A Missionary God

Our God is a Missionary God. He is a God who has always been about reaching all of the nations. He is a God who truly loves the entire world.

As we celebrate Christmas and look at the year ahead, I challenge you to be like Christ who was willing to leave the glory of Heaven, take on the form of a man, and live among us. Jesus said, “Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21b NET). His final words to his disciples (including us!) were, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NET).

What does this look like? It starts with the Prayer / Care / Share focus that we have been hearing about for the last year. It involves us being involved in the lives of our neighbors and coworkers. It is as simple as giving someone a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus.

It continues with reaching out beyond the border of Cedar Rapids or even America. Jesus truly is the King of Kings for all peoples. He is as needed in Macau as the Czech Republic. In fact, there are still people groups who have never heard. That is tragic. Our desire at New Covenant is to strategically increase our activity in reaching those who are unreached. Your regular giving to the general budget (which funds our support for our 20 missionaries), your financial support for our various short term teams, your prayer and care for our missionary families, and your participation on a missions trip are all ways you are partners in God’s plan to reach the nations.

May we boldly proclaim as Simon did in the Temple: “For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32 NET).