Missions

Missions

Acts 1:8

Introduction

We talk a lot about missions in our Church.

Today, I want to explain why.

My experience.

I grew up in a church where we talked about

missions.

I never heard about a specific missionary other than two that were used for fund raising.

I never saw a missionary

Then we moved to a church where I saw my first

real missionary. (Gary Tomberlin)

- They showed pictures of their work

- They told stories of reaching people for Christ

and starting churches.

- I started praying for missionaries and giving to

Missions

I still love missions and have a heart for

missionaries.

They’ve answered God’s call

They’ve prepared to go to their fields

They leave family behind

They go to a foreign county all to when people

to Christ, baptize them, and teach them in the

Scriptures.

They learn a new language

They learn to live in a different culture.

All for the work of the Gospel

I. The importance of missions

A. Five times the Great Commission is given in the NT

1. Matthew 28:19-20

2. Mark 16:15

3. Luke 24:46

4. John 20:21

5. Acts 1:8

(Once in the OT Isaiah 43:9-10)

B. This is what we as believers and the church should

be doing.

C The Great Commission defined Matthew 28:19-20

1. Making disciples

2. Baptizing them

3. Teaching them

II. The instructions for missions Acts 1:8

1. Jerusalem – home

a. Through the local church

b. Through personal contact

c. Through outreach

2 Judea – the region

a. Through reaching those who are nearby

b. Such as, county, state, nearby cities

3. Samaria – another culture

a. They had stepped beyond their area

b. Across cultures

c. Some have suggested this represents countries

nearby.

- Canada, Mexico, Caribbean nations

4. Uttermost part of the world – worldwide

a. Everywhere

b. Across the sea

III. Personal involvement in Missions.

What can I do?

What can we do?

A. Pray

1. Specifically (by Name)

2. Daily (1Th. 5:17 Pray without ceasing.)

3. For God to raise up more missionaries

Matt. 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

B. Give

1. Our missionaries are supported out of our

General Fund.

a. We support 14 missionaries

b. At $100 a month

2. Give to our missions’ fund.

a. Was our Sunday School offering

b. Now by envelope (special or marked)

3. You can give to a missionary directly

a. Mark the name on the envelope

b. Ask about supporting them directly

c. Give when they come

C. Go

1. Go locally (work, neighbor, JERUSALEM)

2. Work locally in your church

3. Answer God’s call

Conclusion

We MUST be a part of missions

We must be obedient to His Command

John 4:35…Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Ask – What can I do to reach the world for Christ.