Pioneering Vision

Reading the great commission in Matthew 28 is pretty commonplace for most evangelical churches; often being the main passage of at least a few sermons a year. Most Christians walk away with a picture of God’s heart for the world, but primarily focus on their immediate circle of influence.

This week at Pioneers, teens from NEBC will not escape the full force of the great commission – they will come face to face with the present reality of what is happening with the gospel today throughout the world.

Numbers will make an impact: 2,000 languages without a verse of the Bible in their language, only 1% of global funding going towards efforts to reach people groups without a current missionary presence, thousands of Muslims converting to Christianity with hardly a mention among American church circles.

Faces with stories will inspire and convict: John and Jillian, who at only a few years older than the teens are actively assisting missionaries reach the field as support staff. Vance and Patty, who were the first missionaries sent out by a fledgling Pioneers. A man who asked not to have his name posted on blogs, as his mission work among radical Muslims has put him at high risk.

Sometimes we don’t really get a sense of the persecution, hopelessness, or long odds that Christians face around the world. Nor do we grasp the innumerable masses that perish every day without even having a missionary or Bible in their lives.

Jesus begins the great commission by telling His disciples, “All authority has been given to me on heaven and on earth” (Matt 28:18). That is what the “therefore” of the “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” in verse 19 is all about. Jesus’ authority as God of the universe allows us to be mighty instruments to spread His message of redemption to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

God is doing great things at Pioneers and great things in this group of teens. His will shall be done, and all will bow – but it is my prayer that these teens and the whole youth group at NEBC will claim His authority and choose to be a part of what He is doing on earth to reconcile men, women, and children to Him.