The Acts of Missions
Acts 2:4 - "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (NIV)
Acts 2:41 - "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.'" (NIV)
Acts 8:4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (NIV)
Acts 9:15 - "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.'" (NIV)
Acts 5:14-16 - "Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed." (NIV)
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come with power. And he did just that. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and enabled the disciples to speak in the languages of the nations that were gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover. We immediately see that the Gospel is for all peoples. The Holy Spirit made it clear that missions was to have an international focus. Straight away, thousands of people were saved and added to the growing number of Jesus followers. From this initial account of Pentecost, we see that missions should be inclusive of all peoples and should be focused on preaching salvation in Jesus.
As you read through the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, you will notice the many demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's power as the Gospel goes forward. Miracles, healings, and deliverance from demons were typical occurrences as missions took root in the early church. Jesus did tell the disciples that this would happen in Mark 16:17-18 - "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (NIV) As we obey Jesus' calling into missions, we should expect his power to be released through us.
You will also notice that the Gospel keeps spreading farther and including more peoples as the book of Acts progresses. Paul himself was commissioned by God to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. He did this by following the Holy Spirit's strategy and timing in each missionary journey. It's important to note that the Holy Spirit continually pushes Paul further away from home. The mandate of Jesus in Mark 16:15 is significant - "Go into ALL the world and preach the good news to ALL creation." (emphasis mine) In our missionary efforts, we need to be continually including more people, providing more pathways for access to the Gospel.
For More Study
Thoughts and Questions for Application
Memorization
Acts 8:4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (NIV)
Acts 2:41 - "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.'" (NIV)
Acts 8:4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (NIV)
Acts 9:15 - "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.'" (NIV)
Acts 5:14-16 - "Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed." (NIV)
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come with power. And he did just that. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and enabled the disciples to speak in the languages of the nations that were gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover. We immediately see that the Gospel is for all peoples. The Holy Spirit made it clear that missions was to have an international focus. Straight away, thousands of people were saved and added to the growing number of Jesus followers. From this initial account of Pentecost, we see that missions should be inclusive of all peoples and should be focused on preaching salvation in Jesus.
As you read through the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, you will notice the many demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's power as the Gospel goes forward. Miracles, healings, and deliverance from demons were typical occurrences as missions took root in the early church. Jesus did tell the disciples that this would happen in Mark 16:17-18 - "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." (NIV) As we obey Jesus' calling into missions, we should expect his power to be released through us.
You will also notice that the Gospel keeps spreading farther and including more peoples as the book of Acts progresses. Paul himself was commissioned by God to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. He did this by following the Holy Spirit's strategy and timing in each missionary journey. It's important to note that the Holy Spirit continually pushes Paul further away from home. The mandate of Jesus in Mark 16:15 is significant - "Go into ALL the world and preach the good news to ALL creation." (emphasis mine) In our missionary efforts, we need to be continually including more people, providing more pathways for access to the Gospel.
For More Study
- Acts 2-4
- Acts 8-9
- Acts 13
- Acts 15-16
Thoughts and Questions for Application
- Do you ever try to limit the Holy Spirit's power in your life? How?
- Do you tend to focus your missionary efforts on those who are most like you?
- Ask God to show you how you can personally include more people(s) in his kingdom. Make plans to reach those he is putting on your heart.
Memorization
Acts 8:4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (NIV)
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