Imagine yourself at the “livingStone Church Worship” on April 21, 2024. The video created by LivingStone Church sets the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on missions and the church budget. As you listen, you’ll learn about the importance of missions in bringing people out of darkness and into Christianity, as well as the missionary mandate and the Great Commission. The speaker delves into the concept of sin and the need for a substitute for salvation, highlighting God’s heart for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. You’ll also explore Israel’s role as a light to the Gentiles and the church’s responsibility in spreading the gospel globally. The speaker shares successful missions efforts in Africa and China, emphasizing the need for world evangelization and encouraging different ways to get involved in missions, such as financial contributions or prayer support. The congregation is reminded of God’s goodness and encouraged to affirm it as they consider their commitment to missions.
LivingStone Church Worship on April 21, 2024
Video created by LivingStone Church
Welcome to LivingStone Church Worship on April 21, 2024! We are so thrilled to have you here with us today. In this service, we will be discussing the crucial topic of missions and its significance in our church. We will also touch upon the budget and how it intersects with our mission work. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this important discussion.
Discussion on Missions and Budget in the Church
Importance of missions to bring people out of darkness and into Christianity
Missions play a vital role in bringing people out of darkness and into the light of Christianity. We live in a world where many individuals are trapped in various forms of darkness – be it cultural practices, false religions, or sinful lifestyles. As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to shine His light in the darkest corners of the world and lead people into the redemption and freedom found in Him. Through missions, we have the incredible opportunity to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet experienced His transformative power.
Explanation of the missionary mandate and the Great Commission
The missionary mandate, often referred to as the Great Commission, is the call given by Jesus to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers to proclaim the Gospel, baptize believers, and teach them to obey all of His commandments.
This mandate is not just for individual Christians, but for the Church as a whole. It is a collective responsibility to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations. By fulfilling this commission, we participate in God’s plan to bring salvation and hope to the unreached and forgotten corners of the world.
Discussion on the concept of sin and the need for a substitute for salvation
Sin is at the core of humanity’s separation from God. It is our sinful nature that prevents us from entering into a relationship with a holy and perfect God. The Bible teaches us that the consequence of sin is eternal separation from God.
However, God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a substitute for our salvation – Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment for our sins. By accepting Him as our Savior and believing in His sacrificial work on the cross, we can find forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
This understanding of sin and the need for a substitute is crucial in our mission work. It is through the revelation of this truth that individuals can come to know Christ and experience true freedom and salvation.
God’s heart for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth
God’s heart beats for the salvation of all people. It is His desire that every person would come to know Him and experience the joy of a relationship with Him. In 1 Timothy 2:4, it says that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” He longs for every nation, tribe, and tongue to hear the Gospel and be saved.
As followers of Christ, we are called to share in God’s heart and participate in His mission. By actively engaging in missions, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and partner with Him in reaching the unreached and bringing them into the knowledge of the truth.
God’s promise to Abraham and the role of Israel as a light to the Gentiles
God’s promise to Abraham, recorded in Genesis 12:3, carries profound implications for missions. He said to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Israel was chosen by God to be a light to the Gentiles, to display His glory and goodness to the nations. This calling on Israel’s life extends to the Church today. We are called to be a light in the world, shining the love and truth of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet experienced His grace.
Israel’s failure to fulfill their role in world evangelization
Unfortunately, Israel failed to fulfill its role as a light to the Gentiles. Instead of embracing their mission, they became exclusive and closed off from the nations. Jesus Himself expressed disappointment in their exclusion of foreigners when He cleansed the temple.
This serves as a powerful reminder that the responsibility of spreading the gospel globally falls not just on a specific nation or group but on the Church as a whole. We must learn from Israel’s mistakes and actively engage in the task of bringing the message of Jesus to the nations.
The purpose of the temple to be a place of prayer for all people
The purpose of the temple in Jerusalem was not only to be a place of worship for the Israelites but also a place of prayer for all people. In Isaiah 56:7, it says, “For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
This verse highlights the inclusivity and openness of God’s heart. He desires for people from every nation and background to come and seek Him. This serves as a powerful reminder that our churches and our lives should be welcoming and open to people of all cultures and backgrounds.
The responsibility of the church in spreading the gospel globally
The responsibility of spreading the gospel globally rests on the shoulders of the Church. It is not a task that should be taken lightly or only pursued half-heartedly. As believers, we are called to actively engage in the task of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to every corner of the world.
This responsibility comes with various methods and avenues. Some may be called to physically go and share the Gospel in foreign lands, while others may support missions financially or through fervent prayer. The important thing is that we all play our part in advancing the Kingdom of God across the globe.
Examples of Successful Missions Efforts in Africa and China
As we consider the significance of missions, it is essential to highlight examples of successful missions efforts in various parts of the world. This demonstrates the effectiveness and impact of our collective mission work.
One such example is the incredible growth of Christianity in Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the challenges, Africa has experienced an astronomical increase in the number of believers, with approximately 30,000 conversions to Christianity every day. This phenomenal growth speaks to the power of the Gospel and the hunger for truth that exists in this region.
Another significant example is the impact of missions in China. Despite a history of persecution and a challenging cultural context, the Church in China continues to grow and thrive. The dedication and perseverance of Chinese believers, combined with the support of the global Church, have contributed to the spread of the Gospel in this influential nation.
These examples serve as inspirations and reminders that our efforts in missions have a real and tangible impact on individuals, communities, and nations.
The Great Commission and Ways to Get Involved
The Great Commission, as mentioned earlier, is a mandate given to all Christians. It is a call to action, an invitation to be active participants in God’s redemptive plan for the world. We are called to preach, pray, give, or go in missions – all for the purpose of making disciples of all nations.
Getting involved in missions can take various forms. One way to participate is through financial giving. By contributing to missions and supporting missionary organizations, we can directly impact their work on the ground. Whether it’s providing resources, supporting training programs, or funding specific projects, our financial support plays a crucial role in advancing the Gospel.
Another way to get involved is through prayer. Prayer is a powerful and essential tool in missions. By interceding on behalf of missionaries and the unreached, we partner with God in heaven to bring about miracles and transformation. We can pray for open doors, protection, provision, and the effective communication of the Gospel message.
Church’s Current Missions Contribution and Growth Potential
At LivingStone Church, we are committed to the work of missions. Currently, our church’s missions contribution stands at $1000 per year. While this is a great starting point, we believe there is potential for growth as our congregation expands and our awareness of the global need increases.
To illustrate the impact of missions, I would like to share a personal experience. Last year, I had the privilege of working with a mission organization in French-speaking Africa. This experience transformed my perspective and deepened my commitment to the mission field. I saw firsthand the incredible work being done and the tremendous need for continued support. I urge you to join me in supporting missions and making a difference in the lives of those who have yet to hear the Gospel.
The Church’s Building Fund
In addition to our involvement in missions, we want to draw your attention to the church’s building fund. As we continue to grow and expand our ministries, the need for a suitable place of worship becomes essential. Our church’s building fund provides an opportunity for members of our congregation to contribute over and above their regular tithes and offerings, specifically designated for the construction of a new church building. We believe that investing in a building will enable us to better serve our community and facilitate the advancement of our mission work.
Affirming God’s Goodness
Before we wrap up this service, I want to take a moment to remind each of you of God’s goodness. Our God is faithful and loving, and He is working in and through each of our lives. Even in the midst of challenging circumstances, we can hold onto the truth that God is good, and His plans for us are good. Let us affirm His goodness and continually testify to His faithfulness in our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have covered a comprehensive range of topics related to missions and the church’s role in spreading the gospel globally. We explored the importance of missions in bringing people out of darkness and into Christianity, the significance of the Great Commission, and ways to get involved in missions. We also discussed the current missions contribution of LivingStone Church and the potential for growth in the future. Additionally, we touched on the church’s building fund and affirmed God’s goodness in our lives.
We hope this discussion has inspired and challenged you to consider your role in missions. Let us continue to faithfully support and participate in the mission work of our church, knowing that we serve a God whose heart is for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Thank you for joining us for LivingStone Church Worship on April 21, 2024. May God’s blessings and favor be upon you as you go forth and make disciples of all nations.
