Every Christian A Missionary

Introduction

How will the message of of the Gospel be proclaimed to the world?

If God were like me, he would have used legions of angels, proclaiming, singing, shouting his message nonstop, simultaneously around the world. But praise God, He is not like me.

From the beginning of time and out of his creativity,

He planned to use men and women who have known and experienced the truth of the gospel to be his personal messengers. Man can think or invent 1,000 way to proclaim the gospel. But as far as God is concerned, the best medium will always be men equipped with their first-hand experienced.

In 2 Cor. 5:11-20, the Apostle Paul, while responding to criticisms regarding his ministry, gave 3 reasons why believers should be involved in missions.

But before I will discuss to you these things, please let us ask the guidance of the Lord to give us wisdom in studying His words right now. Let’s pray!

I. Because the Fear of the Lord Controls us (vs.11-13)

Of course, the "fear" here does not mean Paul was trerrorized by the omnipotent God (Gen. 35:5). The reverential awe he felt toward God, give his best efforts to win others and maintain an honest and well intentional personal ministry.

Every Christian who truly fears the Lord must reflect these qualities in the kind of service he does for God. He is accountable to God for his every word, thought or deed. He is accoutable for every soul he meets that should have heard the gospel.

The word of God to Ezekiel, the prophet, reflects the seriousness of God’s intention. (Read 3:18, 21)

How many witnessing opportunities did we allow to pass? Every servant must report to his marter.

II. Because the Love of Christ Compels us (14-17)

It is not so much his love for Christ but Christ’s love to him that compelled Paul to serve Him and others.

We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19. If we just open our spiritual eyes and gaze around, we will see hundrends and thousands of "dead people" walking around, chatting, playing, wandering aimlessly in their frivolous existence--our good boss, classmates, dear brothers and sisters, families and loved ones included.

We were once "dead", too, unending thankfulness to God’s great love for us, He died that we may live!

If we truly believe that "Jesus is the only way to the Father" (John14:6) and "there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12), then, we can not keep silent about this message and be guilty of being selfish, keeping to ourselves the grace which others should also experience.

We preach so that men will be made creation in Christ. Not in the sense that bad men are made good, or good men are made better but dead men are made alive in Christ.

III. Because the Mission of God Commands us (18-20)

God gave us the ministry of reconciliation and committed to us the message of reconciliation. This is a commission plain and clear. God’s mission of reconciling the world unto Him will be brought to completion through God’s very owned redeemed.

As ambassador, therefore, Christians are on a diplomatic mission wherever they may be. They are to shine forth God’s light and proclaim the message of salvation.

Sadly, Christians have lost this sense of being ambassadors in this world and have been content to be ordinary citizens of the world. May it never be, for our citizenship is in heaven and we are to fulfill a mission.

"GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS!" We’re one of the last word of Jesus. To obey Jesus is to do this now, for delayed obedience is disobedience.

Pray, Give and Go!

How can we be part of Mission work?

First, we can all pray.

There is a cosmic conflict involved in missions (2 Cor. 4:4). Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers (Eph. 6:12). When we pray, we harness the most powerful tool of evangelism-the power of the Holy Spirit.

Second, we can all give for the work of the missions.

There are places where we ourselves can not reach but some can. Our money can go very far when invested in missions.

Lastly, all of us can go.

Not necessarily to some remote places in the Philippines or in foreign countries, but we can go as Christ’s ambassador to our offices, schools, neighborhood, and our immediate mission fields.

If we can’t speak to them boldly, you can do it by your life. Remember this: "You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips."

Conclusion:

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news" (Isaiah 52:7)

Every Christian must be involved in missions: praying, giving, and going. If you are not a missionary, you are a mission field. If you do not evangelize, you must be evangelized.

EVERY CHRISTIAN IS A MISSIONARY!

GOD BLESS!