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PHILOSOPHY OF MISSIONS
Reaching the world with the Gospel of Christ is the heartbeat and lifeline of all biblical New Testament churches. It is our job as New Testament churches to get involved in this work financially and practically. The scriptures share this command in the following passage:
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Biblical missions mandates that this be done by the planting of New Testament churches throughout the world. The Great Commission was given to the local assembly that Christ birthed in the early New Testament with His disciples. This took place long before Pentecost as evidenced throughout the New Testament. The following are proofs of this infant church:
- They were a local assembly John 20:19; Acts 1:4, 6
- They were baptizing believers John 1:35-37; Matthew 3:6-8
- They celebrated the Lord's Table or Supper Matthew 26:20-30
- They were actively involved in the Word Matthew 10:5-7; 11:1; John 4:1
- They had organized meetings (prayer & business) Acts 1:13-26
- They had a membership role before Pentecost Acts 2:41, 47
Christ's commission to this local assembly is found in Matthew's Gospel. It says:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching 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 Therefore, local churches must be about the business of reproducing themselves as this commission was given to the local church in its infant stages. This passage dictates that we should be fulfilling our obligation to all nations. Thus the foundation for worldwide missions.
Christ's commission to His early church in Matthew 28 is concluded in the following passage of scripture:
"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
Heartland Baptist Church will be embracing and implementing this philosophy in the structure of its missions in the near future. May God bless us as we obey His Word and Will.
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