THE ESSENTIALS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MISSIONS PROGRAM
Proverbs 29:18
INTRO: I could stand up here this morning and preach out of Mark 16:15 on “The Great Commission” and try to relay to you the definitive points of that command. I could go through all three of Paul’s Missionary Journeys and tell you what he accomplished. But what I feel led to do this morning is give you a brief outline on how this church can have a successful missions program. Most of you probably realize that missions work goes a lot deeper than just taking up an offering once a month and sending it to some missionary in a foreign country. While it is necessary to take care of those men we do not need to forget those people in our on community. I want to preach this morning on this subject “SOME ESSENTIALS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MISSIONS PROGRAM.”
The success of a missions program should be centered on a vision and a burden to reach out to a lost and dying world. Now in order to have a vision you have to look beyond the present. Although you may have had some great success here you cannot get tunnel vision or comfortable or even satisfied. I think each one of us should include these points in our vision.
I. We should have a vision to see the sinner saved
A. More than anything this should be first on our list
B. If we don’t have this vision the scripture says the people perish
C. Jesus had this very vision
1. (Mt 18:11) For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost
2. (Lu 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
D. I am glad that someone had a vision one day and laid out an old gospel tract where a lost preachers boy could find it
II. We should have a vision to the see the gospel spread
A. (Mark 16:15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
B. Why do you go out to that nasty jail? I HAVE GOT A VISION
III. We should have a vision to work
A. Nehemiah had a vision in the Nehemiah 2
B. (Nehemiah 4:6) So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
C. (Nehemiah 13:14) Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof
IV. We should have a vision to see the church grow
A. (Luke 14:23) And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
B. (Acts 2:47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
C. When sinners get saved then the church will grow
