This March 2-9 Carriage Lane will hold its 16th annual missions conference. This is going to be an outstanding conference focusing on ministry to Muslims and you can read more about it in this issue. Back in the early days of our development the elders believed it was important for the church to begin an annual missions conference for regular renewal in one of the chief purposes of the church – expanding the Kingdom of God through missions. Over the years, even though we have added at least 22 missionaries and church planters and sent many young people and adults on short-term mission trips all over the world, we continue to need renewal in our commitment to missions. Our conferences are well attended but I am aware that some do not find the subject of missions very compelling. What does compel a believer to find interest and commitment to missions? I think the key is grasping what transformed the early followers of Christ.

One of the fascinating observations from my preaching series through the Gospel of Mark has been to see the patience and faith of Jesus in training disciples that were often dull, faithless, selfish, and timid. It must have been a great temptation for Christ to worry about how the church would survive. He taught them many things He knew they would not grasp until after He was gone. What was it that transformed these men and other disciples into people with a passion to win the world for Christ even in the face of harsh persecution? There were four spiritual realities that transformed and compelled the early church toward missions: the resurrection of Christ, the great commission, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the promised return of Christ. I purpose that each of these realities must be renewed in us or we will just be going through the motions with missions.

Each of these four spiritual realities ought to become the focus of our individual and corporate prayers.
1. Pray that God would help us grow in our belief that Jesus is alive and reigning in heaven. He overcame death and rose again with a new glorified human body. After His resurrection He appeared in bodily form to hundreds maybe thousands over a period of forty days. He ascended to heaven and reigns on His throne. The resurrection of Christ proved that His work of redemption for believers was accomplished and it guaranteed their victory over sin and death. Because He rose again we will rise again and be with Him in heaven. The resurrection gives confidence and hope to believers that Christ will build His church and cause her to be victorious.
2. Pray that God would help us grow in our belief that Jesus gave all believers a mission in life. Before He ascended to heaven He commissioned the church to go and make disciples of all nations and to be His witnesses spanning out from home to the world. Jesus equips us for this mission and it is a great privilege to be used to bring His elect into His Kingdom. Each believer is called to be an active witness and support the spread of the gospel worldwide. Each believer is to participate in the making of more disciples for Christ.
3. Pray that God would help us grow in our belief that we have the Spirit of Christ indwelling us. The Holy Spirit has regenerated each believer’s heart and unites him to Christ and His life, power and gospel benefits. The Spirit is applying all that Christ did and all His resurrection power to their lives. The Spirit’s role is to sanctify us and make us witnesses for Christ. He is zealous for the glory of Christ and that more would be added to His Kingdom to worship Him. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus out of love to purchase our redemption, and who compelled the early church to boldly witness, is at work in us to take the gospel to others.
4. Pray that God would help us grow in our belief that Christ is coming again. The signs continue to grow that His return may be soon. Believers should have their sights on their true citizenship and heavenly home. They ought to yearn and pray for Christ’s return. His return and the reality of heaven and hell compel believers to focus their time and resources on their primary calling and mission. This life is fleeting and time is running out. We only have a set number of days to bring Christ glory in this life. We do not know when we will be called home or Christ will come again, so we want to keep our lamps burning for Him. We want to hear Him say to us “well done good and faithful servant.”

Does what compelled the early church toward missions compel you? Are these four spiritual realities that fueled the fire of the early church changing your focus and priorities in life? Will you pray that they will? Will you come to the Missions Conference and seek God’s passion for missions? That is my prayer.

Pastor Doug Griffith