Urgency of Missions: Answering the Great Commission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are reminded of the importance and urgency of missions. Despite the challenges and interruptions caused by the global pandemic, our church has remained steadfast in its commitment to support missionaries and spread the gospel. As we prepare to send a team to Sri Lanka, we reflect on the significance of our mission and the biblical mandate to preach the gospel to all nations. This mission is not just a suggestion but a directive from Jesus Christ, who commanded us to make disciples of all nations.
Our church, aptly named Church for the Harvest, was founded with the purpose of reaching and discipling people for Jesus Christ. This mission has been at the core of our identity for the past 25 years. We allocate 10% of all our funds to missions, ensuring that we are continually supporting the spread of the gospel both locally and globally. This commitment is reflected in our support for various nations, including South Africa and Sri Lanka, where we have long-standing relationships with missionaries.
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus speaks about the end times and the signs that will precede His return. He emphasizes that the gospel must be preached to all nations, which in the original Greek means all ethnic groups. This means that every ethnic group must have a representation of the gospel before the end comes. This is the sign we should focus on, rather than getting caught up in predicting dates or interpreting other signs.
The urgency of missions is underscored by the fact that there are still approximately 7,400 unreached people groups in the world, with 3,000 of them having no active Christian presence. This highlights the immense need for continued missionary efforts. Our mission is not just to make converts but to make disciples, which requires providing scriptures in their native languages. There are still 1,800 languages without any scripture translation, emphasizing the need for ongoing translation efforts.
As we send our team to Sri Lanka, we are reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. We go out in this power, expecting miracles and the expansion of God's kingdom. We ask for your prayers and support as we undertake this mission, knowing that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Let us be faithful in our season and continue to support missions both locally and globally.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Mandate of Missions: Jesus' command to preach the gospel to all nations is not a suggestion but a directive. This mandate requires us to reach every ethnic group with the gospel, ensuring that all have the opportunity to hear and respond. This is the sign of the end times that we should focus on, rather than getting caught up in predicting dates or interpreting other signs. [10:12]
2. Commitment to Giving: Our church has consistently allocated 10% of all funds to missions, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the spread of the gospel both locally and globally. This financial support is a lifeline for missionaries and enables them to continue their work in reaching unreached people groups. [04:15]
3. Urgency of Translation: There are still 1,800 languages without any scripture translation, highlighting the need for ongoing translation efforts. Making disciples requires providing scriptures in their native languages, ensuring that they have access to the Word of God in a language they understand. [16:38]
4. Power of the Holy Spirit: As we go out on missions, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, which gives us the strength, ability, and power to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power enables us to expect miracles and the expansion of God's kingdom as we preach the gospel. [20:02]
5. Prayer and Support: The success of our missions depends on the prayers and support of our church community. We ask for your prayers for strength, rest, health, and protection as we undertake this mission. Your prayers are vital in holding the ropes for those who go into the mission field. [27:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - Introduction to the Sri Lanka Mission
[02:15] - Prayer for Missions
[03:03] - The Origin of Church for the Harvest
[04:15] - Commitment to Missions
[05:07] - Matthew 24:14 and the Sign of the End Times
[06:06] - The Importance of Signs
[08:03] - Misconceptions About End Times
[09:07] - The True Sign: Preaching to All Nations
[10:12] - The Greek Meaning of Nations
[11:14] - The Example of Nigeria
[12:50] - The Faithful Servant
[14:14] - The Urgency of Missions
[15:03] - Unreached People Groups
[16:38] - The Need for Scripture Translation
[18:15] - The Global Mission Field
[19:25] - The Great Commission
[20:02] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[21:20] - The Necessity of Missions
[22:35] - Call to Prayer
[23:09] - The Challenge of Missions
[24:26] - Financial Support for Missions
[25:54] - Team Introduction and Final Encouragement
[27:40] - Holding the Ropes Through Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
2. 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.'"
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 is the significance of the gospel being preached to all nations according to Matthew 24:14? How does this relate to the end times? [10:12]
2. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 define the mission of the church? What are the key components of this directive?
3. According to Acts 1:8, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the mission of spreading the gospel? How does this empower believers? [20:02]
4. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon that missionaries face today, especially in unreached people groups? [15:03]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the preaching of the gospel to all nations as a sign of the end times rather than other signs like wars or natural disasters? [10:12]
2. How does the commitment of Church for the Harvest to allocate 10% of its funds to missions reflect the biblical mandate to support global evangelism? [04:15]
3. What is the importance of translating scriptures into native languages for making disciples, and how does this align with the Great Commission? [16:38]
4. How does the power of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 1:8, manifest in the lives of missionaries and their work? Can you think of examples from the sermon that illustrate this? [20:02]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Matthew 24:14, how can you personally contribute to the mission of preaching the gospel to all nations? Are there specific actions you can take within your community or globally? [10:12]
2. Church for the Harvest allocates 10% of its funds to missions. How can you apply this principle of financial commitment to support missions in your own life? What percentage of your income could you dedicate to this cause? [04:15]
3. Considering the need for scripture translation, how can you support efforts to provide Bibles in native languages? Are there organizations you can partner with or donate to? [16:38]
4. The sermon emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit in missions. How can you seek and rely on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life and ministry? Are there specific areas where you need His strength and guidance? [20:02]
5. The success of missions depends on prayer and support from the church community. How can you commit to praying for missionaries regularly? Can you set aside specific times or join a prayer group dedicated to this purpose? [27:40]
6. The sermon mentioned the urgency of missions due to the large number of unreached people groups. How does this urgency affect your perspective on evangelism and discipleship? What steps can you take to be more proactive in sharing your faith? [15:03]
7. Reflect on the statement, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37-38). How can you encourage and support others in your church to get involved in missions? Are there specific ways you can mentor or inspire someone to participate in local or global missions? [17:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Mandate of Missions
Jesus' command to preach the gospel to all nations is not a suggestion but a directive. This mandate requires us to reach every ethnic group with the gospel, ensuring that all have the opportunity to hear and respond. This is the sign of the end times that we should focus on, rather than getting caught up in predicting dates or interpreting other signs. [10:12]
In Matthew 24:14, Jesus emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel to all nations, which in the original Greek means all ethnic groups. This directive is not optional but a clear command from Jesus Christ. The urgency of this mission is underscored by the fact that there are still approximately 7,400 unreached people groups in the world, with 3,000 of them having no active Christian presence. Our mission is to ensure that every ethnic group has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in this mission. This means not only supporting missionaries financially but also praying for them and, if possible, going out into the mission field ourselves. The end times will be marked by the gospel being preached to all nations, and we have a role to play in fulfilling this prophecy. Let us be diligent in our efforts to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 24:14 (ESV): "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the mission to preach the gospel to all nations? Is there a specific ethnic group or region that God is placing on your heart to pray for or support?
Day 2: Commitment to Giving
Our church has consistently allocated 10% of all funds to missions, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the spread of the gospel both locally and globally. This financial support is a lifeline for missionaries and enables them to continue their work in reaching unreached people groups. [04:15]
Church for the Harvest has been dedicated to missions for the past 25 years, allocating 10% of all funds to support missionaries and the spread of the gospel. This financial commitment is crucial for the sustainability of missionary efforts, especially in regions where there is little to no Christian presence. By consistently giving, we ensure that missionaries have the resources they need to continue their work and reach unreached people groups.
Our financial support is not just about money; it is about investing in the kingdom of God. When we give, we are partnering with missionaries in their efforts to spread the gospel and make disciples. This partnership is vital for the success of missions, as it provides the necessary resources for translation efforts, evangelism, and discipleship programs. Let us continue to be faithful in our giving, knowing that our contributions are making a significant impact in the lives of people around the world.
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in your giving to support missions? Is there a specific missionary or mission organization that you feel led to support financially?
Day 3: Urgency of Translation
There are still 1,800 languages without any scripture translation, highlighting the need for ongoing translation efforts. Making disciples requires providing scriptures in their native languages, ensuring that they have access to the Word of God in a language they understand. [16:38]
One of the critical aspects of making disciples is ensuring that people have access to the Word of God in their native languages. Currently, there are 1,800 languages without any scripture translation, which means that millions of people do not have access to the Bible in a language they can understand. This highlights the immense need for ongoing translation efforts to ensure that every ethnic group has access to the scriptures.
Translation efforts are not just about converting words from one language to another; they are about making the gospel accessible and understandable to people from different cultural backgrounds. By providing scriptures in their native languages, we are enabling people to engage with the Word of God in a meaningful way. This is a crucial step in making disciples, as it allows people to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word. Let us pray for and support translation efforts, knowing that they are essential for the spread of the gospel.
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And 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 preach the good news!'"
Reflection: How can you support scripture translation efforts? Is there a specific language or people group that you feel led to pray for or support in their need for scripture translation?
Day 4: Power of the Holy Spirit
As we go out on missions, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, which gives us the strength, ability, and power to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power enables us to expect miracles and the expansion of God's kingdom as we preach the gospel. [20:02]
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering us for missions. As we go out to preach the gospel, it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the strength, ability, and power to be effective witnesses. This empowerment is not just for the apostles or early church leaders but for all believers who are called to participate in the Great Commission. The Holy Spirit enables us to expect miracles and the expansion of God's kingdom as we preach the gospel.
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are not going out in our own strength but in the power of God. This means that we can expect to see lives transformed, hearts softened, and miracles happen as we share the gospel. The Holy Spirit equips us with the boldness and wisdom needed to navigate the challenges of missions and to be effective witnesses for Christ. Let us continually seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we go out to fulfill the Great Commission.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your daily life and in your efforts to share the gospel? Are there specific areas where you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment and guidance?
Day 5: Prayer and Support
The success of our missions depends on the prayers and support of our church community. We ask for your prayers for strength, rest, health, and protection as we undertake this mission. Your prayers are vital in holding the ropes for those who go into the mission field. [27:40]
Prayer is a vital component of the success of missions. As a church community, our prayers provide the spiritual support needed for missionaries to carry out their work effectively. We are called to pray for their strength, rest, health, and protection as they go into the mission field. Our prayers are like holding the ropes for those who are on the front lines, ensuring that they have the support they need to continue their work.
In addition to prayer, our support can come in various forms, such as financial contributions, encouragement, and practical assistance. By supporting missionaries in these ways, we are partnering with them in their efforts to spread the gospel and make disciples. Let us be faithful in our prayers and support, knowing that our contributions are making a significant impact in the lives of people around the world.
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in your prayers for missionaries? Is there a specific missionary or mission team that you feel led to pray for and support in their efforts?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We thank God for the freedoms in our nation, but also what he's doing in and through the world globally. Amen? So I just want to take a moment here, actually, really briefly, and talk about the Y missions, and a call to missions, and I'm going to pray. Father, we thank you for this morning." [02:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Harvest, Church for the Harvest is for the harvest. And the name came, actually, around 4 a.m., while we were driving somewhere in Ukraine, back in 19... late 1990s. And I said, you know what? God's called me to start a church. It has to be for something. What is the church for? And that's what I kept saying, because this is 4 a.m., and Peter Mel's eating sunflower seeds, and they're just listening. And I just said, it's for something. It has to be. And what came to me is the church should be for the harvest. So here we are today, 25 years later." [03:03] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The sign, the sign to me, when the things will happen is, the accomplishment on this mandate. Go into all the world. Have a representation. Am I speaking to anybody? So can we pull up one of those, the slide, the first slide about the country of Nigeria. So this is Nigeria. Actually by 2050, they believe Nigeria would be the third largest country in the world, globally." [10:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom is starting to expand rapidly. And God gave me a word back in 2002. I was speaking in a conference. And this word dropped to me. And it was this, that the minority of Christians will someday be the majority in that nation. Can you say amen to that? And it may be when I'm 86. If I'm still alive, I don't know. But the minority will be the majority someday. And God has opened that up." [23:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Great Commission in Matthew 28, then Jesus said, came to them, 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 the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you and I am with you always to the end of the age. This, it isn't just a suggestion. This is a mandate. This is a directive. And I feel passionate about that. That we need to go into all the world." [20:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And for the 14th Sunday service, we'll have the team, Lord willing, share and give an update. But remember to stay connected. Social media, we'll keep you posted on the outreaches and ministry. There's an evangelistic crusade. On July 4th, so when you're eating that hot dog, come on, somebody, or you're tanning somewhere, you need to remember that night, 10 1⁄2 hours ahead, we have an evangelistic crusade, and souls will be coming to Christ." [01:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So whatever it takes. But missions is at the foundation of Church for the Harvest. Every dime that comes in, every penny that comes to this church, 10% is allocated in a separate account for missions. Did you hear that? Just, you know, always, 10%. And that missions account grows, and then at times that it drops down greatly, like this time, for this trip to go on. But we are constantly sending out funds in support on a monthly basis, reaching the nations God has put on our heart." [04:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so we see now just in this one country all these ethnic groups. And Jesus said the blessing rests upon those that are nourishing and guiding and giving the church. I believe spiritual milk, strong meat, solid food, what they need. And I really believe that this is the sign. The sign is the mandate to go into all the world to be a witness where you're at. And I know that doesn't sound exciting. We could bring a prophetic person in here and they have signs of all these beasts and wild animals and real scary things. And you go, wow, that's so exciting." [14:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Today in 2024, 3.2 billion people, representing around 41% of the global population, are part of unreached people groups. Did you hear that? That many, still, still. And let me just interject about unreached. Not just to make a convert, and I'm all for that. I'm really passionate about souls, people coming to Christ. But Jesus said we got to make disciples. Did you hear that? Disciples. What does that mean?" [16:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so the challenge here this morning as I conclude, I want like the team to come up, maybe just gather up front here. There's nine on the team that's going. If they're all on the team, you can go up. I know Caitlyn's here. And Caleb and Madeline and Liz is here. And Angie. And some have gone. And yes, wow. And some, this is their first time. And Angie's excited. This is Angie's first time. I remember we went with Caleb and we were driving in the Trishaws from the hotel or someplace. And Caleb was like, is everybody all right with this because this sounds, this looks crazy." [25:54] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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