The Church’s Role In Missions

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

The Church’s Role In Missions

Text: Acts 13:1-3 IBCSS January 21, 2007

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

The presence of a Local Church in a certain place is undeniably a blessing to its inhabitants. Many people may not be aware of its importance, but we really believe that a community which has believers in its ground is being blest by God. His unusual protection is being felt in places where Christians live and work. In fact, truth, love, joy and peace are flourishing noticeably in such places.

It’s so sad but true that the Church’s role in this present world is not clear or well-defined to many. Consequently, even some Christians are deviated from the true purpose of their existence and their purpose in life is being defeated because of ignorance of the will of God. They may not be aware, but the deceitful offers of the world are beguiling them and shaping them up so they may conform to the ways of the world.

How shameful it would be if God would find our Local Church deeply involved in the business world, but not supportive to our Father’s business; engaged in political affairs but has overlooked our God-entrusted ministry; and desiring to be associated with the world’s big wheels for worldly advantage, but has neglected our fellowship with the Living God and ignored what He wants us to accomplish in the ministry. As we live in this confused world, it is always a blessing for us to be reminded concerning our true identity with the Lord Jesus Christ and our significant role in the Local Church.

In Romans 12:1-2, it is written, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV) These verses remind believers to be aware of their commitment and service, and also warn them not to compromise with the world’s principles.

Believers must separate themselves from worldliness, prove what is right and fulfill the blessed will of God through their lives and ministries. Christians have a vital role in their Local Church and in the spreading of the Word of Truth worldwide.

(I) To Win Souls For Christ

Acts 2:1-3 2:14-41

-Soul Winners must be filled with the Holy Ghost

The early Disciples of Christ were very powerful in their soul winning and behind their success was the mighty power of the Holy Ghost working in their lives and ministries. The preaching of Peter at Pentecost was so short that it would take us less than fifteen minutes to record it, but the result was amazing. About three thousand souls got saved! We cannot imagine how many sinners would come to Christ everyday if Christians would be filled with the Holy Ghost and spread the Gospel of Christ. Considering that the Holy Ghost which was working mightily in the lives of the early disciples is still the same Spirit working in us today. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, we have the capability to lead more souls to the Living Savior.

(II) To Strengthen Believers

Acts 2:42-47

-Biblical way in strengthening new believers

· Through the Word of God

Believers need to strengthen themselves as God wants them to be. We strongly believe that a Local Church with believers who have special love for the Word is a firm congregation: not a “tossed to and fro” people, neither possessed the so called “so what/I don’t care” attitude but God-fearing believers at all times. Members who are in love with the world will surely avoid the Word of God, but believers who desire the Word more than silver and gold will realize the reality of life and the true need of fallen mankind. Their faith will increase dramatically and the works of their hands will be blest by God.

· Through deep fellowship

In Acts 2:42, it is written, And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV) Fellowship with the world weakens and blurs the vision of believers, but fellowship with fellow believers gives strength to one another. Deep fellowship produces sense of belonging which eventually leads to deeper friendship.

In I John 1:3-4, it is written, That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (KJV) Godly fellowship draws us closer to God and sharpens our sensitivity toward the needs of others. May we have that kind of fellowship in our Local Church so God will bless us with a peaceful life.

· Through prayers

An earnest prayer of a faithful believer is powerful, beneficial and inspiring to others. In Acts 4:31-33, it is written, And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (KJV) We really need great power and grace in our ministries. Without a consistent prayerful life, we will never experience a powerful spreading of the Gospel.

A prayerful man does not only strengthen himself in the Lord, but the whole Church as well. It is true that deep spirituality is a God-glorifying result of deep communion with God through consistent prayer life. Be prayerful and experience the unlimited power of God in your witnessing for the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Through deep involvement

In Acts 2:44-45, it is written, And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. (KJV) Deep involvement of believers in every Church activity contributes great strength to a Local Church. How we wish to have hundred percent involvement from members of our Churches today. We believe that there is no such thing as “impossible task” in world evangelization if every Christian would get involved in the work. We must realize that members’ involvement lessens the weight of the Church’s heavy works.

· Through Church attendance

Attending Church services does not only strengthen an individual but the whole body of Christ, which is the Church. In Acts 2:46-47, it is written, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV) These verses show us a glimpse of how joyful the early Christians were when they gathered together for worship. What an encouraging sight! No doubt, God was delighted and as an amazing result, He touched more hearts and added to the Church daily such as should be saved.

(III) To Send And Support Missionaries

Acts 13:1-3

-Global Evangelization: The ultimate role of the Church

The Great Commission is a God-given task for Christians to carry on. In Mark 16:15, it is written, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (KJV) Getting involved in world evangelization is a rewarding mission. It gives temporal and eternal benefits to the lost and it delights the Lord.

If we genuinely believe that Jesus saves, then we must show special interest in winning souls for Christ and in supporting the needs of our ministries. Spreading the Gospel is not a one man job, but for the whole Church to carry on. The Gospel is the extreme need of the world and global evangelization is the ultimate role of the Church in this chaotic world.

Modern scientists and impressive analysts of the world are alarmed of the great danger which threatens our planet, and in many ways, they warn us of its catastrophic consequences. Hearing such warning makes us realize that if we don’t cooperate with them to prevent such perils, we will suffer much. Obviously, everybody will take heed of their warning except maybe the foolish men with an indifferent attitude toward the survival of mankind.

In spiritual sphere of life, Christians know the greatest need of mankind, and that is salvation of man’s soul. We know the heart-breaking consequences of not being saved. Hell is real and unbelievers will go to that unpleasant place of torment when they die. We know the solution to man’s worst problem and the Gospel of Christ is with us to share.

We realize that living in the so called “modern world” gives us ample opportunities to spread the Gospel speedily. Using these high-tech means of communication is an undeniable advantage: we could use the internet in spreading the Word; television and radio ministries are good means; and publication is an excellent way of conveying the message of truth, among others. Having all these means of communication, who could hinder us from telling the Truth? It is so sad but true that indifferent attitude of Christians toward supporting our World Mission Program is an obvious hindrance.

In Romans 10:13-15, it is written, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (KJV)

It’s high time for the Church to educate, train, equip and to send out missionaries to the mission field. Many populated areas around the world are in need of Bible Believing Churches that will serve as hope-giving lights to the lost.

Church planting is a challenging and a rewarding job. As we wait for the glorious coming of the Lord, we should not let the adversary hinder our privilege and opportunity to serve God, but we must always be excited in giving our best for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 28:19-20, it is written, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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. (KJV)

May we fully understand the role of the Church in fulfilling the Great Commission. It is the Lord’s command and every believer’s responsibility to fulfill. Let us join hands in supporting the spreading of the Gospel and in showing the love of Christ.

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