Thursday 11 July 2013

Gospel of John Chapter 7 – Mission to the Core by Pastor Richard Sim dated 7.7.13



Pastor Richard sermon is based on John chapter 7 and he interwoven his message with the message of mission.  According to him the whole New Testament is about mission.


          John 3:16 God loves the whole world

          John 14:6 I am the way the truth

          John 20:21, as the Father had sent me so I send you

  
John 7 – feast of the Tabernacle – Israel’s thanks giving feast remembering Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, and the 40 years wondering in the wilderness where they lived in tents and worship at the Tabernacle which was a tent.  All male Jews were required to travel to Jerusalem for this feast. Jesus’ unbelieving brothers urged him to go public to gain popularity.


         V.37 the living water

         V.33 I shall be with you a little longer and I go to Him who sent me

         V.39 He spoke concerning the Holy Spirit


In relation to mission, Pastor Richard referred to Acts.


       Act 1:3 appeared to them for 40 days teaching about the kingdom of God.

       Act 1:4 commanded them not to leave Jerusalem

       Act 1:5 disciples will be baptized with the Holy Spirit

       Act 1:6 disciples asked whether Jesus will restore the kingdom of Israel

       Act 1:7 it was not for them to know the time

       Act 1:8 the disciples will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes, and they will witness from Jerusalem,  Judea, Samaria and the end of the earth


In Act 1:3 Jesus resurrected and he was with the disciples 40 days teaching them about the kingdom of God.  Before that the disciples had been with Jesus for more than 3 years.

At that time Israel was under Roman rule, they did not have the power or authority.


The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah will come to liberate the Jews.  During this time it was their dream to be independent from Roman rule and establish their own nation.  Just before Jesus was taken to heaven the disciples asked when he will establish the kingdom of Israel.


The Mission for the Disciples


The most important commission in their whole life and cannot be done with their natural abilities.  The commission requires the Holy Spirit.  Luke 24:29. 

In John 7:39 the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus had not been glorified yet.  Act 1:4 Jesus ordered the disciples not to leave Jerusalem yet.  Act 1:6 disciples asked Jesus whether he was establishing the kingdom of Israel.  Act 1:7 he told them it was not time yet.  Act 1:8 they will receive the power and witness from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the end of the earth.


Examples of Missionaries in various countries


Adoniram Judson (1850) pioneering mission in Burma.

Hudson Taylor mission to China

Dr. Stanley Livingston mission to Africa

Hudson Southwell mission to Sarawak founder of SIB church.
 

       Matthew 28:19 – go make disciples of all nations baptizing them…

       Act 1:8 witness to the end of the earth.

       Act 2:4 disciples filled with the Holy Spirit.  Disciples preached and the church grew.

       Matthew 28:20 teaching people to obey God’s commands.


It is our time to go and full fill the Great Commission.


Are we ready and willing?

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