A Mission Without Boundaries
Acts 13:1–3, 44–52
The language, cultures and customs of our nation are as varied and complex as the people who inhabit it. Each different part of the country can claim its own accent, cuisine and weather, among other distinguishing characteristics.
As diverse as we are as Americans, we are unified as citizens of the same piece of land. Greater still, as Christians we are part of the Kingdom of God and the global Church. The gospel message and the love of Christ have no boundaries. It cannot be confined or contained to a country, creed or group of people. We are quick to say, “God bless America.” We should recite more passionately, “For God so loved the world.”
The early church leaders had to learn this lesson repeatedly as they followed Christ in obedience and sacrifice. God’s mission and message are greater than any map or borders we create.
When churches or believers allow tunnel vision to creep in, they miss the heartbeat of God’s Word and the atonement of Christ.
When God calls you to go, go! (1–3)
Many Baptist churches understand the struggle and exhaustion that come with filling positions for the new church year. If your new church year starts in September, your church should already be securing leaders, teachers and workers.
I am not prone to frustration, but when I hear of people serving only because they think no one else will or because they say yes to fill a space, I become agitated.
Serving the Lord is a privilege and should be treated as such. When you serve the bride of Christ, you are also serving Jesus. If that does not make you thankful and excited, there is something wrong with your heart and possibly your soul.
The Great Commission is our mission, and we should be eager to find ways to fulfill it. Who are we to say no to God?
We will encounter rejection as some people reject the gospel. (44–47)
The Jews in these verses heard the truth about Jesus from Paul and Barnabas and began to ridicule them, even blaspheming both their message and God.
When we speak the truths of God’s Word, we engage the enemy. The prospect of that scares many new or immature believers away. If sharing Jesus scares you, remember that the work we do in Christ is spiritual and only possible with the help, indwelling and direction of the Holy Spirit.
You are not responsible for the results, but we are all responsible for demonstrating obedience to God and His Word.
We will experience joy as some people embrace the gospel. (48–52)
There are times when people believe, and God is glorified! A few ignorant and unrepentant Jews did not stop Paul and Barnabas from sharing. Many Gentiles believed and celebrated.
Just a few years earlier, the message of salvation would not have been available to them. God wants a collection of believing people from every tongue, tribe and nation in the world. He makes that clear in the book of Acts and even as far back as Jonah.
While our greatest joy as Christians will be when people are saved, we can have perpetual joy as a result of our faith and obedience.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
