Foundations: Missions - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) last two years at Grace (2) Gen. 1, Mt. 28 (3) “missions” → unique/deliberate gospel mission of the church to make disciples of all nations (4) “missionary” → someone sent out by local churches to make gospel known across ethnic/linguistic/geographic divides (5) six ways → Antioch, Grace

Go (11:19-21): (1) physically traveling to a different place, with the purpose of sharing the good news of Christ (short or long term) (2) v.19 → first goers a result of suffering, natural starting point of Jews (3) v.20 → ones in Antioch extended further to Gentiles (4) v.21 → many responded in repentance and faith (5) Grace → informal (cf. Ray and Bonnie), formal (Guatemala, Thailand, Homeless Connect)

Mobilize (11:27-30, 12:25): (1) stir others to action, coordinate efforts → culture of missions (2) v.27-28 → Agabus prophesies famine (3) v.29-30 → leadership gathers offering from church, sends it with S/B (4) 12:25 → S/B return/report, bring Mark (5) location → MAP (6) Mallie the mobilizer → OMF experience, comm to/from mp’s, opportunities to serve (cf. MS boys), strategic partnerships (can’t do everything)

Welcome (13:1): (1) part of culture of missions is welcoming those who are different from us → ethnic, socioeconomic, political, secondary doctrine, church background (2) Antioch leadership diversity → Barnabus (Cyprus), Simeon (Africa), Lucius (north Africa), Manean (related to Herod’s family), Saul (Jew) (3) Grace → international students, Barry/Karen, members from other countries, TIF, shepherding groups, GWCTD

Pray (13:2-3): (1) prayers of supplication/intercession on behalf of mp’s (2) “worshiping . . . fasting . . . praying” → regular corporate rhythms, work for the Lord intended to flow from worship to the Lord (cf. worshipers in community engaged in ministry) (3) Grace → prayer services, mp’s of the week in Friday email, shepherding groups twice a year, spontaneous special cases (cf. Canfield visa)

Send (13:2-3): (1) helping “goers” with support that is practical/prayerful/financial (2) v.2-3 → role of HS, some specifically “set apart” for unique “going” work, “sent off” with prayer covering and calling to specific “work”(3) Grace → mp’s (each one a unique “work”), practical help (cf. items for s-t trips, Christmas projects, van for Canfields, house while home), financial help (cf. importance of regular giving)

Learn (14:24-28): (1) becoming aware of mission work and opportunities (2) v.24-26 → joy of reuniting after mission trip (3) v.27-28 → joy of sharing seeing God at work (counter to news), importance of mp’s experiencing community (4) Grace → monthly missions sharing, mp newsletters, SS class, mp wall and QR code, list of mp’s on website, books (When Helping Hurts)

Conclusion: (1) current and future goals (2) yo-yo (3) Rev. 5, 7