THURSDAY February 17, 2022
The Call to Missions
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God....
Colossians 1:1
Paul’s office was to be an Apostle. He was an Apostle, not by the will of man or by any Christian denomination, but he was an Apostle called by the Lord Jesus Christ. Are there Apostles today? No. The closest call to an Apostle is the call to be a missionary. The word Apostle means “one to be sent out, an envoy or a messenger.” Paul was an ambassador, an envoy––a messenger sent out by the leading of God’s perfect will.
Paul knew Jesus Christ. He was well-educated in the Scriptures. The name Jesus means “God is my salvation.” The name comes from the Hebrew word Yeshua which translates to the English name “Joshua.” The name Christ means “Anointed One” or “Messiah.” Jesus’ name reflects His purpose––to save sinners.
When some people become saved, they feel an urgency to immediately rush into serving the Lord on the mission field. Yet first there has to be a time of training. Those new in the faith need to know Jesus Christ and the doctrines of the Bible. It is important to become rooted and grounded in God’s Word. This may take months or even years of preparation to help equip them for what God has planned for them to do. If they are called to be a missionary, then God will send them out in His perfect will and perfect timing.
I have seen missionaries who do a great job as far as working in the mission field, but when it comes to the Word of God, they do not know how to teach a Bible study. They remain ignorant of God’s Word. When on missionary trips to South America, I have seen the results of some churches that are not teaching the Word of God, they entertain people instead. People need to be fed the Word of God.
I believe God saves a person and anoints them for a purpose. They are not called to be saved and then to sit and do nothing. He has a certain mission for them to fulfill on earth.
Here I am, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; ... send me from all that is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy service, and to promote Thy Kingdom.”
~David Brainerd~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
