1. The Missionary Message of the New Testament2
The Missionary Message of the New Testament

2. 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

3. The gospels

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Acts and the epistles

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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