Frontier Missions
Acts • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 1 viewPaul repeatedly introduces himself as an apostle. The word apostle literally means the "one who is sent." In this chapter we see that Paul is sent far and wide in unreached areas on his first missionary journey. He was church planting. But how does that relate to us today?
Notes
Transcript
Baby Dedication
Baby Dedication
Brayan Eduardo Ramirez Vargas
Andrea Lucia Torres Guzman
Caleb Mateo Ramirez Torres
Mark 10:13–16 (ESV)
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them,
--
“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
--
And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
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Charlie Peace, a criminal in England, on the day he was being taken to his execution, listened to a minister reading from the Word. And when he found out he was reading about heaven and hell, he looked at the preacher and said, "Sir, if I believed what you and the church of God say, and even if England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would walk over it on hands and knees and think it worthwhile living just to save one soul from an eternal hell like that."
Mission Work in Antioch
Mission Work in Antioch
Acts 11:19–26 (ESV)
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some
--
of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came
--
and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went
--
to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
Paul hiding in Tarsus
Barnabas first missionary
first time gospel goes to Gentiles
Barnabas needs help
gets Paul.
Work together for entire year
church is strong
God blessing
going well
liking it there...
Next Mission Field
Next Mission Field
Acts 13:1–3 (ESV)
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.
God said,
don’t get too comfortable
I need you elsewhere.
Church was functioning well
leaders established
growing healthfully.
God called them elsewhere.
so they new believer
could run the church.
Lesson 1 - Don’t Get Too Comfortable
Lesson 1 - Don’t Get Too Comfortable
George Stott, a one-legged school teacher from Scotland, volunteered for missionary service in China. When asked why he with only one leg thought of going to China, he said, “I do not see those with two legs going, so I must.” Thus began his more than twenty years of missionary work in China.
Mission Work in Cyprus
Mission Work in Cyprus
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
Went to Cyprus.
Why there?
Barnabas from Cyprus...
Antioch to Seleucia = 16 Miles
~ 150 Miles from Antioch to Cyprus
5 Miles per hour
30 days
Often wait for good weather
John to Assist
one of the 12 disciples
not first mission work
committed to the Lord.
When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
Over 100 miles walk around Cyprus
Magician Satan using
to stop work of God.
Acts 13:7–8 (ESV)
He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
Satan trying to hinder
gospel in Cyprus
people enslaved to
Magic
other error
Satan wants to keep them.
Sergius Paulus
Political Leader
Judge of Area
Interested in Gospel
Elymas Magician
trying to prevent him.
Don’t Listen to Paul
teaching falsehood.
Lesson 2 - There Will Be Spiritual Attacks From the Devil (OUTSIDE ATTACKS)
Lesson 2 - There Will Be Spiritual Attacks From the Devil (OUTSIDE ATTACKS)
Don’t get discouraged
Satan Wants you to quit
True story. A Christian leader -- we'll call him Steve --as traveling recently by plane. He noticed that the man sitting two seats over was thumbing through some little cards and moving his lips. The man looked professorial with his goatee and graying brown hair, and Steve placed him at fifty-something. Guessing the man was a fellow-believer, Steve leaned over to engage him in conversation. "Looks to me like you're memorizing something," he said. "No, actually I was praying," the man said. Steve introduced himself. "I believe in prayer too," he said. "Well, I have a specific assignment," said the man with the goatee. "What's that?" Steve asked. "I'm praying for the downfall of Christian pastors." "I would certainly fit into that category," Steve said. "Is my name on the list?" "Not on my list," the man replied.
Acts 13:9–11 (ESV)
But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked
--
the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
Magicians often
cast spells
curse people
heal curses
from other spells
Lord wanted to prove
Magician
has no power
compared to God.
Spell is cast
cannot undo it.
Needless to say:
Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Did not simply believe
the strong magic.
“Astonished at the teaching of the Lord”
Which means
converted by the truth.
Next Stop - Pisidia
Next Stop - Pisidia
Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,
Long Travels
Left Cyprus
Sailed 130 Miles
5 Miles per hour
26 days
Many years ago a young man went to China as a missionary with an income of $2,500 annually. A company decided that they wanted this young man to work for them and offered him a position with a $5,000 salary. He declined the offer, and it was raised to $7,000 and then to $10,000, but he still declined.
The company asked him if the salary was his sticking point and he answered, “Oh, the salary is big enough, but the job isn’t.”
Acts 13:14 (ESV)
but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia...
This is another
~ 200 miles of walking!
If covering 20 miles a day
10 days at best.
David Livingstone, pioneer missionary to Africa, received a letter saying, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you.”
Livingstone replied, “If you have men who will come only if there is a good road, I do not want them. I want those who will come if there is no road at all.”
MARK QUIT!
Paul takes offense
upset at Mark
abandoned them!
Recently National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eat continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk. There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now--before the wars begin. The bull-moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed.
- Craig Brian Larson.
This was a long
and difficult journey
times were not easy
Mission Work
discouragement
loneliness
home-sick
physical exhaustion
Mark quit
Paul and Barnabas go on...
But they had purpose
they were called
Spirit selected them
for this work!
Lesson 3 - Journey May be Hard
Lesson 3 - Journey May be Hard
Burnout - Hendrickson’s in Albania
Not attacks
Just weariness
Tired along way
Don’t give up.
Stress builds
Trust God.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
REMEMBER THE MISSION
In 1629, when the favorite wife of Indian ruler Shah Jahan died, he ordered that a magnificent tomb be built as a memorial to her. The shah placed his wife's casket in the middle of a parcel of land, and construction of the temple literally began around it. But several years into the venture, the Shah's grief for his wife gave way to a passion for the project.
One day while he was surveying the sight, he reportedly stumbled over a wooden box, and he had some workers throw it out. It was months before he realized that his wife's casket had been destroyed. The original purpose for the memorial became lost in the details of construction. They built the Taj Mahal, but they forgot the reason for the building. They forgot what their mission truly was!
Lesson 4 - The Will Be Issues Among Brethren (ATTACKS FROM INSIDE)
Lesson 4 - The Will Be Issues Among Brethren (ATTACKS FROM INSIDE)
Most discouraging hardship.
Issues among brethren.
Visit non-attending
reason stated -
issue with church member
Do not allow Satan
to win that battle!
Are You Feeling Worn Out?
Is Your Cup empty?
What fills cup?
Worship
Praise
Prayer
Trust
Nature
Exercise
Momentary Change of Scenery
Mission Burnout.
Mission Work in Pisidia
Mission Work in Pisidia
Acts 13:14–16 (ESV)
but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent
--
a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.
Next 26 verses sermon...
typical Pauline sermon
History of Israel
Current History of John Baptist
History of Jesus
Call for Conversion
Powerful Response to Sermon
Acts 13:42–43 (ESV)
As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many
--
Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Many were convicted
Wanted to know more
Many Jews converted.
The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
Almost everyone want to hear
Whole city
can’t fit in synagogue.
Fruit of ministry
Guess What
Mark didn’t get to see it.
Left after hardship
Didn’t see whole city
wanting truth.
Lesson 5 - Sometimes There are “Great Successes”
Lesson 5 - Sometimes There are “Great Successes”
Faith honors God and God honors faith. For 10 years Robert and Mary Moffat labored faithfully in Bechuanaland (now called Botswana) without one ray of encouragement to brighten their way. They could not report a single convert.
Finally the directors of their mission board began to question the wisdom of continuing the work. The thought of leaving their post, however, brought great grief to this devoted couple, for they felt sure that God was in their labors, and that they would see people turn to Christ in due season. They stayed; and for a year or two longer, darkness reigned. Then one day a friend in England sent word to the Moffats that she wanted to mail them a gift and asked what they would like. Trusting that in time the Lord would bless their work, Mrs. Moffat replied, “Send us a communion set; I am sure it will soon be needed.”
God honored that dear woman’s faith. The Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts of the villagers, and soon a little group of six converts was united to form the first Christian church in that land. The communion set from England was delayed in the mail; but on the very day before the first commemoration of the Lord’s super in Bechuanaland, the set arrived.
Celebrate the good times
Praise God.
Enjoy harvest.
But don’t get complacent.
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.
Satan is jealous,
losing his church members.
has to stop them.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,
“ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
That success was
kinda short lived.
Common in mission field.
Satan creating controversy
Paul does not
back down.
Called to Gentiles.
Acts 13:48–50 (ESV)
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord
--
was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
“Success” and “Failures” Simultaneously!
“Success” and “Failures” Simultaneously!
In Mission Work
Our job is to:
Proclaim truth
Make Disciples
If we proclaim
but people get angry
that is not “failure”
Our job is not
to worry about
numbers
responses
persecution
Persecution
response of preaching truth
Persecution is not failure!!!
It is a success...
Lesson 6 - Be Careful How You Label Successes and Failure
Lesson 6 - Be Careful How You Label Successes and Failure
At the one-hundredth anniversary of the arrival of missionaries in Zaire, Christians gathered to celebrate from that part of Zaire that was once called the Belgian Congo. Near the end of the celebration, a very old man stood to give a speech. He said that he would die soon and that he needed to tell something that no other man still living knew.
He explained that when the first white missionaries came, his people didn’t know whether to believe their message or not. So they devised a plan to slowly and secretly poison the missionaries and watch them die. One by one, children and adults became ill, died and were buried. It was when his people saw how these missionaries died that they decided to believe their message.
The missionaries never knew what was happening. They didn’t know they were being poisoned, and they didn’t know why they were dying. Their faithfulness to the Lord convinced the people they ministered too that their message was true.
But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Success?
Failure?
Stop measuring that.
Witness
Pray
Leave rest to God
Gardening
Plant seed
pray and wait
Water cultivate
pray and wait
Drought -
Pests - flea beetles, Japanese beetles,
Nutritional Issues - blossom end rot
Unknown Problem - Blossoms no fruit
Work
Pray
Wait
Adjust (work more)
Pray
Wait
Summary
Summary
We are Called to Work
There Will be Ups and Down
Witness and Disciple
Be Careful How You Measure Success
Work, Pray, Wait, and Work More
When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.” To that, Calvert replied, “We died before we came here.”
APPEAL
APPEAL
Get Engaged In work
Hang In There
Evangelism Calendar
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Now - Depression and Anxiety Program
July 1 - Health Assessment Booth
July 9 - Diabetes Undone Info Meeting
July 16 - School Supplies Ministry
July 17 - 21 - Vacation Bible School
July 23 - Sep 10 - Diabetes Undone
Sep 7-16 - Unchained Addiction Recovery
Sep 17 - Commitment Banquet
Oct 6-21 - Reaping Series
Sep-Oct - Small Group Ministry Launch