SENDING FORTH MISSIONARIES
Acts 13:1-5
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
I. THE PRACTICE OF SENDING FORTH MISSIONARIES
A. GOD CALLS WHOM HE CHOOSES.
1. God selects them.
“Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have
called them.”
2. God sends them.
“ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,”
B. CHURCH CERTIFIES THAT CALL.
1. The church sets their approval upon them.
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on
them, they sent them away.”
A. The church must review the candidate.
1. Examine his dedication.
2. Examine his doctrine.
B. The church release the candidate.
2. The church shows their appreciation for them.
1. By praying for them.
2. By providing for them
II. THE PURPOSE OF SENDING FORTH MISSIONARIES.
A. THEY ARE SENT FORTH TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES.
1. Make disciples.
2. Mature disciples
B. THEY ARE SENT FORTH TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIANS
“Exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through
much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
III. THE PROBLEMS OF SENDING FORTH MISSIONARIES.
A. PEOPLE ARE NOT WILLING TO GO.
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send,
and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.”
Isa 6:8
B. PEOPLE ARE NOT WILLING TO GIVE.
1. Not willing to pray for those who go to the mission field.
A. We need to pray for their success.
B. We need to pray for their safety
2. Not willing to pay for those who go to the mission field.
3. Not will to profit from those who go to the mission field.
Acts 14:26-28
A. As they share with us about answered prayers.
B. As they share with us about their progress.
C. As thy share with us about their future plans.
