Mere Missions

128 • M ere M issions : M oving F orward to M ultiply

Connection: Rules of Engagement (ROE)

I have focused on the proclamation of the Gospel because I believe this is where the enemy will attack, discourage, twist, and hinder the Church

first in the stewardship of the Gospel that has been given to her. But before I move into some practical rules of engagement, lest you think I am unconcerned or, at most, opposed to social justice issues, let me clarify myself. The Kingdom of God, His rule and reign, has invaded this world and is bringing freedom , wholeness , and justice for all His creation. Everything seen and unseen will at some point in the eternal context of time, submit to His Kingship and rule (Phil. 2.10-11; Rom. 8.19-23) because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When the “seed” of the rule and reign of God enters the “field” of the spirit of the one who believes and confesses that Jesus is the Lord and is alive and risen from the dead (Rom. 10.9), something supernatural takes place in the spiritual realm. They are: 1. Set free from the bondage and tyranny of the Kingdom of Darkness to life and freedom in the Kingdom of God ( freedom ) Like a mustard seed it starts small but begins to deepen its roots and grow until it reaches its fullness (Matt. 13.31-32). The individual experiences belonging (1 Cor. 3.23) and identity as a daughter or son of the Most High God, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that 2. A new creation in Christ ( wholeness ) 3. Declared not guilty before God ( justice ).