Embracing the Call to Global Missions

Devotional

Day 1: Universal Redemption and Our Global Mission

Christ's redemptive work is universal, encompassing people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This profound truth calls believers to participate in a mission that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. Revelation 5:9-10 highlights the scope of Christ's sacrifice, forming a new humanity united in Him. This is not a task for a select few but a collective mission for the entire body of Christ. Jesus' words in John 10:16 remind us of the necessity to reach beyond our immediate circles, ensuring that all His sheep hear His voice. The call to global missions is a divine mandate, urging us to be active participants in spreading the Gospel to all corners of the earth. [01:14]

"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'" (Revelation 5:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life represents a different culture or background that you can reach out to with the love of Christ today?

Day 2: Missions Amidst Turmoil

History has shown that global evangelization often coincides with times of global conflict. This paradox reveals that the Gospel's advance is not hindered by worldly turmoil but often thrives in it. During periods of war, such as the Civil War and World Wars, the spread of the Gospel continued to flourish. This is a testament to the resilience and power of the Gospel message, which transcends human conflicts and brings hope amidst chaos. Jesus' assurance in Matthew 24:14 that the Gospel will be proclaimed to all nations before the end comes serves as a promise that fuels our mission, even in the face of adversity. [08:43]

"Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began." (2 Timothy 1:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a beacon of hope and share the Gospel in your community, especially during challenging times?

Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship

Following Jesus requires self-denial, daily cross-bearing, and a commitment to His path. This call to radical discipleship is not just for missionaries but for every believer. In Luke 9, Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the need to die to self-rule, self-sufficiency, and self-exaltation. The paradox of losing one's life to save it is central to the Christian journey, inviting believers to live for Christ who lives in them. This call to discipleship is undergirded by the promise of eternal life and the assurance that we cannot out-sacrifice Jesus. [12:57]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'" (Luke 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice self-denial to follow Jesus more closely today?

Day 4: The Paradox of Life and Death

In losing our lives for Christ, we find true life. This paradox challenges believers to die to self-rule and live for Christ, embracing the promise of eternal life. The Christian journey involves a daily decision to surrender personal ambitions and desires, choosing instead to live for the purposes of God. This radical call to discipleship is not without reward, as it leads to a deeper, more fulfilling life in Christ. The assurance of eternal life and the joy of living for Christ provide the strength and motivation to embrace this paradox. [20:33]

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:25-26, ESV)

Reflection: What personal ambition or desire do you need to surrender to fully embrace the life Christ offers?

Day 5: Eternal Reward

We cannot out-sacrifice Jesus. Every sacrifice made for the Kingdom is repaid a hundredfold, both in this life and in eternity. This promise invites believers to a life of eternal joy, knowing that their efforts and sacrifices for the Kingdom are not in vain. The assurance of eternal reward provides motivation and encouragement to live a life of radical discipleship, trusting that God sees and honors every act of obedience and sacrifice. This eternal perspective shifts the focus from temporary struggles to the lasting joy and fulfillment found in Christ. [34:03]

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29, ESV)

Reflection: What sacrifice can you make today for the Kingdom, trusting in God's promise of eternal reward?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound call to global missions, emphasizing the divine mandate to reach all nations with the Gospel. Revelation 5:9-10 reminds us of the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, as He ransomed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This is not just a call for a select few but a collective mission for the entire body of Christ. Jesus' words in John 10:16, where He speaks of having other sheep not of the Jewish fold, underscore the necessity of reaching beyond our immediate cultural and ethnic boundaries. The question then arises: how will these sheep hear His voice? The answer lies in the sending and preaching of the Gospel, as Paul articulates in Romans 10:14-15.

The historical context of missions during times of war, such as the Civil War and World Wars, illustrates that global evangelization often thrives amidst global turmoil. This is a testament to the fact that the Gospel's advance is not hindered by worldly conflicts but often propelled by them. Jesus' assurance in Matthew 24:14 that the Gospel will be proclaimed to all nations before the end comes is a promise that fuels our mission.

In Luke 9, Jesus lays out the cost of discipleship: self-denial, daily cross-bearing, and following Him. This is not just a call for missionaries but for every believer. The paradox of losing one's life to save it is central to the Christian journey. We are called to die to self-rule, self-sufficiency, and self-exaltation, living instead for Christ who lives in us. This radical call to discipleship is undergirded by the promise of eternal life and the assurance that we cannot out-sacrifice Jesus. Every sacrifice made for the Kingdom is repaid a hundredfold, both in this life and in eternity.

As we conclude, I invite those sensing a call to long-term cross-cultural missions to step forward. This is a moment of decision, not of certainty but of sensing God's direction. For those not called to go, the call remains to be fervent senders, supporting and praying for those who are sent.

Key Takeaways

1. Universal Redemption: Christ's sacrifice was for people from every tribe and nation, forming a new humanity. This global vision calls us to participate in His mission, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. [01:14]
2. Missions Amidst Turmoil: History shows that global evangelization often coincides with global conflicts. This paradox highlights that the Gospel's advance is not hindered by worldly turmoil but often thrives in it. [08:43]
3. Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires self-denial, daily cross-bearing, and a commitment to His path. This is a call for every believer, not just missionaries, to live a life of radical discipleship. [12:57]
4. Paradox of Life and Death: In losing our lives for Christ, we find true life. This paradox challenges us to die to self-rule and live for Christ, embracing the promise of eternal life. [20:33]
5. Eternal Reward: We cannot out-sacrifice Jesus. Every sacrifice made for the Kingdom is repaid a hundredfold, both in this life and in eternity, inviting us to a life of eternal joy. [34:03]
** [34:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Prayer for Missions
[00:56] - Revelation's Global Vision
[02:12] - Jesus' Call to Other Sheep
[03:09] - The Necessity of Preaching
[04:20] - The Great Commission
[05:32] - Assurance of Global Evangelization
[06:33] - Missions in Times of War
[09:00] - Invitation to Missions
[10:45] - The Power of God's Word
[12:03] - The Cost of Discipleship
[14:48] - Daily Cross-Bearing
[17:06] - Living as Dead to Self
[20:15] - Arguments for Self-Denial
[34:39] - Invitation to Respond

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Revelation 5:9-10
John 10:16
Romans 10:14-15

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Observation Questions:

According to Revelation 5:9-10, what is the scope of Christ's redemptive work, and how does it relate to the concept of a new humanity? [01:14]
In John 10:16, Jesus mentions having other sheep not of the Jewish fold. What does this imply about the reach of the Gospel? [02:12]
Romans 10:14-15 discusses the process of hearing and believing the Gospel. What steps are outlined in these verses for someone to come to faith? [03:09]
How does the sermon illustrate the relationship between global conflicts and the advancement of the Gospel? [06:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

What does the sermon suggest about the role of global turmoil in the spread of the Gospel, and how might this challenge our understanding of mission work? [06:33]
How does the concept of self-denial and daily cross-bearing in Luke 9 relate to the life of a believer, and why is it considered essential for discipleship? [12:57]
The sermon mentions the paradox of losing one's life to save it. How does this paradox challenge conventional views of self-preservation and success? [20:33]
What does the sermon imply about the eternal rewards for those who sacrifice for the Kingdom, and how might this influence a believer's priorities? [34:03]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on the idea of universal redemption. How can you personally contribute to the mission of reaching people from every tribe and nation with the Gospel? [01:14]
Considering the historical examples of missions thriving during times of war, how can you remain committed to evangelism even in challenging circumstances? [06:33]
In what ways can you practice self-denial and daily cross-bearing in your own life? Identify one specific area where you can start this week. [12:57]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of being a sender if not called to go. How can you actively support missionaries through prayer, financial support, or other means? [10:45]
Reflect on the paradox of life and death mentioned in the sermon. How can embracing this paradox change your approach to challenges and opportunities in your life? [20:33]
The sermon invites those sensing a call to missions to step forward. How can you discern if God is calling you to a specific mission, and what steps can you take to explore this calling? [09:58]
How can the promise of eternal reward motivate you to make sacrifices for the Kingdom in your daily life? Identify one sacrifice you are willing to make this week. [34:03]

Sermon Clips

In Revelation 5 verses 9 and 10 the voice of Heaven rings out in praise to Jesus worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals because you were slain and you Ransom people for God from all the tribes and tongues and people and nation and made them a kingdom and priest to our God and they shall reign on the earth in other words when Christ the son of God died he paid a ransom and by that Ransom he liberated a people from all the peoples he bought a people for himself and he assembles them into a new Humanity a kingdom a church a bride. [00:47:04]

Jesus said I lay down my life for the sheep and I have other sheep that are not of this Jewish fold I must that's a strong word for the Son of God to say I must bring them also they will hear my voice and they will follow me and I will give them life eternal and they will never perish how do they hear his voice he says they will hear my voice all those peoples all those tongues all those tribes all those Nations will hear my voice my sheep will follow me. [00:56:40]

How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard and how are they to hear without someone preaching and how are they to preach unless they are sent as it is written how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news we used they have a missions week at my college where I went 50 years ago called beautiful feet week that was so good feet are not beautiful they're ugly especially when you walk around with sandals on dirty roads you want to have beautiful feet tell somebody good news get on the road. [00:58:40]

Jesus left us in absolutely no doubt in Matthew 24:14 this Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed is not maybe will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the peoples P ethne all those ethnic groups that were mentioned in Revelation 59 that's going to happen in this world right now there are a lot of uncertainties that's not one of them someone might say you know Pastor John with war in the Middle East war in Ukraine Wars all over Africa right now this is not an optimal time for world evangelization. [01:05:45]

Wars and world evangelization you you wait till there no Wars you'll never go they always happened together during the Civil War give you a few examples Sarah Daris founded the women's missionary Union society to send single women to Asia during the Civil War the Episcopal Church opened to work in Haiti during the Civil War China inland mission was founded by Hudson Taylor during our civil war during the first world war CT stud was gloring in a great Revival in the Congo International foreign missions Association was formed during the first world war. [01:08:41]

If anyone would come after me let him number one deny himself number two take up his cross daily and number three follow me three ways to get behind Jesus as his disciple let's take them one at a time first you want to get behind me and be my disciple you got to deny yourself there will always be Pleasures Comforts and securities in this life Christians must deny themselves in order to be a Christian and follow Jesus if you are set test yourself to see if this is you. [01:16:00]

You must take up your cross daily if anyone would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily now the cross is a beam of wood where you're going to be crucified it's taking up your electric chair and taking up the gas chamber and taking up your lethal injection that's what it is you're going to die you must die you can't be my disciple if you don't die daily so we join Paul don't we I am crucified with Christ it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. [01:22:59]

Wake up every morning and say I belong body and soul to Jesus Christ he's my life I'm not my own I've died to self-rule I've died to self-sufficiency I've died to self-exaltation I've died to selfs survival and preservation he may do with me anything he wants I'm not my own I've been bought with a price I'm dead what a way to live you want to be Fearless be dead already. [01:28:21]

Because whoever would save his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will save it in other words if you try to save your life by refusing self-denial refusing cross bearing and refusing Delight in Jesus you're going to die you're going to lose your life that's the argument or positively if you lose your your life by embracing self-denial embracing daily death embracing Jesus as your treasure you're going to live forever you're going to gain your life. [01:34:26]

There is nothing sinful about wanting to live forever with Jesus you got that there is nothing sinful about wanting to live forever with Jesus I'll put it negatively now listen it's a sin a deadly mortal sin not to want to live forever with Jesus that's the Assumption of this argument this argument doesn't work any other way than that so there's no ultimate self-denial in the Christian Life there's only temporary self-denial you deny yourself 80 years of many things to gain them forever. [01:38:30]

You cannot out sacrifice Jesus you leave you leave mother father children lands behind and you say Jesus do you see what we've done for you and he says nobody has left mother or father or lands or children for my sake who doesn't give back aund fold in this life and in the age to come eternal life you think you can out sacrifice me you can't man every sacrifice you make I pay back a thousandfold get a life I'm inviting you to Eternal Joy that's the argument. [01:53:36]

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose and they killed him we're going to sing the song in just a few minutes that they sang while they walked toward martyrdom it's always a moving moment in this service to me to sing that song here are the three groups here's how we're going to do this we're going to keep our eyes open nobody's playing any mood music I'm just going to pray for God to work and then I'm going to ask these three groups to come. [02:03:59]

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