Igreja dos Cristãos Resgatados de Deus em Angola RCCG – City Church Luanda Sul
Sunday School
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear ” BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 5:12-20 INTRODUCTION: Apostle Paul in his epistles emphasized that each member in the body of Christ has an important function to perform and that there is no spectator in the body of Christ. All are supposed to use their gifts for the work of the ministry - Ephesians 4:12. These spiritual gifts, if properly put in active use will undoubtedly result in missionary works. This is a glorious assignment that includes members of the body of every type of class, sex and nation – 1 Corinthians 12:13.
Outlines: 1.APOSTLE PETER’S IMPRESSION OF MISSIONS 2.THE EARLY CHURCH AND MISSIONS
Outline 1: APOSTLE PETER’S IMPRESSION OF MISSIONS. Apostle Peter taught that the Church is a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people to show forth the praises of Him who has called them from darkness into His marvelous light – 1 Peter 2:9-10. This declaration must be in holiness - 1 Peter 2:12-20 that others will glorify God and in readiness to give reason for the hope in us as Christians.
Outline 2: THE EARLY CHURCH AND MISSIONS. The early Church was fully engaged in missions, Paul the Apostle was a model. No wonder he said people should imitate him – 1 Corinthians 4:16. Priscilla and Aquila were Christians who started Churches wherever they went – Acts 18: Paul’s team was composed of missionaries - 2 Corinthians 8:23. The word of God sounded forth from the Thessalonians Church to Macedonia and Achaia - 1 Thessalonians 1:8. All Asia heard God’s word while Paul was teaching in Ephesus – Acts 19:26, Colossians 1:4-7.
Outline 2: JESUS AND CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. Epaphas heard the gospel in Ephesus and from there carried it to the other towns. The Philippians supported Paul’s missionary work – Philippians 4: The Ephesians were asked to support the missionary work with prayers – Ephesians 6: Missionary work extended to Rome and other places. It is noteworthy that a Church without missionary activities is unknown in the new Testament.
CONCLUSION God reconciled the whole world to Himself through Jesus Christ. He equally has made us ambassadors and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.The Christian has no choice but to obey the institution of the Lord and get busy on missions. Now is the time to obey. Tomorrow may be too late.