November 12, 2020
25
0
0 comments
A Reformed and Confessional View of Missions?
This post highlights Jason Helopoulos' two-part blog A Reformed and Confessional View of Missions.
Results 1-18 of 18
Sort by
January 7, 2020
111
1
4
Mercy Ministry in Mission Strategy
This helpful article, written from the perspective of someone raised in Southeast Asia, highlights the allures and pitfalls of mercy ministry.
November 30, 2019
5111
0
2
Reversion: Why Do ‘Christian Converts’ From Islam Return to Their Old Religion?
At times the glowing statistics of massive movements to Christ in the Muslim world hide another reality, namely the fact that reversions back to Islam are also happening.
July 24, 2019
114
0
4
90% Retention Rate or 90% Attrition Rate? Doctrine Matters
What kind of theology is behind the way you and I do outreach?
May 7, 2019
40
2
1
Avoiding Ministry Burnout: Establishing Personal Priorities in Missions
In a family, decisions are made with how we use our time, how we spend our money, and how we rank our priorities. How does this look on the mission field? Here are some thing we learned.
May 6, 2019
773
0
0
Continuity and Discontinuity Between Christianity and Other Religions
In this piece, I hope to clarify some confusion about the discontinuity between Christianity and other religions and try to highlight some ways that Reformed Christians think about this.
April 8, 2019
62
0
0
What Is Contextualization? How Does It Work in the CRCNA?
Behind the scenes of the more visible work of the church is the question, “How do we relate to the realities around us?” A related question is, "What difference does the timeless Gospel make in the time and place where we find ourselves?"
April 1, 2019
14
0
3
Convince, Exhort, Proclaim, and Speak Boldly: Communication Verbs in Luke and Acts
"Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." This statement has been used as a good excuse not to use words in verbal witness. A closer look at the data, however, suggests that Paul and the apostles may have amended the phrase.
February 27, 2019
29
1
4
Thinking Theologically: Are People "All Around the World" Hungering for Jesus?
I recently attended a church service and one of its elements communicated the following message: “People all over the world are hungry to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.” Is that statement true?
February 19, 2019
110
1
0
Eschatology and the “need for speed” in missions
The approach that a missionary or evangelist employs can be greatly influenced by their home culture. Imagine two missionaries: the first from a culture that values respect at all costs, and the second that values success at all costs. How might this show up in their approach? What if the elements of speed and novelty are added to the mix? These questions are not just rhetorical, but occur in real life. This article will examine how Matthew 24:14 has been used to justify the need for speed in missions.
February 4, 2019
66
0
3
How 'Definite Atonement' Secures the Purpose, Mode and Outcome for Missions
Last year was the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dordrecht which produced the Canons of Dort. One of the areas it addressed was the question "Did Christ die for everyone?" This question is answered in the blog below.
June 19, 2018
107
2
3
Sending Missionaries in Ways 'Worthy of God'
This list is intended to help churches reflect on practical ways to provide support to the bodies, souls, and spirits of the missionaries that they send out.
June 6, 2018
458
0
5
Are Bible Translators Trying to Bring Christianity and Islam Closer Together?
There are a few disturbing trends in some Bible translations, which have been compared to using a Jehovah’s Witness rendition of the Bible in some cultures. How, where, and why is this being done?
July 7, 2016
328
0
0
Spurgeon on the Cost of Discipleship: Where the Rubber Hits the Road
On Nov. 29, 1868, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon on effectual calling, using the call of Abraham (Genesis 12) as his example. The sermon is a gold mine of advice for missionaries and evangelists. Here are a few nuggets:
June 28, 2016
877
0
3
Holy Boldness in the Book of Acts
In the face of threats to shut down the Gospel proclamation (Acts 4) the apostles prayed for courage and the Holy Spirit gave them additional boldness. The apostles spoke as fearless ambassadors of Jesus with his authority.
May 26, 2016
9
0
0
What Does Contextualization Have to Do With Grand Rapids, Grand Bend or Grand Forks?
As the CRCNA faces the changing winds of doctrine, one might wonder if a bit of contextualization theory might help it to ascertain the big picture behind some of the issues of the day?
February 3, 2016
56
0
0
God Loves Everyone: True, False or Maybe Both?
"God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." Just what is and is not being said is critical as it appears that we are mixing the concepts of the benevolence of God and his covenant love.
December 15, 2015
18
0
1
The Missionary Flame of Reformed Theology
Check out this warmly engaging article by Edmund Clowney that sketches out three factors giving fuel to Reformed missions.