The Purpose of Missions

By Gerald Wright

What is the Purpose of Missions?

• Establishing justice? – Waldron Scott• Incarnating the gospel? – Charles Kraft• Worship? – John Piper• Extending the Kingdom of God? – Leslie

Newbigin• Fulfilling the Great Commission? –

William Carey

Our Purpose for Missions - IMB

“Our basic purpose is to provide all people

An opportunity to hear, understand and respond to the gospel

In their own cultural context”International Mission Board

of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1995

Our Purpose – NAMB

Covenant for a New Century- Proclaiming the gospel- Starting New Testament congregations- Ministering to persons in Christ’s name- Assisting churches in fulfilling these

functions

The Light of the World - Jesus

Old Testament• “Here is my servant…a covenant for

the people and a light to the Gentiles.” Is.42:1,6

New Testament• “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12

Missions and the LightMissions and the Light of the World (6

arenas)• Proclamation

• Light suggests knowledge vs. dark-ignorance

• “The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” II Cor. 4:6

• Ministry• Acts of kindness – exampled by Jesus• The word validated by demonstrations of

divine power. I Cor.2:4

Missions and the Light• Joy and Hope

• Freedom from fear, guilt, and despair brings joy

• God’s promises for the future bring hope

• Spiritual Warfare - Prayer• The world rejects God’s glory and Satan

blinds the minds of men – spiritual darkness• We wage war by a righteous life and

vigilant prayer. Eph.6:13-18; Gal.6:9,10; I Pet.3:15

Missions and the Light• Culture

• Illuminating nobility and what is valuableChristianity transforms the noble aspects of

a culture with a selfless motivation of service to Christ

• Exposing corruption and wickednessThe Word of God judges the evil in a culture

• Community• True fellowship in the unity of the

Spirit• Characterized by love

God and the Light• God is light – John 1:5

• Christ is the Light of the World – John 8:12

• We, as followers of Christ , are to live as lights to the world – Mt.5:16

Is Everything Missions?No, and the commitments that guard

missions peculiar purpose are• An overarching concern to display the

glory of God• A priority on reaching out to those in

darkness• A commitment to pursue our specific

calling without making it the only legitimate expression of missions