TT Article # 1: Questioning the Call

Q: Does one need a call to join in missions?

The simple answer: Yes!

The even simpler answer: If you are a beliver, you already have one!

When Jesus gave the great commission in Matthew 28: 19 - 20, he gave it to the whole church in every age until the task is finished (matt 24:14). We are the apostolic church (the church that is being sent out into the world). The church is sent into the world to engage in mission that extends the Kingdom of God in every area of life. However, while the church seeks to transform every arena of society, we must also recognize that the description of the over-all task places an emphasis on the geo-ethnic This is what I mean:

1) The call is Geographical.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus said to his disciples "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The progression in Acts is startling. Ever notice that in Acts 8 when the persecution hit the church that when the believers fled Jerusalem that they ended up going on to Judea and Samaria (verse 1) and that they brought the news about Jesus everywhere they went? The process was unfolding even if it meant that God had to allow persecution to help the church move the message on to the next area. Did you ever consider that the book of Acts has an abrupt ending? Check it out - Acts 28. No closing remarks or greetings to other believers. It doesn't take the forensics department of CSI to figure out what was going on - the writer was telling us - the reader that it was up to them to write the next chapter, to bring the news to the next city.... until the message is known over all the earth. That is a geographical call.

2) The call is focused on ethnicities (people groups)

In Matthew 28, Jesus commanded us to go to 'all nations' (Greek word - 'Ethne' - otherwise known as ethnic groups rather than just geographical boundaries). The culmination of this will be a multitude in heaven from 'every nation, tribe, people and language' that will be there worshipping Jesus. God has given us the privilege of bringing in the harvest of people around the world and to join in on the greatest worship event ever!!

Doesn't this calling happen in supernatural ways?

Well, it depends what is meant by "supernatural." Reading this article could be a supernatural event if God is meaning for you to read it! Owning a copy of the Bible and understanding it could be classified as a supernatural experience. When we separate God from the everyday details of our lives, we look out for the thunder and lightening that may never arrive. At times it does seem that God reveals more specific calling in ways that are not experienced by everyone else. That does not mean it is a requirement for all. While God can use a variety of ways to speak to us, when it comes to call to be involved in missions, there does not need to be any doubt about it - you're in on the call if you are a follower of Christ!!

What does the call include:

1) Includes going to places that some would consider 'unsafe'. After Peter and John spent the night in prison for their ministry, they said to the authorities who told them to stop preaching: "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:18,19).

2) It may include sacrifices and even suffering. While this may be experienced on mission, God has promised that a) that he would always be with us (Matt 28:20) b) that he would bless us (Matt 19:29).

3) It includes the participation of the greater church community. Acts 13 gives an example of how the church sent out Barnabus and Paul by laying hands on them and sending them off. The calling is a corporate calling and therefore demands the involvement of others within the church. If you go out to bring the message to the nations, you will need the home crowd cheering for you.

So just go for it!! When you see the nations worshipping in heaven – you won’t ever regret you did!!

Josh

(email me any thoughts or questions: jvs@swissmail.org)