Q. You seem to place great emphasis on Missions. But, seriously, how important is this activity? Is it Biblical? Is it actually relevant?
A. If one were to take the Bible and God’s heart seriously, one would suggest that the Church actually does not place enough emphasis on Missions. Jesus’ Great Commission makes that very clear; He says in Matt 28:18-20, … Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
So serious was the Lord about His instruction that He planned to accompany His people on such ventures. His “I am with you” is given in the context of Missions. Yes, preaching the Gospel to ‘the whosoever’ and going to the nations in His Name is not only Biblical; it is the Divine imperative! If we don’t go with the Gospel, we are not only disobeying our God, but undermining His plans for the Church – and a lost world!
The Body of Christ exists not for itself, but for Jesus Christ and the purpose for which He came to the Earth – to seek and save the lost. It is a sad truth that, by and large, the Church has lost its zeal for reaching the lost preferring rather to indulge itself here on earth.
Some have said that God will save whom He will, and if He wanted to save the heathen, He would not need us to do the going. Now THAT’S unbiblical and we reject that narrow Calvinistic view in favour of 2 Pet 3:9, God is … ‘not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’ Romans 10:13-15 certainly knocks that error right on the head. God wants to save; we must go!
A vital question must be posed right here. If GOD is not willing that any should perish, have you adjusted YOUR heart to adopt His?
You question the relevance of Missions. The will of God is relevant; Jesus’ Great Commission is relevant; the never-dying souls of unbelievers in Hell are relevant; those who have been snatched from the ‘burning’ are relevant; your Christian duty is relevant and, finally, your heart attitude is relevant.
It occurs to me that some reading my answer to your question could ask another: How can I become involved in Missions? Every believer has a wonderful chance in our Fellowship. Here’s how:
- Support any and every Outreach activity in your Assembly;
- Be a strong witness for Jesus wherever you go. If you don’t know how to witness, your local Elders will happily teach you. And our Press and Christian Bookshops have plenty of material.
- There are many ways in which you may be involved in Missions; your local oversight will give you the direction you need. Take their advice and apply yourself with all your heart. All I know who have become involved have had their lives changed! You’ll never be sorry – except that you didn’t rise up