Ordinary People, Extraordinary Missions: The Legacy of William Carey
Summary
William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, serves as a powerful example of how God can use ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. Born in 1761 in a small, forgotten village in England, Carey was a sickly child with numerous allergies and a poor education. Despite these challenges, he chose to follow Jesus and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel. At the age of 31, Carey and 13 other men gathered to discuss the Bible's missionary mandate, leading to the formation of a mission society. Carey’s relentless dedication took him to India, where he spent 41 years translating the Bible into six languages and portions into 29 others, founding over 100 rural schools, and establishing Serampore College, which still trains ministers today.
Carey's life underscores the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to fulfill God's plans. Christianity is not about comfort but about being challenged and moving forward in faith. This is evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands us to preach the gospel to all nations. This mission remains the priority of the church today. The world still needs the gospel, and the church must engage in world missions. The CRC churches, including Hilltop Church, are committed to this mission, supporting various ministries and projects worldwide.
In Mark 13, Jesus speaks about the end times, emphasizing that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. This is the key verse in the chapter, highlighting the importance of world missions. The church must focus on spreading the gospel rather than getting caught up in end-times theology. The mission is clear: preach the gospel to all nations, as reiterated in Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, and Mark 16:15.
Hilltop Church is actively involved in world missions, supporting local ministries in various countries and raising funds through events like the Food Fiesta. The church also encourages regular, consistent giving to support these missions. The vision is to leave a lasting legacy in world missions, ensuring that future generations continue to spread the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
1. Ordinary to Extraordinary: William Carey's life demonstrates that God can use ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. Despite his humble beginnings and numerous challenges, Carey chose to follow Jesus and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel, impacting millions indirectly through his work. [39:52]
2. Christianity and Comfort: Christianity is not about comfort but about being challenged and moving forward in faith. Jesus calls us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in His mission, trusting that His plans are better than ours. [29:39]
3. The Great Commission: The mission of the church is to preach the gospel to all nations. This command from Jesus remains the priority of the church today, emphasizing the importance of world missions and the need to reach every corner of the earth with the gospel. [45:34]
4. Focus on the Gospel: In Mark 13, amidst the prophecy of the end times, the key message is that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. The church should focus on spreading the gospel rather than getting caught up in end-times theology. [43:50]
5. Legacy in World Missions: Hilltop Church is committed to leaving a lasting legacy in world missions. Through regular, consistent giving and active involvement in various ministries, the church aims to ensure that future generations continue to spread the gospel and impact the world. [56:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:55] - Announcements and Encouragement
[31:45] - Introduction to William Carey
[32:19] - The Missionary Mandate
[33:45] - Carey's Perseverance and Achievements
[35:17] - Impact of Carey's Ministry
[37:40] - Mission Sunday and Personal Reflections
[38:18] - Carey's Humble Beginnings
[39:52] - Choosing Jesus and Following His Call
[40:55] - The Gospel Must Be Preached
[42:34] - Watchfulness and the End Times
[43:50] - The Key Verse in Mark 13
[44:45] - Fundamentals of World Missions
[45:34] - The Great Commission
[46:22] - Historical Context and Modern Implications
[48:31] - The Growing Need for the Gospel
[49:18] - The Unchanging Command of Jesus
[50:07] - Multicultural Society and World Missions
[52:22] - Supporting Local Ministries
[54:32] - Vision Builders Fund
[56:00] - Expanding the Legacy in World Missions
[57:09] - Regular Consistent Giving
[58:02] - Being Part of God's Plan
[59:02] - Connecting with Other Countries
[01:00:33] - Breaking Small-Time Thinking
[01:01:22] - The Gospel Message
[01:02:38] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[01:04:21] - Prayer and Conclusion
[01:06:11] - Food Fiesta and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 13:10 - "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations."
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."
3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the significant achievements of William Carey during his time in India? [34:25]
2. According to the sermon, what is the key message in Mark 13 amidst the prophecy of the end times? [43:50]
3. How does Hilltop Church support world missions, as mentioned in the sermon? [52:22]
4. What does Matthew 28:19-20 command Christians to do, and how does this relate to the mission of the church today?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think William Carey’s life is described as going from "ordinary to extraordinary"? How does this reflect the potential impact of following Jesus' call? [39:52]
2. In what ways does the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) emphasize the importance of world missions for the church today? [45:34]
3. How does the sermon suggest Christians should balance their focus between end-times theology and the mission of spreading the gospel? [43:09]
4. What does the commitment to regular, consistent giving to missions reveal about the priorities of Hilltop Church? [57:09]
#### Application Questions
1. William Carey faced numerous challenges but chose to follow Jesus and dedicate his life to spreading the gospel. What personal challenges are you facing that might be hindering you from fully committing to God's call? How can you overcome them? [39:52]
2. The sermon emphasizes that Christianity is not about comfort but about being challenged and moving forward in faith. What is one area in your life where you feel God is challenging you to step out of your comfort zone? [29:39]
3. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one practical way you can contribute to this mission in your local context or through supporting global missions. [45:34]
4. Hilltop Church is actively involved in world missions through various ministries and projects. How can you personally get involved in supporting these efforts, either through prayer, giving, or participation? [52:22]
5. Reflect on the idea of leaving a lasting legacy in world missions. What steps can you take to ensure that your contributions to the church and its mission have a long-term impact? [56:00]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of regular, consistent giving to support missions. How can you incorporate this practice into your financial planning? What specific changes might you need to make? [57:09]
7. Think about the multicultural society we live in today. How can you use your interactions with people from different backgrounds to share the gospel and support the mission of the church? [50:07]
Devotional
Day 1: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
William Carey's life demonstrates that God can use ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. Despite his humble beginnings and numerous challenges, Carey chose to follow Jesus and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel, impacting millions indirectly through his work. Born in a small, forgotten village in England, Carey faced many obstacles, including poor health and limited education. However, his relentless dedication to God's mission led him to India, where he spent 41 years translating the Bible into multiple languages, founding schools, and establishing Serampore College. His story is a testament to how God can work through anyone willing to step out in faith and obedience.
Carey's journey reminds us that we don't need to be extraordinary by the world's standards to make a significant impact for God's kingdom. What matters is our willingness to follow Jesus and commit to His mission. When we step out in faith, God can use our ordinary lives to accomplish extraordinary things. [39:52]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel ordinary or inadequate. How can you offer this area to God and trust Him to use it for His extraordinary purposes?
Day 2: Christianity is About Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Christianity is not about comfort but about being challenged and moving forward in faith. Jesus calls us to step out of our comfort zones and engage in His mission, trusting that His plans are better than ours. William Carey's life exemplifies this principle. Despite his numerous challenges, including health issues and a lack of formal education, Carey chose to follow Jesus and dedicate his life to spreading the gospel. His willingness to leave his comfort zone and go to India resulted in significant contributions to the spread of Christianity and the establishment of educational institutions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace challenges and step out in faith, knowing that God's plans for us are far greater than our own. This may involve taking risks, facing uncertainties, and enduring hardships, but it is through these experiences that we grow in our faith and witness God's power at work in our lives. [29:39]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone. What steps can you take today to move forward in faith and embrace this challenge?
Day 3: The Great Commission is Our Priority
The mission of the church is to preach the gospel to all nations. This command from Jesus remains the priority of the church today, emphasizing the importance of world missions and the need to reach every corner of the earth with the gospel. William Carey's life and work in India serve as a powerful example of fulfilling the Great Commission. He dedicated his life to translating the Bible into multiple languages, founding schools, and training ministers, all with the goal of spreading the gospel to those who had not yet heard it.
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, and Mark 16:15, is a clear directive for all believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. This mission is not limited to a select few but is a collective responsibility of the entire church. As we engage in world missions, we fulfill Jesus' command and contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom on earth. [45:34]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can personally contribute to the Great Commission. What practical steps can you take to share the gospel with those around you or support global missions?
Day 4: Focus on Spreading the Gospel
In Mark 13, amidst the prophecy of the end times, the key message is that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. The church should focus on spreading the gospel rather than getting caught up in end-times theology. Jesus emphasized the importance of preaching the gospel to all nations before the end comes, highlighting the urgency and significance of this mission. William Carey's life and work exemplify this focus, as he dedicated his life to translating the Bible and spreading the gospel in India.
As believers, it is essential to prioritize the spread of the gospel and not be distracted by debates or speculations about the end times. Our primary mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. By keeping our focus on this mission, we fulfill Jesus' command and contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom. [43:50]
Mark 13:10 (ESV): "And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations."
Reflection: Consider how you can keep your focus on spreading the gospel in your daily life. What distractions or concerns might be hindering you from fully engaging in this mission, and how can you address them?
Day 5: Leaving a Lasting Legacy in World Missions
Hilltop Church is committed to leaving a lasting legacy in world missions. Through regular, consistent giving and active involvement in various ministries, the church aims to ensure that future generations continue to spread the gospel and impact the world. This vision aligns with the example set by William Carey, who dedicated his life to translating the Bible, founding schools, and training ministers, leaving a lasting impact on the spread of Christianity in India.
As a church, it is essential to invest in world missions and support efforts to share the gospel globally. This involves not only financial contributions but also active participation in mission projects, prayer, and raising awareness about the importance of world missions. By doing so, we can leave a lasting legacy that ensures the continued spread of the gospel for generations to come. [56:00]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can contribute to leaving a lasting legacy in world missions. What specific actions can you take to support global missions and ensure the continued spread of the gospel for future generations?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What's the point of doing or having a faith God if it's not going to be challenged? If we just want to be comfortable in following Jesus? Now, I don't mean that that's not the word of God. It's not a comfort or comfortable-based Christianity. The Christianity we have in the word of God is going to challenge us and ask us to move forward." [29:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In God's eyes, he was always extraordinary because God loves us all. And he values us all. But he's remembered because he just loved Jesus and followed the call of God in his life. And perhaps millions have come to Christ as a result of William Carey's ministry to this day." [39:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The key idea in this chapter is that the gospel must be preached to all nations. That's the key verse in the whole chapter. All the other stuff describes what's going to happen. What could happen and what will happen. And what's yet to come and what hasn't happened yet. And all those sorts. And to be watchful." [43:09] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are all part of God's plan for world missions. That the gospel might be preached to all nations. That was Christ's mission when he came. He came to set the captives free. He came to bring forgiveness of sin. Not just for the people we know, but for the whole world. The whole world." [59:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The gospel message is that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sin of all mankind. The Bible says the Father, that's God the Father, sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world. And when I look around, most of the people I know here, probably most of you have made that decision to follow Jesus at some stage, but you've accepted that Jesus died on the cross, to pay for your sin." [01:01:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "William Carey was born in 1761 in a place called Paulaspury. Anybody heard of Paulaspury? Didn't think so. It's just a rural village in England. Total number of people at the time, 800. Okay, so his father was a poor weaver. Didn't have his own shop. He weaved from home. William was a sickly child. In fact, he had numerous allergies. He was sensitive to the sun. I don't know how much sun they get in England, but they must get sun. He was poorly educated." [38:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The command of Jesus hasn't changed. The world still needs the gospel. And the church still needs to engage in world missions. The CRC churches which is our church movement. And we as a church. We're still engaged in that same mission as a church. In some ways it's true the world has now come to us. Have we noticed that? We have a multicultural society." [50:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, I'm probably not going to be the senior minister here more than about seven years from now. I want to make sure that I set up for the person who takes the church on after me that they have a greater impact on world missions than I've had and that I can ever have." [56:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One day Christ will return. And when he returns, we want to see thousands upon thousands who've come to Christ as part of the legacy of Hilltop Church. Not just here in Ballarat or in Victoria or even in Australia, but across the nations of the world. And so we specifically have a mission Sunday to talk about this so we don't lose sight of that part of the mission. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, until the ends of the earth." [58:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let's not have a little mindset that, you know, it's just my little town and everything. Let's have a huge mindset when it comes to world missions. Let's break those chains of, you know, small-time thinking. You know, when God gives you a vision, He gives you the enabling and He gives you the resources. He never gives a vision and asks us to do something that He doesn't provide for the doing. And He usually provides through His people. That's how He does it." [01:00:33] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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