Seizing the Land

It seems the thrust of being missional is finding a cultural relevant way to impact the society with the Gospel. As we read Scripture we observe that God always goes before us to make His promises a reality. For instance, Moses writes to the Jews in Deuteronomy 11 that if they love the Lord, always walk in His ways, and cling to Him only (no idol worship) that God will drive out the nations that occupy the promised land and that no one will be able to stand against them. We see this become a reality in the book of Joshua. This principle of placing our faith in Him, staying away from idols, and obeying His commands is the primer to fulfilling His promises through us.

In the context of being missional, it seems like the way to transform culture begins with a holiness on our part. It's true that God is not limited to using human beings as His instruments to change culture, but the weight of Scripture strongly suggests that He does. As we become more devoted to Him because we realize what He has done for us, not because we "have" to become more devoted to Him, it seems like He will go before us and to open up opportunities to serve others and to share His love with them. As we go and seek in obedience to Him, He will attract and connect those people whose hearts that He has previously softened (turning their hearts of stone into hearts of flesh).

Thus one by one, group by group, community by community, region by region, country by country, God uses people like you and me as His instruments to seize the land.