Missions

What is a Missionary? Someone who serves God in a cross-cultural situation (this is not the same as ministering to a person or people of another culture).

What is culture? Culture is a way of life of a group of people - the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next. (Texas A&M)

What is our basis for Missions?  Matthew 28:16-20 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What is our basis for missions? Acts 1: 6-8 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Spiritual Gift of Missionary God never promises us it will be easy to share the gospel only that He will do miraculous things in the lives of those who hear His word and receive it.

So what does this gift do? Grace Ephesians 3

So looking at what Paul teaches, what is the Spiritual Gift of Missionary   It is the divine grace to continue the work that God has called you to in spite of the trials and difficulties of ministering in a different culture.

Ephesians 4:4-16 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

So what does this mean for us? 1. He commands all of us that we be His disciples growing in Him and learning the gifts He has given us. 2. We are all called to be witnesses not all to be missionaries. 3. Those He calls to be missionaries, He gives the necessary Grace.