Over the last few days I have been really stirred regarding mission, in particular, local mission.

I often spend a lot of time on this blog exploring theological issues, particuarly in the areas of soteriology and ecclessiology. In otherwords what we believe about Salvation and what we believe about the church. However, these themes only have their importance in that they are related to the mission of God.

Theology is important because its about the teaching of the bible. In otherwords the great commission involves teaching people to obey what Christ commanded. How can we teach people to obey if we do not know what he taught?

Secondly, God does not call us to simply evangelise individuals. God calls us to preach the gospel and make disciples and a huge part of discipleship is walking in fellowship with other believers. In other words, the church of the living God. God does not call us to walk in isolation but He calls us into His church, He has a place for each of us in His body. God cares about His church, his church is His house and it matters how we build that house. This is why ecclessiology is important.

Soteriology, the theology of salvation is essential because only the true gospel will save the lost. The gospel is unique in that it is revealed from heaven. It is the gospel which is ‘the power of God for salvation to every one who believes’. Paul was scathing of those who preached another gospel (Gal1).

God has called us to be a disciple, to travel with other disciples and to make disciples. What an awesome privelege. I love being a Christian. I love the call of God and I love being a part of the mission of God here on earth in the 21st century. The challenges are many, the battle is raging but the joys are incomparable. Praise be to His wonderful name!