Churches Partnering Together For Missions
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· 11 viewsThe Biblical and God honoring way to do missions is through Church Partnerships.
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3 John Explained
3 John Explained
“We ought to support people like this!”
Background
Background
How Christians communicated, how we knew who was genuine and sincere?… Letter’s of recommendation.
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?
Trouble in the Church
Personal agendas vs.9
Refusing to support others, and putting out of the Church
Supporting the Spread of the Gospel
Supporting the Spread of the Gospel
The Point
These men are advancing the kingdom. “Sake of the name”
They are not taking support from Gentiles “Lost People”
We should support them!
HOW?
Through prayer, through going there to encourage the workers, through financial giving.
Primarily through Giving: Send them on their way aka:Pay for their expenses and needs.
Receive Fellow Believers and aide them.
Receive and Help Fellow Believers
Receive and Help Fellow Believers
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.
29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Receive means: Put them up, take care of them.
So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,
hil
Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.
The need to grow in meeting needs so as to not be unfruitful
The Point
We Need to Grow in Taking a Personal Interest in the Spread of the Gospel over the World!
We do that by taking an interest in those who are spreading the gospel and provide for their needs.
To What Extent? vs. 6
Is it enough to have an guest preacher and pay him $50, give him a pat on the back and send him his merry way?? (Maybe if that’s what a Church can afford)
Is it enough for us to send a few hundred dollars every year to a guy in a foreign area and say, “we hope the best for you.”
“A Manner worthy of God.”
Send them like you were sending Jesus himself. Treat them with honor and with such love.
20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
He recognizes that part of walking in the truth, is to support those who carry the gospel to other places, this is the love he’s speaking of.
Why?
We become fellow laborers with them.
We become fellow laborers with them.
vs. 8
“We may not be able to travel to foreign lands to carry the gospel, but when we support those who do with our prayers, our finances, and our encouragement we become fellow laboreres with them in the gospel.” “Gaius opened his heart, his home, and his hand to fellow Christian teachers, and we should do the same.” PTW commentary
This is how is how we can partner together for the gospel. Some going, and some providing and aiding those who go.
How Do We Accomplish This?
How Do We Accomplish This?
Do we look for some 3rd party group to do it? Do we look to some para-church group to do it for us?
Missions is the Church’s Responsibility and Commission!
15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
(promoting/protecting the gospel) Holding up the gospel
Pillar and butress= promote & protect the gospel “Holding up the gospel” The Church is the only body commissioned to do this work.
To Clarify
Parachurch organizations can be useful, but they have a tendency to usurp their place, and loose the gospel.
A county tax collector is the only one duly authorized and commissioned to take taxes. Citizens cannot perform that job. They would be arrested if they did. They would be usurpers and rebels to do so.
"The only organized effort recognized in the New Testament for the work of missions is the local congregations of baptized believers." Ben Bogard
There is no organization in the NT that the Church looks to to accomplish missions for them. They weren't looking for someone to do it for them.
Local Churches working together with Churches!
“Nothing from the gentiles”
A county tax collector is the only one duly authorized and commissioned to take taxes. Citizens cannot perform that job.
Other organizations cannot do the job of the Church.
How Did The NT Churches Accomplish Missions?
How Did The NT Churches Accomplish Missions?
Local Churches working together with Churches!
In the NT Churches cooperated together to advance the Gospel. Some Churches took a lead in this, others supported. But they partnered together for the spread of the gospel. They didn’t look for someone else to do the job.
-Paul saw the Churches as partners in ministry.
-Paul saw the Churches as partners in ministry.
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
-Churches sent Missionaries.
-Churches sent Missionaries.
1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While 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 fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
-Missionaries gave reports of events.
-Missionaries gave reports of events.
24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
-The Churches were updating and communicating with each other.
-The Churches were updating and communicating with each other.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
-Paul was supported financially by the churches.
-Paul was supported financially by the churches.
7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
-Paul and friends were traveling to other Churches to encourage them
-Paul and friends were traveling to other Churches to encourage them
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
This reminds me of Steve McAlister!
-Churches were called to prayer and prayed for!
-Churches were called to prayer and prayed for!
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
Romans
- They would work together on joint projects (the relief of the saints at Jerusalem)
- They would work together on joint projects (the relief of the saints at Jerusalem)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
-Some Churches took a more active part but all helped.
-Some Churches took a more active part but all helped.
8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
1 Thess.
-Paul used the example of other more mature Churches to encourage other congregations.
-Paul used the example of other more mature Churches to encourage other congregations.
14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,
3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
2 Thess.
The Point
So Churches worked together for the cause of the gospel!
Grace Baptist Church: you are to be commended! There’s no area here where I see that we aren’t already working at it! We’re not perfect, but we are already engaged in this!
Why AIT?
Why AIT?
-We can't support or agree with everything that calls itself Christian.
-Different levels of support.
-We are not throwing all Christians under the bus. Thankful for some of the good other groups do!
-We want to work with those who agree on what is the gospel, what is the purpose of the Church.
2 Important Questions:
What is the Gospel?
What is the purpose of the Church?
Anchored in Truth Is:
Anchored in Truth Is:
The Ministry of a local Church.
A history of faithfulness (not perfection) to the Word. That seeks to plant Churches around the world.
That invites other Churches to partner with them.
Use the connections they have and get involved in the spread of the gospel around the world.
What Can I Do?
What Can I Do?
Go: Short term missions/ long term.
Give: Take care of Missionaries, provide for their needs.
Pray: Not the least of what we can do!