Embracing the Call: Missions and God's Sovereignty

In this message, we explore the profound call to missions, rooted deeply in the theological and biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and the majesty of Christ. The heavens and the earth declare God's glory, and there is a day coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Our lives are meant to hasten that day, and we are called to be laborers in God's harvest, even if it means turning our world upside down.

Reflecting on the historical impact of missions, we delve into the story of the Saint Andrews Seven, a group of university students influenced by Thomas Chalmers, who dedicated their lives to missions. Their story exemplifies the power of deep theological conviction driving missionary work. This conviction was also evident in the life of William Carey, a man with no formal education who learned 29 languages and spent 40 years in India, driven by a profound understanding of God's sovereignty.

The early missionary movement was characterized by a robust theological grasp of God's majesty and sovereignty. This understanding fueled their confidence and boldness in proclaiming the gospel to the nations. They were not driven by a man-centered theology but by a deep conviction of God's authority and ownership of the world.

In John 10:16, Jesus speaks of having other sheep not of the Jewish fold, indicating the global scope of His mission. This passage is a powerful missionary text, emphasizing that Jesus has people in every nation who will hear His voice and follow Him. The call to missions is not just a mandate but a promise that God has a people in every people group, and He will gather them through the proclamation of the gospel.

The message challenges us to embrace this vision, whether as goers or senders, and to reject any theology that diminishes the urgency and scope of missions. We are reminded that the voice of Jesus today is heard through our voices as we proclaim the gospel. The dignity of this calling is immense, and we are invited to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The glory of God is proclaimed by all creation, and there is a future day when every knee will bow to Jesus. Our lives are meant to contribute to the hastening of that day, and we are called to be laborers in God's harvest, even if it means significant changes in our lives. [00:37]
• 2. The story of the Saint Andrews Seven and William Carey illustrates the power of deep theological conviction in driving missions. These individuals were not just passionate but profoundly rooted in a robust understanding of God's sovereignty and majesty, which fueled their lifelong commitment to missions. [06:08]
• 3. The early missionary movement was characterized by a deep theological grasp of God's majesty and sovereignty, which fueled their confidence and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This understanding is crucial for missions today, as it provides the foundation for enduring commitment and courage. [13:32]
• 4. John 10:16 reveals the global scope of Jesus' mission, emphasizing that He has people in every nation who will hear His voice and follow Him. This passage is a powerful reminder of the promise that God has a people in every people group, and He will gather them through the proclamation of the gospel. [19:11]
• 5. The call to missions is not just a mandate but a promise that God has a people in every people group, and He will gather them through the proclamation of the gospel. Our role is to be the voice of Jesus, proclaiming the gospel with confidence that God will draw His people to Himself. [46:56]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:08] - The Glory of God in Creation
• [00:37] - The Call to Missions
• [01:59] - The Saint Andrews Seven
• [03:38] - The Influence of Thomas Chalmers
• [06:08] - The Theological Roots of Missions
• [09:04] - William Carey's Legacy
• [13:32] - The Early Missionary Movement
• [19:11] - John 10:16: A Missionary Text
• [31:00] - The Sovereignty of God in Missions
• [46:56] - Confidence in God's Promise
• [53:14] - The Role of Predestination
• [59:01] - The Voice of Jesus Today
• [64:04] - The Dignity of the Calling
• [76:28] - Closing Prayer

1. John 10:16 - "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."
2. Acts 17:30 - "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."
3. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

1. What does John 10:16 reveal about the scope of Jesus' mission? How does this passage emphasize the global nature of His mission?
2. In the sermon, how is the story of the Saint Andrews Seven used to illustrate the power of theological conviction in missions? [02:12]
3. How did William Carey's understanding of God's sovereignty influence his approach to missions, according to the sermon? [06:40]
4. What role does the concept of God's sovereignty play in the confidence and boldness of early missionaries as described in the sermon? [13:32]

1. How does the promise in John 10:16 that Jesus has other sheep not of the Jewish fold challenge or expand our understanding of the mission field? [19:11]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between deep theological understanding and effective missionary work? How might this apply to modern missions? [07:11]
3. How does the sermon interpret the command in Matthew 28:18-20 in light of God's sovereignty and the call to missions? [17:03]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early missionary movement was driven by a robust understanding of God's majesty and sovereignty? [13:32]

1. Reflect on John 10:16. How can you personally contribute to the mission of reaching "other sheep" in your community or beyond? What steps can you take this week to engage with someone from a different cultural or ethnic background? [19:11]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of deep theological conviction in missions. How can you deepen your own theological understanding to better support or engage in missions? [07:11]
3. Consider the story of William Carey and his commitment to learning languages and cultures. Is there a skill or area of knowledge you feel called to develop to better serve in missions or ministry? [06:40]
4. The sermon challenges us to be either goers or senders in missions. Which role do you feel called to, and how can you actively pursue that calling in your current context? [17:58]
5. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as discussed in the sermon, influence your perspective on evangelism and missions? How can this understanding give you confidence in sharing your faith? [46:56]
6. Reflect on the urgency of the call to missions as presented in the sermon. What practical steps can you take to prioritize missions in your life, whether through prayer, financial support, or direct involvement? [46:12]
7. The sermon mentions the dignity of being the voice of Jesus in the world. How can you embrace this calling in your daily interactions and conversations? [01:04:04]