THE “MISSION” IS THE GREAT COMMISSION

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

ACTS 1:8 IS THE STRATEGY

Acts 1:8 – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come up you and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.”

 

 

 

It was recorded by the apostle Luke from the words which our resurrected Lord Jesus spoke just before His ascension back to heaven.  It is original in eternity past and present with the Father.  It expresses like nothing else the very heart of God.  Our blessed Father desires that every person on this earth come to know Him personally through a real relationship with Christ.  He not only desires to relate to His specially created people in this way, He also desires that all people everywhere have the opportunity to hear the Good News in their own heart language and to respond to His love.

Acts 1:8 not only expresses the heart of God but, to some degree, answers the “how.”  Acts 1:8 points us to the power (the Holy Spirit), the authority to proceed (the Father’s own authority), and the ever-expanding method of dispersing the Gospel as we go or as we are sent out. Acts 1:8 must not be limited to just that which is typically considered as the “mission movement.”  It should be allowed to encompass the entirety of the mission, the purpose, and the methods of the local church.  If anyone gets the notion that AWANA, choir, Sunday school, Meals on Wheels, our seminaries, the prayer room, Vacation Bible School, visitation, hospital ministry and such are not Acts 1:8 activities then they best prepare their argument well.  We can accurately hold forth that all of these and more are truly Acts 1:8 endeavors.

 

If you are interested in participating in the planning and execution of short term mission trips or joining one of our teams, contact the appropriate team leader .

Edd & Linda Johnson, Mission Coordinators
Please contact Linda at the church office, 903-389-3518, if you have questions or comments.

 

Does every member of FBC need to join one of the four teams?  NO.  In fact, while the teams are vitally important to accomplishing God’s will as outlined in Acts 1:8, it is not necessary to be part of the “planners” in order to be one of the “doers.”    You can participate in the mission trips or other activities sponsored by any of the teams without actually joining the team.  There are many people who are part of one team but also participate in the activities and trips sponsored by other teams as well.  And, if you are unable to go (or even if you are), prayer support is one of the most important ways you can participate in Acts 1:8.   

As for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.  Luke 9:60