We have come to the end of a series of presentations on missions, and hopefully this will become a starting point of thinking and discovering of how our individual lives fit in God’s plan of world evangelisation! Oftentimes, we are tempted into believing that missions is the work for spiritual giants such as William Carey and Hudson Taylor, while the rest of us ‘ordinary people’, can take a backseat in this area which ‘God has not called us to?’ …No? But if that is not the case, then what exactly is missions? And who is it for?1. What?
As mentioned by Pastor in the first session of Open Class, the entire Bible is the revelation of God’s redemptive plan for mankind. Hence, the mission of God is precisely His redemptive plan for mankind, and missions is God’s people – us, carrying out God’s mission.
2. Who?
Every true believer, without exception, is called to missions. Contrary to what most think, missions is certainly not an option, and the church has a responsibility, which is to be shouldered by every single member. The Great Commission stated in Matthew 28:18-30 to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” is still binding to all disciples of Christ.
However, this does not mean that all of us are to drop everything we are doing and plunge straight into the mission field as missionaries. The difference to this call to missions is the role we play, i.e. either as senders or goers. But whatever the role, there should be no uncertainty about the purpose and plan of God, and there ought to be no hesitancy in obedience, commitment, and action on our part. While we may not all be called to be missionaries, we are all most certainly called to missions! As Jesus said in John 20:21, “…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Every heart with Christ is a missionary. Every heart without Christ is a mission field.
3. How about now?
Even as our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and joy because of what Christ Jesus has done for the remission of our sins, and at the same time feeling the great burden to bring this good news of salvation to those who have yet to hear, how are we fulfilling our role as ambassadors for Christ in the world today? Are our lights shining forth clearly into the darkness of human depravity?
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
– Matthew 5:14-16
Are our lives a true reflection of the work God has done in us? Are we eager to talk about our Christian faith with our friends and family?
As senders, how are we investing our resources now towards the furtherance of God’s kingdom? Do we keep ourselves updated and spend time uplifting the mission work of our church in prayer? Does a portion of our money consistently go to the support of missions? Are we thirsting to find out more about missions and evangelism, and keen to equip ourselves through classes such as Evangelism Explosion (E.E.)?
Let us be found faithful in doing our part to ensure the preaching of the gospel to every nation, tribe, people, and tongue…and only then shall Christ return.
