Multi-ethnic missions that God accomplishes
Acts 19:21 After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #79 O, Lord My God! When I in Awesome Wonder (#40 in previous version) Missions is not something we do but something that God Himself accomplishes. People of different ethnicities are living in one place. Multi-ethnic missions is not someone’s special mission. God scattered people all over the world for the sake of world evangelization. This key is the multi-ethnic missions for world evangelization. How will God accomplish multi-ethnic missions?
1. Absolute plan
Israel did not realize God’s absolute plan for missions. Rooted in their nationalism and doctrine of God’s elect, they could not undertake the work of missions. If we do not realize missions, then we will have to realize it in the midst of hardships and problems just as the Israelites did. When we place in our heart the missions for multi-ethnic people, we will come to know that the culture, commerce, and languages of the world are important doors. World evangelization is God’s absolute plan.
2. Absolute time schedule
Even if we just realize the reason for missions, we will come to know the absolute time schedule. God promised that He would make it so that no one can overcome God’s children. Because no one can stop it once God’s time schedule arrives, it is important to enter into this time schedule. God said that in its time, He will do this swiftly if we cast aside our thoughts and the world and go inside His ways. When God’s time comes, the heavens, the earth, and the nations will shake. Starting then, no one can stop God’s plan no matter what problems or trials come our way.
3. Absolute blessing
The Early Church together with multi-ethnic believers who were gathered at Mark’s upper room received great blessings. The meeting of Philip, who had placed missions in his heart, and the Ethiopian eunuch became a great door for world evangelization. Antioch Church realized missions and received blessings as a representative church, and Paul, too, received blessings that were prepared for world evangelization. Missions is not about methodology but about blessings. If we know the absolute blessing and stand in the ranks of the evangelist, then we will come to know the importance of missions. Then, we just need to hold on to the covenant, remain in prayer, and follow, and the works will arise.
- What kind of application do you put into practice for the sake of missions? Put one place of missions in your heart and resolve to give support continuously with your prayers, finances, and skills. Multi-ethnic Retreat Lecture 1 / 2011.10.25