The story of the missional Church

"The Church reformed, ever to be reformed"1 has been a motto of "Reformed" churches since the 16th century. It recognizes that the church in every age must bow afresh to Jesus Christ as Lord of the Church. In our day, I believe that the Spirit of God is calling us to reform once again and it will  happen only as we give fresh attention to the Word of God.

God's Story

So we begin with God's story. What is God doing in the world? What is God's purpose for the church? 

From the time of the Fall, it was clear that God was on a mission.  God was passionately involved. God pursued humanity. God never gave up. 

Along the way God invited his people to join that mission. Israel was blessed to be a blessing -- called to be a light to the Gentiles and a witness to the nations. But mostly they hoarded their blessing and walled themselves off.

In the fullness of time, God slipped into history. Jesus was sent to fulfill God's mission. He brought reconciliation to the alienated, compassion to the deprived, and justice to the oppressed. Jesus died to free people from the shame, the guilt, and the eternal consequences of their sin. And Jesus was raised from the dead to guarantee hope and to shape a new community of followers in the world.