22-09-2019
Missio Dei is a Latin Christian theological term that can be translated as the "mission of God," or the "sending of God."
It is God the Father sending the Son for our redemption.
There is also the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the one who is sending us.
The emphasis is not only global but also very much local.
God has blessed you with cultural varieties. Together living in one nation is absolutely fantastic.
God has called people from different parts of the world. There are many opportunities and many open doors here in this nation.
1) This is God's mission.
We don't own it. We respond to it.
Acts 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Prologue
1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Luke is writing the second volume. In the first volume, it is about Jesus' ministry on earth. In this volume, it is Jesus' ministry through his apostles empowered with the Holy Spirit.
In John 13-17, Jesus has given the Holy Spirit. He has given the Word. He has given tremendous privilege of prayer.
And here we have a church, a family of believers. It is God's work that Jesus is doing in the Book of Acts and the work continues.
The Book of Acts ends very abruptly. There is no Chapter 29. You are writing that chapter. We are in Acts 29. Until Jesus comes back. We are all weak earthen vessels empowered by God's power.
2) The expansion of the church.
See the story unfolds in the Book of Acts.
There is the geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Antioch to Asian Minor to Rome. The Gospel would spread geographically.
And there is cultural expansion. Unreached people groups, etc. The first church was primarily among the Jewish speaking people to Hellenistic Jews and others.
3) Who's story do you read in the Book of Acts? It begins with Peter. Then Stephen, Philip, the Apostle Paul. It's human stories.
In all of it, the Holy Spirit is involved. Church planting is done from the very beginning in partnership between God and human beings.
God Himself became man. He came on our side and helping us to invite other people in the story of redemption.
Romans 8:20-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [a]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Revelation 11:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The [a]kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
4) The Word of God and the prayers of people.
The Word grew. The Word multiplied. It is a about church growth. It is divine presence accomplishing this.
A lot of people miss quality. We need to disciple people as well. Maintain in your strategy not just numerical growth but also quality.
5) Suffering and opposition are part and parcel of this Great Commission.
John 13-17 is Jesus' seminar.
John 15:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
To fulfil this vision by God's grace, we have to make sacrifices and live simple lives.
6) Conflicts are to be expected. (Acts 15)
And we have to overcome that.
7) Wait. Do not go without Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)
John 15:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Are you available? Be available. Jesus says, "I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)
Be strategic. Be courageous. And expectant.
God is calling you to attempt great things. God needs you and I. God wants us and we need God. If we are available, God can do great things.
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