we need to embrace God ’ s unqualified affection for the whole world as shown to us in the ways of Jesus .
Many of our past mistakes in mission are tethered to a dualistic worldview that dismisses God ’ s care and concern for bodily life while focussing on the afterlife . The flipside of this is that we privilege physical matters and ignore the spiritual realities of God ’ s world .
As we consider mission in the 21st century , we are compelled to return to this crucial question : How can we be ambassadors for the whole Gospel to the whole world ? At the very least , this requires an embodied commitment to God ’ s love across the street and around the world .
Evangelism or Social Justice ?
Jesus was questioned about why He wasted so much time enjoying food and friends . The religious people of His day seemed to be concerned Jesus wasn ’ t
prioritising the right things . Some today also assume we should either prioritise ‘ evangelism ’ or ‘ social justice ’.
In the second half of the 20th century , evangelicals had a vigorous debate about what was more important for mission – evangelism or social justice . Into this debate stepped a humble scholar , a pastor by the name of Rene Padilla . He argued there was no need to choose , in fact , by choosing one over the other we were doomed to failure . He said that evangelism and social justice were like two wings of an aeroplane … we need both !
As we reflect on mission , seeking God ’ s leading and drawing on scripture , we return to the world-embracing love of Jesus . And in embodying this love , we cannot dismember the good news in order to accommodate our unbiblical dualism and must recognise that mission is as much for neighbouring nations as it is for our actual neighbours .
Questions are so important ! The above image poses questions pertinent for each of us .
If these questions resonate with you , get in touch with the Global Interaction team . We ’ re here to journey with you in your discernment .
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RESONATE ISSUE 37 | PAGE 12