Rev. David Holwick
ABC-NJ Mission Conference
Hightstown Baptist Church (Bible study)
October 17, 1992
FIVE BIBLICAL REASONS TO OPPOSE MISSIONS IN YOUR CHURCH
I. Some of your mission money will go to liberal-communist-fundamentalists
whom you don't want to support. "Come out from among them and be
separate, says the Lord!" 2 Corinthians 6:17
A. Note Jesus' attitude toward his religion.
1) Jesus had grave difficulties with much of the leadership and
programs of Judaism.
a) He opposed the Pharisees and priests repeatedly. Mark 3:6
b) He said concerning Jewish worship: "They worship me in
vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' Mk 7:7
c) He prophesied the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem,
the center of their worship. Matt 24:1-2
2) Yet Jesus contributed to the overall program.
a) He attended religious feasts and holidays (John 5:1), and
promoted the tithe (Matt 23:23) which went to the
leadership.
b) Jesus even gave the tax to maintain temple worship.
Matt 17:24-27
c) The rest of the New Testament continued this tradition.
Acts 18:18, 21:23-27
B. In any diverse group like American Baptists there will be people
and programs you don't like.
1) If you cannot tolerate ANY of them, leave the ABC.
2) If your problem is only with some of them, consider the
example of Jesus Christ.
C. Financial support of the ABC mission does not require approval of
all it does, but basic agreement with what we are about.
II. Mission money ends up going down a Black Hole in the Third World
(if the one in our denominational headquarters doesn't suck it
up first).
A. Accusations of waste and ineffectiveness are nothing new. The
apostle Paul was accused of:
1) Extravagant tastes. 1 Corinthians 9:4-7
2) Hopeless causes. (The collection for the poor Christians
in Jerusalem, which met considerable resistance.
B. It is easier to give "close by" than "far away," but we have an
obligation to reach the whole world. Luke 14:21-23
III. The continual emphasis on money is unspiritual and worldly.
A. Paul was constantly criticized for his fundraising efforts.
1) The Corinthian church thought he should dig out of his own
pocket for support. 1 Cor 9:4-11
2) Only one church - Philippi - supported Paul consistently. Phil 4:14-17
3) Others were extremely reluctant to support him. 2 Cor 8:7-15
4) His integrity on finances may have been questioned. 2 Cor 8:20f
B. Jesus himself needed financial support. Mark 15:41
C. You cannot get something for nothing. If God's mission is
worthwhile, it will cost you dearly. 2 Sam 24:24
IV. Even if missions is a good idea, we have more urgent needs here at
home. Like our pew refurbishing, Vacation Bible School material...
A. Even New Testament Christians did not like reaching out.
1) It took a severe persecution to get the first Christians out
of comfortable Jerusalem. Acts 8:1
2) The Corinthians thought they were too hard-up to give, and
the "foreigners" didn't need help anyway. 2 Cor 8:13
B. Our needs may be genuine, but the call to a worldwide mission is
our ultimate commitment.
1) Making disciples of the nations is an OBLIGATION, not an
"extra." Matt 28:19
2) Our resources need to be spread out. 2 Cor 8:13-15
V. We have tried to get people excited about missions, but nothing ever
pans out.
A. Early Christian missionaries also hit brick walls.
1) Jesus couldn't get his hometown excited about his mission.
Matt 13:57-58
2) Paul wandered uselessly around Turkey until God opened up
an unexpected door in Greece. Acts 16:6-9
B. When the going seems tough, keep going.
1) Jesus had huge success among pagans on other side of Galilee
after leaving his home area.
2) Paul experienced his most fruitful ministry in Greece after
being frustrated in northern Turkey. Acts 16:6-9
TWO BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR ENCOURAGING MISSIONS
I. God ORDERS you to do missions. Matthew 28:19.
A. Jesus' final words to the church (and therefore the most important)
command us to spread his gospel. It is our GREAT COMMISSION. Matt 28:19-20
B. If you don't do missions, God will find someone who will.
1) In Acts 8 the apostles were comfortable in Jerusalem, so God sent
persecution which scattered the Christians and resulted in widespread
evangelism. (see above for same)
2) And don't forget Jonah!
C. Find ways to make the Commission exciting.
1) Don't just send money to missionaries, send some of your own people.
2) There are many opportunities locally, nationally and even
internationally to send your people on short-term mission trips.
II. God BLESSES those who do missions.
A. A spirit of praise will overwhelm the negativism in your church. Acts 11:2,18
B. Your numbers and resources will be multiplied. Acts 4:29-34
