OUR MISSIONARY MANDATE

OUR MISSIONARY MANDATE!

Mark 16:15

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 1:8

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

           The words of Jesus in Mark has the force of a command. It is both urgent and personal. Every believer must respond to this imperative because it is based on several assumptions.

           The whole world is lost. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19  Sin has infected the entire race. There is none that does good and all are under the condemnation of a holy God. This is the human condition and the wages of sin is eternal death.

           Jesus is the cure! “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

No other religious system is sufficient for man’s predicament.

           We are the Master’s messengers! “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 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.” Matt 28:18-20

           Start where you are and keep going! Jerusalem – Judea – Samaria was Jesus’ plan. Our realm of influence should be constantly expanding. The church then is the home base and sends out ambassadors to the uttermost parts of the earth.

           We do not conquer but convince. The weapons of our warfare are not violence and intimidation but truth and love. We should “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:2-4

Dear Lord, help me to see the urgency of missionary work. Let me do my part to reach a world lost in darkness. AMEN