WHY WE DO MISSIONS
Why missions?
Matthew 28:18-20- Prior to Jesus ascending to heaven, he gave his disciples a commandment, one specific assignment, to make disciples of all nations. Think about this for a moment. Jesus did not give a laundry list of things to do. Instead, he gave them one task- to make disciples of all nations. Praise God, they obeyed his commandment and as a result the gospel has reached even Argyle, Texas! Many people think of missions as a calling for a select few, when in reality, it is the primary commandment of Christ for the church as a whole. While there are many other ministries in the church, the central purpose of each of them is to make disciples.
Why go somewhere else when there are people lost right here?
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s heart has always been for every tribe, tongue and nation to know Him. Genesis 22:15, 1 Chronicles 16:24, Psalm 22:27-28, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 67:1-2, Psalm 96:2-3, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Revelation 7:9.
Rather than thinking of missions as here OR there; think here AND there…. as far in the world God will allow us to reach. We do not neglect needs locally at the expense of those of foreign nations. Rather, we seek to reach those locally and those far away.
Are we all supposed to go overseas?
While we are all responsible for making disciples- not every person is able to uproot from their current life and go to a foreign country. Although all cannot physically go, we can all participate in missions by sending and supporting missionaries.
In Romans 10:14-15- Paul speaks of those who have never heard the gospel and asks the reader, “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent?” In 2 Corinthians 11:7-8- Paul explains to the Corinthian church that he was able to preach the gospel to them free of charge because of the support he was receiving from other churches. The apostle John encouraged the local church to support missionaries, so that we (the local church body) may by “fellow workers” with them in the truth.
How can I be involved in foreign missions if I cannot go on a trip?
Pray, Give, Go, Send, Welcome
There is an end goal!
Matthew 24:14- Jesus makes it clear that his return hinges upon the gospel reaching the entire world. This verse should help provide framework for Christ’s disciple making commandment. He intends it to be completed!
