Missions Sermon: The Application
"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is
not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
I ran out of time in the sermon on Sunday to give some ideas for application. Paul tells us in the text above that the difference between those who follow Jesus, and those who don't, is an issue of sight. We who believe are no longer blind, we have exited the darkness into the marvelous light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Those who do not believe still live in the darkness of blindness, brought about by the god of this world, namely, Satan himself.
What is the difference? Or better, who is the difference? GOD. In the same way that there was nothing but void, until God said in the beginning, "Let there be light," this same powerful God has said to our hearts, "Let light shine out of darkness." That is how we followed, and it is how others must follow. The joy of God's plan is that we may partner with him in this work. We can be a means of shining the light of Christ in this world. The suggestions below are some ways to be involved in that work. I pray they will be helpful to you, and would love to hear any ideas you may have (email me at ).
- Read the Gospels to ponder Jesus further. Take out paper and pen and fill the blank spaces with the truth about who He is.
- Pray for God to open your eyes in this endeavor, asking the Spirit to enlighten your mind to truth and majesty and beauty. It is his role and delight to work thus on your behalf.
- Make a plan for personal witness:
* Read the Bible for instruction and encouragement regarding witnessing. Try Matthew 10, and take in the instruction of Christ as you engage on mission.
* Read some books in addition to the Bible that will help you think through sharing your faith. Here are five that are good: Tell the Truth (Will Metzger), Questioning Evangelism (Randy Newman), Corner Conversations (Randy Newman), Coffeehouse Gospel (Matthew Paul Turner), Speaking of Jesus (J. Mack Stiles).
* Pray that God would give you opportunities, and that you would be bold to open your mouth and share Jesuse with those who need him. And pray that those who you interact with would have ears to hear.
* Write out a list of people in your sphere of influence and pray for how you might reach them. USE THIS SUMMER to see, savor, and show the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
* Follow Paul's exhortation and portray Christ to them.
* Ask people questions about Spiritual matters. Talk openly about your faith and beliefs. Don't fall prey to the cultural lie that you there are two things you just don't talk about, one of which is "religion." Of course, you aren't talking about religion, you are talking about a person.
* Form relationships with unbelievers. Some of your best friends should be those who don't know Jesus. - Make a plan for corporate witness
* Here is some low-hanging fruit - invite people to church. The Sunday morning meeting at Calvary presents the Gospel and Jesus every week. Exposing those who don't believe to the worshipping community of believers is evangelism. - Make a plan for international witness
* Pray for our missionaries, know our missionaries, maybe even become a part of a "rope-holder" team (contact the Church Office to find out how).
* Support someone personally - short or long term - with prayer and your finances. There are many needs, and I truly believe that if you are not both a goer and a sender you are robbing yourself of tremendous joy and blessings.
* Educate yourself about missions.
* Go yourself!
* Talk to the Missions Commission - they can help, and they also have ways you can serve.
Remember: We exist to live, share, and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and our abundant joy. Jesus has called us, he has saved us, he is sending us. May we go for his glory, and our joy, and for the sake of His Name in all the nations.
