11/2 North Point

Monday, November 2

The Message of Missions

“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:” -- Romans 15:20

In Romans 15:20-24, the Apostle Paul, God’s greatest missionary, was sharing his future missionary plans with the Christians residing in Rome. Much confusion has arisen over the last century about what constitutes missionary endeavor. In the name of missions, the ecumenical movement unfortunately confused missionary work with drilling wells and handing out blankets to poor, lost souls around the world! What is the message of missions?

Paul wrote, “…so have I strived to preach the gospel.” This is the message of missions. What is the gospel? In First Corinthians 15:3-4 the Bible makes it very clear: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” This is the gospel message, which, in turn, is the message of missions.

There is nothing wrong with helping people in need, both wherever you live and around the world. In fact, we are commanded to do this! “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) But we should never replace the preaching of the gospel with mere good deeds. This whole world (Mark 16:15) needs to know the blessed message of the gospel, how that the sinless, perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ, took the sins of mankind upon Himself (2 Cor. 5:21) to the cross of Calvary, died, was buried, and rose again the third day. Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” The gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of missions.

Are you able to give a clear gospel presentation to the lost people around you?

Ask the Lord to make the gospel, the message of missions, a message that you are telling people consistently.