THE ABC'S - THE BASICS OF MISSIONS

THE ABC'S - THE BASICS OF MISSIONS
…...a word from Greg


A -  ALL the glory goes to God

In Luke 4 we have an account of Christ declaring some parts of his mission. He quoted Isaiah 61:1. At the end of this text (verses 1-3) the result of deliverance and healings is that the disciples are raised up like “trees of righteousness”...”that he might be glorified.”

We preach the gospel, not for the primary motive of saving lost souls, but rather to glorify God. We still love the people, but the premise of our endeavors as we witness is a love and obedience to Jesus who commands us to go...

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.” Psalm 115:1 This verse was a “rhema” for me and a memory verse for our family one spring. We want to be lifting up Jesus and not ourselves.

B -  Go BEYOND where you have been.

“And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.” Mark 1:38

Jesus practiced this. The Spirit compels us also, to go and preach the gospel in so many ways. We heed the call to leave our comfort zones. Many go to another culture and communicate to others of different dialects. For Marianne and I, the doors of peoples' hearts were open to us in the southern plains of Sonora. We lived in one of the 35 little agricultural villages in that area. We met many people in the 24 villages where we shared God's love with. Can you find a neighbor, or a new group to serve outside your current circles?  We are looking for ways to farther with our relatives in sharing God's kingdom.

C  -  CONTINUAL

The work of the ministry to make disciples continues... and will continue till the Son of Man returns. In Matthew 10 we have a written account of the commands of Jesus that were specifically given to the 12 apostles, but also at the end of verse 23 there is a prophesy that is relative to us today.

“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another:  for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.”

Whether you are a goer or a sender, there is perseverance needed. Jesus said the mission will not be complete till he returns.  In fact I read that he will not return until the gospel has reached the whole world, “And then the end shall come.” Prayer and a real effort to get the message out is what it takes. The harvest is ripe now, not in 4 months or so. The Great CO-MISSION at the end of Matthew is the command from Jesus to join him in his Mission. He is still saving lives, and to God be all the glory. G.W.