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Missions Month

Genesis 12:1-3

September 12, 2022

God’s plain purpose and plan

In the bible, the story of missions began with the almighty God’s call and promises to Abraham (or Abram as he was called at that time). Hence, it is indispensable for us to have a full understanding of that promise, in order to comprehend the mandate of Christian missions.

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. And I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earthall people on earth will be blessed through you. (Gen 12:1-3)

God has promised to bless all the people on earth through Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12:3)

The first part of God’s words to Abraham consisted of 2 promises, namely, posterity and blessings. It must have been a crisis of faith for Abraham to pack everything and set off to a place that God will show him. But what lay ahead was the promise that Abraham would be a great nation and be the father of many nations.

The second part of God’s message to Abraham showed how God was going to fulfil these promises – through Abraham and his descendants. Hence, before long Isaac was born, even though Abraham was well advanced in age. And from Isaac came Jacob and many generations followed.

God has promised to bless all the people on earth through Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12:3). As people of God, we are Abraham’s descendants by faith and the earth’s people will be blessed only if we go to them with the Gospel. That is God’s plain purpose and plan.

During this month of missions I pray that these words all people on earth will be written on our hearts. It is this expression that reveals the living God of the bible to be a missionary God.

By Rev Philip Lim

Pastor-in-charge