The calling of Missionaries in the Local Church.

The goal set. (Matt 28:16-20 ; Acts 1:4-8).

Expo of Matt 28:16-20; Acts 1:4-8.

Matthew 28:16–20 CSB

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The goal of Churches have been clearly defined for them by our Lord Jesus. If we look at this particular set of scriptures we find that Jesus gave us an active mission. This is commanded as “Go”. This is a command that puts action to every command that follows. And when giving the command to “Go” one naturally asks “where?”. The answer is found in the next command Matt 28 19 “19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations;”. The command states that we are to make disciples in every nation. That requires we “GO” to every nation. There is not a place we cannot nor should not share the message of the Gospel and make disciples.

Application

Thus, the application is clear. There is a responsibility for every local New Testament Church to send a man to reach those people with the Gospel. This is not a suggestion made by our Lord but an imperative command to be adhered to.

The call Issued, (Acts 13:1-4).

Expo Acts 13:1-3

Acts 13:1–3 CSB

1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

Here we see that Luke shows specifically a call of individuals in a local Church to go and do the work of the Lord that He had prepared for them. God called a team of men to go forth sharing the Gospel. When seeing the call the church there at Antioch fasts, prays, and lays hands on the pair before sending them out to do the Work God called them to. Here was a Church willing to take a step of faith when called to to send these men as the Spirit led to make known Jesus those they would come across. There is nothing ever done by mistake when it comes to the Lord. Especially when he issues a call for missionaries

Application.

We must remember that true New Testament Churches are also given this call and must send men to the field to be Christ’s witnesses. This is our duty and privilege there is nothing more precious to the Christian than his Lord’s message! And so now we must put our Faith where our mouth is. Let’s send men as God calls. Let’s pray that he calls more missionaries like Paul and Barnabas. There is nothing worth doing more than sending these men out!

The method shown, (Acts 14:21-28)

Expo of Acts 14:21-28

Acts 14:21–28 CSB

21 After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 After they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a considerable time with the disciples.

Here we see that same duo of missionaries doing what they had been called to do. They went out sharing the Gospel in synagogues then to the gentiles wherever they went. Then coming back to establish pastors in the congregations of those assemblies. This gives to us the example of God’s model for missions. A pair of missionaries sent to a place to first evangelize, second to baptize and lastly to form an assembly (church). There is beauty to be found in God’s harmonious plans. How these men came to a vastly different people who all would have had different life experiences come together to form a community based on their redemption and freedom in Christ gives one more than ample cause for rejoicing!

Application.

In this final point I wish to encourage our churches to fulfill the call of God in the methods he has shown us! We mustn’t be bogged down by fear of the unknown or stubborn complacency. Rather we should seek for men called to the field that we may send them and see the lost saved, churches planted, and the will of our Lord done!

Conclusion:

Will you (church to whom this is spoken) follow the Example put before you by Scripture? Will you see the Goal set in your church? Will you recognize the Call given? Will you use the Method that’s been modeled for you? Today is the day to serve the Lord, use it!