Sent by God: Embracing Our Missionary Calling

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Missionary Nature

Description: The concept of being "sent" is deeply rooted in the Bible, appearing over 800 times. This underscores God's nature as a missionary God who sends His people to fulfill His mission. Jesus Himself was sent by the Father and now sends us to continue His work. This calling is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, urging us to be active participants in God's mission. [40:38]

John 20:21 (ESV): "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's mission today, whether in your workplace, home, or community?

Day 2: The Church as an Aircraft Carrier

Description: The church should be seen as an aircraft carrier, equipping believers to take the battle of faith beyond its walls. Unlike a cruise liner or a battleship, an aircraft carrier prepares and sends out its planes to engage in battle elsewhere. This metaphor challenges us to view our role in the church as one of preparation and active engagement in the world, spreading the gospel and serving others. [43:16]

Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you equip yourself and others in your church to engage in God's mission beyond the church walls?

Day 3: Compassion Over Sympathy

Description: Jesus' ministry was marked by deep compassion for the lost and harassed, likened to sheep without a shepherd. This compassion went beyond mere sympathy, driving Him to action. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this same compassion, which compels us to act and alleviate suffering. True compassion moves us to share the gospel and meet the needs of those around us. [56:36]

Matthew 9:36 (ESV): "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of compassion today, and how can you take action to meet their needs?

Day 4: The Urgency of the Harvest

Description: Jesus highlighted the plentiful harvest and the scarcity of workers, urging us to pray for more laborers. This call to prayer is also a call to action, as we must be willing to be the answer to our own prayers. The gospel is often transmitted through personal relationships, and we are all called to share the good news with those around us, whether near or far. [58:19]

Luke 10:2 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel, and how can you begin to build a relationship with them to share the good news?

Day 5: A Call to Go

Description: The ultimate challenge is to be willing to go wherever God leads, whether it's across the street or across the world. This willingness requires a heart fully surrendered to God's will, ready to share the gospel and serve others. The call to missions is not just for a select few but for all believers, as we are all sent to be witnesses of Christ's love and salvation. [01:02:28]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Reflection: Are you willing to go wherever God leads you? What steps can you take today to prepare your heart and life for this calling?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound calling of being sent by God, emphasizing that we are all missionaries in our own right. Reflecting on personal experiences and biblical teachings, we delved into the importance of missions and the role of the church in spreading the gospel. The journey began with a recount of personal missionary work in Rwanda and Liberia, highlighting the transformative power of God's calling. We discussed the metaphor of the church as an aircraft carrier, equipping believers to take the battle of faith beyond the church walls. This imagery underscores the necessity of active participation in God's mission, not just within the church but in the world at large.

We examined the biblical foundation of being sent, noting that the word "sent" appears over 800 times in the Bible, illustrating God's missionary nature. Jesus' own ministry was a testament to this, as He went to towns and villages, prioritizing people over buildings and traditions. His compassion for the lost and harassed, likened to sheep without a shepherd, calls us to act with the same compassion and urgency.

The sermon also touched on the practical aspects of missions, such as the need for medical and educational support in impoverished regions, but emphasized that the greatest need is spiritual. The story of the Rwandan genocide served as a stark reminder of the world's need for a heart change, which only God can provide.

Finally, we were challenged to pray for more workers to be sent into the harvest and to be willing to be the answer to that prayer ourselves. The call to action was clear: wherever God leads, we must be ready to go, whether it's across the street or across the world.

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Key Takeaways

1. God's Missionary Nature: The concept of being "sent" is deeply rooted in the Bible, appearing over 800 times. This underscores God's nature as a missionary God who sends His people to fulfill His mission. Jesus Himself was sent by the Father and now sends us to continue His work. This calling is not limited to a select few but extends to all believers, urging us to be active participants in God's mission. [40:38]
2. The Church as an Aircraft Carrier: The church should be seen as an aircraft carrier, equipping believers to take the battle of faith beyond its walls. Unlike a cruise liner or a battleship, an aircraft carrier prepares and sends out its planes to engage in battle elsewhere. This metaphor challenges us to view our role in the church as one of preparation and active engagement in the world, spreading the gospel and serving others. [43:16]
3. Compassion Over Sympathy: Jesus' ministry was marked by deep compassion for the lost and harassed, likened to sheep without a shepherd. This compassion went beyond mere sympathy, driving Him to action. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this same compassion, which compels us to act and alleviate suffering. True compassion moves us to share the gospel and meet the needs of those around us. [56:36]
4. The Urgency of the Harvest: Jesus highlighted the plentiful harvest and the scarcity of workers, urging us to pray for more laborers. This call to prayer is also a call to action, as we must be willing to be the answer to our own prayers. The gospel is often transmitted through personal relationships, and we are all called to share the good news with those around us, whether near or far. [58:19]
5. A Call to Go: The ultimate challenge is to be willing to go wherever God leads, whether it's across the street or across the world. This willingness requires a heart fully surrendered to God's will, ready to share the gospel and serve others. The call to missions is not just for a select few but for all believers, as we are all sent to be witnesses of Christ's love and salvation. [01:02:28]
### [62:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:37] - Resting in God's Abundance
[33:30] - Blessing the Children
[34:22] - Missionary Journey Begins
[35:33] - Southern Baptist Contributions
[36:10] - Discovering God's Call
[37:21] - The Journeyman Program
[38:10] - Teaching in Liberia
[39:02] - Meeting Kitty and Marriage
[39:54] - God's Missionary Nature
[40:38] - Sent by God
[41:27] - The Church's Role
[42:27] - Metaphors for the Church
[43:16] - Aircraft Carrier Church
[44:07] - The State of the Church
[45:25] - Reading from Matthew
[46:16] - Jesus' Priority: People
[46:56] - The Good News
[47:42] - The Gospel Explained
[48:31] - The Man on the Middle Cross
[49:34] - Salvation for All
[50:06] - Missionary Support
[51:03] - Healing and Helping
[52:59] - Medical Missions
[54:10] - The Need for Heart Change
[55:01] - Compassion in Action
[56:36] - Compassion vs. Sympathy
[57:36] - Sending Missionaries
[58:19] - The Plentiful Harvest
[59:04] - Personal Evangelism
[59:53] - Beautiful Feet of the Gospel
[60:50] - Praying for Workers
[61:25] - Answering the Call
[62:28] - Wherever He Leads, I'll Go
[69:04] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV) — > "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"

2. Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
> "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

3. Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
> "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"

Observation Questions

What did Jesus do as He went through the towns and villages according to Matthew 9:35-38?
How did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds, and what did He compare them to? ([46:16])
What was Isaiah's response when he heard the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send?" (Isaiah 6:8)
According to Romans 10:14-15, what is necessary for people to believe in the gospel?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus described the people as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd"? ([46:16])
What does the metaphor of the church as an aircraft carrier suggest about the role of believers in the world? ([43:16])
How does the story of the Rwandan genocide illustrate the need for a heart change that only God can provide? ([54:10])
What does it mean to have "beautiful feet" in the context of Romans 10:14-15, and how does this relate to the call to missions?

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt "harassed and helpless." How did you find comfort, and how can you offer that same comfort to others in need? ([46:16])
The sermon emphasized the importance of compassion over mere sympathy. How can you move from feeling sympathy to taking compassionate action in your community? ([56:36])
The metaphor of the church as an aircraft carrier challenges us to be equipped and sent out. What steps can you take to prepare yourself for active engagement in God's mission? ([43:16])
Jesus highlighted the urgency of the harvest and the need for more workers. How can you be an answer to the prayer for more laborers in the harvest field? ([58:19])
The call to go wherever God leads can be daunting. What fears or obstacles do you face in responding to this call, and how can you overcome them? ([01:02:28])
Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with them?
How can you support missions, both locally and globally, through prayer, financial support, or personal involvement? ([50:06])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We don't always get it right as Southern Baptists but we get a lot of things right we're still feeding the hungry we're still helping with those who are displaced in Ukraine and Gaza we are sending in millions of dollars to help those who are hurting we are preaching the gospel in 185 countries we're getting it right in many ways and I'm glad to be a part of a people who see that as a priority." [35:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Christianity is not exclusive. It is all inclusive. I've heard people say. Well Christianity is exclusive. Because you know it's exclusive. Like a club. The Bible says that all who call on the next Lord will be saved. Everyone who calls on the next Lord will be saved. Everyone. No exception." [50:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The gospel came to you and me. It's a way to someone else. Isn't that a beautiful statement? The gospel came to you and to me. Well, it's a way to someone else. Well, it's a way to our children and our grandchildren. Well, it's a way to Africa. Well, it's a way to the neighbors across the street. Well, it's a way to the people we associate with, our friends and colleagues." [59:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Why does God send his people outside the walls of the church? Why is God a God who sends? I'll tell you why, and you know why. Because most people are not going to come to this place. just read a reading. It was recently that 40% of Americans say they believe in God. In a recent poll. 40% of Americans say they believe in God. Only 20% go to church. 20%." [44:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God in all the towns and villages. Why did he bother to go to all the towns and the villages? Because Jesus' priority was people. God's priority is people. Not buildings. Not faith. His priority is people. And Jesus went out to the people to seek and to save that which was lost." [46:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The word sin in the Bible is a very important word. It's mentioned over 800 times. It's mentioned 100 times. 60 times, just in the Gospel of John alone. To sin or to be sent. From God sending Abraham in Genesis 12 to sending his angel in Revelation 22. Hundreds of examples portray God's mission. He's a missionary God. He's a God who sends. Jesus himself said, I am sent by the Father here to this world." [39:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Compassion will go further than sympathy. Compassion will motivate you to act and to help relieve some of that suffering. had many a missionary who has joined the International Mission Board to go full-time as a missionary after they went on a mission trip. They went on a mission trip. They got to Africa or to other places. And as they looked into the people's eyes and saw the needs, they felt a tug in their hearts of God calling them to go back to that place, to up their lives there, and share the gospel." [56:36] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus knew that the harvest would never be green unless there would be reapers, or workers, to go out into the harvest. And notice what he does here. Verse 37. Then he says to the disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord. Verse 38. Of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers. In other words, Jesus didn't say go. He said the harvest is plentiful. He didn't say go. He said pray." [58:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When Jesus saw the crowds, in verse 36, He had no passion on them. Because they were harassed and helpless. Like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus felt compassion for them. Because He knew their lot in lies. He knew that they were like sheep without a shepherd. They were harassed and helpless. They were lost. No sheep yet. No shepherd to help them navigate and maneuver the world that they lived in. And it broke Jesus' heart." [55:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The gospel is usually transmitted one person to one person. Most of us in this room this morning, we didn't come to know Christ through a film. We didn't come to know Jesus through a movie or even a book. We came to know Jesus when someone talked with us. We came to know Jesus face to face about him. Maybe it was a mother. Maybe it was your roommate in college. Maybe it was your wife." [59:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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