No Retreat...Engage!

This morning we are starting a new Series entitled ENGAGE - We live in a world where we There is always something grabbing for our attention…

engaged with technology… … we are engaged in raising families… we are engaged… in our work.... We are engaged in entertainment....

we are engaged in raising families… we are engaged… in our work.... We are engaged in entertainment....

Miriam Dictionary tell someone us that the word Engage means...

“to come into contact and interlock with <the teeth of one gear wheel engaging those of another”

It speaks of the things that we are connected too.... our commitments… we speak of engagement on terms of being betrothed or married too.

But there is call in the Bible to be engaged in God’s mission in the world..… When Jesus left his this world he left the church with the great commission in

The stakes might be higher than we think… When Jesus left his this world he left the church with the great commission in

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Never before has the stakes been so high when it comes to the Great Commission… Just this past week met with our pastors Cohort and DS Neal Brower was telling us that the Free Church for the first time is in decline… For many years Free Church had bragging rights of being a growing Church in this nation.... but no longer... this should get our attention… we went from plato-ing to decline.

Jesus left his disciples and all believers with the great commision in

Never before has the stakes been so high when it comes to the Great Commission… Just this past week met with our pastors Cohort and DS Neal Brower was telling us that the Free Church for the first time is in decline… For many years Free Church had bragging rights of being a growing Church in this nation.... but no longer... this should get our attention… we went from platoing to decline.

for many years Free Church had bragging rights of being a growing Church.... this should get our attention...

and to be honest the stakes are high… I was reading a journal entitled…Christian Mission in Europe by Peter Kuzmic.... published in 1993… and he deals with the secularization of Europe… At one Europe was the center of Christendom.. it was Christian Europe.. but since the Reformation…there has been the seculazation of Europe… Partly due to the influence of the emergence of Age of Science in 17 th and 18th Century.. 19 and 20 th Century brought the industrial revolution… since the Enlightenment…

and to be honest the stakes are high…

I was reading a journal entitled…Christian Mission in Europe by Peter Kuzmic.... published in 1993… and he deals with the secularization of Europe… At one Europe was the center of Christendom.. it was Christian Europe.. since the Reformation… 17 th and 18th Century.. the age of science and reason.. 19th and 20 th Century brought the industrial revolution… since the Enlightenment…the church in Europe has been slowly dying… News Week published an Article in March 2018 entitled… CHRISTIANITY IS A DYING RELIGION FOR MILLENNIALS IN EUROPE — So why is this important..

The church in Europe has been slowly dying… News Week published an Article in March 2018 entitled… CHRISTIANITY IS A DYING RELIGION FOR MILLENNIALS IN EUROPE —

19 and 20 th Century brought the industrial revolution… since the Enlightenment…the church in Europe has been slowly dying… News Week published an Article in March 2018 entitled… CHRISTIANITY IS A DYING RELIGION FOR MILLENNIALS IN EUROPE — So why is this important..

In 1910, over 66 percent of the world’s Christians lived in Europe, according to the Pew Research Center. In 2010, that percentage had shrunk to a little under 26 percent....

Why would looking at Europe… be of importance… first of all that Europe is the Epicenter of Christianity.... the apostle Paul.. stepped into Philippi… met with Lydia that was the moment that the Gospel came and began to spread through out Europe.

We an learn what the Process of secularization did to the impact of the church.. Problem is Christianity over time petrified… from a vibrant church of believers turned in to a church full of nominal Christians..Kuzmic says…

Themelios: Volume 18, No. 1, October 1992 The Spiritual Crisis of Europe

The process of secularization was the breeding ground of Christian nominalism, which was in turn followed by a marked shift from nominal Christianity to varying degrees of pragmatic atheism throughout Europe.

The biggest problem was when the church became Nominal… the word nominal means to take the same shape or form of something.. in other words there was no distinction!

At the Lausanne conference they broke down Christianity into four categories...

Ethnic Religious...

Second Generation nominal

Ritualistic Nominal

Syncretistic Nominal.

The church itself in Europe is a complex mission field in itself!!

We as the Church (capital C) are facing challenging times… We faced with too crises.. 1. We are facing the problem of reaching the unchurched… these are those in our neighborhoods and community that don’t see a need for Christ or for the church community… another front is that of avoid become a nation of nominal Christians…

There is this call in the scripture for the church to be Engaged in the mission of Christ mission in the world....

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

Matt 28:18-

Matthew 28:18–19 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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,

We live in a world where we are engaged with technology… … we are engaged…raising families… we are engaged… in our work ..

Life is about making priorities…

there are somethings that we need to disengage from and their other things that we need to be engaging in… There are two kingdoms that have gravitational pulls … The kingdom of this world is pulling us and and the kingdom of God is also beckoning us …One Kingdom is temporal and the other is eternal…

There are two kingdoms that opposed to each other… Both have gravitational pulls … The kingdom of this world is pulling us in one direction and and the kingdom of God is also beckoning us

Life is about making priorities…

there are somethings that we need to disengage from and their other things that we need to be engaging in… There are two kingdoms that have gravitational pulls … The kingdom of this world is pulling us and and the kingdom of God is also beckoning us …One Kingdom is temporal and the other is eternal…

There is the temptation to RE-treat…

History has been determined by people who unwilling to retreat… at the hight of the 2 War - Winston Churchill… inspired England with the words..“Never, Never Give up.”

There is the temptation in our world today to RE-treat…but God has a calling upon his Church and that instead retreating we need to be recharge and revived - Regain our sense of mission and purpose… orientation in the kingdom of God.

“Never, Never Give up.”

At the Battle of battle at Waterloo the French General Napoleon surveyed the battlefield.... The tough little general said to his drummer, “The English are standing firm. The Old Guard is making no progress. We are defeated; sound the retreat.”

Napoleon’s battle at Waterloo. Surveying the battlefield, the tough little general said to his drummer, “The English are standing firm. The Old Guard is making no progress. We are defeated; sound the retreat.”

Surveyed the battlefield, the tough little general said to his drummer, “The English are standing firm. The Old Guard is making no progress. We are defeated; sound the retreat.”

Hesitantly, the lad looked at Napoleon and protested, “Master, in all our campaigns in Europe, I have never learned to sound the retreat.” Deeply touched by the comment, Napoleon said, “All right, drummer boy, sound the advance.”

A Wesley arose, a Whitfield, a Wilberforce, and Robert Raikes who saw 300,000 coming to Sunday schools: virtually every child had a chance to hear about Jesus.

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching No Retreat

Napoleon’s battle at Waterloo. Surveying the battlefield, the tough little general said to his drummer, “The English are standing firm. The Old Guard is making no progress. We are defeated; sound the retreat.”

Hesitantly, the lad looked at Napoleon and protested, “Master, in all our campaigns in Europe, I have never learned to sound the retreat.”

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching No Retreat

Deeply touched by the comment, Napoleon said, “All right, drummer boy, sound the advance.”

1 Samuel 14:7 ESV

And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

1 Samuel 14:6–7 ESV

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

Jonathan says - we go up and show ourselves to the Philistines… if they they tell us to come up to them we will take it as a sign that the Lord has given them over to us..

Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philistines notices them climbing over the outcrop of rocks.… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake in the enemies camp...Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. In fact, he knew that if God chose to save, nothing could hinder Him.

His faith in God's strength and determination was solid God could do anything .” So Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philistines notices… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake hit the Philistine camp..

So Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philinstines notices… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake in the enemies camp..

We live in a world where we are engaged with technology… we are engaged in politics… we are engaged…raising families… we are engaged… in our work obligation… but there is this mission that beckons each of us to GO.

There is no such thing as retreat in the scriptures..

:9where it says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."

The eyes of the Lord are roaming throughout the earth. Do you believe this? Do you take Scripture literally like I do? Do you know what, right now God on his throne is literally looking around the earth and he's observing what's going on here?

God is looking for men and Woman --- who will… not retreat..

That right now God knows what's in my heart, what's in my

God calling upon the church is to be on mission… in the world… not retreating from culture but engaging the culture being MISSIONAL in our approach.. the early church as a comminity engaged the culture.. through supporting one another and encouraging one another.. they lived in such a way that their message was endorsed by the way they engaged and functioned in culture.

Christ left heavens glory and spend himself so utterly for mankind and the urges you and I to join in mission..

.It is missional, it is engaged, it is serving, it is reaching out, it is faithful, [and] it is bold. And in that way, the church does the responsibility—or performs the responsibility—of meeting its missio

Hebrews 10:23–25 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

And so we see these house churches functioning in the culture. We see the church engaged in the culture and with one another, supporting one another, encouraging one another, [and] living in such a way that their message is endorsed by how they engage and function in the culture. And in doing that, they show who they are and show what the house church in the city looks like. It is missional, it is engaged, it is serving, it is reaching out, it is faithful, [and] it is bold. And in that way, the church does the responsibility—or performs the responsibility—of meeting its missio

Rooted in the Latin mitto (meaning “to send”), missions is the half-millennium-old term signifying the sending of Jesus’ followers into his global harvest of all peoples.

A Holy Ambition: To Preach Where Christ Has Not Been Named Missions: The Worship of Jesus and the Joy of All Peoples

Rooted in the Latin mitto (meaning “to send”), missions is the half-millennium-old term signifying the sending of Jesus’ followers into his global harvest of all peoples

in , the epic-making summons called “the Great Commission.” Here Jesus’ main command “disciple all nations” follows the charge to “go”—to be sent out. Sending out and going are two sides of the same coin. Jesus and his established church send out, and those who go are “the sent ones,” or “missionaries.” So missions is the church’s sending out of missionaries (the sent ones) to pioneer the church among peoples who otherwise have no access to the gospel.

The call of God sends men and women to their neighbours and to the ends of the earth. God enables men to do impossible things because they are thrust into action by the Holy Spirit.

A Holy Ambition: To Preach Where Christ Has Not Been Named Missions: The Worship of Jesus and the Joy of All Peoples

in Matthew 28:18–20, the epic-making summons called “the Great Commission.” Here Jesus’ main command “disciple all nations” follows the charge to “go”—to be sent out. Sending out and going are two sides of the same coin. Jesus and his established church send out, and those who go are “the sent ones,” or “missionaries.” So missions is the church’s sending out of missionaries (the sent ones) to pioneer the church among peoples who otherwise have no access to the gospel.

Jeremiah said, ‘His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not’ ().

Amos said, ‘A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?’ (). Paul echoes this spirit when he claims, ‘The love of Christ compels us’ (), and again, ‘Necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!’ ().

The call of God sends men and women to their neighbours and to the ends of the earth. God enables men to do impossible things because they are thrust into action by the Holy Spirit.

inspiration

ingression

Matthew 9:35–38 ESV

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

John 4:35–36 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. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

indentation

interconnection

instruction

We told that Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages…

Have you ever considered how much time was involved? Jesus walked, or rode a slowly walking animal, everywhere he went. His available modes of transportation did not allow Jesus to rush through the towns and villages. He went slowly. He identified with them where they lived, worked, and worshipped.

Jesus connected with people. He took time with people. Jesus knew people and ministered to them personally and individually

He was is doing three things

Jesus taught in the Synagogues…

Proclaimed the Message of the Kingdom

Jesus was proclaiming the message of the Kingdom… the word kingdom means “rule, reign, authority” rather than a place or a specific realm John announced the Kingdom of God…

3. He healed diseases and afflictions

The backdrop or the motivation of his ministry is what happened when He saw the Crowd...

Righteous peace and joy Holy Spirit.... that the kingdom of God...

3. He was healing diseases and afflictions

Righteous peace and joy Holy Spirit.... that the kingdom of God...

Spiritual and Physical needs- healing diseases and afflictions…

St Francis of Assisi. The story may have become embellished over the years, but Francis confessed in his last testament that ‘sweetness of soul’ first came to him when he was confronted by a beggar with leprosy. At first, Francis spurred on his horse to get away from the beggar. Then suddenly he became overwhelmed with remorse that, ‘having turned away from his brother’s need, he was galloping away from God, who suffered in every man’s suffering’. So he turned his horse around, dismounted, and kissed the leprous beggar’s hand. Francis’s example was contagious. It is sometimes said that what people caught from him was not the disease but his care for the diseased. He went on to establish both a hospital for leprosy sufferers and a ‘company of brothers’ to look after them.

The backdrop or the motivation of his ministry is what happened when He saw the Crowd...

Jesus was moved with Compassion…

And it literally says, “He was moved with compassion.” This is more than just an intellectual or a mental compassion, knowing something was wrong. It is an emotional, literally, a physical feeling of compassion.

So this word is unique to Christ in the New Testament. It is a compassion that He had. And there is a picture here for us. The compassion of Christ is not something that comes naturally to any one of us. This is not something that we automatically have. The compassion of Christ is something that He puts in us that flows from us. It only can come from Him as the source. So I want you to see how His compassion plays out. How does His compassion affect us?

One of the reasons for not getting involved is the lack of compassion… Example the parable of the good Samaritan —

It is the same thing that we see in when Lazarus had died and He comes and He sees Mary and Martha weeping. And it says, “He was deeply moved in spirit. He was troubled and He began to weep with them.”

One of the reasons for not getting involved is the lack of compassion… Example the parable of the good Samaritan —

Jesus tells the Par

Excellence in Preaching: Studying the Craft of Leading Preachers Build Your Case around Cumulative Points

Compassion drives change: it comes from Jesus, from his heart. So, “you have God’s heart, you have the compassion of Jesus, because the Spirit of Jesus is living in you and that is all that you need to change the world.…

Luke 10:33 ESV

But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

The English root word for compassion — compas - means beat or rhythm …

Philippians 1:8 ESV

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Jesus saw people as they really were, not as they appeared to be or as they may have tried to be. Jesus saw more than faceless crowds. He saw individuals who were weary and worn out, helpless and hurting.

The English root word for compassion — compas - means beat or rhythm …

Jesus ministered to individuals. Jesus healed a paralytic, called a disciple, confronted the Pharisees and John's disciples, healed a woman, resuscitated a young girl, restored sight to a blind man, and cast a demon out of a man.

Jesus saw the crowd as a collection of individuals with specific needs requiring personal ministry. Jesus could have said, “Everybody is cured, confronted, or delivered,” and it would have been done. But he did not. He worked with people personally.”

The English root word for compassion — compas - means beat or rhythm… Compassion is a bit like music… you feel something — it inspires… it lifts you up… its emotional… Jesus wept over the spiritual condition of Jerusalem… If we are out of touch with our community and the needs around us… we will lack compassion… Hardened hearts.

Jesus saw people as they really were, not as they appeared to be or as they may have tried to be. Jesus saw more than faceless crowds. He saw individuals who were weary and worn out, helpless and hurting.

The stories in the chapter preceding this summary passage record Jesus ministering to individuals. Jesus healed a paralytic, called a disciple, confronted the Pharisees and John's disciples, healed a woman, resuscitated a young girl, restored sight to a blind man, and cast a demon out of a man. Jesus saw the crowd as a collection of individuals with specific needs requiring personal ministry. Jesus could have said, “Everybody is cured, confronted, or delivered,” and it would have been done. But he did not. He worked with people personally.

Jesus lived with compassion… in the first century those who had leprosy were considered the untouchables… One day a leper came to Jesus asking him for healing

Mark 1:40-42

Mark 1:40–42 ESV

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

ark 1:40-42

Jesus looked at the crowd through the lense of Compassion… He saw some felt needs..

people were Harassed

This means people were afflicted and troubled… there were concerns… When you look around you… do you see people looking afflicted… beaten down… Harassed… short tempered… stressed… diseased...

People were helpless

This is an interesting word it means to be Rejected.. is to be conceived as being thrown away… to lack in value…

People were lost

There is no pastor or shepherd in their lives… no one who cared for their souls or offered guidance… in a sense they had no direction…

Pray that the Lord of the Harvest … sends… or thrusts out workers into the field.. It can also refer to those who are already in the field to be set on fire.... for the Gospel… Why is prayer essential to mission...

Jesus

when we pray as He commanded, we will see what He saw, feel what He felt, and do what He did. God will multiply our lives as we share in the great harvest that is already ripe

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Seven: The King’s Power (Matthew 8–9)

when we pray as He commanded, we will see what He saw, feel what He felt, and do what He did. God will multiply our lives as we share in the great harvest that is already ripe

English Standard Version Chapter 4

34 Jesus [said] to them, “My food [is] to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 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

Jesus looks around and there is no Shortage of Needs… Jesus is moved by compassion and the He organizes the 12 those in his inner circle to go on a trainee mission.

— The Potential for a Harvest is always present… the issue is laborers

--- We need to be Moved to Prayer

Excellence in Preaching: Studying the Craft of Leading Preachers Build Your Case around Cumulative Points

Compassion drives change: it comes from Jesus, from his heart. So, “you have God’s heart, you have the compassion of Jesus, because the Spirit of Jesus is living in you and that is all that you need to change the world.…

John 4:35–36 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. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

Urgency of the Deliveary of the Message.

John 4:35–36 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. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

illustration

St Francis of Assisi. Francis confessed in his last testament that ‘sweetness of soul’ first came to him when he was confronted by a beggar with leprosy. At first, Francis spurred on his horse to get away from the beggar. Then suddenly he became overwhelmed with remorse that, ‘having turned away from his brother’s need, he was galloping away from God, who suffered in every man’s suffering’. So he turned his horse around, dismounted, and kissed the leprous beggar’s hand. Francis’s example was contagious. It is sometimes said that what people caught from him was not the disease but his care for the diseased. He went on to establish both a hospital for leprosy sufferers and a ‘company of brothers’ to look after them.

Be A People Person Chapter 2: What Draws Others to Me?

Someone once asked Perle Mesta, the greatest Washington hostess since Dolley Madison, the secret of her success in getting so many rich and famous people to attend her parties. “It’s all in the greetings and good-byes,” she claimed. As each guest arrived she met him or her with, “At last you’re here!” As each left she expressed her regrets with, “I’m sorry you have to leave so soon!”

At any gathering you will find two types of people—those who arrive with an attitude of “Here I am!” and those who possess an attitude of “There you are!” It doesn’t take long to notice that people flock to the “There you are!” people.

Matthew 9:32–35 ESV

As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

implementation

Jesus shifts the metaphor here from a flock to a field… He envisions a vast crop grain in need of harvesters…

He says the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few… The fields are white unto harvest… One of my favorite time around here is Harvest time… The fields are golden.... and all the toil and labor is now rewarded.... Jesus is saying it’s always harvest time in the Kingdom of God...

Pray that the Lord of the Harvest … sends… or thrusts out workers into the field.. It can also refer to those who are already in the field to be set on fire.... for the Gospel… Why is prayer essential to mission?

My Utmost for His Highest October 16th—The Key to the Master’s Orders

The key to the missionary problem is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer,

Pray that the Lord of the Harvest … sends… or thrusts out workers into the field.. It can also refer to those who are already in the field to be set on fire.... for the Gospel… Why is prayer essential to mission?

The reason prayer is key is because Prayer transformational.. it changes us…changes our heart… it changes our attitudes towards others.... prayer aligns our will with the will God.. Prayer is the way we feel the pulse of God… get to hear his heart beat for others..

The key to the missionary problem is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer,

The reason prayer is key is because Prayer transformational.. it changes us…changes our heart… it changes our attitdudes towards others.... prayer aligns our will with the will God.. Prayer is the way we feel the pulse of God… get to hear his heart beat for others..

Oswald Chambers said, “The key to the missionary problem is in the hand of God, and that key is prayer.... Pray to the Lord of the Harvest and will engineer circumstances and thrust you out.”

Prayer is transformational.. it changes us… prayer aligns our will with the will God.. Prayer is the way we feel the pulse of God… get to hear his heart beat for others.. When we pray

When we pray we will see what He saw, feel what He felt, and do what He did.

we will see what He saw, feel what He felt, and do what He did.

Jesus said that it was

English Standard Version Chapter 4

34 Jesus [said] to them, “My food [is] to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 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

ingression - The Harvest is tied to the proclaimation of the message of the Kingdom of God… Jesus proclaimed or publish the message of Salvation..

In Paul deals with the relationship between the orientation around the law to the Salvation that is through Christ... New orientation is no longer through following the law... we are declare or made righteous through faith rather than by works... The word used to be at a distant has been made near... that now the word faith is near

Romans 10:9 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

that if we confess with mouth and believe in our hearts that Jesus rose from the dead will be saved...

This is the new message of the new community of Faith in the early Church... Our language has been changed works righteousness... Faith and grace... Simply the Gospel can received by confessing and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ...

Romans 10:10–15 ESV

10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 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? 15 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!”

Romans 10:13–15 ESV

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 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!”

You have been appointed..

John 15:16–17 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Matthew 28:18 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

interconnection

Mat 9:32-

instruction

that if we confess with mouth and believe in our hearts that Jesus rose from the dead will be saved...

This is the new message of the new community of Faith in the early Church... Our language has been changed works righteousness... Faith and grace... Simply the Gospel can received by confessing and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ... Paul makes the pronouncement..

There is simplicity in receiving Christ… that even young Children can understand and embrace this message.. It’s accessible to everyone…every tongue and nation…

The message is simply received by faith… confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing that Christ rose from the dead…

at the same time their are huge

because we have justified by faith… declared Righteous.... Adoption papers have been signed…

So in one sense it’s simple on the there is depth and complexity… Salvation has many facets… and beauty… there is tranferance from kingdom to another… there is regeneration… being made alive in Christ.... legally we have acquitted and justified by faith…We have been grafted in and the adopted into the family… we have new citizenship.... There is depth and simplicity..

You have simple message… but you still need someone to Herald the message…

How will those who have never heard the gospel call upon then name of Jesus… How can they hear the message without some preaching....

The Greek word translated someone preaching describes a herald or an announcer who runs ahead of a king and proclaims what the king wishes others to know preaching means publishing… making Christ known…

preaching means publishing… making Christ known…

it is not limited to proclaiming from the pulpit.. Our mission is to know Christ and Make him known… Each us caries this message of grace...

Carrying God’s gracious offer involves human beings whom God has brought to Himself and then uses as His heralds

publishing… making Christ known… Our mission is to know Christ and Make him known…

Our mission is to know Christ and Make him known…

Carrying God’s gracious offer involves human beings whom God has brought to Himself and then uses as His heralds

How can they go if the are not Sent…

This is where the ministry of the Church is crucial…

What we do here on Sundays is not the game… When we gather together… it is the huddle… We come together for mutual encouragement.. equipping… and training in godliness.... but the actual game is out there....

but the actual living out of faith is everyday…

The church is the sending agency… Here.... is the big question ‹→ how →› are they to preach unless ‹☉ they are sent? ☉›

15aAnd ‹→ how →› are they to preach unless ‹☉ they are sent? ☉›

English Standard Version Chapter 10

15aQuestionAnd ‹→ how →› are they to preach unless ‹☉ they are sent? ☉›

This is the priesthood of all believers that each of us is sent… each of us is called… each us is in the ministry of Jesus.

John Stott observes that “the essence of Paul’s argument is seen if we put his six verbs in the opposite order:

Stott observes that “the essence of Paul’s argument is seen if we put his six verbs in the opposite order: Christ sends heralds; heralds preach; people hear; hearers believe; believers call; and those who call are saved.”

“Christ sends heralds; heralds preach; people hear; hearers believe; believers call; and those who call are saved.” Stott

The New American Commentary: Romans 2. The Cause of Israel’s Rejection (9:30–10:21)

Stott observes that “the essence of Paul’s argument is seen if we put his six verbs in the opposite order: Christ sends heralds; heralds preach; people hear; hearers believe; believers call; and those who call are saved.”

Jesus quotes this saying that.... beautiful are the feet that bring good news.... beautiful means seasonable or ripened fruit… there is some attraction about those who bring Good news… There is no greater calling in life… than to commissioned by God...

Jesus chose his disciples… God has chosen us… We talking about abiding last week… we are Christ and he is in --- this vital mutual union… but he has chosen us to bear fruit… much fruit and more fruit… it is the HS working through his people...

Colossians & Philemon: Verse by Verse The Basis: Their Faith and Love Grounded in Hope (1:3–5a)

Our position “in” Christ becomes the sphere within which our faith infuses our daily activities.

The vertical (faith in Christ) must empower and result in the horizontal (love for the saints). Once we as believers learn to focus on Christ through faith, that Christ-centeredness can only result in our emulating his love for

John 15:16–17 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

We have been commissioned…and chosen… choice is to engage or retreat..

illustration

There is the story in when Saul and Jonathan and troops were cut off by the Philistines from the rest of the troops… Saul didn’t seem to recognize how dire the situation was.... and was content to hide out in a cave.... wait it out...Jonathan turns to his Armor bearer… let go over these garrison and maybe god will work for us… may be he will save us.... “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”

So Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philinstines notices… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake in the enemies camp...Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. In fact, he knew that if God chose to save, nothing could hinder Him. His faith in God's strength and determination was solid God could do anything.

So Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philinstines notices… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake in the enemies camp..

faced with a head to head confrontation with there arch enemies the Philistines…

A Heart Like His Excerpt from Moore’s David: Seeking a Heart Like His Bible Study

Consider how these statements reveal Jonathan's distinct perception of God's ways: Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. In fact, he knew that if God chose to save, nothing could hinder Him. His faith in God's strength and determination was solid God could do anything. His only question was whether or not God would choose to do it through them that day. Reread Jonathan's words: "Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf." He knew God could do it; he didn't know if He would. Whether or not He did, Jonathan understood God's response to be based on sovereignty, not weakness.

.Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. In fact, he knew that if God chose to save, nothing could hinder Him. His faith in God's strength and determination was solid God could do anything.

1 Samuel 14:7 ESV

And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

Jonathan says - we go up and show ourselves to the Philistines… if they they tell us to come up to them we will take it as a sign that the Lord has given them over to us..

implementation

Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philistines notices them climbing over the outcrop of rocks.… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake in the enemies camp...Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. In fact, he knew that if God chose to save, nothing could hinder Him.

His faith in God's strength and determination was solid God could do anything .” So Jonathan and this young armor bear begins to scale the outcrop of rocks toward the philistines…and one of the Philistines notices… he says look at the Hebrews crawling out of the holes they have been hiding in.... come up to us and we will show you a thing.... Jonathan turns to His armor bearer… No Retreat… come after me for God has given them into our hands.. they took out 20 men in the first little field… it caused such a panic that it felt like an earthquake hit the Philistine camp..

implementation

Jonathan knew the Lord could save, no matter who or how many were fighting the battle. In fact, he knew that if God chose to save, nothing could hinder Him. His faith in God's strength and determination was solid God could do anything.

Don’t give a half-hearted effort in serving the Lord — no reserve. Through success or failure, whatever the task, if it has eternal implications, give all for His glory.

ingression

Jesus appears to Mary Magnalene and then he came to his disciples… His disciples were in a house and we are told that they were fearful… They were probably fearful of their own fate…

inspiration

Matthew 28:18 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Jesus appeared to his disciples a number time post resurrection…

In John we re told that doors were locked and then Jesus stood among them and said peace be with you… Luke tells us that they were startled and frightened because they thought they had seen a spirit … Jesus calms their hearts and shows his disciples his scared hands and feat from crucifixion... and he ate with the disciples… He had a resurrected body.. that apparently could be touched and Jesus had the ability to eat food…

that as the Father set him into the world he is now sending them on mission in the world…

probably wondering what their own fate

John 20:19 ESV

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

that as the Father set him into the world he is now sending them on mission in the world…

John 20:110-23

John 20:19–23 ESV

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

-23

John 20:21–23 ESV

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

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.”

interconnection

The reason we don’t retreat

If kids were fighting on the play ground you could send them to headmaster office and they went…

Jesus appears to the disciples on the evening of his resurrection…we have three accounts in the synoptic Gospels… and each account gives us a little more insight to what took place..in the home of one of the disciples…

Now, we have three accounts of this same verse…

In John we are told that doors were locked and then Jesus stood among them and said peace be with you… Luke tells us that they were startled and frightened because they thought they had seen a spirit … Jesus calms their hearts and shows his disciples his scared hands and feet from crucifixion... and then has a meal with the disciples… Jesus had a resurrected body.. that apparently he could walk through wall but he could also be touched and eat food…

He had a resurrected body.. that apparently could be touched and Jesus had the ability to eat food…

This was a new experience for disciples … seeing Jesus in His new form… They had seen Jesus human body battered and bruised the week before...What a contrast to the lifeless body that was lifted up from the cursed tree of Golgotha…

What a contrast to the lifeless body that was lifted from the cursed tree of Golgotha…

The disciples had witnessed Jesus die …John himself had seen blood and water come from Jesus pierced heart… medically - His lungs collapsed and he had died from asphyxiation..

The postresurrection appearances convinced the disciples, even “doubting Thomas,” that Jesus was gloriously alive (). It is psychologically impossible for the disciples to have been so transformed and confident if Jesus had merely struggled out of a swoon, badly in need of a doctor. A half-dead, staggering sick man who has just had a narrow escape is not worshiped fearlessly as divine lord and conqueror of death...

We will never fully engage in God’s mission without an encounter with the resurrected Lord.

Paul tells us that If Christ is not raised both tour preaching and our faith is in vain… even worse we have been misrepresenting God… because they gave testimony… that God raised Christ.. If Resurrection is not a historical fact and it is just sentimental… Paul goes on that in fact Christ has been raised.

1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV

If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.

1 cor 15:

1 Cor 15:

It is here that Jesus recommissioned his disciples… He was sending them as his representatives… As the Father commissioned him he was sending them…

He then breathed out on them and said - received the Holy Spirit.. the image and word of breathing is reminiscent of God’s creating Adam… when He breathed life into man… This was a new kind of creative work they would be new creations… This reception of the Spirit of what was going to happen on the Day of Pentecost… When the believers were empowered...

Jesus showed himself as Resurrected Lord and then He breathed out his Holy Spirit on them…

Jesus was giving the apostles (and by extension, the church) the privilege of announcing heaven’s terms on how a person can receive forgiveness.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 20:21–23

Jesus was giving the apostles (and by extension, the church) the privilege of announcing heaven’s terms on how a person can receive forgiveness. If

d

instruction

. Taylor,The Go-Between God

instruction

Then Jesus sent them out with his authority.

Luke 9:1 ESV

1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,

Mark 6:7 ESV

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

“The chief actor in the historic mission of the Christian church is the Holy Spirit. He is the director of the whole enterprise. The mission consists of the things that he is doing in the world. In a special way it consists of the light that he is focusing upon Jesus Christ.”

illustration

When I was in Middle School in Africa …the eight graders were given leadership roles… They were responsible for looking after the other kids… These positions were call prefects… old latin word… It was a privilege and a honor to be chosen as prefect.... The position came with a special badge… that you pinned onto your Uniform everyday… There was authority given by headmaster and teachers and the other kids respected the authority… and astonishingly this worked in our culture.. Now… badge was the symbol of authority…

If kids were fighting on the play ground you could send them to headmaster office and they went…

ingression

inspiration

interconnection

Righteous peace and joy Holy Spirit.... that the kingdom of God...

part of this proclaimation was healing diseases and afflictions…

people were Harassed

People were helpless

People were lost.

William Borden, born into a very rich family, who studied at Ivy League schools, Princeton and Harvard. At age 25 he left all to become a missionary to China. Before getting to China, he stopped by Egypt to study Arabic because of his love for the middle- eastern people. There he contracted spinal meningitis and died. Before he died, he left these immortal words: “No retreat ... no reserve ... no regrets.” He had made his commitment to the Lord to give his all and he would not turn back. Some might say he wasted his life. Yet his commitment has inspired generations of Christians and many future missionaries.

There is the temptation in our world today to RE-treat…but God has a calling upon his Church and that instead retreating we need to be recharge and revived - Regain our sense of mission and purpose

Mat 9:35-

Matthew 9:37–38 ESV

Then he said to his disciples, “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.”

Matt 9:37-

Don’t give a half-hearted effort in serving the Lord — no reserve. Through success or failure, whatever the task, if it has eternal implications, give all for His glory.

Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” ().

May we be challenged by this from Pastor Rick Warren: “Great men are not born great. They put a great commitment to a great cause...”

With that kind of conviction we move to greatness and efficacy. Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (). May we be challenged by this from Pastor Rick Warren: “Great men are not born great. They put a great commitment to a great cause...”

Matthew 9:35–38 ESV

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “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.”

Are you committed to the greatest cause in the entire universe – “The Great Commission”?

“No retreat ... no reserve ... no regrets.”

Matt

:9where it says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."

John 4:35-

John 4:35–36 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. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

Urgency of the Deliverary of the Message.

The eyes of the Lord are roaming throughout the earth. Do you believe this? Do you take Scripture literally like I do? Do you know what, right now God on his throne is literally looking around the earth and he's observing what's going on here? That right now God knows what's in my heart, what's in my mind, my thoughts, whether or not I'm here to just lift myself up or to lift him up and tell you what a holy God he is. He knows what's going on in here. He's roaming throughout the earth and looking. He knows what's going on in your mind right now as you're listening to the Word of God, whether or not you believe he's watching right now. He already knows this. But it says his eyes roam to and fro throughout the earth, and he's actively looking to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. Isn't that wonderful that God's actually looking for someone to support? francis Chan.

John 4:35–36 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. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

Romans 10:13-

Romans 10:13–15 ESV

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 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!”

.

John 15:1 ESV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

John 15:16–17 ESV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

John 15:16-

Matthew 28:18 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

You have been Empowered...

Matt 28

You have been Empowered...

John 20:21–23 ESV

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

John 20:21-

Acts

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.”

John 20:21 ESV

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

H

— We need to be moved with Compassion

--- We need to be Moved to Prayer

--- We need to be Moved by Global Vision.

--- We need to be Moved with Urgency

Impression.

Jesus made the Spiritual Harvest of soul a priority for the Disciples. Being moved by compassion for the lostness of man and being then being chosen and Empowered to fulfill the mission to bare fruit and be witnesses in the earth.

Intention: There is the temptation in our world today to RE-treat…but God has a calling upon his Church and that instead retreating we need to be recharge and revived - Regain our sense of mission and purpose… orientation in the kingdom of God. While the world is confusing in its— politics.… social issues… Our calling needs to defined and refined…

ingression?

We live in a world that is confusing — politics.… social issues… comple

No Retreat...Engage!

Introduction

1. We Engage when our Hearts are Moved with Compassion.

1. Know Why inner Conflict Arises.

The Need

You have been Chosen

2. We Engage When we Embrace our Calling.

3. We Engage when we receive Divine Empowerment.

empowerment from the Holy Spirit

Conclusion

You have been Chosen

ed to be recharge and revived - Regain our sense of mission and purpose… orientation in the kingdom of God. While the world is confusing in its— politics.… social issues… Our calling needs to defined and refined…

2. We Engage When we understand the Gravity of our Calling.

3. We Engage when we feel that we have been given the appropriate Resources.

No Retreat...Engage!

Introduction

1. We Engage when our Hearts are Moved with Compassion.

1. Know Why inner Conflict Arises.

The Need

You have been Chosen

2. We Engage When we Embrace our Calling.

3. We Engage when we receive Divine Empowerment.

empowerment from the Holy Spirit

Conclusion

​

​

You have been Chosen

ed to be recharge and revived - Regain our sense of mission and purpose… orientation in the kingdom of God. While the world is confusing in its— politics.… social issues… Our calling needs to defined and refined…

2. We Engage When we understand the Gravity of our Calling.

3. We Engage when we feel that we have been given the appropriate Resources.