The Call To Mission At Our Doorstep

21 NOVEMBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE

Rev David Ho

Scripture Passage: Acts 1:8 (NIV)

WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary | When we think of mission or missions, we invariably think of great missionaries such as Hudson Taylor and Jim Elliot. Many of us fail to see the role or relevance of mission in our daily lives. This can result in a lop-sided discipleship, with a focus on Bible knowledge, church activities and moral living but there is little impact on society or the world. Mission is not just one of the things the Bible mentions – mission is what the whole drama of Scripture is about!

Our Lord Himself commissions us to be His witnesses (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, John 20:21, Acts 1:8). “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” said Charles Spurgeon. We need a broader view of missions, as we discern how each of us can participate in God’s mission.

1. A Wider Perspective of Mission.

Many equate missions with evangelism or the sharing of the Gospel. However, to complete the picture of missions, recall Jesus’ declaration: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Mission begins with the Kingship of Jesus. It is God’s mission to bring all of creation under the authority of Christ (Eph 1:9-10). It is not simply about saving souls but to redeem all of creation under Christ’s kingship. In view of this, missiologists identify three aspects of missions: Justice, Compassion and Evangelism & Teaching.

Justice: to transform injustice. God desires that we act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with Him (Mic 6:8). As a nation, we have depended on migrant workers in many aspects of our lives, from caregiving to building our infrastructure. Many of these workers are the poor and lowly in society. Do we show mercy and love to these foreigners in our midst?

Compassion: the early church had “no needy persons among them” (Acts 4:34-35). This compassion was part of the mission of the early church. In Singapore, the household income of poor families fell 69% last year due to Covid-19. It is not only about physical needs but also the emotional well-being of those affected. Our church’s Christian Outreach & Social Concerns (COSC) ministry serves many vulnerable groups, showing God’s compassion and care. Who are the poor and vulnerable in your neighbourhood?

Evangelism: proclamation of God’s Word and obedience to His commands. Our small groups, youth and younger children participate in evangelism. How can we join in this proclamation of God’s Word? Sign up for Alpha Thanksgiving Reunion to learn about plans for 2022.

2. A Closer Proximity to Mission.

There are almost 1.5 million foreign workers in Singapore. Their family circumstances have forced them to leave their homes to eke out a living here. Acts 1:8 tells us to be witnesses to other nations. But now, the nations have come to our shores. During the lockdown last year, many of these workers faced anguish and despair. Scripture continually tells us to love the “aliens” in our midst (Lev 19:33-34). Our challenge is to see the foreign workers through the eyes of our Lord. A friendly greeting or a small gift of drink or food are things each of us can give. Gestures of love affirm to these workers that they are of worth to Jesus, who died for all of us.

3. Transformed through Participation in Mission.

We grow deep in our discipleship by integrating mission into our lives. In Acts 1:8, there is a direct connection between the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and being on mission as His witnesses. The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. This is evident from the life of the Apostle Paul, who was transformed through His encounter with Christ to be the great missionary of the early church. Pastor David shared his testimony of how God led him to be involved in church planting in the HDB heartlands. Amidst the difficulties of adjusting to both culture and language, the Lord humbled Ps David, and in his weakness, led him to a deeper dependency and surrender.

Let us be intentional about God’s missions. It is not about our abilities but our posture and surrender to serve God. He will empower us. As the pandemic continues to destroy lives, people need the Light of God more than ever. Let us join in God’s mission for the lost.

(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Read Acts 1:8. Jesus says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem….” Where might your Jerusalem be? How has your witness been in these areas?

2. Read Ephesians 1:9-10. How does it describe the scope of God’s mission? How does it change the way you view God’s mission?

3a. Discuss the following aspects of mission:

• Justice (Micah 6:8) - Transform Unjust Structures of Society
• Compassion (Acts 4:32-35; Galatians 2:10) - Respond to Human Need through Loving Service
• Evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15) - Proclaiming/Teaching the Word

3b. Where might the Lord be calling you to mission in each of the above areas?

4a. Read Leviticus 19:33-34 and discuss. Consider the foreigners or migrant workers that you encounter in your daily life, whether at school, work or other activities. How do you view them and how have you responded to them?

4b. What are some ways that you might display acts of kindness and hospitality to foreigners, migrant workers and the vulnerable in society? Share any concerns that you might have.

5. Read Acts 1:8. How is sharing in God’s mission integral to your growth as a disciple of Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit? Share any experiences of being empowered by the Spirit as you witnessed the love of Christ.

6. Prayerfully reflect and share how your family and/or your small group may play a part in God’s mission at our doorstep?