The Priority of Missions

In the Spring of every year as we prepare for our annual Worldwide Faith Promise Missions Conference, the Lord stirs my heart anew for the great, worldwide cause of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person on this planet.

The following are a few reasons why I believe Missions must be a priority in our church:

• Taking the Gospel to every person in the world is a priority with God.  You cannot read the Bible with coming to this conclusion.
  

• The dire circumstances every unsaved person faces if they never hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ (facing the eternal judgment of God in lake of fire).  Every unsaved person in the world is "condemned already" - John 3:18.36.
  

• Taking the Gospel to every person in the world was the overriding priority of the New Testament church (which is a pattern for our church).  
  

• Taking the Gospel into all the world is a priority with the Holy Spirit (who prompts our church to make missions a priority). 
  

• The exclusive nature of salvation demands that missions be a priority in our church (only one way to be saved - through the Gospel of Jesus Christ).  There are not many ways to Heaven, there is one, and only one way, and every person must taught this vital truth.
  

• The incomprehensible price that Jesus paid on the cross for all the sins of all mankind demands that missions be a priority.
  

• Knowing that we must some day give an account of our service at the Judgment Seat of Christ demands that missions be a priority in our church.
  

Years ago, in one of our annual Missions Conferences, our dear friend (who is now with the Lord) Dr. Pat Creed clearly pointed out from Scripture that the Holy Spirit, in a very real sense is the "Missions Director" of our church.  It is the Holy Spirit that calls, equips, and directs His servants to the mission field of His choosing.  May this be true in our church and all Bible believing churches.

It is impossible to overemphasize how important it is that every church member be involved and support with their prayers and finances this "local commitment to our global commission." God has given us this great responsibility and we need every member to seek the Lord and follow His leadership in this matter.