Some Christians think it’s not practical to support missions since we have our own needs as a church. So why bother supporting missions? Of course, this is not how all Christians think. But many Christians ask this question in the back of their minds. For this reason, we must understand the importance of missions.
It’s vital to support missions because God’s design is for the church to fulfill the great commission. It is God’s way of providing for the needs of mission supporters. And because every church is a product of missions.
These are the three reasons why we must support missions.
The importance of missions: It is God’s design for the church to fulfill the Great Commission.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20
The coverage of the Great Commissions is to all nations. That’s why God calls preachers from different churches to go to the farthest places in the world.
God wants to save everyone in this world. However, it does not happen since many reject the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But God also gave us the strategy to fulfill the great commission.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Simultaneously means at the same time. God’s plan for the church is to preach the gospel in one place simultaneously and as many places as possible. How do we do that? By soul-winning in different cities simultaneously. And by supporting evangelists or missionaries in other countries who can reach the citizens of that country.
Therefore, supporting missionaries enables us to extend our reach into the world.
Moreover, the need of our church must not hinder us from supporting missions. Every church has needs. There are bills to pay and projects that need fulfillment. But some people need to hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And some saints need the teaching of the Word of God.
The importance of missions: It is God’s way of providing for the needs of those who support missions.
One reason that hinders Christians from giving to missions is their own needs. But the Bible will show us that our needs are an opportunity to experience God’s provisions.
18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:18-19
God gave His promise of provision to those who support missionaries. So before this verse can apply to you, you must first support missions.
Our needs are not a hindrance for us to give to missions. It is the reason why we must give to missions. The Bible even teaches us that we must prioritize it.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33
The kingdom of God refers to the gospel. And the gospel is where you find His righteousness. Therefore, the phrase “kingdom of God” has something to do with the gospel or the work of the gospel, which is the great commission (Mark 1:14-15.)
Therefore, we ought to prioritize the Great Commission, including supporting missions. God promised that he would provide for your needs.
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Matthew 6:31-32
However, our motive in supporting missions is not the provision God has promised because that is the result of obeying God’s command to support missions. Our motive must be to spread the gospel to more people who other missionaries or evangelists can reach.
The importance of missions: Every church is a product of missions.
12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
2 Corinthians 8:12-14
Paul is telling the Corinthian church that supporting the work of God is not a burden. According to Paul, this is equality.
The abundance of the Corinthian church may be a blessing to other churches and evangelists, who are in need, and who knows, in the future, the other churches’ abundance can also be a blessing to their needs. The point here is that every church is a product of missions.
From the time the Lord Jesus Christ established the church to the 21st-century church. Millions of Christians gave their life, and some gave their money to support missions.
We have a church by the grace of God and because of the faithful men and women who supported missions. We may not know who they are, but we’ll have a chance to thank them all when we get to Heaven.
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