Urgent Call to Share the Gospel Now
Summary
### Summary
Thank you, church, for your prayers and support during our recent mission trip to Sri Lanka. This trip was one of the most exciting and powerful experiences we've had, marking our 15th visit to the nation. We have developed deep relationships with the local pastors and their families, whom we support monthly. Our mission was not just about work; we also had moments to relax and enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka. However, the core of our trip was to preach the gospel and witness the harvest fields that are ripe for salvation.
We revisited Matthew 24, emphasizing the importance of preaching the gospel to all nations. Jesus' words in Luke 10:1-2 remind us that the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. We must pray for more workers and be willing to go ourselves. The mission trip was a testament to this, as we saw many souls saved and lives transformed. Our team, despite facing challenges like exhaustion and illness, pushed through and witnessed the ripe harvest fields firsthand.
We visited various places, including a children's home, a pastor's rally, an evangelistic crusade, and a youth rally. The response was overwhelming, with many first-time visitors and new believers, including Buddhists and Hindus. The local church in Vanya, which we helped establish, continues to thrive, feeding and ministering to hundreds every Sunday. The simplicity and openness of the people to the gospel were truly inspiring.
As we reflect on this trip, we are reminded that the harvest is ripe now. People are searching and hurting, and we must be ready to go and share the gospel, whether it's across the world or across the street. Let's be inviters and watch what the Lord does through our willingness to go.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of the Gospel: The gospel must be preached to all nations, as emphasized in Matthew 24. This is not just a future task but a present urgency. We must be aware of the signs of the times but hold our interpretations loosely, focusing instead on the clear command to spread the good news. [01:56]
2. The Abundance of the Harvest: Jesus said the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). This calls for a prayerful response to send out more workers. Often, when we pray for workers, we find ourselves being sent. The mission field is not just overseas but also in our local communities. [03:53]
3. Revival is Now: Revival is not something we wait for; it is happening now. Jesus said the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35). We must raise our eyes and see the opportunities around us. People are getting saved and delivered now, and we must continue to go and share the gospel. [04:36]
4. The Power of Invitation: The mission trip showed the power of invitation. Many first-time visitors came to the events, and several were saved. This simple act of inviting someone can have a profound impact. Let's be bold in inviting others to church and sharing the gospel with them. [07:12]
5. The Call to Go: Going on a mission trip or reaching out locally both fulfill the Great Commission. It could mean praying for a coworker or sharing the gospel with a neighbor. The key is to be willing to go and be used by God. The harvest is ripe, and we must be ready to go wherever God leads us. [38:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Mission Trip Overview
[01:56] - The Urgency of the Gospel
[02:36] - The Abundance of the Harvest
[03:15] - The Great Commission
[03:53] - The Harvest is Abundant
[04:36] - Revival is Now
[05:07] - Success of the Mission Trip
[05:42] - Children's Home Visit
[06:38] - Evangelistic Crusade
[07:12] - Power of Invitation
[08:02] - Thriving Church in Vanya
[08:41] - Fun and Challenges
[09:12] - Team Reflections
[09:47] - Thanking the Team
[10:20] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[37:51] - Future Mission Opportunities
[38:48] - The Call to Go
[39:20] - Be Inviters
[40:07] - Prayer for Salvation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:14 (NIV) - "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. Luke 10:2 (NIV) - "He told them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
3. John 4:35 (NIV) - "Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 24:14, what must happen before the end will come? How does this relate to the urgency of preaching the gospel? [01:56]
2. In Luke 10:2, what does Jesus say about the harvest and the workers? How does this verse emphasize the need for more workers? [03:53]
3. What does Jesus mean in John 4:35 when He says the fields are "white for harvest"? How does this relate to the concept of revival happening now? [04:36]
4. What were some of the key activities and events that took place during the mission trip to Sri Lanka? [06:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the urgency of preaching the gospel to all nations as described in Matthew 24:14? How does this urgency impact our daily lives and priorities? [01:56]
2. How can we interpret Jesus' statement in Luke 10:2 about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few? What does this imply about our role in God's mission? [03:53]
3. What does it mean to say that "revival is now" as mentioned in John 4:35? How can we recognize and participate in the current opportunities for sharing the gospel? [04:36]
4. The sermon mentioned the power of invitation. How does inviting someone to church or a gospel event impact their spiritual journey? [07:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the urgency of the gospel. How can you prioritize sharing the gospel in your daily life? Are there specific people or groups you feel called to reach out to? [01:56]
2. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. How can you become a worker in God's harvest field? What steps can you take to be more involved in mission work, either locally or globally? [03:53]
3. Revival is happening now. How can you open your eyes to see the opportunities for sharing the gospel around you? What practical steps can you take to be more aware and responsive to these opportunities? [04:36]
4. The mission trip highlighted the power of invitation. Think of someone you can invite to church or a gospel event. How will you approach them, and what will you say to make them feel welcome? [07:12]
5. The call to go can mean different things for different people. What does "going" look like for you in your current context? Is it praying for a coworker, sharing the gospel with a neighbor, or something else? [38:48]
6. Reflect on the challenges faced by the mission team, such as exhaustion and illness. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and physically for the challenges that come with sharing the gospel? [05:42]
7. The local church in Vanya is thriving and making a significant impact. How can your local church be more effective in its mission? What role can you play in supporting and participating in your church's outreach efforts? [08:02]
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of the Gospel
The gospel must be preached to all nations, as emphasized in Matthew 24. This is not just a future task but a present urgency. We must be aware of the signs of the times but hold our interpretations loosely, focusing instead on the clear command to spread the good news. [01:56]
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: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel today? How can you share the good news with them in a way that is both urgent and loving?
Day 2: The Abundance of the Harvest
Jesus said the harvest is abundant, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). This calls for a prayerful response to send out more workers. Often, when we pray for workers, we find ourselves being sent. The mission field is not just overseas but also in our local communities. [03:53]
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: What local opportunities do you have to be a worker in God's harvest? How can you start engaging with these opportunities today?
Day 3: Revival is Now
Revival is not something we wait for; it is happening now. Jesus said the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35). We must raise our eyes and see the opportunities around us. People are getting saved and delivered now, and we must continue to go and share the gospel. [04:36]
John 4:35 (ESV): "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest."
Reflection: In what ways can you lift up your eyes to see the opportunities for revival around you? How can you actively participate in this revival today?
Day 4: The Power of Invitation
The mission trip showed the power of invitation. Many first-time visitors came to the events, and several were saved. This simple act of inviting someone can have a profound impact. Let's be bold in inviting others to church and sharing the gospel with them. [07:12]
Luke 14:23 (ESV): "And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.'"
Reflection: Who can you invite to church or a church event this week? How can you extend this invitation in a way that is welcoming and genuine?
Day 5: The Call to Go
Going on a mission trip or reaching out locally both fulfill the Great Commission. It could mean praying for a coworker or sharing the gospel with a neighbor. The key is to be willing to go and be used by God. The harvest is ripe, and we must be ready to go wherever God leads us. [38:48]
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: What is one specific step you can take today to answer God's call to go? How can you prepare yourself to be used by God in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "The harvest is ripe now. It's ripe now. People are searching. People are hurting. People are really in tremendous fear, especially the incident that happened in Pennsylvania. And so, when we talk. When we talk about goal, we do have a missions heart that's a passion internationally, but it doesn't always entail that. Goal may mean you walking across the aisle at work and praying for a co-worker. Goal. Goal may mean that lady you walk with in the morning or at night to exercise, maybe praying for her, sharing the gospel." [38:48] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "People will come if you invite them. And so that was amazing. Came Buddhists, Hindus were born again. And then Friday, there was a conference. This is just some of the leaders that were there, pastors that were represented in the team. And I was told by that that about between 2,500 and 3,000 Sri Lankans were represented by just that meeting with the leaders that were there, that we could speak into the lives of those in that all-day conference." [07:12] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel. Must be preached in all the world, America included. Amen. Like more than ever. But in all nations, ethnic groups, we talked about. Won't get into that. You can listen to that message. And then the end will come. And then Jesus begins to teach and talk about end times things you can look forward to. And so I hold all end times teaching loosely." [02:36] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The harvest is abundant. Somebody shout abundant. For there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation. Won't get into this. Stats. We talked about that. But the workers, those available to proclaim the message of salvation are few. Therefore, I prayerfully ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. Can I get an amen? And when usually when you pray for it, you go, you send, you send yourself, you go, he sends you." [03:53] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Revival is here now. People are getting saved. People are getting delivered. Is it on the scale that we, you know, we want to see? Well, you know, we believe it's going to continue to increase. But we continue to go. And it's ready. It's ripe. It's ripe. Yes, there are times of refreshing. But Jesus says, raise your eyes. Look up right tomorrow when you go to work. The harvest is ripe. Amen?" [05:07] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "This mission's trip was remarkably successful in the context of the kingdom of God advancing. There were many souls saved and ministered to. The team was stellar. It really was. Amazing team. Even though some of us, we battled, you know, we weren't feeling well for a few days. And can you contend with exhaustion at ten and a half hour time zone, which I'm living off three hours from last night? You know, I should be sleeping. I'm sleeping at this time. But they pushed ahead and they saw with their own eyes the ripe harvest fields." [05:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There was a pastor's rally on Wednesday that Rhonda and I, Liz and Angie went to. And there was ministry that took place. I think just at that meeting with those 20 pastors, it was told there was about 500 people represented in the nation there from out that community at Pastor G. Locke's church. Thursday, there was an evangelistic crusade. Also, there was a youth rally that the youth went to on Wednesday. Thursday was a crusade. There was a crusade. Twenty-six salvations, they told me, Pastor Kumar. Nineteen first-time visitors." [06:38] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Every Sunday, they feed everyone that comes. Every Sunday. People bring rice. People bring spices. And Heron was telling me, like this little girl right here that just shot up, beautiful little girl. He said many of them, they leave 1 o'clock in the morning to get on buses to get there in time. And they don't eat all day. This is the only meal that they're eating that day. And they line up and they feed them all and they hear the gospel. There was about a dozen or so that were saved there. And Heron kept saying, Pastor Mike, first time visiting from the village. First time. First time. About nine of them were Buddhists, came from the village, were born again." [08:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I just want to end with this as we pray. You know. There's a whole message on why you go on a missions trip, but I think that's answered by just hearing these testimonies. It's lives changed. And I love as a pastor to see the impact of a trip, no matter how difficult or challenging it is, what it does to the team. It'll mark them for the rest of their life. So, we as Harvest will be sensitive to, as we always are, outreach opportunities as they come stateside." [37:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to thank my wife, Rhonda. She planned this whole trip. And every little thing. I mean, showing up in Dubai, there was a guy standing with a sign with our names on it. It was like, okay, thank you. Brought us to the hotel. And then she wasn't feeling well. She battled through that. And then of all the luggages lost, it was hers for two days. So, she was attracted. Trooper, can we please give a hand to Rhonda? Thank you, love." [10:20] (830 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?