Hi Paul

Thanks for the reply. Some thoughts...

1. I take your point on Phil 1.20-24

2. Although I agree that Jesus gives other reasons for coming (to lay down his life as a ransom, to preach, to pronounce judgement, to bring life, to fulfill the law). All of these can very well be linked to the reconcilliation of men to God.

BUT WE COULD ARGUE THIS ALL DAY. MY QUESTION TO YOU WOULD BE...

DID JESUS PRIMARILY COME TO PERFORM THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION BETWEEN MAN AND GOD?

3. Personally I think Worship is more important than evangelism. This is how I think I would rate the importance of what we are called to do...
a) Worship
b) Evangelism
c) Care for the sick, poor, disadvantaged, etc.
d) Everything else God has called us to.

In other words, I believe that there is a heirachy attacheed to the purposes. I'm sure people disagree. But this is the impression I get from the Bible.

4. Bruce Wilkinson asks the question: If the God of heaven loves you so much that he wants to spend eternity with you, and in Jesus he has done everything necessary for you to go there right now, then why are you still here?

He goes onto argue that the reason we are on earth and not in heaven is because non-Christians still need to hear the gospel. Every other purpose (worship, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, etc) can be done in heaven.

Anyway - I think I am over and out on this one. Feel free to respond. But I may have to refrain.

I do enjoy this discussion though and I am finding it personally helpful.

Mark