Why I Am Involved with COTI Missions!
There are many possible reasons why I am involved in church missions, but I will try to give you some general ones based on my life history and and what I have learned through the years. Being involved in church missions can have various reasons, and it ultimately depends on my personal beliefs and motivations. I can provide you with some common reasons why individuals choose to participate in church missions:
One reason why I am involved in church missions is because I am obeying Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations ( Matt. 28:18–20 ). Jesus gave this commission to his followers before he ascended to heaven, and he promised to be with them always. I am following his example and his instructions by sharing the gospel with people who have not heard it or who need to hear it again. I am also showing my love and concern for God and my neighbors by caring for their spiritual and physical needs.
Another reason why I am involved in church missions is because I am sharing Christ’s love and grace with others. I have experienced the forgiveness, peace, joy, and hope that come from knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I want others to experience the same blessings and benefits that I have. I am also aware of the reality of sin, death, and hell, and I do not want anyone to perish without Christ. I am motivated by compassion and urgency to reach out to those who are lost, broken, and hurting.
A third reason why I am involved in church missions is because I am relying on Christ’s power and presence. I know that I cannot do missions on my own strength, wisdom, or resources. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me, empower me, and equip me for the task. `I also need the support of the church, which is the body of Christ. I am part of a larger community of believers who share the same mission and vision. I am accountable to them, and they are accountable to me. I pray for one another, encourage one another, and help one another.
There are more specific and personal reasons why I am involved in missions. I can reflect on my own calling, gifts, passions, and experiences to discover what God has uniquely prepare me for.
1. Spiritual Growth: Engaging in church missions can be a way to deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with God. It allows each of us to put our beliefs into action and experience personal growth. Beliefs supported by action strengthens of faith.
2. Helping Others: I feel, and I know many people feel, a strong desire to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Church missions provide opportunities to assist those in need, whether it’s through providing food, healthcare, education, or other forms of support. In the Gospels, we often see Jesus healing the infirm, feeding the hungry, and consoling the sorrowful.
3. Sharing the Gospel: For some individuals, church missions are a way to spread the message of their faith and share the teachings of their church with others. It can be seen as a way to bring hope, love, and salvation to those who may not have encountered it before. Our apostolic actions of healing, feeding, clothing, consoling are all forms of sharing the Gospel as mentioned above.
4. Building Community: Church missions often involve working together with other like-minded individuals towards a common goal. At Church of the Incarnation, participating in missions provides an opportunity to build strong bonds and create a sense of community among participants. These actions strengthens the church and encourages the church to do even more in our local community as well as in other countries.
5. Personal Development: Engaging in church missions can also contribute to personal development by fostering skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and cultural understanding. It exposes individuals to new experiences and challenges, which broaden our perspectives and enhance our personal growth.
Ultimately, the reasons for being involved in church missions are personal and usually differ from one individual to another. It’s important to reflect on our own motivations and consider how participating in missions aligns with my values and beliefs.
Mission Work is a Mandate from Christ
“Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” is a biblical passage found in the New Testament. It comes from the Gospel of Mark 16:15. The full verse in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible reads as follows: “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” The verse is part of Jesus Christ’s instructions to his disciples after his resurrection and before his ascension into heaven.
This passage is often referred to as the Great Commission. It is a call to spread the teachings of Jesus and share the good news of salvation with people throughout the world. It emphasizes the importance of evangelism and sharing the message of Christianity to all people, regardless of their background or geographic location.
The phrase is seen by many Christians as a commandment to actively engage in missionary work, sharing the teachings of Jesus, and inviting others to embrace the Christian faith. It underscores the universal nature of the gospel and the belief that salvation is available to all who accept it. Different Christian denominations and individuals may interpret and apply this passage in various ways, but at its core, it encourages believers to be active in sharing their faith and making disciples of all nations
The word “preach” generally refers to the act of delivering a sermon or a religious message, typically in a formal or public setting, with the intention of imparting religious or moral guidance. However, the meaning of “preach” can vary depending on the context and the specific religious or cultural traditions involved.
In a religious context, preaching often involves explaining and interpreting religious texts, sharing spiritual insights, teaching moral principles, and exhorting listeners to live according to the teachings of their faith. It may also involve encouraging others to embrace or deepen their relationship with their God or chosen spiritual path.
While preaching is commonly associated with religious leaders, such as priests, pastors, and ministers, it is not limited to them. In some religious traditions, laypeople or individuals with a calling may also engage in preaching or sharing their religious beliefs and experiences with others.
The goal of preaching often varies depending on the religious tradition and the specific message being conveyed. It may aim to inspire faith, encourage moral behavior, offer guidance and support, provide comfort, challenge societal injustices, or call for personal or collective transformation.
Can the mandates of Christ, such as “feed the hungry,” “clothe the naked,” “heal the sick,” “care for the widows” ever be considered as sharing the gospel?
Yes, the mandates of Christ to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and care for the widows can indeed be considered as a form of sharing the gospel. These apostolic actions align with the teachings and example of Jesus, who emphasized compassion, love, and care for others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need.
In the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly emphasized the importance of acts of kindness, mercy, and social justice. He taught that by serving and caring for others, we demonstrate our love for God and fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt. 25:35-40)
When followers of Christ engage in acts of service and social justice, such as feeding the hungry, providing clothing to the needy, caring for the sick, and supporting widows, they embody the values and teachings of Jesus. These actions not only meet immediate physical needs but also reflect God’s love and concern for all people.
Through such acts of compassion, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and its impact on individuals and communities. By addressing tangible needs, believers create opportunities for meaningful connections, build relationships, and open doors for conversations about faith and spiritual matters. These acts of service can serve as a witness to the love of God and create opportunities to share the gospel message.
In essence, combining the proclamation of the gospel with acts of service and social justice can provide a holistic approach to fulfilling Christ’s mandates and effectively sharing the message of God’s love, mercy, and salvation
Old Testament Example of Equivalent Christian Values and Action
There are several Old Testament references that encourage God’s people to carry out activities that align with what might be considered Christian values and actions today. While the term “Christian” specifically refers to followers of Jesus Christ, many of the principles and values upheld in Christianity find their roots in the Old Testament. Here are a few examples:
1. Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and humility, which are key Christian virtues.
2. Proverbs 14:31: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” This verse emphasizes the value of showing kindness and compassion to the poor and needy, which aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament.
3. Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This verse calls for acting justly, defending the oppressed, and caring for those who are marginalized, all of which are central to Christian ethics.
4. Leviticus 19:18: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” This verse emphasizes the importance of loving one’s neighbor, a concept that Jesus reaffirmed as one of the greatest commandments in the New Testament.
These are just a few examples among many in the Old Testament that encourage God’s people to demonstrate qualities and engage in actions that are in line with Christian values. I believe they reflect God’s desire for His people to live justly, show mercy, care for the marginalized, and cultivate a loving relationship with Him.
Judeo-Christian values and actions have had a significant impact on the larger world in various ways. As our church (COTI) reaches out to those in need, we are influencing those we serve while expressing our Judeo-Christian values though our actions. Here are a few key areas where our traditional values and actions can influence and be observed:
1. Morality and Ethics: Judeo-Christian values have helped shape the moral and ethical frameworks that underpin many legal systems, social norms, and cultural practices worldwide. Concepts such as the dignity of every human being, respect for life, justice, compassion, and the pursuit of righteousness have had a profound influence on notions of right and wrong, fairness, and individual and collective responsibility.
2. Human Rights and Equality: The Judeo-Christian belief in the inherent worth and equality of all people has contributed to the development of human rights principles and movements across the globe. Ideas like the sanctity of human life, the importance of freedom of conscience, and the call to care for the marginalized have informed movements for social justice, abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and the fight against discrimination.
3. Rule of Law: The emphasis on justice, fairness, and accountability found in Judeo-Christian teachings has played a role in the development of legal systems and the rule of law. Many legal principles and institutions have been influenced by biblical concepts, such as the Ten Commandments, which provided a foundation for principles of justice and civil order.
4. Social Welfare and Philanthropy: The Judeo-Christian emphasis on compassion, caring for the poor, and providing for those in need has led to the establishment of numerous charitable organizations, hospitals, educational institutions, and social welfare initiatives. These efforts have had a significant impact on alleviating suffering, promoting education, and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.
5. Art, Literature, and Culture: Judeo-Christian themes and narratives have greatly influenced art, literature, and cultural expressions across different periods and regions. Biblical stories, moral teachings, and religious symbolism have inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, shaping the cultural heritage of many societies.
In summary, fulfilling the Great Commission is essentially the same and following the mandates of our Lord. Going into all the world and preaching the gospel can be accomplished by COTI’s mission of healing the sick, clothing the naked, consoling the bereaved, and feeding the hungry. This is the essence of missions. It’s important to note that the impact of Judeo-Christian values and actions is complex and multifaceted. While our influence has been substantial, our COTI missioners’ work has not finished. The world’s cultural and ethical landscape is shaped by a diverse range of beliefs, philosophies, and traditions and among these are those taught by COTI’s work and mission in Latin America.
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