John's missionary message is found in 1 John 1:3: "that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." Our first responsibility as a missionary, and all of us are missionaries, is to maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus that is so authentic and real in our lives that our Joy spills out in our living and our giving. This intimate and abiding fellowship in Christ is foundational to missions whether at home or our involvement in praying, going and giving all around the world.
Paul's missionary message is found in Col. 4:2-4: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison - that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." Paul sees the substance of what he preaches as being the indwelling Christ. He spoke of joy and the riches of the glory of the mystery of Christ in us. And yet, he emphasizes our very important part in praying that mystery be proclaimed in clarity. Paul calls for the church to pray enabling the mission. We are also called to pray and share in the blessing that "Christ is in you and He is your hope of glory".
Our missionary message is found in I Thessalonians 2:10: "You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. Our missionary message is practicing what we preach and remembering that 'Christ . . . is your life.'" Our mission is to allow Him to impart His life of joy, hope, and peace in such a way that it impacts the world in our sphere of influence. He is our life, joy, peace, and hope. Together, as we have been singing at the end of our worship, "I want to be Your hands and feet, I want to be Your voice every time I speak. I want to run to the ones in need, in the name of Jesus. I want to give my life away all for Your Kingdom's sake. Shine a light in the darkest place in the name of Jesus."
That is why our church gave over $ 557,000.00 in one Sunday morning, today.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
