What does it really mean to say that God loves the world?

John 3:16 tells us that God’s love is wide, deep, and active. God doesn’t love an idea or a select group. God loves the whole world—every place, every culture, every person. And from this love, God acted by sending his Beloved Son to bring rescue and life to us all.

This is why global and inter‑cultural mission matters. Mission is not about us taking God somewhere new. It is about joining God in what he is already doing everywhere. When we support global mission, we take our place in God’s ongoing story of love for the world.

May is our Mission Month. During this time, we intentionally lift our eyes beyond our local neighbourhood. We listen and learn about God’s work across the world. We pray. We give. We support. This year, our focus is on supporting Baptist Mission Australia. Through them, we partner with people and communities across cultures, trusting local leaders and sharing in God’s work of hope and renewal.

Importantly, inter‑cultural mission isn’t only overseas. It is also right here. This Sunday we welcome Pastor Don Hayward from one of our partner churches, the Aboriginal Berean Community Church (ABCC). His presence reminds us that God’s mission includes listening well, honouring culture, and walking humbly together on this land. In supporting ABCC, we again take our place in God’s ongoing story of love for the world.

John 3:16 ends with an invitation:

“that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God loves the world. God sends his Son. And God invites every person, everywhere, to trust in Jesus. This is why mission matters. Many people are still yet to hear and respond to God’s invitation—in our city and across the world.

In Him,

Jason

Photo by Lesia and Serhii Artymovych on Unsplash