“Sit down, young man. When God decides to save the heathen, he will do it without your help.” These were the words of John Ryland to a passionate, young English Particular Baptist named William Carey, now known to us as the father of the modern missionary movement. Since then, the temptation to pit Reformed theology … Continue reading 3 Reasons Definite Atonement is Basic to Biblical Missions
John Chau: Missions, Methodology, and Marytrdom
In the wake of the death of John Chau on the Indian island of North Sentinel, lots of questions have been raised about colonialism, conversionary missions, and a theology of sacrifice and martyrdom. Scott Dunford and I addressed these critical topics today in a special episode of The Missions Podcast. We humbly submit this interview … Continue reading John Chau: Missions, Methodology, and Marytrdom
Why We Don’t Send More Missionaries
The math of missions doesn’t add up. If about 7,000 people groups are unreached, and there are as many as 350,000 evangelical churches in the U.S. alone, that if each church sent just one missionary, every people group could be engaged. True, statistics never tell the complete story. As a missions mobilizer for ABWE, I … Continue reading Why We Don’t Send More Missionaries
The ‘Critical’ Threat to Mission
Author’s note: This article is cross-posted on Founders.org. There is a real, positive trend in evangelical churches (as unlikely as that statement seems as an opening for an article). “Missions” is no longer seen, by and large, as “from the West to the rest.” Christians are thinking beyond simply crossing arbitrary geopolitical borders and are reflecting upon … Continue reading The ‘Critical’ Threat to Mission
3 Things Evangelism Isn’t
Dear all, I contributed a little piece titled “3 Things Evangelism Isn’t” for the most recent issue of ABWE’s Message Magazine. If you check it out, I’ll give you a cookie. (Not really.) Yours, Alex
The Saving, Sending, Successful Gospel
The following is an audio recording of a sermon on Romans 10:11-15, delivered on March 19, 2017 at Bressler Bible Church in Steelton, Pa.
What Is Jesus Doing Right Now? (And Why It Matters for Missions)
Several months ago, I was leading a group discussion among some middle school-aged boys at my church and posed the question, “Where is Jesus right now?” After what felt like several minutes of blank stares, one student chimed in, “He’s watching over the dinosaurs.” I’m still not sure what his comment meant. But the implication … Continue reading What Is Jesus Doing Right Now? (And Why It Matters for Missions)
5 Marks of a Faithful Sending Church
Not everyone is called to be a cross-cultural missionary who takes the gospel to unreached places. So what does Scripture say to those who stay behind? It is just as much a church’s responsibility to send as it is a missionary’s responsibility to go. One of the greatest missionary rally-cry passages in the Bible, Romans … Continue reading 5 Marks of a Faithful Sending Church
Good News for Buddhists
3,000 years ago, there was an ancient king living in the lap of luxury, with immeasurable wealth and countless women. But his wisdom was far more legendary than his affluence. So the wise king searched for something more—true meaning that could ultimately satisfy the soul. No, his name was not Siddhartha Gautama, also known as … Continue reading Good News for Buddhists
Why God Gave You the Holy Spirit
If you have been cleansed from sin through Christ's death, you are a vessel of God's very own Holy Spirit—the same Spirit who enjoyed eternal fellowship with the Father and the Son for all eternity past. That's an incredible thought. But amid all our seeking the gifts of the Spirit, discussing what it means to … Continue reading Why God Gave You the Holy Spirit