Current Sunday Messages
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Message: “The Mission Matters”
Scripture Reading: John 5:16-30
Our nation’s military leaders put forth a tremendous effort in planning their missions. They expect every soldier, sailor, and airman to know the mission, thus guaranteeing success and safety. Biblically, Nehemiah led a mission to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. He was a captive in Babylon, but gained permission from the King to return with people to undertake the project. His focus on its completion was intense, in spite of the distractions by threatening residents and leaders.
The mission of the Lord Jesus was such a priority that he could not be dissuaded from it. At the age of 12 he remains in Jerusalem several days and when Mary and Joseph return, he informs them that “he is doing his Father’s work.” Much later we read of his committment to the mission as he heads toward Jerusalem knowing he faces persecution and death. His disciples urge him to not go to the city, but he presses on.
The mission that mattered to Jesus was what the Father intended in the days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. A fellowship with man that brought unbelieveable blessing to them. Blessings lost by their disobedience to God. Jesus came to reconcile man to God. His death upon the cross offers forgiveness of sin to everyone who trusts in Him as Savior. His resurrection offers eternityin his heavenly kingdom where sin, sorrow, and suffering have no power. This was the mission of Jesus and he never wavered, never lost sight of God’s purpose for his birth and life. The MISSION MATTERS!
Our text in John 5 reveals that Jesus knew what the Father wanted him to do. He willingly, lovingly, and sacrificially gave his all for its success.
The mission of the Church has been lost in recent years with the emphasis on entertainment, maintenance, and social needs. Not that these things are necessarily wrong. The mission of the church is clear in Acts 1:8 ‘You are my witnesses in all of Judea, Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” Everything the church does must be about Jesus! Not just our preaching, but every program, every social ministry, every song, every entertaining moment must present the mission Jesus expects. To tell the world of God’s great love and gift of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus. Everyone has a mission, too! What is yours?
Look at it this way. If we had no soldiers, sailors, or airmen to defend our nation, where would America be. We we are unprepared to defend our nation, what do you expect will happen? The church must know its mission and its people must do it! Please pray for your church, its mission, and your involvement in God’s work.
Thank-you Jesus!
—Rev. Reginald Thomas