and social responsibility, while distinct from one another, are integrally related in our proclamation of and obedience to the gospel. The partnership is, in reality, a marriage."
• Isaiah 58:1-14 tells us about the right way of true Fasting/Worship acceptable to God:

1. An unpleasant surprise - God rejected his people's sincere acts of humility, sacrifice and worship. Why? Because God also calls them to acts of mercy, compassion and justice for "widows, orphans, migrants and the poor." We cannot do acts of mercy, compassion and justice just as a duty of obedience or obligation. For it leads to an attitude of entitlement (to be seen, noticed and heard as in verses 3-4).
2. From unpleasant surprises to delight and joy - How will you find joy in the Lord and call the Sabbath a delight? (v. 13) The Sabbath points to Jesus, the "Lord of the Sabbath." He is our delight and honor and joy. Deeds done for the least and the last are acts of worship (acts of delight and joy done for Jesus). See Jesus in the least and the last; He identifies with the poor, oppressed and vulnerable.

Come join our English service of the international congregation in Yangon!