3. Eph 4:4-7 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (7) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

4. In Matthew 28:19-20, the Lord instructed his disciples to: – “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in to the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Again, in Mark 16:15: – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”

5. We have a direct example of the mission work principle in Acts chapter 13. – “Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away” (vv. 1-3).

6. 1.A congregation of Christ’s church had been established in the city of Antioch. 2.The church had an abundance of resources, namely, prophets and teachers, five of whom are named. 3.These abundant resources served the spiritual needs of the congregation. They were constantly ministering (present tense). 4.Also, they regularly fasted. This demonstrated, among other things, their devotion to spiritual matters. This act of self-control on their part fostered the spiritual attitude of selflessness. 5.The Holy Spirit commanded that some of their resources be diverted to another work. It is especially interesting to note that the term “called” is in the middle voice, perfect tense. The Holy Spirit was in effect commanding the Antioch church, “I have called Baranabas and Saul for my work. Give them up so I may use them.” 6.Regardless of how useful they were to the church in Antioch, the brethren faithfully obeyed. Did the brethren wonder, “Will we be able to make it without Saul and Barnabas?” There is not the slightest hint of any such reservation. With a true spirit of faith, they gave up their self-interests, and with prayer, fasting, and aid, they sent them forth.

7. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of every week, let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.”