Jesus’ entrance into history as a man (incarnation) was in many ways a mission trip led and empowered by God the Holy Spirit.1 Jesus’ cross-cultural transition from heaven was starker than any missionary has ever experienced. Jesus came down from heaven to live in the sinful culture. He participated in it fully by using a … Read more
When speaking of the church, it is helpful to distinguish between the universal and the local church. The universal church is all God’s people in all times and places. Someone becomes a member of the universal church by virtue of being a Christian. Local churches are smaller gatherings of the universal church where Christians assemble … Read more
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. – Ephesians 5:25 The story of the Christian church is stunning: a handful of Jesus’ followers have become, two millennia later, a global phenomenon of a few billion people. During his life, Jesus promised his small band of disciples, “I will build my church.”1 Following … Read more