What Happens When We Do Go?

INTRO:

Since our theme this month is on going out with the gospel message of Jesus Christ, the thing we Baptists call “missions,” I couldn’t help but spend some time this week walking down memory lane, thinking about all the different times and opportunities I’ve had to “Go Out” for Christ. I can say that I’ve been tremendously blessed to have numerous opporunities from a young age to actively participate in the work of missions both locally and internationally, and thinking back on those opportunities, I’ve realized something - many of those missions moments rank among my most favoured treasured memories and life experiences! I can say with all honesty that being involved in the commission of our Lord to share the gospel has dramatically and overwhelmingly impacted my life and I want you to share in that same blessing.

We started this series by asking and asnwering the question “getting ready for what?” I reminded you that after you’ve committed to “get ready” (last month’s theme) that God is going to use you to “Go Out.” In other words, God is preparing you for a purpose.

Then last week, we had a warning message when we looked at “What happens if we do not go?” We were reminded that while God will always make sure men and women are going out with the gospel, that the individuals and especially the churches that refuse to participate in the Great Commission not only miss out on God’s blessings but are heading towards some very dangerous things.

This week, on the third Sunday of this theme, I want to basically take the same question as last week, but deal with more positive side of “What Happens When We Do Go?”

What you’re going to see is that missions makes an impact, that the Gospel changes lives, and those who go out are blessed beyond belief.

INTRO & READ PASSAGE

TRANS

I know what some of you are thinking - Pastor, you should have chosen a different passage! What we’ve just read may not at first say “I can’t wait to go out and tell others!”

The missionaries were not only opposed in their work, they were arrested, threatened and beaten. Sounds like fun doesn’t it!

NOTE - Make sure to include the difference between supporting missions and being actively involved in missions

NOTE - Paul would later go on to boast about the sufferings he faced (2 Cor. 12:10