Undisputed — Over All The Earth - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (ESV)
I think of today’s verse as the mission statement of the Church. The Oxford Dictionary says that a mission is an important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes –an important assignment with a singular goal. In our case, it’s bringing the world back to God. The church has been carrying out this mission since its start at Pentecost. Peter preached the first sermon to a group of people from many nations, who all heard the sermon in their own language, and 3,000 people were baptized. Happy Birthday, Church!
Paul and Barnabas were among the first missionaries sent out. Later, Paul traveled with Silas, while Barnabas partnered with John Mark. The world was forever changed by their work. Paul traveled to the regions of Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, Italy, and many other places. There he preached the Gospel, planted churches, and invested in leaders for these churches. All of this came at great cost to Paul. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and eventually killed. Why would he do this? Because he thought the salvation and restoration of the world was worth it.
Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
REFLECTION
Can you see yourself telling the world about Jesus and what He’s done? Head to southland.church/missions to check out our Missions page and volunteer to help near or far!