MISSIONS: THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

MISSIONS: THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:18-20
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Supporting Texts: Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:13-15, Isaiah 6:8, John 20:21

INTRODUCTION
Missions is not just an activity of the church—it is the very heartbeat of God. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire has always been to reach the lost and bring them into His kingdom. He called Abraham to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3), sent prophets to call people back to Himself, and ultimately sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and save the lost.

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave the Great Commission, commanding His followers to take the gospel to every nation. This mission is not optional; it is a divine mandate for all believers. However, many Christians today are passive about evangelism and missions. Some see it as the responsibility of missionaries and pastors, but God calls every believer to be involved in spreading His Word.

This sermon will highlight why missions is central to God’s plan, how we can participate, and the blessings that come from obeying the call to missions.

1. MISSIONS IS GOD’S PLAN FOR THE WORLD

God's desire is for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

a) God Called Abraham to Be a Blessing to Nations

Through Abraham, God intended to bless all families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3).

b) The Prophets Spoke of God’s Salvation for All People

Isaiah prophesied that God’s salvation would reach the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6).

c) Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost

The mission of Christ was to bring salvation to the world (Luke 19:10).

d) The Great Commission Is for All Believers

Jesus commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15).

e) Biblical Example: Jonah Sent to Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10)

Though reluctant, Jonah carried out God's mission, leading to the repentance of a whole city.

2. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN MISSIONS

Missions cannot be accomplished by human effort alone; the Holy Spirit empowers us.

a) The Holy Spirit Gives Boldness to Witness

The disciples were emboldened after receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

b) The Spirit Directs Missionary Work

The Holy Spirit instructed Philip to preach to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:29).

c) The Holy Spirit Opens Hearts to Receive the Gospel

Lydia’s heart was opened to respond to Paul’s message (Acts 16:14).

d) The Spirit Confirms the Word with Signs and Wonders

Miracles accompany the preaching of the gospel (Mark 16:20).

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Acts 13:2-4)

The Holy Spirit led Paul and Barnabas on their missionary assignments.

3. HOW BELIEVERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN MISSIONS

Every Christian has a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

a) Praying for Missionaries and the Unreached

Prayer is vital in spiritual warfare and missions (Colossians 4:3).

b) Supporting Missions Financially

Giving enables missionaries to reach more people (Philippians 4:15-17).

c) Personally Sharing the Gospel

Every believer is called to witness to others (2 Timothy 4:5).

d) Sending and Encouraging Missionaries

Churches must send and support mission workers (Romans 10:15).

e) Biblical Example: The Church in Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)

The believers in Antioch supported and sent out missionaries.

4. THE REWARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN MISSIONS

Those who are involved in missions enjoy divine blessings.

a) Missions Brings Great Joy

There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7).

b) God Provides for Those Who Support Missions

He supplies the needs of those who seek His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

c) Missionary Work Produces Eternal Rewards

Those who lead many to righteousness shine forever (Daniel 12:3).

d) God Protects and Strengthens His Missionaries

Paul experienced God’s protection throughout his journeys (2 Timothy 4:17).

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius Blessed for Supporting God’s Work (Acts 10:1-4)

Cornelius' generosity and prayers resulted in salvation coming to his household.

5. THE URGENCY OF MISSIONS

The time to act is now because the harvest is ready.

a) The Gospel Must Reach All Nations Before Christ Returns

The end will come after the gospel is preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

b) Many People Are Dying Without Christ

Without Christ, people are eternally lost (John 3:18).

c) The Labourers Are Few

Jesus lamented the scarcity of labourers for the harvest (Luke 10:2).

d) Delayed Obedience Is Disobedience

We must not procrastinate in obeying God’s call (James 4:17).

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Zeal for Missions (Romans 15:20-21)

Paul was passionate about preaching where Christ had not been named.

CONCLUSION
Missions is not an option for the church—it is the heartbeat of God. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has always desired that all people come to know Him. As believers, we must take up the responsibility of evangelism, whether by going, praying, giving, or supporting those on the mission field.

God is looking for men and women who will say, "Here am I, send me!" The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Will you be one of those who respond to the call? As you engage in missions, may the Lord empower, bless, and use you for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS
1.  Lord, give me a heart for missions.

2.  Father, open doors for the gospel to reach the unreached.

3.  Lord, raise more labourers for the harvest.

4.  Father, strengthen and protect missionaries worldwide.

5.  Lord, provide resources for mission work.

6.  Holy Spirit, empower me to be a bold witness.

7.  Lord, let my church be a mission-driven church.

8.  Father, let every nation hear the gospel.

9.  Lord, let my life be a light that draws others to Christ.

10.  I receive grace to obey the Great Commission!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  You will be a vessel for God’s kingdom expansion!

2.  Every fear of evangelism is broken over your life!

3.  The Lord will bless and prosper your mission efforts!

4.  Your prayers will bring souls into the kingdom!

5.  The gospel will spread through you in Jesus’ name!

6.  Divine provision will come for every mission need!

7.  You shall be a light in your generation!

8.  The Spirit of boldness will rest upon you!

9.  The Lord will protect you as you go for Him!

10.  Your reward in heaven will be great!