As we approach the point which marks a two-thousand year lapse of time since our Savior left us on earth with a great task to accomplish, namely, the evangelism of the nations, it is imperative that we pause to consider what precisely we are striving to accomplish; how far we have advanced on our goal; and what strategies we have in place for the continuation and ultimate completion of our mission. Is it possible that, in all our zeal for the work of the Kingdom, we are hindered at points by a lack of essential clarity on exactly what that work entails, and how we might best go about it? It would seem, simply by the fact of the overwhelming diversity of ways in which various Christian churches and organizations would answer these questions that the answer must at least in some cases be yes. If this lack of unity and vision in the worldwide Church poses certain obstacles to the accomplishment of the great commission, then how might we take a definite step towards overcoming those obstacles, and equipping the Church to pour out her energies in a united effort to reach the world? I would propose that we must first acknowledge the problems which inhere in our current situation, and then construct a full-orbed biblical theology of Christian mission; by which we may hope to address those problems which we have already recognized to be detrimental to our evangelistic efforts. This [post] does not presume to be that biblical theology of mission; but it is my desire that [it] may at least serve to highlight a need for more extensive work in that area, as well as provide a few rough ideas for a direction to pursue toward that end.

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Tags: Missions

Adoniram Judson was an American Baptist missionary, who served in Burma for almost forty years.

Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) was one of the most remarkable men of his age. Described by one of his biographers as the “Christian Hero of the Nineteenth Century,” he was truly the “Pioneer of American Missions.” Like the apostle Paul, it could be said of Judson that in labors he was “more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons frequent, in deaths oft.”

Judson’s Early Infidelity

Although he was the son of a congregational preacher, Judson was an unbeliever as a youth, graduating from Brown University in 1807 as a confirmed infidel. While commencing a tour of the United States, however, he began to have serious doubts about his deistic concepts and returned home for the express purpose of examining thoroughly the claims of the Christian religion.

His Conversion Experience

While browsing through a private library in Boston one day, he took from the shelf a book entitled HUMAN NATURE, ITS FOURFOLD STATE by the noted deceased Scottish minister Thomas Boston, (a valuable addition to any preacher’s library!). Becoming convinced both of the divine inspiration of Scripture and his lost condition, he earnestly began seeking the truth.

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Tags: Missions

Holly D. Dye is the founding contributor and General Editor of Refocusing Our Eyes.

Dear Heavenly Father, today I bring before You the world’s largest island, but smallest continent: Australia, and I thank You that You are mindful of them. Not one thing that occurs in this fascinating region goes unnoticed or undirected by Your Sovereign will.

Tragedy has struck the people of this land and how their cry surely has reached Your ears. Use every loss, O God, every tear, every sighing of the heart, to draw them to Yourself. Make Yourself known to this nation.

How often we are drawn into complacency and the liberties that we have, are taken for granted. History has proved that when there is peace within our borders and very little to oppose us, we tend to grow lax in our faith. Therefore, let the churches be granted illumination as the light of Your grace shines upon their minds. Let them see their state before You and stir their hearts as never before. Raise up those who are cast down and humble those who have exalted themselves. Let them see the beauty in pain and the perfection of suffering.

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Tags: Australia, Holly D. Dye, Holly Dye, Missions, Prayer

Holly D. Dye is the founding contributor and General Editor of Refocusing Our Eyes.

Most Holy Father, today my prayers are directed toward the country of the Philippines. I know many dear and faithful brethren in this land for whom I give You thanks. What a joy it is to hear of their faith and obedience to our glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I ask Your blessing and protection upon them, as You supply their every need. May their faith be known throughout the world, as precious and genuine.

But oh Father, I also am aware of the terrible deception that lies within this land. So many are bound by superstition that springs from the false church of Rome. These precious people are held captive by an oppressive religion that cannot be called Christianity. In a few months, O Lord, they will parade down the streets, repeatedly beating themselves, trying to mimic the sacrifice of Your Son. Others, will even drive nails through their hands and feet! O what wicked religion it is that does not see the sacrifice of Christ as enough!  Have mercy upon their ignorance, O Lord…have mercy!

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Tags: Holly D. Dye, Holly Dye, Missions, Philippines, Prayer

Holly D. Dye is the founding contributor and General Editor of Refocusing Our Eyes.

Dear Heavenly Father, today I lift before You the United Kingdom. O Lord, I humbly ask that You would awaken and shake this nation, that it may turn its heart to the Desire of Nations, Lord Jesus Christ.

As I pray, I am reminded that from this nation arose some of the greatest reformers whose influence still reaches into the world today. O God, have mercy upon this now darkened land and raise up those You have reserved to have a voice whose cry is far more invasive than the ones that now exist. Open to them a door to speak forth the mysteries of Christ that Your gospel may be preached in this land. Resurrect what once was alive! O God, have mercy and shine Your light into the darkness once again.

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Tags: Holly D. Dye, Holly Dye, Missions, Prayer, United Kingdom

Holly D. Dye is the founding contributor and General Editor of Refocusing Our Eyes.

Oh my Father, as I begin lifting the nations before you, my heart is greatly burdened for my own country. Oh Lord, this land that is a place known for its godly heritage, has become, itself, a hedonistic mission field. This land has become corrupt from one end to the other. From the White House to the mission house…it is altogether defiled.

There have been many prayers offered for our nation’s leaders. We even have special days set apart where we specifically intercede for them. But, O Lord, it is not for these leaders which my heart aches, but it is for that which calls itself Your church. O God! What lies are being told in Your name! What sheering of the sheep! What gross negligence and blatant fraud!

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Tags: America, Holly D. Dye, Holly Dye, Missions, Prayer, United States, United States of America, US, USA