From time to time, we as a church, seek to emphasize the reality of global missions and our opportunity to participate in God’s commission to reach people with the gospel. Jesus Christ will not be stopped in carrying out the promise of Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The promise of the gospel stands, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14). This is the essence of the term missions. Deriving from the Latin motto (meaning “to send”), missions is the English term signifying the sending of Jesus’s followers into his global harvest of all peoples. For three hundred years, missions has been used in particular for world evangelization, for pioneering the gospel among the peoples to whom it has yet to advance. One author explains that missions is the expansion of Christianity amongst groups within the world of non-Christians. This particularly includes the church playing an active role through the use of individuals, congregations, or missionary agencies to further the gospel.
In God’s gracious providence, he has allowed us to participate in the commission to reach people with the Gospel. Matthew 28:18-20 helps provide the structure for the mission of the church and God’s plan for worldwide discipleship. The Greek text indicates that there is only one imperative verb in verses nineteen and twenty: matheteusate (“make disciples”). Surrounding this imperative are three participles: going, baptizing, and teaching. The Scripture is clear that followers of Jesus are to make disciples of “all nations.” This scope includes but is not limited to all nations, tribes, and people groups. This passage teaches that disciples of Jesus are imperatively instructed to duplicate themselves in others specifically through the bringing of people into a saving relationship with Jesus.
So, how do I participate in world evangelism?
1) Reach
Engaging in global missions begins by sharing the love of Jesus with the people in our immediate surroundings. When was the last time that you meaningfully shared the gospel with your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have not yet encountered the life-changing message of the Gospel? As followers of Jesus, we must be intentional in fostering relationships and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about our faith. You and I can help others experience the transformative power of Jesus and create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our local community.
2) Give
By generously contributing to missions, we as followers can help to provide the necessary resources for missionaries, church planters, and other ministry workers/gospel works to carry out their mission in spreading the gospel. The Scriptures are very clear — people who squander all their resources on things that do not last, plowing their wealth right back into “unrighteous mammon” are NOT good stewards of the living God (Luke 16:1-13). In fact, often, what we do with our treasure reveals where our heart really is. What can you and I sacrificially give to further the work of the gospel?
3) Go
As followers of Jesus, we must be prepared to heed the call to serve as His ambassadors in other areas, nations, cultures, and contexts. This may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing new challenges, and being open to unfamiliar experiences. Whether it involves short-term mission journeys, long-term missionary commitments, or various types of cross-cultural engagement, being willing to go signifies a readiness to leave behind our familiar American comforts and engage with a world in need. Our church has had numerous opportunities to participate through domestic trips (Indianapolis, Phoenix, Cincinnati, Boston), international trips (Jamaica, Honduras, Mexico), and church planting efforts (Columbus). Although our church as a whole actively participates in the call to go, not all members seize the opportunities to make a difference. Maybe this is the time that you might consider contributing to the growth and expansion of God's kingdom on earth through the command to GO.
As we anticipate "Make Your Mark" Sunday with Brother Dale Bigham, let’s open our hearts to the challenge he will give from the Scriptures. This is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our role in global missions and reevaluate our commitment to reach, give, and go, to participate in God's plan for worldwide discipleship. Let’s make the most out of "Make Your Mark" Sunday by being willing to heed to the Word while embracing our calling to fulfill the Great Commission.
Sincerely,
Pastor Jordan