My friend and co-laborer in Christ, Rev. Crosbert Smith, preached at Cross Lanes this morning. Crosbert is the Pastor of the Bamboo Circuit of Baptist Churches in northeast Jamaica. CLBC has been working on mission in that area of the world for the past 6 years.Focal Passage- Matthew 10:1-16
Listen to Sermon Here
What is mission? Is it evangelism or love through social action? The Good News can include both social action and evangelism. Jesus went to ordinary people. The mission God has called us to is not easy, it is high risk. Sheep are natural prey of wolves, defenseless and docile.
4 things sheep need to consider:
1) Imitation
People who have the language of worship, but have no relationship with God. We must discern if it is the voice of God or the voice of the enemy.
2) Infiltration
Savage wolves will come in among the people, and will arise even from your own number. Beware.
3) Intimidation
Jesus said, be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Expect conflict when doing the work. The church has often flourished under persecution. Be brave but be wise.
4) I AM
Jesus does the sending out. He is the fountain of the Gospel.
He is the same one who spoke the world into existence.
He is the same one who was in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys.
He is the same one who was in the lions' den with Daniel.
He is the same one who walked on water.
Mission is high risk but it is worth the sacrifice. God is not sending you out to be destroyed.
Do not be afraid, Jesus is behind you!
