The Missionary Message of the New Testament 2 The Missionary Message of the New Testament

Introduction Focus: God’s mission for the church Three-fold division What it is How we are to accomplish it What we are to do as we “go” Three-fold division Background in the ministry of Christ The example and practice of the early church How God will wrap things up in the end

The gospels

The Synoptics Jesus came to proclaim a message and provide salvation The message was particularly directed toward the poor and oppressed These texts are full of declarations that he must lay down his life to win salvation for us.

John’s Gospel The mission of Jesus is particularly prominent in John’s gospel [40 times it is stated] Jesus is sent from the Father Comes from the Father Given by the Father His mission involved both revelation and redemption

The Great Commission Foreshadowed in three ways The gospels give examples of Gentiles coming to faith Jesus trained the apostles in missionary work, preparing them to itinerate. Jesus taught about the future worldwide impact of the gospel

The Great Commission It ends the Gospels Stated differently by different authors Matthew – focus on the command to make disciples Luke – More of a promise of presence as they obey John – our work builds on that of Jesus; harvesting, bearing fruit, bearing witness

Acts and the epistles

Insights from Acts Acts describes what the church did to fulfill Christ’s commission – in the Spirit’s power Rapid growth through preaching/miracles Unstopped by persecution nor internal conflict Jesus continues his mission through the church Paul is presented as the model missionary

The Ministry of Paul Important to study Paul’s ministry. His… Goal Character Sphere of activity Strategy Confidence

Paul’s Goal Proclaim the gospel where it had not been heard before Gather converts to form churches Nurture those churches toward Maturity Partnership in the spread of the gospel Helping Paul Going to nearby towns, cities, and regions to evangelize and gather converts into churches

Paul Character and Activity His character Courage Integrity Love for people Sphere of Activity Wherever the gospel had not been proclaimed Did not want to build on another’s foundation Wanted to go all the way to Spain

Paul’s Strategy Flexible with general approaches Sensitive to being redirected by the Holy Spirit Generally Went to cities Moved from east to west Looked for trade/communication center Looked for a Jewish synagogue to start Worked with a team Accepted donations, but also worked for support

Paul’s Confidence God is at work in every aspect of Paul’s ministry. Paul relies totally on Him His Spirit would guide, guard, and grow the churches Paul planted was the cause of Paul’s success Guided his travels and directed his work Preserved Paul’s life until the work was done

Revelation Christ will judge the rebellious nations But a multitude will be saved (Rev.7) New beginning with the nations Our role – faithful witnesses, even unto death

Conclusion Gospels – the mission of Jesus Win salvation and initiate the church Acts & Epistles – the mission of the church Make disciples to the ends of the earth In the power of the Holy Spirit Revelation – Assurance it will be done Christ will wrap up history victorious over Satan