God on Mission

God is on a mission to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ—and He invites us to join Him

Greg

My Favorite Free Apps to Read the Bible & Grow in God’s Word

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Reading, listening, and obeying what God says in His Word is a great first step in joining God’s mission and discovering true fulfillment in life.

In this video, I share practical ways to make the Bible a daily part of your life, starting with a simple prayer: “Lord, what are You doing? What are you saying? Holy Spirit, show me God’s character. Help me to obey everything I learn today”

This website outlines 3 steps in your journey to fulfill God’s mission in your life.

  1. Join His Mission personally
  2. Walk in your identity as God’s Ambassador
  3. Make an eternal impact (True Fulfillment)

The first step to finding true fulfillment in life is to join God’s Mission personally. Begin your journey by Loving God and seeking first God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness.

2 ways to do this is in your personal time with God daily.

Current image: my favorite Bible reading tools and apps. They have truly revolutionized the way I use the Bible daily.

📖 My Favorite (Free) Bible Reading Resources

One of the greatest joys of following Jesus is growing in His Word.

But let’s be honest—sometimes we need help staying consistent, finding context, or simply knowing where to begin. Thankfully, there are incredible (and free) Bible reading resources that make it easier than ever to engage with Scripture.

One of the greatest joys of following Jesus is growing in His Word. But let’s be honest—sometimes we need help staying consistent, finding context, or simply knowing where to begin. Thankfully, there are incredible (and free!) Bible reading resources that make it easier than ever to engage with Scripture.

The Bible itself reminds us:

📖 2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Below are some of my personal favorites—tools I’ve used daily to keep God’s mission in mind and God’s Word first in my life.

📱 YouVersion – The Bible App

YouVersion.com offers the world’s most popular free Bible app. With features like reading plans, bookmarks, notes, and devotionals, it’s a great way to carry God’s Word in your pocket. I use it often for one-year reading plans.

📖 The Bible Recap

The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble is a daily resource that helps you fall in love with God’s story. The focus? Discovering His character as you read. I’ve used this Chronological plan for years, and it’s a game-changer in seeing the big picture of Scripture.

🔊 Through the Word

Through the Word is another fantastic tool. After completing The Bible Recap for five years in a row, I switched to this app to gain a fresh perspective. It offers guided audio devotionals through every chapter of the Bible.

📚 Enduring Word by David Guzik

For deeper study, I often turn to Enduring Word. David Guzik’s verse-by-verse commentary is solid, clear, and practical—perfect if you want to dig beneath the surface.

🎥 The Bible Project

The Bible Project is my all-time favorite Bible resource. Their animated videos bring Scripture to life and give you the big picture of God’s redemptive story. Many Bible reading plans (including The Bible Recap and Read Scripture) incorporate their videos.

📖 Read Scripture (Francis Chan)

Read Scripture is a one-year Bible reading plan that integrates The Bible Project’s videos. It’s simple, visual, and helps you see the flow of God’s Word.

🔎 Blue Letter Bible

The Blue Letter Bible is an incredible study tool. It gives you access to original Hebrew and Greek, cross-references, concordances, and commentaries—all free.

📖 ESV Online Bible

At ESV.org, you’ll find the complete English Standard Version Bible online, with cross-references and study features. We also use the ESV Bible right here on our God on Mission website.

💻 E-Sword

E-Sword is another excellent free study resource. It can be downloaded for PC or Mac, and there are also Chrome extensions available. It’s a powerful tool for serious Bible students.

🌐 Bible Gateway

Bible Gateway remains a classic online tool. Whenever I search for a verse, it’s often the first result that comes up. With dozens of translations and helpful study resources, it’s always worth bookmarking.

Bible Verses emphasizing the importance of God’s Word

📖 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

➡️ Application: Reminds us that every verse of Scripture has purpose and power to shape us into Christlikeness.

📖 Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

➡️ Application: Consistency in God’s Word leads to strength, wisdom, and success in God’s mission.

📖 Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

➡️ Application: God’s Word guides us daily—like a light in the dark—helping us walk faithfully with Him.

📖 Romans 15:4 (NIV)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

➡️ Application: Scripture isn’t just information—it gives us hope and encouragement as we follow Christ.

📖 Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

➡️ Application: The Bible is not static—it’s living, powerful, and transforms us from the inside out.

✨ Final Thoughts

The most important thing isn’t which resource you use—it’s that you seek God’s presence and character every time you open His Word.

📌 The key is not just reading out of obligation—but seeking God’s heart and character in His Word every day.

Even if you fall behind in a plan, keep going. The Word of God is living and active, and it will transform your life.

👉 Which of these resources do you use—or do you have another favorite?

How to Pray for Us as “Goers”

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Current image: Greg, Ana, and Cristi

Ana, Cristi, and I are deeply grateful for your partnership in God’s mission. Your prayers are vital as we serve in Chiapas, Mexico and South Asia pioneering the Gospel among unreached peoples.

Play this inspirational video while you pray:

Here are some specific ways you can help “send us” as you pray for us:

1. Pray for Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

  • Pray for clarity in decision-making as we navigate cross-cultural ministry.
  • Pray for Spirit-led strategies to reach unreached people groups effectively.

2. Pray for Our Family

  • Ask God to strengthen our marriage and family life.
  • Pray for protection, health, and joy as we balance ministry and home life.
  • Pray for Cristi’s growth as she also serves the Lord.

3. Pray for the Mission

 “Your partners in God’s mission, pioneering the Gospel and compassionate care to the unreached peoples in hard-to-reach places in SE Asia & Chiapas, making an eternal impact.”

  • Pray for new disciples to grow in faith and become disciple makers themselves.
  • Pray for multiplying churches in Mexico and South Asia.
  • Pray for more laborers to join in reaching the unreached (Matthew 9:37–38).
  • Pray for faithful ministry partners to sustain this work through prayer and giving.

4. Pray for Our Finances

We depend entirely on God’s provision through generous recurring donations from “senders” to continue serving full-time in His mission.

  • Pray that God would raise up faithful monthly partners to strengthen and sustain the work.
  • Pray that we would steward finances wisely and transparently.
  • Pray that financial needs would never hinder the advance of the Gospel.
    “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

5. Pray for Our Safety

Serving in Mexico and South Asia comes with unique dangers.

  • Mexico: Cartel violence and instability make daily ministry risky. Pray for protection when traveling and ministering in high-risk areas.
  • South Asia: Political unrest, persecution, and hostility toward the Gospel can put us in danger. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and God’s shield over us.
  • Pray for peace of mind for our family and partners, trusting God as our refuge.

“The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7–8)

6. Pray for Our Nations

  • Mexico (Chiapas): Pray for open doors, freedom to share the Gospel, and strong, multiplying local churches.
  • South Asia: Pray for those living in deep poverty and spiritual darkness. Ask God to break strongholds and bring whole families to faith in Christ.

7. Pray as Paul Prayed

  • For Boldness: that we may proclaim Christ without fear (Ephesians 6:19–20).
  • For Opportunity & Clarity: open doors to share the Gospel clearly (Colossians 4:3–4).
  • For Protection: from spiritual attack and opposition (2 Thessalonians 3:2–3).
  • For the Spread of the Word: that the message of the Lord may run swiftly and bear fruit (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

8. Pray for Endurance

Missions brings both joy and hardship. Pray that we would:

  • Remain rooted in Christ.
  • Walk faithfully in our calling.
  • Press on with hope, knowing your prayers sustain us.

👉 Thank you for praying!
By lifting us up before the Father, you are co-laboring with us as “senders” in God’s mission and making an eternal impact.

Tips and Resources for Praying for Your Lost Loved Ones

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Tips and Resources for Praying for Your Lost Loved Ones

In this article I’ve compiled more tips and resources for praying for your lost loved ones since I didn’t include them in my previous post, How to pray for your lost loved one.

Your eternal impact as a co-laborer in God’s mission began when you joined us in God’s mission. It also begins right at home.

Remember our 3-step process for co-laboring in God’s mission:

  1. Join God’s Mission Personally
  2. Walk as Christ’s Ambassador
  3. Make an Eternal Impact

Step 1 of being part of God’s mission is to Join God’s Mission Personally 

● Love God and seek His Kingdom first. 

● Start with Jesus’ prayer: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”

Later we’ll discover more about steps 2 and 3 – participating as an ambassador of Christ and making an eternal difference.

Bible Scriptures about The Power of Prayer

Prayer is so important and powerful. It’s not only how you begin your journey in God’s Mission, It’s also how your family and friends who do not yet know Christ will begin their personal journey

Here’s some great Bible verses on the power of prayer along with how to pray.

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us as believers to approach God with requests and gratitude, promising His peace will guard our hearts and minds. 

James 5:16 emphasizes the great power of a righteous person’s prayers

Matthew 21:22: “Ask in faith.” 

Mark 11:24 Ask in belief”

John 14:13-14  “Ask so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it”

Living your life as a Godly Example is a Win-Win

You know the quote,

“Actions speak louder than words”.

While there isn’t a single Bible verse with the exact wording “actions speak louder than words,” the sentiment is strongly supported by verses like 1 John 3:18 (“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”) and the teachings in James 2:17, which state that faith without works is dead.

The point is, remember that your life is a powerful example, especially to those closest to you.

Ask yourself this question: “Am I a disciple worth reproducing?”

Our lost family and friends know us best. As John Maxwell famously said,

Success means having those closest to me
love and respect me the most.

When our family and friends see our actions align with our faith, they will want what we have.

I experienced this with my own father. He never professed to be a Christian or went to church, but at age 80, he asked me to baptize him. This happened after years of me living as a consistent example, sharing Christ when the Holy Spirit provided an opportunity, and praying specifically for him.

Living your life as a Godly example is a win, win. You not only win but it’s an excellent way to win your lost loved one to Christ.

Bible Verses to Pray Specifically Over Your Lost Loved Ones

Remember, God does the work, you join him as a co-laborer. Specifically pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare your loved ones heart to receive from God. Here’s the supporting verses:

  • Holy Spirit guide me: John 14:26 / John 16:13: Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper who will guide believers into all truth and remind them of everything Jesus taught. This guidance helps believers understand and receive God’s word. 
  • Give him a new heart: Ezekiel 36:26-27: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws”. This passage describes God’s transformative work in giving a new, willing heart through the indwelling of His Spirit. 
  • Pour God’s love into his heart: Romans 5:5: “And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us”. The Spirit helps fill the heart with God’s love, which fosters hope and a deeper connection to God. 
  • Give him a humble and contrite heart: Isaiah 57:15: God dwells with the humble and contrite in spirit, which prepares their hearts to receive His reviving presence. 

I prayed these prayers for my dad and encourage you to do so also (just change out his name for your family member.

Matthew 6:9-13: “Your Kingdom Come, your will be done in my dad’s life”

James 1:5: “Give me the wisdom to share with my dad effectively.”

Ask God to Send Quality Christ-followers to Share Christ with Your Lost Family or Friends.

Here’s the prayer,

“God, send other Christ-like people to share the Good News with my dad..”

After all those years of prayer for my dad, God sent another man of God to share the Gospel with him also, and since my father’s heart was ready, he received Christ.

Just as Jesus had compassion for the harassed and helpless crowds (Matthew 9:36-37), we can pray as He instructed in Matthew 9:38 :

“Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

In everyday terms, ask God to send quality Christ-followers into your loved one’s life.

Here’s some more resources to help you pray for your lost loved ones.

See our previous articles along with these additional resources:

“Pray Like This” To Join God’s Mission- It includes an awesome video from the Bible Project which is one of my favorite Bible apps.

How to pray for your lost loved one – Make the Lord’s prayer specific to your family or friend.

Zume Training offers the prayer cycle in this training called How to Spend an Hour in Prayer

When you join our website, I provide you with an outline of the Lord’s prayer.

How To Pray The Lord’s Prayer Over Your Lost Love Ones

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How To Pray The Lord's Prayer Over Your Lost Love Ones

In Matthew 6:10-13 Jesus Christ gave us this first step in His outline for prayer. While Jesus includes our concern for our needs, He starts out with this …

“Father in Heaven, we worship you first, Your Kingdom Come , your will be done.

In our previous post, Pray Like This” To Join God’s Mission we discuss the Lordś prayer as an outline for prayer and also include a video from the Bible Project which is one of my favorite Bible apps.

I also include both of these resources when you subscribe to this website.

Why pray for your lost loved ones?

Of course we don’t just pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done in our own lives. We can also use the Lord’s prayer for those who don’t know Christ personally.

I know you care about your lost family members. So do I.

Aside from loving them, we also have other motives for prayer. We’ve been reconciled with Christ and we’re new creations.

We’re not selfish, we’re loving and obedient disciples.

That’s why we also pray for the Lord’s prayer for our lost friends and family members. It’s part of our ministry of reconciliation as an ambassador of Christ

Here’s how to pray for your lost family members using the Lord’s prayer….

Once you become disciplined in spending time with God daily then pray the Lord’s prayer this way for your lost loved one .

Enter the name, as the family member you want to pray for in the sample below. The prayer below is already customized to pray specifically for your family member.

“Father in heaven, I pray that ___________ will worship your name.

May your kingdom come in___________’s  life, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

May  __________ rely upon you for his daily needs. 

I pray that  _________asks you for forgiveness of his sins, and that he would also forgive those who have wronged him.

And lead _____________ not into temptation, but deliver Him from evil.'” May he glorify you forever. I thank and praise you not only for this but for everything!”

This is without a doubt one of the most effective ways I know of for praying for your lost friends and family members.

I especially want to encourage you to pray, “May your kingdom come in [name]’s life, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 

This aligns perfectly with 2 Peter 3:9, which reminds us that God is patient, “not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” This is God’s will for your loved one.

Continue reading Look For God’s Character as you Read His Word

“Pray Like This” To Join God’s Mission

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Prayer is essential to becoming like Christ and being a part of God’s mission- In fact, Jesus Christ taught us to “pray like this”.

The first step to finding true fulfillment in life is to join God’s Mission personally. Begin your journey by Loving God and seeking first God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness in your personal prayer life.

Pray like this to join God's mission
Jesus taught us to pray like this,” Father, Your Kingdom Come, your will be done.”

Do you need to pray?

That’s an important question. To answer it, ask yourself this question,

“Am a disciple worth reproducing?”

In other words do I want to reproduce more people who are like me? Is my life truly transformed by Jesus and fully surrendered to His mission.?

Of course if we are accomplishing our goal to be more like Jesus, then the answer is “yes”.

​​​​​​​Yep. We all need to pray so we’ll be more like Christ.

Jesus Christ taught us to “Pray like this”. What a practical way to start your journey in God’s mission.


Pray “Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done”

In Matthew 6:9-10 Jesus Christ gave us this first step in His outline for prayer. While Jesus includes our concern for our needs, He starts out with,

“Pray, then, like this”

“Father in Heaven, (we worship you first), Your Kingdom Come , your will be done.

In other words, “Not my will but yours be done”.

Here’s the entire prayer from Matthew 6:9-13

 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

Key elements of the Lord’s Prayer (KJV):

  • Address to God: “Our Father, who art in heaven”.
  • Hallowing (Worshipping) God’s Name: “Hallowed be thy name”.
  • Coming of God’s Kingdom: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.
  • Provision: “Give us this day our daily bread”.
  • Forgiveness: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”.
  • Protection from Evil: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”.
  • Doxology (optional): “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”.
  • The prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13 and also Luke 11:2-4.

The Lord’s Prayer Guide Download

Years ago, while in Bible College. I discovered this 7 step outline from Larry Leas “Could you not tarry one hour?” He eventually had some controversy in his life but nevertheless his material deeply helped me in the early 1980s and I still use this outline for prayer today.

I provide the entire printable Lord’s Prayer Guide as a resource when you subscribe to our newsletters but I’m also including the abbreviated outline here. I hope it helps you to get a proper perspective for praying as you join God’s mission:

🛐 The Lord’s Prayer – A Daily Prayer Outline

Based on Dr. Larry Lea’s “Could You Not Tarry One Hour?”

Use Jesus’ model in Matthew 6:9–13 as a powerful guide for daily prayer:

  1. Our Father in Heaven
    Begin with gratitude—thank God for the cross and for calling you His child.
  2. Hallowed Be Thy Name
    Worship God by declaring His covenant names and promises:
  • Jehovah-Tsidkenu – My Righteousness (forgiveness of sin)
  • Jehovah-M’Kaddesh – My Sanctifier
  • Jehovah-Shalom – My Peace
  • Jehovah-Shammah – Ever-Present
  • Jehovah-Rophe – My Healer
  • Jehovah-Jireh – My Provider
  • Jehovah-Nissi – My Banner
  • Jehovah-Rohi – My Shepherd
  1. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done on earth as it is in heaven.
    Pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done:
  1. Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
    Ask God to meet your daily needs—spiritual, financial, physical. Be specific and persistent.
  2. Forgive Us Our Debts as We Forgive
    Confess your sins. Forgive others. Choose release over resentment.
  3. Lead Us Not Into Temptation, but Deliver Us from Evil
    Put on God’s armor (Eph. 6:10–18) and pray for protection over yourself and your loved ones (Psalm 91).
  4. For Thine is the Kingdom, Power & Glory
    End with bold declarations of faith and a return to praise.

This simple outline can help transform your prayer time—deepening intimacy with God and aligning your heart with His will.

Prayer is so important and I encourage you to use this guideline or something similar to communicate with God daily. Just remember to pray for God’s kingdom to come, His will be done first.

Remember you want your life to be an example to others, especially those closest to you.

The Bible Project recently released a Sermon on the Mount series which include the Lord’s prayer at The Bible Project Lord’s Prayer. Here’s the video:

How to pray for your lost loved ones

Of course we don’t just pray for God’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done in our own lives, we also pray for the Lord’s prayer for our lost friends and family members. It’s part of our ministry of reconciliation as an ambassador of Christ.

How to pray for your lost family members using the Lord’s prayer.

Coming Soon! Look For God’s Character as you Read His Word

The Earth’s Beginning: A Look at God the Creator’s Mission

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Ever wonder about the beginning?

It’s a huge question, isn’t it? When I’m traveling in the world, especially in places like South Asia where the Bible is almost unheard of – think over 98% of the population without access to to the good news – this is often one of the first things I ask:

How did the Earth begin?

Before we dive into that, though, let’s talk about a book you probably already know.

What’s the most popular book of all time?

If you guessed the Bible, you’re spot on! It’s widely recognized as the most popular book ever written. Guinness World Records actually pegs its sales at a staggering 5 to 7 billion copies worldwide, making it the undisputed best-seller. Its incredible reach is partly due to its translation into countless languages and its central role in Christianity, Judaism, and even Islam.

But let’s get back to our main question. Before we can truly grasp how the Earth began, we need to ask something even more fundamental:

Who created the Earth?

Was it just a cosmic accident, a random bang, or the slow crawl of evolution? Or, was there an intentional, divine act of creation?

For me, I wholeheartedly believe in a Creator God. Remember, God is on a mission and this is the very beginning of His creative plan. And you know what? This best-selling book has some awesome things to say about God the creator.

Want to see what the Bible reveals?

Let’s turn to the very first book of the Bible, Genesis, starting with chapter 1. Here, we get to read about God’s planned creation of the world. As we do, it’s important to keep a few questions in mind:

  • What’s God’s redemptive plan unfolding right from the start?
  • What does this passage tell us about God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit?
Who is God the Creator?

Genesis 1:1: “In the Beginning, God Created the heavens and the earth.”

Right there, in those powerful opening words of the Bible – bereshith bara Elohim – we find so much truth:

  • Bereshith: There was a beginning, a definite start to everything.
  • Bara: He created. This wasn’t an accident; it was an act of intentional creation.
  • Elohim: The Creator, God Himself.

It’s fascinating to note that “Elohim,” the Hebrew word for God here, is a plural noun. Yet, the verb accompanying it is singular. This is a subtle yet profound hint at the Trinity – a beautiful plurality within a singular God.

Genesis 1:2: “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

And then, just two verses in, we encounter Ruach Elohim, the Spirit of God, moving over the deep. This is further evidence of the Trinity’s presence right at creation! The work of creation was so monumental, so significant, that it involved God in all three of His persons: Elohim, YHWH (as we’ll see), and Ruach Elohim.

You might know “Elohim” is a general term for God, even used for other gods, heroic figures, or angels. But then there’s YHWH – a much more intimate name. YHWH was the God of Abraham and his descendants, a truly personal name. It became so sacred to the Jews that they eventually stopped pronouncing it aloud.

In the New Testament, when Jesus allows Himself to be called “Lord” (which is our translation of Adonai, the substitute word for YHWH), it connects Him directly to this deeply personal, covenantal God.

Genesis 1:26: “Let us make man in OUR image.”

Here, the plural “us” and “our” clearly points to the three persons of the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – all intimately involved in the act of creation.

Wait a minute, “Let Us”? the Trinity? Was Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Holy Spirit present at creation also? We will address this later.

Genesis 1:27-28: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'”

This is the very beginning of God’s redemptive plan! We are made in His image, blessed, and given a command to be fruitful and multiply.

Genesis 2: A Closer Look at YHWH

Genesis 2:4: “These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.”

Notice that word: “LORD” – all caps. This is significant! When you see L-O-R-D in all caps, especially in chapters 2 and 3, it represents the ancient, unpronounceable Hebrew word YHWH. It’s known as the tetragrammaton, and it truly has no vowels. So, you can’t really pronounce it. People try, of course, and you might hear “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.”

However, the Jews of the late BC period held this word in such reverence that they wouldn’t pronounce it. Instead, they substituted Adonai, meaning “Master” or “Lord.” To help readers, they even inserted the vowels of Adonai into YHWH, leading to sounds like “YaHoWaiH,” which eventually became “Jehovah” in European languages (with the ‘j’ initially pronounced like a ‘y’ and ‘v’ like a ‘w’).

This is God’s personal name! And by revealing His name, even if we can’t fully pronounce it, He’s showing us right from the start how deeply personal He wants to be with His creation. He’s not distant or unapproachable. He wants to be known!

Linguists believe this name is connected to how God revealed Himself to Abraham in Genesis 15:7 and even more clearly to Moses in Exodus 3:14 – the powerful “Ehyeh” or “I Am,” signifying His eternal existence.

And here’s something truly special: The prefix “Yehu” (often seen as “Jeho-” in our English Bibles) attached to the names of many famous figures in Scripture comes from this name. Even the Hebrew form of Jesus is Yehoshua, meaning “YHWH saves.” So, the YHWH form in Genesis has a profound connection to Jesus Himself!

What’s God’s redemptive plan here? What does this passage tell us about God, Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit?

Where do we see God’s commands to “go,” “do,” “multiply,” and “follow the leading of the Holy Spirit” in these foundational chapters?

The very beginning of God’s redemptive plan is clearly found in Genesis 1:27-28. We are created in God’s own image and likeness, and He has blessed us and commanded us to be fruitful and multiply. That multiplication isn’t just about having children; it’s about sharing this incredible truth with others.

So, here’s the ultimate question for you today:

Who will you share what you’ve learned with?

Remember, multiplication involves sharing with others. Who will you make an Eternal Impact with today?

references: https://answersingenesis.org/who-is-god/creator-god/the-creator/

What is God’s Mission? A Biblical Definition

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Have you questioned “your mission”. There’s a better question to ask…

“What is God’s mission?”

God is on a mission to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ—and He invites us to join Him in that mission.

Biblically speaking, What’s God’s mission?

Here’s a good Biblical Definition of God’s Mission:

God’s mission is to redeem and reconcile people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to Himself through Jesus—and to renew all things under His reign.

God on Mission

God’s mission begins with God Himself—not the church, not humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, God is the initiator, the actor, and the finisher of the mission.

God is on mission. He has been on mission throughout history to accomplish His purpose throughout the earth. Each time we see God in the Bible, He is acting in accordance with His purpose.

  • God’s purpose is that His Kingdom would be established
  • God’s purpose is the redemption of humanity
  • God’s purpose is that everyone (all people) would be reconciled to Himself to reveal Himself everywhere.
  • God’s purpose is to be glorified. He desires that his global church community to come together in unity to be a vessel for His glory, through which He can reveal His love and salvation to the world
  • God’s purpose is making disciples of all Nations

God’s Mission is to Establish His Kingdom

Or should we say, God’s mission is to re-establish His Kingdom?

God created the world in love. In Genesis 1-2 God made man in His image to reflect Him- “for Relationship”. Man lived in a perfect world, walking with God. The world was “very good.” In Genesis 3 brokenness and separation entered. The image of God was distorted, but not destroyed. Hope was not lost. Throughout the resto of the old Testament mankind attempted to re-establish Heaven on Earth- God’s kingdom.

Then Jesus arrived with the solution. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s mission.

Jesus prayed, “Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven. -Matthew 6:9-10

God’s mission is the redemption of Humanity

To accomplish His mission of redeeming the World from sin He sent His only Son Jesus to the world (John 3 16).

Look at these key verses:

  • God seeks and saves the lost (Luke 19:10).
  • His desire is that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
  • Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

God’s mission is the reconciliation of All Things

God’s ministry of reconciliation is not just individuals, creation itself will be restored. God’s reconciling mission includes everything… justice, healing, peace, and the defeat of evil.

Romans 8:19-21 explains this hope:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

This important verse really explains God’s reconciling mission:

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [the Son], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven” –Colossians 1:19

God sent His Son to give complete reconciliation for all things to Himself …

At its core, God’s mission (also called the Missio Dei) is His redemptive purpose to restore all creation to Himself through Jesus Christ.

God on Mission

God’s Mission is to be Glorified Among All Peoples

Everyone, everywhere should have an opportunity to worship God.

Ultimately, God’s mission is about His glory—displayed and delighted in by a a great multitude of redeemed people from every nation :

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9–10).

God is on a mission to accomplish His purpose: to create worshippers.

This verse defines God’s purpose:

Like your name, O God,
    your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
    your right hand is filled with righteousness. Psalm 48:10

Psalm 96:3 not only describes God’s mission, but our mission. In fact, it’s one of the Old Testament Great Commissions:

Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!

It’s a universal call to worship Him. This psalm urges all people, from every nation, to sing a new song and praise God.

John Piper restates the case for focusing our motive in mission on God’s glory in the worship of the nations. Piper says that world evangelization is a secondary, means-to-an-end activity. 

God’s glory is the primary purpose for mission. 

John Piper quoted this point in his book Let the Nations Be Glad!,

“Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”

Piper writes, “Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal of missions. It’s the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the people in the greatness of God.”

In other words, the reason God gives us our mission is to bring about obedient, love-filled and life-giving worship among peoples and in places where there is none.

Making Disciples of All Nations

God’s promise to Abraham was global in scope: “In you all the nations of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). God blessed us so that we can be a blessing.

God sent His Son Jesus Christ to sum up His entire mission. Jesus not only commanded us to love God above all other things and to love others, but Jesus also commissioned us:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

Now that we have a biblical explanation of God’s mission, how should we respond?

God is on a mission to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ—and He invites us to join Him in that mission.