THE CHALLENGE OF MISSIONS by John A. Hatcher (Part 2)
THE CHALLENGE OF MISSIONS
John A. Hatcher
Chapter 2
[click here for Chapter 1]
INTRODUCING VARIOUS PHASES
In introducing the various phases of missions to be discussed it is necessary to understand, scripturally, what missions is about. Men’s opinions are not the essential concern. The authority and instructions for missions is the Bible. Baptists must constantly return to the Bible for their doctrines and authority for their doings. The attitude of Baptists must be like that of the old gardener.
A lady advertised in the newspaper for a gardener. An elderly man answered the ad and was hired. Three or four days later he noticed the ad was still in the paper. Worried, thinking she was not happy with his work, he went to the lady and asked, “Lady, are you still looking for a gardener?”
“No, I already hired you as my gardener.”
“Are you satisfied with your gardener, Ma’am?”
“Yes, perfectly satisfied,” she replied.
“Then you are planning on keeping the gardener you have?
“Yes, I am, but why are you asking? Is something wrong?”
Quite relieved, the old man replied in a serious tone of voice: “Oh, no ma’am, I’m just doing some checking on myself.”
God’s people and churches must take time to do a little checking on themselves—on their doctrines and duties.
(to be continued…)
[Click here to view all “The Challenge of Missions” posts by John A. Hatcher]
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence. They now reside in Florida where they continue to share the Gospel with everyone they meet.
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont FL 34714
229-529-8497
jhatcher1925[at]gmail.com
Read more
THE CHALLENGE OF MISSIONS by John A. Hatcher (Part 1)
THE CHALLENGE OF MISSIONS
John A. Hatcher
Chapter 1
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached for twenty centuries. Is it necessary to ask now what missions is all about? The question must be asked and it demands an answer. The work of missions is like the sun. Though it is the same every day, yesterday’s sunshine will not serve for today. For men to live, the sun must shine day after day. Missions is spreading the message of the “Sun of Righteousness” and must be done day after day, generation after generation.
The psalmist stated this need in Psalm 22, verses 27 to 31:
27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee. 28 For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and He is the governor among the nations. 29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him: and none can keep alive his own soul. 30 A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this.
“The Sun of Righteousness” with healing in His wings (Mal. 4.2) must arise through the work of missions for the healing of needy dying men.
MISSIONS IS LOVING.
It is the result of God’s love for sinners; it is the love of saved men for their Lord and for the lost. We love because He first loved us and His love is shed abroad in our hearts. From Genesis to the Revelation the Scriptures declare the eternal love of God—of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. From the book of Acts to the Revelation the Bible tells of men who were transformed by the Grace of God into the image of God’s Son, and who were able, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love God with all their soul and body and their fellowmen as themselves. The book of the Revelation concludes the story of missions by showing the final victory and eternal glory of Jesus Christ. All His redeemed children—co-laborers and joint heirs from every time and clime will join together to praise Him with a new song.
(to be continued…)
Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher have served the Lord in Brazil since 1955, planting over 70 churches that are still in existence. They now reside in Florida where they continue to share the Gospel with everyone they meet.
15905 Mercott Court
Clermont FL 34714
229-529-8497
jhatcher1925[at]gmail.com
Read more
