Do you remember your first exposure to missions? If you grew up in a Christian church, perhaps the idea was first planted in Vacation Bible School. There we would be regaled of the Apostle Paul’s adventures in prison, earthquakes, and on rough seas. We would hear fantastic stories of people suddenly understanding foreign languages, and tragic tales of young men martyred by villagers. For a young child, foreign missions was understood as a global adventure to be taken on by only the most spiritually mature among us.
Even as adults, these ideas still linger. We’re taught about great spiritual needs in church, we hear from missionaries in Sunday school, we may even host a missionary family for a night or two. But the concept remains slightly out of reach. Missions is something other Christians do, right? “Good for them,” we are tempted to think, “but it’s not really for me.”
We think missions is for you: for you to pray about, participate in, and support. But why?
Why should you care about missions?
Because God cares
If we claim to love God, we should love the things He loves, and the things that matter to Him should matter to us.
We know that He loves His children—we’re the reason He sent His only Son as a sacrifice to save us (John 3:16) and an example for us to follow (John 20:21). He wants His children—from every people group and nation—to experience His glory. Acts 13:47 says that He has made us a light for the gentiles, that we may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
God longs to redeem and restore us (1 Peter 5:10). He doesn’t want any of His family to miss this gift, which is why, like Jesus, we need to go into the world to ensure no one misses out!
Because salvation is only available through Jesus Christ
The Word is clear that Jesus is our only hope for salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). If this is the case, then everyone needs to know. Unfortunately, there are still people in this world that haven’t even heard the name ‘Jesus’, never mind choose to follow Him.
According to The Joshua Project, out of the earth’s 17,400 people groups, over 7,000 have never heard the Gospel. This means about 40% of the world’s people groups haven’t had a chance to hear about the redemptive power of God. It wouldn’t be fair to let those who do not yet know Jesus to pass away before knowing this life-saving truth. And as God’s children, it is our duty to tell them.
“No one has the right to hear the Gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.”
Oswald J. Smith
Because all people should have access to a local church
The community created through the local church is so important. Time and time again, Scripture reminds us of God’s intention for us not to be alone (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and Matthew 18:20, to name just a few). Local churches allow believers, both new and old, to meet and encourage one another in their faith, to build one another up and sharpen each other’s “swords”. We are simply stronger with others. It’s God’s plan and intention for us.
The best thing we can do to build up the global Church is to build and support these local churches. Though planting a church isn’t always easy, the resulting light that is brought to the dark areas of our communities make it all worthwhile!
Because it’s instrumental in multiplying disciples
Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” This isn’t simply an option, but a command for all who believe. Jesus continues: “…and surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Though the task may seem daunting, we aren’t alone—Jesus is with us. As we obey, He will lead and guide us in the process.
One of the wonderful aspects of making disciples is that the weight of the task doesn’t fall on any one person’s shoulders alone. As we make disciples, these disciples then go on to make more disciples. This beautiful cycle can only begin when someone first brings the Gospel to where it isn’t yet known… could that be you?
“…And you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Because the need is so great!
Have you read Luke 10:2? “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
How about this verse: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” Matthew 7:13-14.
If you were to do a quick online search as to how many Christians there are in this world, you may disagree with the above verses, thinking: “There’s plenty of believers; I’m not really needed to do missions.” The reality, however, is that these numbers often represent people who have no relationship with Jesus. Many, in fact, simply identify as “Christian” because of their traditions and upbringing but haven’t actually dedicated their lives to God.
For example, in France, it appears 61% of the population is Christian, but in reality, only 1% are Evangelical. Italy, a country that is known for its Christian roots, claims more than 80% of its population is Christian, yet Evangelicals make up a mere 1.1%. Looks–and terminology–can be deceiving. There truly is a great need for Jesus to be shared with the nations!
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”
Romans 10:14-15
We all have a role to play in getting the Gospel to where it has not yet been heard, understood, or experienced. Whether sending people, prayer, money, or resources for others to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, we must all play our part. As long as there are unbelievers among us—and as long as we are still on this earth—our job is not yet done.
Why not start where you are, and knock on a neighbor’s door? Perhaps the Gospel hasn’t yet been heard there.
Cross-posted from gemission.org : Five Reasons to Care About Missions.
