What is the relation between God’s Sovereignty and our role in Missions? Ryan and Mack talk to AJ Gibson about this important theological understanding and what the Bible teaches.

Topics Discussed

00:00 – The Role of Sovereignty in Missions
Introducing the topic and AJ Gibson, with a biblical overview of God’s sovereign plan to save the nations.

03:50 – Packer’s Perspective
J.I. Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and its impact on missions endurance.

04:18 – Early Setbacks and Sovereign Comfort
Mack shares stories of hardship and how theology sustained him during early days in the Arabian Peninsula.

07:00 – Misunderstandings & Doctrinal Unity
How theology can divide or unite missionaries—and why many believe in sovereignty more than they realize.

09:49 – Prayer and Dependence on God
Why prayer is vital in evangelism and how it reflects our belief in God’s power to save.

14:00 – The Use of Means and the Call to Go
Correcting hyper-Calvinist misunderstandings and affirming human responsibility in God’s mission.

18:00 – Strategy vs. Pragmatism
Balancing strategic thinking with trust in God’s purposes—without compromising the message.

23:47 – Resting in God When Missions Is Hard
Encouragement for missionaries experiencing resistance, delay, or discouragement.

29:16 – The Ordinary Means of Grace
Why biblical preaching, prayer, and the local church remain central to gospel advance.

Resources Mentioned:

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer
A Vision for Missions by Tom Wells
For the Sake of His Name by Dave Doran
An Inquiry into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens by William Carey