1. Together Reaching the Nations Acts 1:8 NASV - session five -

2. Are we occupied with satisfying the saints rather than looking for the lost? Do you believe that our church can participate meaningfully in reaching the nations?

3. 1.Jesus alone can determine the scope of our ministry. To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3

4. And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6

5. Are we sometimes equally myopic in our thinking? Acts 1:8 is a statement of fact for the kingdom-centered church. Each of the four quadrants must be engaged simultaneously.

6. 2. The pattern displayed in Acts illustrates our global mission. a. It all began with Pentecost – the Church was birthed with the DNA that mandates a global mission. b. The book of Acts confirms the global DNA.

7. c. The local church is at the heart of global expansion. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:3 This is the beginning of the missional strategy of sending out missionaries to reach the nations.

8. d. A four-fold strategy emerges. The kingdom-centered church must pray, send, go and give.

9. 3. The scope of the task mandates cooperation. When we work cooperatively our strength is multiplied and our result is magnified. The offering for the saints in Jerusalem was a task so large it demanded cooperation.

10. I Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.

11. 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints…

12. 2 Corinthians 9:2 …for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

13. Romans 15:25-26 …but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

14. Cooperation is mandated by the size of our mission.