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MISSIONARY PRINCIPLES
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 30
Mark 6:7-13

Matthew 28:18-20

 

“And he called unto him the twelve,

and began to send them forth…”

 

MISSIONARY PRINCIPLES
 
Every church is a missionary society. What are the principles of missions and evangelism? There are three: (1) The Call, (2) The Charge, and (3) The Communication.
 
First, the call. Jesus “called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two” (Mark 6:7). Know that there is a general call and a special call. The general call is found in the Great Commission (Matt 28:19,20). Every Christian is called to share the gospel to family and friends, even strangers. Then there is a special call which is a call to full-time service. This was the call received by the 12. The Lord continues to call certain ones to full-time ministry—to be pastors, teachers, missionaries, church workers etc. Is the Lord calling you to full-time service? How to know if you have such a call? You know you have such a call when you have an inescapable desire or conviction to serve the Lord with all of your life. You will also have a desire to study in a Bible College and be trained for the ministry—just like military officers have to go through OCS (Officer Cadet School) before they become commissioned officers with the authority and skill to lead and serve.
 
Second, the charge. Those who do the work of missions and evangelism must be fully dependent on the Lord for what they need (Mark 6:8-11). The most important thing is the gospel that they have and must bring to the people, not money or material possessions. Servants of God are required to step out in faith to do God’s will trusting only in Him to provide for all their physical and spiritual needs.
 
Third, the communication. All who preach the gospel must preach the gospel of repentance (Mark 6:12), and not the gospel of prosperity that is so popular and prevalent today. Mankind has to be told that they have sinned against God and that judgment is coming. The only way of salvation is for sinners to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23).
 
THOUGHT: Are you sharing the gospel with others?
PRAYER: (Pray the Lord to raise up more men and women for full-time ministry.)

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