To understand God’s view of mission work, we can look at today’s passage. Paul and Barnabas set the standard when they obeyed God’s call to go forth. The local body of believers—those left behind to share Jesus Christ with neighbors and friends—equipped the men for their journey. They did so for the same reasons that apply today:
The spiritual condition of mankind. Romans 1:21-32 describes this sinful world. Unchecked sin leads people down a slippery slope toward a depraved conscience and, ultimately, a darkened mind that cannot perceive what is right. Every unbelieving person is sliding on that treacherous path.
God’s spiritual provision. Responding with grace to mankind’s plight, the Father sent His Son to save the world. On the cross, Christ bore the sin of every person—living, no longer alive, and yet to be born. The offer of salvation is for all; God’s grace is blind to race, creed, and color (Rom. 10:12). All who believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sin, and they’ll spend eternity with Him.
The commission from Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 says that we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. Notice that we don’t simply begin at home and work steadily outward. People everywhere are waiting for the good news. The Word is to be carried far and fast.
The purpose of the church is to worship and witness. Some will go and some will send, but all are called to the work of spreading the gospel. This is not a suggestion; it is a command (Matt. 28:19). Believers living in God’s will are all to be involved in missionary work.
Bible in a Year: Numbers 20-22
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