From God's Perspective

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded youAnd surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.   Matthew 28:19-20  

First Baptist Church’s mission is to “make disciples who are making disciples.” Jesus established this as our mission before His ascent into heaven. It is very important that all of us see our God as missional, and He desires for all of us to be missional. One way for us to be missional is to simply learn John 3:16, believe its truth, and share this truth with another.

To compliment the missional nature of the preaching and teaching here at First Baptist, we need to develop a Genesis to Revelation grasp of God’s heartbeat for the nations. Plus, we need to celebrate how the Gospel has spread and has borne fruit, beginning on the day of Pentecost until today. Then, we need to be aware of the part First Baptist is playing in the advancement of evangelism in our world currently. We need to see how our personal quest to be disciples who make disciples is a part of and essential to the “big picture” of Christ accomplishing His eternal purposes. 

To accomplish all the above, I would love to suggest your consideration of two upcoming approaches to missional education. One is a 5-week, online class called KE101 (Kingdom Expansion 101). This fast moving, “missions lite” introduction to mission is easy, insightful, encouraging and motivational. The cost of the KE101 course is just $50. You work online and at your convenience. You can register for the next KE101 class (begins in March) by visiting WorldVenture.com/KE101. 

The second option is PERSPECTIVES on the World Christian Movement. Perspectives is a more in-depth look at missional living that explores both the Old Testament and New Testament bases for living missionally. It includes a look at the history of the expansion of Christianity throughout the world, with an additional week devoted to what else needs to be accomplished. It involves a nicely developed explanation of what cultural identity is, how it affects what and how people believe, and explores ways to bridge those barriers. It also investigates ways Christianity has broken into people groups and culture, as well as addressing strategic ways to be involved today. This 16-week class meets on Thursday evenings for 3 hours, beginning January 26, and costs $250. 

For more information on these and other missional education opportunities, stop by the PERSPECTIVES/KE101 lobby table, or call Glen at (541-345-0341).