Topic: 'Missions' – Possible or Impossible

Scripture: Luke 19:10  |  Isaiah 61:1–3

Introduction

1. Typical mindset…
   • We are not involved because we are all God's children, and we are Christians.
   • Missionary work is too hard, costly, and dangerous…
   • We are doing the social part of mission… helping the needy, the poor, the homeless…
   • We are learning about missions and that's all… no practical involvement.
2. Reality perspective…
   • Consider the world today and all the troubles — broken people, many people are broken and lost…
   • Consider the Church today… Why are we here?
3. Biblical Mindset…
   • God's mission… Redemption and restoration for all who trust Him.
   • God's mission… Revealed in and through Christ Jesus. Carried out by Jesus and passed on by Jesus to His disciples.
4. Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus… with all of us. Luke 19:9–10.
   • Lost and far from God.
5. 'The Son of Man… Jesus Christ came…'

A. Seek and to Save… the Lost — Luke 19:10

• Seek the lost. (Our responsibility)
  • Zacchaeus… a wealthy tax collector but he needed salvation in Christ Jesus.
  • Privileged to be part of Abraham's family but he was lost.
  • Every person who does not trust and follow Jesus as their Lord and Saviour is lost.
  • Isaiah 53:6 — All of us are like sheep… gone astray and are lost.
  • God seeks after us.
    Luke 15:1–7
  • The shepherd left the 99 in the sheep's protected space and went after the one lost sheep.
  • The one lost sheep is very important to the Shepherd.
  • One lost person is very important to God… that is why Jesus came.
• Save the Lost. (God's sovereignty)
  • Jesus Christ has the power/authority to forgive and save.
    Matthew 9:6–7
  • Save us from the consequences of sin.
    Romans 6:23
  • Save from a Christless eternity in hell.
  • 1 Timothy 1:15–16
  • Luke 23:42–43
  • Our task today… our mission possible – seek the lost and lead them to Christ Jesus. He is the only One who has the power to save.
    John 4:28–29

B. Called/Anointed by the Holy Spirit — Isaiah 61:1–3

• Preach the good news (Gospel) to the poor.
  • Not only to feed, clothe, house and care for the poor.
  • Tell them the good news – the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Bind up the Broken hearted.
  • The hearts of all people are sick and broken because of sin.
  • Jesus can heal the broken hearts and spirits of all people who trust in Him.
    Psalm 30:11
• Proclaim Freedom for the Captives.
  • Proclaim freedom in Christ Jesus to those who are in bondage to sin and Satan.
    John 8:36
  • Freedom in the Holy Spirit.
    2 Corinthians 3:17
  • Release prisoners from the grip of Satan and sin.
• Proclaim God's Favour – Salvation of the Lord.
  • Acts 2:21
  • Revelation 7:10
  • Acts 1:8 – This is also the task – mission of the church today…
  • Be witnesses.

Conclusion — Matthew 28:19–20

1. Jesus entrusted His mission to the Church.
   • Ordinary people – Empowered by the Holy Spirit.
   • Doing extraordinary things in the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. God said to Isaiah… Go and tell them…
   Isaiah 6:10
3. The Samaritan Woman… 'Come see a man…'
   John 4:29–30
4. The mission of Seeking the lost is our responsibility… Saving the lost and setting them free is the sovereign work of God.