OK! Now that Black History Month is over, it is time for your BHM quiz!

I have heard this question more than once: Why go around the world with the gospel when there are people right here that need to be saved?

If we followed the reasoning of “why go”, we would never

Perhaps we don’t often think of Jesus as a missionary. Was He?

First, what is a MISSIONARY? He is one that is sent with a message especially to another people or country.

Was Jesus sent?

Jesus said, “I have come down from heaven … to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)

Did Jesus have a message?

Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God”. (Luke 4:43) Not only did he preach the message, he was the message! The word became flesh.

Did Jesus go to another country?

 “Do you know someone who needs this?” I was talking on the phone to a friend who is very active in serving the community. Her office was putting together a wonderful Thanksgiving basket, and she was wondering if I knew a family in need. My heart was warmed by the thoughtfulness, but as I hung up I wondered, “What about April?”

Have you ever shown up at an event and found everybody EXCEPT YOU was really dressed up? Or perhaps someone showed up at the door of your home unexpectedly and you were not properly dressed to answer. That is a really awful and awkward feeling!

If Jesus were to knock on our door today and invite us to the Annual Missions Banquet, would we be dressed and ready to go?! Would our churches show up at the event grossly underdressed or well suited for the occasion?

What do you think of Dr. Johnson’s take on this question?

I see African American mission efforts in a light similar to

Perhaps you saw the last two blog entries and wondered, what’s all this business about BAM? (pun kind of intended)

Perhaps we can find an answer in another key question: how are we to reach those living in countries which restrict missionary access?

One approach is business as missions (BAM), or as it has been traditionally called tentmaking.

Tentmaking may often be understood to refer to

Dear Friend,                                                                                              I may not have shared with you before, but I am involved with the OPEN Network, a network of business as mission (BAM) workers who are seeking to upgrade the way missions and BAM is being done. To that end we are hosting an OPEN Expo in York PA, November 19-21.  Below is some information about the Expo. 

The past decade, OPEN has focused on coaching those working in a business as mission (BAM) environment, but our rapid growth has caused us to recognize the need to spread our wings,  The growth of marketplace ministries and BAM in the States has lead many business people back home to ask about getting involved with us. This led us to decide to sponsor OPEN EXPO events in the U.S.
The OPEN Expos are designed to connect business people with BAM workers who could

Dear Friend,

 I may not have shared with you before, but I am involved with the OPEN Network, a network of business as mission (BAM) workers who are seeking to upgrade the way missions and BAM is being done. To that end we are hosting an OPEN Expo in York PA, November 19-21.  Below is some information about the Expo. 

 Could I ask 2 things of you?

Go for the GOAL!        In the blog entry from Greater Peace, we see just one example of the tremendous impact a mission conference can have on the church. Not only for their church, but folks from other churches attended as well and were challenged by what they heard!
                  Is your church ready to accept the Mission Conference Challenge?!

OUR GOAL is to see at least 10 churches hold their
                                            first missions conference
                                                                         before the end of 2010.

Comment with the name, city, and state of your church if ...

Was Jesus packing?  I only asked because inquiring minds want to know.  Was He strapped?  Was the Lord carrying a concealed weapon?  Was the  Christ armed?  I know these may seem like heresy and to say the least undignified questions.  However, the matter came up as I was reading a passage of the Bible that referred to the advice the Lord gave to His
disciples, just shortly before His arrest. Here it is as recorded in Luke's gospel.

Lu 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Lu 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Lu 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

Now I have not had the privilege of Biblical study in a seminary.  I have yet to hear a sermon preached on this.  I have read a few commentaries on this passage.  To say the least, I am as confused as ever.