Some Go Into The Well, Some Hold The Rope

Over the years I have observed a number of faulty attitudes towards missions.  And by faulty, I mean that these attitudes are not based in an accurate understanding of what Scripture teaches.  Among these erroneous attitudes is that if a person is not personally present in the mission field, then he or she is not being faithful to the great commission.  Many times those who hold such a view get caught up on the word “go” in the great commission, and then claim that if a Christian is not “going” with the gospel, then they are somehow being less faithful.  (This view is easily shown to be faulty by simply applying the same logic to the remainder to that verse, as very few people have the opportunity to “go” to “all nations.”)

A basic reading of Acts makes it clear that as some Christians were called to go with the gospel, others where indeed called to stay with the gospel.

“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”  Acts 13:1-3

Then we see in later writings of Paul (Saul) that he thanks churches which have sent him gifts and prayed for him, most notably in Philippians.

“Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.  And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.  Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.   I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”  Philippians 4:14-20

Why am I pointing these things out?  We are not all able to go across the world with the gospel (though we can certainly go to our neighbor with the gospel), but we are all called to support those who do.  Successful mission work requires prayer, training, and it requires a financial support network back home.  Please pray for our missionaries.  And please consider a gift to the Golden Offering, a missions effort organized by the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.  Our church goal is $1500.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce