-What I think I lacked most knowledge about what to WHOM missions was supposed to be serving. I had a general knowledge of evangelizing to those who hadn't been converted or heard the gospel message, but not much else into that. Piper talked about PEOPLE GROUPS and un-reached places being those who have no indigenous communities of believing Christians able to evangelize to them. This is where it is important to go to. These are the people who are in need of hearing Christ proclaimed.
-I also was struck by the different type of biblical missions. There is that of the sort which calls us to make disciples of all nations - to stay and walk with those to grow in the faith. There is also the call to go and preach. We may not see growth or converts, but we are to speak truth into these peoples.
-I absolutely loved the points Piper makes here. "There is a beauty and power that comes from unity in diversity that which comes from unity alone. The fame and greatness and worth of an object of beauty increases in proportion to the diversity on those who recognize its beauty. The strength and wisdom and love of a leader is magnified in proportion to the diversity of people he can inspire to follow him with joy. God undercuts ethnocentric pride and throws people back on his free grace rather than any distinctive on their own. He is preparing for himself a people from all the people's who will be able to worship him freely and with white hot admiration."
This takes us back to the intro where Piper says that missions is necessary because worship of Jesus doesn't. He also concludes his book with how and why to worship. Worship is an inner stirring of the heart to treasure God above all treasures of the world. Valuing, loving, savoring, admiring, fearing respecting, and prizing above all.
Missions exist to plant Christ purchased, God exalting worshiping communities of the redeemed in all the world.
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