Mere Missions

J esus I s L ord : E ndearment • 57

crucifixion, and resurrection, and ascension forever changed the invisible and visible world. In the Church’s early years, she grew from a small, persecuted minority to a Kingdom movement expanding and advancing to “the ends of the earth.” The sacred roots that the early Church produced gave us our worship (the theology and liturgy of Baptism and Communion), our theology (Canon and confession - the major creeds of the Church, and the central tenets of the Faith), spiritual formation (discipleship and Church leadership), and witness (missions and ministry). Each year, The Urban Ministry Institute community, of which I am a part, deliberately shares a spiritual quest and journey, to seek the Lord together in Scripture. This practice informs our commitment to walking the Christ life according to the rhythms of the Church year. Commit to participate in the TUMI Annual ( www.tumiannual.com ) where we: a. Refresh ourselves daily with the Story of God. This discipline of daily scriptural reading rehearses God’s redemptive plan for humanity’s salvation and the inbreaking of His Kingdom (the rule and reign of God) in the person and mission of the One “He loves and is well pleased” (Matt. 3.17), Jesus of Nazareth. We now live in the Age of the Church, the advancement and expansion of God’s Kingdom rule and reign, but earnestly look towards the Age to Come, when God acts in power to destroy His enemies and save His people. It is the future visible realm of God’s Kingdom in which His children, those who in obedient faith are adopted into His family, will enjoy the fullness of His blessings for eternity. Though we are not eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus like the apostles, those preparing for missions should know the life and ministry of Jesus as though they were an eyewitness.