In this message, we are reminded that biblical missions are not man-made, organization-driven, or personality-centered. They are church-sent, Spirit-led, Scripture-grounded, and God-glorifying.

The main text comes from Acts 13:1–4, where the Holy Ghost called Barnabas and Saul for the work of missions, and the church at Antioch fasted, prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them away. This passage gives us the biblical pattern for missionary work: the Holy Ghost calls, the church prays, the church sends, and the missionary goes.

The first truth is that the church must send. Romans 10:15 asks, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” Biblical missions are carried out through the authority and accountability of the local New Testament church. The missionary does not go alone. He goes with the prayers, support, encouragement, and accountability of a sending church. Missions are not merely a line item in a church budget. They are a sacred act of obedience.

The second truth is that the harvest is real. Jesus said in John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” The need for the Gospel is urgent. Though many places may seem spiritually cold or secular, people are still hungry for truth. The message included reports from Denmark, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and other mission works where God is opening doors, saving souls, strengthening believers, and planting churches.

The preacher shared how the Lord is working in Europe, including a testimony of a young man named Lazarus who trusted Christ in Barcelona. His story was a reminder that those who are spiritually dead can be made alive through the Lord Jesus Christ. The message also challenged believers to pray more specifically for missionaries, families, open hearts, Gospel opportunities, and laborers for the harvest.

The third truth is that the partnership is eternal. Philippians 1:3–5 and Philippians 4:15–17 show the relationship between Paul and the Philippian church. Paul thanked them for their “fellowship in the gospel” and reminded them that their giving resulted in fruit abounding to their account. A church that supports missions is not a spectator. It is a participant in the harvest.

Mission giving is not charity. It is an eternal investment. The return is measured in souls saved, lives changed, churches planted, believers strengthened, and Christ proclaimed where He was not known before.

This message closes with a challenge to never stop sending, never stop praying, never stop giving, and never stop caring about souls. God has opened doors of faith among the nations, and the local church has the privilege and responsibility to walk through those doors in obedience to the Great Commission.

To God be the glory.

Maplewood-WV.org