Global Missions

As a pastor, I believe that global missions is not just the responsibility of pastors and missionaries, but it is the calling of all Christians. As believers, we are called to share the message of salvation with those around us, as well as with people in other parts of the world.

In our increasingly connected world, it is easier than ever to reach people in other parts of the world with the gospel message. We can support missionaries through prayer and financial contributions, and we can also participate in short-term or long-term mission trips.

But even if we are unable to physically go on a mission trip, we can still have a global impact by supporting organizations that are involved in global missions. These organizations provide critical resources and support to missionaries around the world, and our contributions can help make a difference in the lives of people who have never heard the gospel message.

The Bible tells us that God's heart is for all people, regardless of their nationality or background. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." The word translated as "nations" in this passage is the Greek word "ethne," which refers to people groups or ethnicities. This highlights the fact that the gospel message is not just for one particular culture or nation, but for people from all backgrounds.

In Revelation 7:9-10, John describes a vision he had of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language gathered together before the throne of God. The Greek word translated as "nation" in this passage is "ethnos," which has a similar meaning to "ethne" but emphasizes the cultural and social identity of a particular group of people. This passage emphasizes the global scope of the gospel message and reminds us that God's plan of redemption is for all people.

In the Old Testament, we also see a strong emphasis on the global scope of God's plan of redemption. One example is found in Genesis 12:3, where God tells Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." The Hebrew word translated as "peoples" in this passage is "goyim," which refers to the nations or Gentiles.

As we engage in global missions, we must remember that our ultimate goal is not just to provide material aid or even to make converts, but to share the message of salvation with people who desperately need to hear it. We must be sensitive to the cultural context in which we are sharing the gospel, and we must be willing to learn from and serve the people we are ministering to.

In all of our efforts to engage in global missions, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. As Jesus tells His disciples in Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

In conclusion, global missions is not just the responsibility of pastors and missionaries, but it is the calling of all Christians. We must be willing to share the message of salvation with people in other parts of the world, and we must do so with humility, sensitivity, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. May we all be faithful in fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.