We are inspired by the scripture of Acts 17:11 where it says the Bereans were more noble than the folks in Thessalonica “…searching the scriptures daily…” to check out if Paul was correct. Our brand and our purpose is all about inspiring people to search out, and more carefully understand, the epic story of Jesus, and verify that this truly is of God.
This single passage tells us so much. For one, it tells us that God’s Spirit leads us all to scrutinize spiritual claims, even as “non-professionals”. Yes, God wants us to walk by faith, but He never expects blind faith. In fact, God commends us for testing and verifying what is true. And that job is not just the job of a professional Pastor, Priest, Apostle or Theologian. It’s the job of the regular people who hear the message. You see, we are all accountable before God and will have an interview with Him about what we have done with the truth we’ve heard.
What is your purpose? The goal of Mission 17:11 is to bring a fresh perspective, with the Voice of the “Common Believer”, rather than the professional clergy, into the discussion about faith in Jesus. In other words, we’re here to speak to folks with a perspective that isn’t clouded by sectarian dogma, earthly territorialism or institutional biases, rather with accessible easy to understand language. We represent nothing but the “Great News” of Jesus. We’re not here to be against anything. We’re here because we’re for Jesus. Theoretical Christianity is dead.
Why do we think “non-Pro” folks can have a part in the discussion? We note from the Bible how many “non-Pro” characters are pivotal players in the New Testament, and we note that Jesus himself makes absolutely no distinction between believers in any way, regardless of race, class status, vocation, or gender. He expressly says to the men who become his select “Emissaries” (aka Apostles) that they shall call no man Rabbi/Teacher and no man Father, “…for you are all brothers.” (Matthew 23:8-9) Therefore, being a non-Professional does not disqualify a person from the enormously important work of sharing the “Great News” and developing people as Jesus did.
What is your authority for this? Are you Seminary trained?
Our authority is the same as the original people Jesus called. They were also challenged about their authority to bring the message, and although they were “untrained & uneducated” by “professionals”, they were trained by God (According to Acts 4:13) and because we cannot do anything else but speak and share what we’ve seen & heard (just like they did in Acts 4:20)
Is there precedent for “non-Pro” people making a significant contribution?
The first wave of evangelism outside of Israel happened by ordinary disciples who scattered, and went sharing the Gospel everywhere they went (Acts 8:4-8)
There are examples of others, likewise called and equipped:
- Philip the Evangelist (not the same as the disciple Philip) went spreading the Great News to Samaritans, and beyond, followed by miracles. (Acts 8:26-40)
- Annanias of Damascus prophesied and baptized Saul/Paul. (Acts 9:17-19)
Two of the key characters in the epic were common believers, non-Professionals! That doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of key roles played by the women among Jesus’ followers, and the line up of fascinating situations with common people who play important roles during Jesus’ ministry.
So what? Well, we have become abundantly aware of how God is at work today; and we find countless situations where common believers today are doing amazing things by the power of God through faith in Jesus. We’re completely convinced that the power of God’s Spirit is available to everyone who trusts in Jesus and does what He teaches.
How can you experience the power of God? To begin with, start taking God seriously. The cross of Christ is God’s way of saying that He takes you seriously, and He asks that we do the same. That means reading what Jesus taught, learn the program He came to make available for us, and start doing what He says. We’re totally convinced that God makes himself personally available to anyone who does that. “…whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
God has opened the door, and Jesus is inviting you in. It’s a limited time offer, but it is available now. Take it while you can.
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