Guiding Light!
Missions!
I read an encouraging article by George Ladd in the book Perspectives in the Christian World Movement, (1981). The article dealt with the "Kingdom of God". Dr. Ladd considers Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come, to describe the message, mission, and motive in the Kingdom of God.
The message is the Gospel. It takes converted people to proclaim the Gospel. Jesus becomes the central topic of the missions message. The mission concentrates on reaching people in the whole world. In missions, God uses imperfect people to proclaim His perfect plan. Missions takes the message of Jesus across cultural lines. God wants all the ethnic groups to hear the message. He uses obedient people to do this task.
But why is there an urgency about missions? The motive centers on the return of Christ when the message is presented and the mission is completed. In a very real sense, missions outgrows from a concern to bring people to the saving love of Jesus to be prepared for His return. Therefore God utilizes people taking His message to the lost through the mission of the Church with a motive to prepare for the return of Christ.
written by Tim Thomas, missionary friend visiting from Brazil
When we talked today Tim made it very clear that we can all be involved in missions. Some are gifted to be givers of financial funds and time, some are gifted to be goers into the mission field, some are gifted to be encouragers by their cards, prayers and calls. We can all be involved in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ without being a missionary. Take time today to pray about what God would have you do in the mission's field. Then go to your pastor and share with him your desire to become involved in what God and led you to do.
We need missionaries right here in the United States let alone in the most remote places in the world. You may say, "I am too old to become a missionary, or I am not gifted in that area", well my friends we are never too old to serve God. Remember God took ordinary people like you and I and did extraordinary things. All we have to do is to trust and have faith in Him who calls us. If you are up there in age and have a desire to do missionary work but don't think you can make a difference, then go for two weeks or a month and God will show you the impact you can have in even a short time away.
Heavenly Father, we bring praise to you for your eternal promises of life ever after with you in your Kingdom. Show us Father how we can share that gift of salvation you have so freely given to us with others in our own community, in our nation, and all across the world. Provide us with the necessary tools, information, and desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost world. It is our desire to share the extraordinary gift you gave us on the day of salvation. We submit to you today Father as Lord of our life, we believe that Jesus Christ is the living son of God and you have empowered us with the Holy Spirit to overcome this world. We thank you Father for your gift and we desire to serve you in any way you desire. In Jesus name we pray......amen
In Christ's Service,
Kenny Millhouse
kenny@guidinglightministry.com
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