MISSIONS: THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

MISSIONS: THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:18-20

"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." (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV)

Supporting Texts:
John 3:16; Luke 19:10; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-15; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 7:9-10.

Key Verse:
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10, KJV)

INTRODUCTION

From Genesis to Revelation, missions reveal the very heartbeat of God. God's greatest desire is that all people should know Him and experience His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible is the story of a loving God reaching out to a lost world. His passion has always been to redeem humanity and restore people into fellowship with Himself.

Jesus Christ demonstrated the Father's missionary heart by leaving the glory of heaven to seek and save the lost. He preached the Gospel, healed the sick, delivered the oppressed, and ultimately gave His life on the cross for the salvation of the world. Before returning to heaven, He entrusted His followers with the Great Commission, commanding them to take the Gospel to every nation.

Today, every believer is called to participate in God's mission. While some are called to serve as missionaries in distant lands, every Christian has a responsibility to pray, give, witness, disciple, and support the spread of the Gospel. Missions is not merely a church programme; it is the heartbeat of God and the responsibility of every believer.

1. GOD'S HEART IS FOR THE SALVATION OF ALL PEOPLE

God desires every person to hear and receive the Gospel.

a) God Loves The Whole World (John 3:16)
His love extends to every tribe, nation, language, and people.

b) God Desires That None Should Perish (2 Peter 3:9)
The Lord patiently calls sinners to repentance.

c) Jesus Came To Seek And Save The Lost (Luke 19:10)
Christ's earthly ministry reflected the Father's heart for lost souls.

d) Salvation Is Available To Everyone (Romans 10:13)
Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus sought out Zacchaeus, demonstrating God's love and desire to save even those rejected by society.

2. THE GREAT COMMISSION IS FOR EVERY BELIEVER

Every Christian has a responsibility to participate in missions.

a) Go And Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
The command to evangelise is given to all believers.

b) Be Empowered By The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
The Holy Spirit equips believers to be effective witnesses.

c) Preach The Gospel Everywhere (Mark 16:15)
The Good News must reach every person.

d) Disciple New Believers (Matthew 28:20)
Missions includes nurturing converts to become mature followers of Christ.

Biblical Example: Philip (Acts 8:26-40). Philip obeyed God's direction, preached Christ to the Ethiopian official, and led him to salvation.

3. SUPPORT THE WORK OF MISSIONS

Not everyone goes, but everyone can participate.

a) Pray For Labourers (Matthew 9:37-38)
Pray that God will raise more workers for His harvest.

b) Give Generously To Missions (Philippians 4:15-19)
Financial support enables the Gospel to reach unreached places.

c) Encourage And Strengthen Missionaries (3 John 5-8)
Those who support God's servants become fellow workers in the truth.

d) Live As A Witness Daily (Matthew 5:16)
Your lifestyle should reflect Christ wherever you are.

Biblical Example: The Church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). The believers prayed, fasted, and sent Paul and Barnabas into missionary service.

4. MISSIONS BRINGS ETERNAL REWARDS

Those who invest in God's mission share in His eternal harvest.

a) Souls Are The Greatest Harvest (Proverbs 11:30)
Winning people to Christ has eternal value.

b) Faithful Labour Will Be Rewarded (1 Corinthians 15:58)
No labour for God's Kingdom is ever in vain.

c) Nations Will Worship The Lord (Revelation 7:9-10)
God's plan is for people from every nation to worship Him.

d) Christ Will Reward Faithful Servants (Matthew 25:21)
Those who faithfully serve His mission will receive eternal commendation.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul faithfully fulfilled his missionary calling and looked forward to receiving the crown of righteousness.

CONCLUSION

Missions is the very heartbeat of God because it reflects His love for a lost world. Every believer has a role to play in taking the Gospel to those who have never heard the saving message of Jesus Christ. Whether through going, praying, giving, encouraging, or witnessing, we become partners with God in His redemptive work.

Let us embrace God's missionary vision with passion and commitment. May our hearts burn with compassion for the lost, our hands be active in His service, and our resources be dedicated to advancing His Kingdom. As we faithfully participate in missions, countless lives will be transformed, churches will be planted, and God will receive glory from every nation.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for Your great love that sent Jesus Christ to save the world, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me a heart that longs for the salvation of lost souls, in Jesus name.

3. Father, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to obey the Great Commission faithfully, in Jesus name.

5. Father, raise more labourers to preach the Gospel throughout the world, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, bless and protect every missionary serving in difficult places, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to support missions through prayer, giving, and practical service, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, open doors for the Gospel to reach every unreached people group, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let many souls be saved through my life and ministry, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my assignment faithfully and receive Your eternal reward, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The Lord shall fill your heart with His compassion for the lost.

2. You shall become an effective witness for Jesus Christ wherever you go.

3. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to fulfil your missionary assignment.

4. God shall use your life to bring many souls into His Kingdom.

5. Every resource you dedicate to God's work shall produce an eternal harvest.

6. The Lord shall open great and effective doors for the preaching of the Gospel.

7. You shall never grow weary in serving God's Kingdom.

8. Your prayers and support for missions shall bring lasting fruit around the world.

9. You shall rejoice over countless souls brought to Christ through your obedience.

10. You shall carry the heartbeat of God, faithfully proclaim the Gospel, advance His Kingdom, impact nations for Jesus Christ, and receive the crown of righteousness at His appearing, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.