Thanks to our Guest Blogger Pastor Walt Hatch of Hilltop Baptist Church for this post
Why Missions?
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the believers a Great Commission. We are to go and teach all nations the truth of the Gospel, evangelizing and baptizing and discipling. The Gospel is the greatest news that has ever been told, and is tremendously powerful. But God gave us the privilege and responsibility of carrying that good news throughout the world to all nations and peoples and tongues.
He then gives the method of fulfilling the Great Commission in Acts 1:8. We are to start in our home area, and build from there, ever expanding outward. We are never to be content with the idea that the area around our ministry is saturated with the Gospel, because then we are to move to the next stage.
These Great Commission statements are to be understood that it meant for all Christians as a command and not just a suggestion. Let’s examine some common objections that Christians have concerning the Great Commission.
“I don’t know how to talk to people about the Gospel.” Well, then pray and ask God for the Holy Spirit’s help, and study the Word and know what it says about the Gospel, and tell them the story about how you found Christ!
“I can’t travel outside of my area to talk to people about the Gospel.” Well, let me introduce you to the concept of Missions. One aspect of Missions is to support other believers so that they can go to the uttermost parts of the earth with the Gospel. We support them in several ways, among which are prayer and financial support. Another aspect of Missions is for the wealthier Christians to send financial support to less fortunate believers in the other parts of the world so that they can reach their community. This can be done by helping support orphanages, hospitals, and churches – particularly national pastors – so their communities can be reached with the Gospel.
What are you doing about your part of the Great Commission?