Missions & Generosity: A Christian's Global Impact
I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” - Romans 1:14-17
A Sobering Reality Check
Did you know that the average American Christian gives less than 20 cents a week to foreign missions? We spend more on pet food in 52 days than we give to mission agencies in an entire year. This statistic should give us pause.
While our neighbors grapple with credit card debt, followers of Christ carry a different kind of debt. It's not financial, but a debt of love and responsibility towards a world in desperate need of the Gospel. This debt, incurred when we first received the Good News, propels us to share it.
1. The Power of Debt: Our Motivation
In Romans 1:14, Paul declares, "I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise." This isn't about money; it's a spiritual debt. We owe the world the life-changing message of Christ's love. This debt isn't a burden to bear, but a fire to fuel our mission.
Imagine someone gives you $20 to pass on to a friend. If you spend it on yourself, you don't just owe the original giver; you owe it to the intended recipient. Paul's point is clear: we've been given the Gospel not to hoard, but to share. We are debtors to the world.
2. The Power of Prayer: Our Wartime Walkie-Talkie
Life is a spiritual battle, and prayer is our most powerful weapon. It's not about reciting wish lists, but aligning ourselves with God's heart and purposes. As John Piper aptly puts it,
Prayer is a war-time walkie-talkie, not a domestic intercom for ringing up the butler to change the thermostat. It is a war-time walkie-talkie to call in firepower because the enemy is greater than we are. If you try to turn this into a domestic intercom to bring another pillow, it malfunctions, and you wonder why. Its not made to be an intercom. Its made to be a war-time walkie-talkie. – John Piper
Let's not reduce prayer to a mundane tool for personal comfort. It's a lifeline to the divine, a way to unleash God's power in the world.
3. The Power of Retirement: A New Season of Ministry
Retirement isn't just about rest; it's a golden opportunity for missional impact. Millions of retiring Christians in America have a wealth of experience, resources, and passion. Imagine the possibilities if they embraced this season as a new chapter in their ministry!
One pastor aptly noted, "Oh, what a force for good they can be in the world...God is moving..." Let's echo that sentiment and pray for practical ways retirees can leverage their golden years for Kingdom advancement.
A Call to Action
Let's not settle for crumbs when it comes to global missions. Let's embrace our debt, wield the power of prayer, and reimagine retirement as a catalyst for spreading the Gospel. The world is waiting. Will we answer the call?
With You;
Pastor Tim
