Mission and the

Bible

Bible facts

The Bible was written…

…by over 40 different authors

…over a 1,500-year span (1400 BC – AD 100)…on three continents (Asia, Africa & Europe)…in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic & Greek)

Question

Q: Do you think mission is a key theme in the Bible?

Mission in the Old Testament

Mission doesn’t just start at Matthew 28. From cover to cover, the Bible is a story of mission…

Mission in the Old Testament

• Abraham’s blessing•The healing of Syrian Naaman•Isaiah proclaiming God’s blessing for “Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork and Israel my inheritance”

Mission in the Old Testament

• Jonah’s challenge to accept God’s mercy for Nineveh

• Psalm 47 calling the nations of the world to acknowledge Israel’s God

God’s mission through Jesus

“The Word became flesh and lived among us – we have seen his glory…”

(John 1: 14)

“Then Jesus came to [the disciples] and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

(Matthew 28: 18-20)

New perspectives

Cross-cultural mission changes the way you approach the Bible.

BMS mission workers give examples…

“I have experienced thirst here that I never did in Scotland as well as the sick feeling and headaches that come from dehydration. This brings new insights into Jesus giving living water, and knowing it will take away the sickness of heart and that it will never run out.”

Lynne Brown is a mission teacher based in Luanda, Angola

“Brazil arguably has the most unequal distribution of wealth on the planet. The prophet Amos, summing up the social ills of his day, spoke memorably to this kind of situation: “Let justice run down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream” (5: 24). Fairness and equality are important kingdom issues.”

John Dyer is a theological trainer in north east Brazil

“Many Muslims are able to recite large parts of the Qur’an as they learn it by heart. This is a discipline which is to be encouraged and is a challenge to Christians who often have lost sight of the significance of knowing their scriptures.”

Arthur Brown is youth programme director at a theological seminary in Beirut, Lebanon

Discussion

Q: Has your understanding of the Bible changed through a mission experience?

Q: How would you describe the whole Bible narrative in one sentence?

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.”

Psalm 96: 1-3(this Psalm is known as

the ‘Missionary Hymn’)