The Regions BEYOND you!

Sunday, February 24, 2019

The Regions BEYOND you!

2 Cor 10:15-16

15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

The word translated BEYOND is the Greek word huperekeina (hoop-er-ek'-i-nah) which means “above those parts” or “still farther.” Since I have traveled to England once, to the Philippines twice, and to Brazil three times, I think I have a little pretty good grasp of the word beyond. The idea of World Missions is taking the gospel beyond our comfort zone.

Beyond our culture!

If you’ve never been BEYOND your city, county, state or country, you can’t imagine the things that are beyond your borders! Language is the first difference that greets you but that is only the first. Differences in climate and geography are sometimes stark in contrast with our own. Living conditions in some parts of what we call the third world cause the poorest of Americans to feel guilty because of our waste.

Beyond our care!

What we do not see can not produce in us any concern.

Lam 3:51

51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.

Ezek 3:15

15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

Beyond our means!

When we finally understand the enormity of the task of reaching the globe with the gospel, we understand that this is a task for God. We do not have the means to accomplish it without God’s providence.

2 Cor 8:1-3

8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Dear Lord, because things are in such a mess in America, we are tempted to forget our duty to the World. Let us renew our commitment to mission work today. AMEN