"Understand Why God Allows Suffering and How That's Good News for Christians Facing Hardships
For more than a decade, Matt Rhodes has been a church planter in unreached Muslim countries. In that time, he's risked illness, difficult living conditions, and physical danger. He's also stood with new believers who were attacked for their faith in Jesus. Scripture tells Christians to expect trials in life. For missionaries, knowing God's good purpose for pain is essential for enduring harsh conditions on the field.
Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology presents a scriptural view of suffering, including its role in the Christian life and in the missionary task. Rhodes tackles challenging topics, such as when to flee or face risk, how to minister to those suffering for Christ, and the dangers of downplaying or romanticizing persecution. Reassuring listeners with God's promises of redemption, this compelling study equips missionaries to face suffering and endure with joy.
- A Biblical Theology of Suffering: Explains why it's necessary for believers to suffer and how God redeems pain for his glory
- Written for Missionaries, Pastors, and New Christians: Supports listeners as they fulfill the Great Commission, provide pastoral care, and pursue personal spiritual growth
- Practical: Offers realistic, gospel-centered answers to the issues missionaries face"
"Avoid "Get-Rich-Quick" Missions Strategies and Invest in Effective, Long-Term Ministry
Trendy new missions strategies are a dime a dozen, promising missionaries monumental results in record time. These strategies report explosive movements of people turning to Christ, but their claims are often dubious and they do little to ensure the health of believers or churches that remain. How can churches and missionaries address the urgent need to reach unreached people without falling for quick fixes?
In No Shortcut to Success, author and missionary Matt Rhodes implores Christians to stop chasing silver-bullet strategies and short-term missions, and instead embrace theologically robust and historically demonstrated methods of evangelism and discipleship―the same ones used by historic figures such as William Carey and Adoniram Judson. These great missionaries didn't rush evangelism; they spent time studying Scripture, mastering foreign languages, and building long-term relationships. Rhodes explains that modern missionaries' emphasis on minimal training and quick conversions can result in slipshod evangelism that harms the communities they intend to help. He also warns against underestimating the value of individual skill and effort―under the guise of "getting out of the Lord's way"―and empowers Christians with practical, biblical steps to proactively engage unreached groups.
- Biblical Ministry Advice: Examines the work of respected missionaries throughout history
- Encourages Professionalism in Missions: Rhodes teaches missionaries to invest in theological education, communication, and technical skills
- A Great Resource for Ministries: Includes specific advice for singles, parents, and other groups
- Insightful: Examines strengths and weaknesses of recent missionary movements"
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