Missions – Part 1

Memory Verse: “And he said… Go…into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Scripture: Gen 3:1-15

Introduction: The Mission is to commission faithful men and women to diligently take the gospel of salvation to every member of the human race. The commissioned is called a missionary. The missionary, of course, must not only be saved, but have a heavy burden for the salvation of sinners.

God
God is the ultimate missionary. He is still looking for missionaries even now. He found Abraham, Noah, and Isaiah. They all responded. Prophets, kings and judges were all commissioned and sent by God, Genesis 9:1-17. Gen.12: 1-3. Jonah received and understood the call, but fled in the opposite direction. God’s mercy, patience and love saved Jonah from the full consequences of his disobedience. The Lord’s call can be sudden and dramatic. Maybe He is calling you. Are you running away? Please read the instructive story of Jonah.

Jesus
Jesus Christ, God the Son Himself, was commissioned by the Trinity in council, Jn.3:17; Jn.5:36-37; Jn.6:57; Gal.4:5. The salvation of mankind from eternal damnation seemed inevitable. He was consumed by the love of man and was nourished and refreshed by the accomplishment of the mission, Jn.4: 34. He in turn commissioned His disciples, Jn.17:8. He became man so he could die for mankind; Mt.10: 5-6; Mt.15: 21-28; Heb.12: 14-18; Heb.4: 15; Phil.2: 5-8. Mt.24: 14. He returned to Heaven, but left a perfect redemption plan, Mt.28: 18-20; Mk.16: 15; Jn.20: 21-22; Lk.24: 46-49. That is why He came, Acts 26:13-18.

The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit came down and empowered disciples at Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4. He took the baton from Jesus, Jn.16: 7. He taught and encouraged the saints, Jn.14: 26; Jn.16: 13-15. And convicted sinners of sin, Jn.16: 8-11. He continued the commission – Acts 8:29. He sent missionaries to the Gentiles, Acts 10:19-20. He gave due directions in Acts 13:2-4; Acts 16:6-7 to Troas, where they got the Macedonian call to a whole new continent, Acts 16:8-9. The Holy Spirit has continued to direct missionary work, Acts 19:21; Acts 20:22-23; Acts 21:11-14.

Conclusion
God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all played important roles in the great commission and missions. It is a passion every true believer should share. There are millions of unreached people in the world today. The Godhead is still asking: “who will go for us?” Who will we send? What is your response? You will support missions one way or another in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!