January 6-7, 2007, Acts 1:8

There Is Joy In The Journey:
5 Reasons for Celebrating Missions in the Church

What is "Missions?" How Does That Relate to the Mission of the Church?

Why Should We Celebrate Missions in the Church?

A. We Serve the Same GOD.

Colossians 3:23, 24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember, that the Lord will give you and inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ." (New Living Translation)

B. The Church's OUTREACH EFFORTS are Enhanced.
Acts 1:8 "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NLT)
Colossians 4:5, 6 "Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone." (NLT)

C. A Missions Program Will SHRINK the Size of the World.
Mark 6:15 Jesus said, "Go everywhere in the world and tell the Good News to everyone." (New Century Version)

D. Help You Live A Life Of P.E.A.C.E.

Definition: Ordinary people - empowered by God making a difference together - wherever they are.

Personal P.E.A.C.E.
Local P.E.A.C.E.
Global P.E.A.C.E.

P. Plant Churches
1 Corinthians 3:8 "The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet both will be rewarded (for) their own hard work." (NLT)

 

E. Equip Servant Leaders
2 Timothy 2:2 "Pass on what you heard from me in the whole congregation to reliable leaders, who are competent to teach others." (Message)

 

A. Assist The Poor
1 John 3:17 "If you see someone in need, and have the means to do something about it, but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing , what happens to God's love in you? It disappears!" (MSG)

 

C. Care For The Sick
Ephesians 5:2 "Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us..." (New International Version)

 

E. Educate The Next Generation
Proverbs 22:6 "Teach the children how they should live, and they will remember it all their lives." (TEV)

E. It's A Command, GO!!!

Matthew 28: 18, 19 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NLT)

Acts 20:24 "The most important thing is that I complete me mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me - to tell people the Good News about God’s grace." (NCV)

Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' and I said, 'Here am I. Send Me!'" (NIV)