A Heart for God - A Vision for the World I. Introduction: Do you know where you would be today without the gospel? If someone hadn’t told you about Jesus, you’d be separated from God, living without His help, and facing the prospect of His righteous judgment after death. Sadly, that’s where most people in the world are today. Their hope is in Jesus because He is the one way to come to the Father (John 14:6), yet many have never even heard of Him. This is why believers must have a heart for God and a vision for the world. The last direction Christ gave to His church was, “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:45-49). Like them, we must remember that whenever God plants a vision in our hearts, He has a purpose and a blessing in mind. If we’ll take the first step of obedience, the Lord will lead us to the second and provide everything we need. II. What does a heart for God look like? A. A Desire to Know Him—When you have a heart for God, you experience an insatiable desire to know Him. It’s not a matter of learning facts, but rather a pursuit of an increasingly personal relationship with Him. B. A Desire to Obey Him—The night before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Genuine love for Christ always results in obedience. As a believer, you should always be fully surrendered to His will in every aspect of your life. C. Desire to Share Him—If you’re genuinely devoted to Jesus, you’ll want to tell others about Him because Christ didn’t call followers to private faith. Instead, He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). III. God’s intends for every person to hear the gospel. Remember, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Lord wants all to know the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-5). That is why He patiently continues to call people to Him so none might perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Because Jesus paid our sin debt, we have been given a lifelong obligation, to spread the good news, “even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Although God is the only one who can open a person’s heart to the gospel, our job is to tell them. IV. God’s plan is the missionary church. Since the Lord has tasked believers with the message, we know He has a plan to accomplish it. It involves three parts: A. The Person of Jesus Christ—He is the One who offered His life as a substitutionary atonement for our sins. By His divine authority, Jesus has commanded us to tell others about His offer of forgiveness. B. The Power—Knowing the job was beyond us, Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to live within believers, empowering and equipping them to carry out the task of witnessing to the world (Luke 24:49). C. His Program—Because God loves everyone on earth, He desires no place be left unevangelized. The plan was set in motion with just twelve men who faithfully led thousands to salvation, and today, millions of people know Jesus as Lord. V. What exactly does a missionary church look like? A church willing to fulfill the Great Commission: A. Has a vision for the world, not just its own city. B. Responds obediently by sending out missionaries. C. Clearly proclaims Christ’s message of redemption. D. Challenges those called by God to carry the message wherever He sends them. E. Supports those who are called to the mission field. VI. Conclusion: God’s plan is working. All over the globe, people are being saved, churches are being established, and missionaries are being sent out. As a believer, you have three possible choices today: You can enter the mission field—across the street or around the world—financially support those who go, or pray without ceasing for them. We all have essential roles to play, so ask the Lord how He wants you to be involved
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 08:54:18 +0000
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