Missions to Judea

St. Patrick’s Story

For those who may not have heard, St. Patrick did not start a movement of wearing green, or of excess drinking, or partying.

St. Patrick was a missionary.

On Missions month, it is fitting that we talk about this missionary.

St. Patrick is credited for

leading many in Ireland to Jesus.

using shamrocks to teach the concept of the Trinity.

Beginning the first church in Ireland.

But he did not start there and he was not from Ireland, or even Irish.

Patrick was from Scotland. His Father was a town councilor and his Grandfather was a priest.

Patrick did not care much for the things of God as a kid

When he was 14, he was kidnapped during a raid of Irish pirates.

He was forced to tend sheep for a clan Chief

Patrick found himself doing a lot of praying.

When he was 20, he had a dream of escaping and successfully returned to Scotland.

Through his experiences, Patrick was led to become a priest. Of all places, God called Patrick to return to Ireland.

He replaced the priest of that area who had not been very successful, and decided to share the love of God with those he knew. His former master was one of the first to accept Jesus as his savior.

Why do I share this story with you, besides Friday being St. Patrick’s day?

Let’s go to Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 NKJV

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 RVR60

8 pero recibiréis poder, cuando haya venido sobre vosotros el Espíritu Santo, y me seréis testigos en Jerusalén, en toda Judea, en Samaria, y hasta lo último de la tierra.

We see the disciples were told by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit, and when they received the Holy Spirit, they would receive power.

The result of this experience is that people will hear your testimony and put their faith in Jesus too.

We all have different stories -

All different things that led us to this place.

All of these experiences, both good and bad, are opportunities God uses to empower us for His Kingdom.

We are talking about Missions in Judea and all Samaria. Last week was missions with those we have contact with. Today, we are looking at reaching further, beyond our normal interactions.

What about people you don’t like?

What about people who don’t like you?

What about people who hurt you? who used you? who knew better but still caused you harm?

Does God call us to be witnesses to them too?

NOTE: This is something that must be done in prayer and with Godly counsel.

1. Pray for them - Orar por ellos

Luke 6:27–28 NKJV

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

Luke 6:27–28 RVR60

27 Pero a vosotros los que oís, os digo: Amad a vuestros enemigos, haced bien a los que os aborrecen; 28 bendecid a los que os maldicen, y orad por los que os calumnian.

2. Forgive them - Perdónalos

When we forgive those who have hurt us, we free ourselves from the bondage of bitterness. We open an avenue for healing.

Forgiveness is not:

Excusing their actions

Permitting them to repeat their actions

Forgetting what they did

Saying that the relationship has to go back to what it was

Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 RVR60

32 Antes sed benignos unos con otros, misericordiosos, perdonándoos unos a otros, como Dios también os perdonó a vosotros en Cristo.

Forgiveness allows you to remain tenderhearted and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Unforgiveness makes us bitter and hard hearted. This hinders our testimony of the goodness of Jesus.

We still deserve hell.

3. Be an Example - Ser un ejemplo

Titus 2:6–8 NKJV

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Titus 2:6–8 RVR60

6 Exhorta asimismo a los jóvenes a que sean prudentes; 7 presentándote tú en todo como ejemplo de buenas obras; en la enseñanza mostrando integridad, seriedad, 8 palabra sana e irreprochable, de modo que el adversario se avergüence, y no tenga nada malo que decir de vosotros.

Pray for healing, Pray for those who hurt us, Pray for our testimony to shine in the midst of it.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 RVR60

16 Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

Let’s pray