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Dean S. Wiebracht
God’s Heart
for the NationsBible Studies on Missions
OMF LITERATURE INC.PO Box 2217, 1062 Manila, Philippines
GOD’S HEART FOR THE NATIONS
Bible Studies on Missions
Copyright © 2001 by Dean S. Wiebracht
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version
(NIV)®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by
permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Illustrations by Edwin Estioko
Published (2001) by
OMF Literature Inc.
776 Boni Avenue
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
www.omflit.com
ISBN 971-511-679-5
Printed in the Philippines
FOREWORD 5
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 7
INTRODUCTION 9
1 He Was Thinking of You 19
Genesis 11:1–12:9
2 From Darkness to Light 27
Exodus 19:1-6
1 Peter 2:9–10
3 There’s a Welcome Here 39
2 Chronicles 6:32–33
4 Blessed to Be a Blessing 48
Psalm 67
5 Declare His Glory! 58
Psalm 96
6 To the Ends of the Earth 66
Isaiah 49:1–7
7 Jonah on the Run 74
Jonah 1
8 Thank You, Thank You, Thank You 82
Jonah 2
9 Repentance in Nineveh 90
Jonah 3
10 The Pouting Prophet 96
Jonah 4
11 It’s Harvest Time! 106
Matthew 9:35–38
CONTENTS
12 The Great Commandment 116
Matthew 22:34–40
13 Jesus Said it All 126
Matthew 28:16–20
14 The Heart of the Father 136
Luke 15
15 Power from On High 145
Luke 24:36–49
16 So Send I You 155
John 20:19–23
17 His Witnesses to a Waiting World 164
Acts 1:1–11
18 The Only Way? 175
Acts 4:1–23
19 Let My People Go! 184
Acts 13:1–5
20 Beautiful Feet 193
Romans 10:1–15
21 His Compelling Love 201
2 Corinthians 5:14–21
22 Why Pray? 212
1 Timothy 2:1–7
23 And Then the End Shall Come 224
2 Peter 3:1–13
24 A Fiesta for All Peoples! 233
Revelation 5:1–14
CONCLUSION 242
NOTES 246
BIBLIOGRAPHY 260
In a missions mobilization seminar we conducted recently, we
asked the participants why their churches are not involved in
missions. Lack of awareness came out as the top answer. A disturb-
ing reason why missions awareness is absent in their churches is
that missions is simply not preached or taught. When we further
probed the issue and offered a theory they all nodded in agree-
ment: Missions is not preached in churches because pastors and
members alike do not see the Bible as a missions book. We then
emphasized a principle: The way you view the Scripture will greatly
affect the way you teach it. If you don’t see the Bible as a mission-
ary book, you’ll never be involved in missions. The good news
is this should no longer be the case. A new book has arrived to
address this basic but critical missions problem.
God’s Heart for the Nations encourages you to study and view
the Bible as a missions book. It is a kind of Bible survey with a
missions focus. For the first time, Filipinos will have a Bible study
material on missions written for us and in our context. This is
excellent for Sunday school classes and cell or small group meet-
ings. Pastors and preachers will find this book indispensable as
a major preaching tool on missions. The style of writing, with
relevant stories and parables, suits the Filipinos’ love for the story-
telling approach. The key passages herein selected, both from the
Old and New Testaments, highlight the Bible’s progressive and
panoramic teaching on missions. The questions for discussion and
interaction will surely encourage you and your group to personal
and collective missions involvement.
The growing missions movement in the Philippines will definitely
be enhanced and strengthened by this new book. It is indeed a vital
and welcome addition to the still developing missions literature in
this country.
FOREWORD
Our missions colleague and personal friend Dr. Wiebracht, who
we affectionately call Kuya Dean, has once again demonstrated his
love for the Lord and passion for the Great Commission by writing
God’s Heart for the Nations. In this book, Kuya Dean has essen-
tially shown his unflinching conviction that the Filipino church is
destined to play a major role in the completion of world evangel-
ization.
Rev. Rey CorpuzNational Director
Philippine Missions Association
FOREWORD
6
People Power. The phrase brings to mind masses of people
gathered at EDSA, demonstrating their defiance of former Pres-
ident Marcos’ forces. Or of EDSA 2, with political and military
leaders announcing their alliance against former President Estrada.
People Power also explains how this book came to be written, for it
represents the involvement of many who gave generously of their
time and talents.
It is with sincere appreciation that I acknowledge the valuable
contribution of those who read the initial manuscript and offered
helpful suggestions: Russ Bauck, Alleli Domingo, Shema Echano,
Ferdinand Mercado, Vahnei Mathipi, Jeff Miller, Sis. Mary
Bernadette Reynolds, and Tony and Lorna Sadorra. Thanks also to
Rey Corpuz for his gracious Foreword, and to Tom Roxas and Ef
Tendero for their kind endorsements.
How grateful Linda and I are for the generous hospitality of the
folks at OMSC (Overseas Ministries Study Center). Thanks for
providing an ideal environment for study, reflection and writing.
It has again been a pleasure to work with the capable and cheer-
ful staff of OMF Literature. Special thanks to Beng Alba for shar-
ing my enthusiasm on this project, and for her diligent editorial
oversight; to Edwin Estioko for his attractive artwork; and to
Jonathan de Vera for his eye-catching cover design.
My wife, Linda, has consistently supported and encouraged me
throughout this writing project. At times that has meant patiently
listening to my ideas and enduring my moments of self-doubt and
discouragement. As God’s special gift to me, her worth is far above
rubies. It is to her that this book is affectionately dedicated.
Dean S. Wiebracht
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Discouraged and depressed. That’s how she felt. Teresa was
beginning to regret she’d ever come to Malaysia.
It had seemed like a good idea when she’d first learned of the
job opening at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur. A nurse by training, she
had welcomed the idea of working abroad. It wasn’t just the appeal
of a well-paying career. As she’d explained to her parents, “I can’t
go to Malaysia as a missionary. But I can be a witness for Christ
while working as a nurse.”
Teresa’s church in Iligan City, Mindanao, had been very support-
ive of her plans. They’d even commissioned her as their tentmaker1
to Malaysia. She could still remember the excitement of that
special church service, and then the tearful farewell at the airport
in Cagayan de Oro City.
Her first few months in Malaysia had been a whirlwind of new
experiences. She had loved the adventure of seeing new places,
eating new foods and making new friends. She was also pleasantly
surprised to find that there were some similarities between Bahasa
Malaysia and her own native Cebuano.
INTRODUCTION
From Malaysiato Laguna
Confused in Kuala Lumpur
Her newfound Malaysian friends were pleased that Teresa wanted
to learn about their language and culture. They showed her their
favorite shops, invited her to their homes, and even took her to a
beautiful mosque.
It wasn’t just the striking architecture that had impressed Teresa.
It was the commitment she’d witnessed in the worshippers—their
zeal and their faithfulness in praying five times a day. “I’m happy
if I just remember to pray once a day,” she thought with a wry
smile.
As she stood at the back, separated by an intricately carved wooden
partition, she couldn’t help comparing the scene with her church
experience back in the Philippines. “Do we Christians take
worship as seriously as these Muslims?” she wondered. “Do we
approach God with the same sense of awe and reverence?”
At times she felt like she was the only Christian in a country
dominated by Islam. Even in the midst of friends, loneliness seemed
to never leave her. With culture shock and culture stress subtly
eroding her self-confidence, she found herself becoming more and
more uncertain about the things she believed. Slowly the questions
had multiplied. “Is Christ really the only way? Is there no salva-
tion in Islam? Do I have a right to tell them about Christ? Was
my anthropology professor correct after all—is evangelism just a
matter of cultural imperialism?”
“I’m not just depressed and discouraged,” Teresa eventually
admitted to herself. “I’m confused. Maybe I should just do my work
and forget about sharing the gospel.”
Frustrated in San Fernando
“Maybe some fresh air will help,” thought Pastor Danny as he
stepped outside his home in San Fernando, La Union. He was
facing a problem common to many pastors. Tomorrow was
“Missions Sunday” at his church, and he couldn’t think of a
passage to preach on. He’d already covered the most common
INTRODUCTION
10
missions passages and couldn’t think of any new ones.
It wasn’t that Pastor Danny didn’t believe in missions. He sin-
cerely wanted his church to become a Great Commission Church—
a church which was aggressively seeking to do its part to help make
disciples of all nations.
Furthermore, he knew that regular preaching on God’s concern
for all nations was an important part of mobilizing a church in
missions. But he was running out of ideas.
Looking up into the clear night sky he was reminded of God’s
promise to give Abram many descendants—as numerous as the
stars. A vague idea played around the corners of his memory. “Wasn’t
there something else that God told Abram that had to do with the
nations? Could that be connected to missions?”
Baffled in Los Baños
“I’ll get a degree. I’ll get a good job. I’ll get a wife. We’ll buy a
house, have kids and live happily ever after.” At least that was the
plan when Benjie first went to the University of the Philippines in
Los Baños, Laguna.That was before he met Dr. Mercado.
Benjie had been raised in a religious home, but Dr. Mercado—
one of his professors—had helped him understand that there is
a huge difference between knowing about God and having a
personal relationship with God through faith in Christ. It was
during his freshman year that Benjie had asked Christ into his life
to be his personal Lord and Savior.
But his professor’s influence didn’t end there. Benjie noticed that
Dr. Mercado truly cared about her students, and had a special
concern for those from other countries. Along with others from
her church, Dr. Mercado shared the gospel while showing Chris-
tian love in many practical ways. By her teaching and example she
showed Benjie that being a Christian meant living for Christ and
his kingdom, not for personal peace and prosperity.
FROM MALAYSIA TO LAGUNA
11
As Benjie continued his studies, he began to help with the out-
reach to international students. With his outgoing personality and
cheerful attitude he made friends easily. And even though his
involvement sometimes meant putting in long hours, he was deeply
grateful to see God use him in the lives of others.
During one of the outings—a hike up Mt. Makiling for interna-
tional students—Dr. Mercado asked, “Benjie, what are you going
to do after you graduate?”
“Well, I’m not so sure anymore,” answered Benjie. “When I came
to UP I thought I would just try to get a high-paying job. But now
that seems so shallow. Have you got any suggestions?”
“As a matter of fact I do,” Dr. Mercado replied with a slight
smile. “With your training in agriculture, you have an open door
to many parts of Southeast Asia. Perhaps that’s why God brought
you to Los Baños—to prepare you to serve him cross-culturally.”
“So are you saying I should be a missionary?” Benjie interrupted.
Benjie was beginning to become uncomfortable, and a little bit
annoyed. He’d never traveled abroad and wasn’t sure he liked the
idea of leaving friends and family.
“Not necessarily,” responded his professor with a smile. “Relax
ka lang. Serving God as a missionary is one possibility. There are
tremendous needs and opportunities in Asia, and perhaps God
wants to use you in that way. But it could also be that God wants
to use you right here.”
Benjie was feeling somewhat less anxious but still a little con-
fused as Dr. Mercado continued, “You see, Benjie, the main thing
is living as a Great Commission Christian—a Christian who has
God’s heart for the nations. God doesn’t want all of us to become
missionaries. But I think he does want all of us to invest our lives
in some way to help fulfill the Great Commission.”
Some of the expressions were new to him, but Benjie was begin-
ning to understand. “OK, so how do I become a Great Commission
Christian?”
INTRODUCTION
12
“I thought you’d never ask,” Dr. Mercado said with a laugh. “It
all begins with getting God’s perspective—with seeing the nations
from his point of view.” Opening her Bible she showed Benjie how,
from the very beginning, it was God’s plan that all nations come
to know him.
Did You See Yourself?
Did you see yourself in any of the preceding stories? Can you relate
to their experiences and their questions? The people are fictitious,
but they represent actual situations in Asia today.
What an exciting time to be living in the Philippines! Churches
are being planted all over the archipelago. The missions movement
is growing at a remarkable pace. Consider the evidence.
Churches are coming alive to missions. Denominations are
strategizing and organizing to send cross-cultural workers. Send-
ing agencies and missionary training schools are being established.
Bible schools and seminaries are adding or strengthening missions
programs. God is raising up missions mobilizers to help multiply
Great Commission Churches. Missions conferences and seminars
are being conducted all over the Philippines. Prayer for missions is
increasing. Missions newsletters, books and other materials are
being produced. And the result of all this effort is that thousands
of Filipinos are reaching out across cultural boundaries.
Some are sharing the gospel with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus or
tribal groups in the Philippines. Others are going as missionaries
to various countries in Asia and the world. A growing number of
OFWs2 are becoming aware of the unique opportunity they have
to reach people in countries that are closed to regular missionaries.
Yet other Filipinos are serving as “welcomers”—Christians who reach
out to the internationals among us, many of which come from
restricted-access countries.
FROM MALAYSIA TO LAGUNA
13
Yes, there have been Filipino missionaries ever since the early
part of this century,3 but nothing on the scale that we see today. It
is not an exaggeration to say that the missions movement in the
Philippines is exploding! What a wonderful thing God is doing in
our day! And how thrilling it is to be a part of it. How good and
how great He is!
I am not alone in believing that God has a special role for the
Philippines to play in world evangelization. For one thing, Filipi-
nos are better accepted in many countries of Asia and the Middle
East than Westerners. Generally speaking, they can also adapt to
other cultures more easily and learn the language more quickly.
In addition, Filipinos have many opportunities for strategic cross-
cultural outreach inside the Philippines. Just think of the unique
combination of factors we enjoy. We have representatives of all of
the world’s major religious blocs—Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims.
We also have freedom of religion and a fast-growing church.
How can we be good stewards of this wonderful opportunity
God has placed before us? How can we send out missionaries who
will survive and thrive? One crucial key is to deepen our under-
standing of the biblical basis of missions. If we are going to
multiply missionaries who will faithfully and effectively proclaim
the gospel, we must be firmly convinced that missions is God’s
idea.
The purpose of this book, then, is to help you explore key pas-
sages in Scripture that relate to world evangelization. Along the
way we will seek to answer questions such as these:
• Why missions?
• How do the nations fit into God’s plan of redemption?
• What is the heart of the missionary enterprise?
• What is the mission of the Church?
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in world evangelization?
• Do we have a right to evangelize those of other religions?
INTRODUCTION
14
As you will discover, the biblical basis for missions does not just
rest on a few Great Commission passages. Rather, it rests on the
entire Bible. As John Stott has written:
Our mandate for world evangelization, therefore, is the whole
Bible. It is to be found in the creation of God (because of which
all human beings are responsible to him), in the character of
God (as outgoing, loving, compassionate, not willing that any
should perish, desiring that all should come to repentance), in
the promises of God (that all nations will be blessed through
Abraham’s seed and will become the Messiah’s inheritance), in
the Christ of God (now exalted with universal authority, to
receive universal acclaim), in the Spirit of God (who convicts
of sin, witnesses to Christ, and impels the church to evangelize)
and in the Church of God (which is a multinational, missionary
community, under orders to evangelize until Christ returns.)4
[emphasis mine]
I know that’s a long sentence, and it’s a bit difficult to grasp all
that Stott is saying in just one reading. Read slowly through his
statement again and note his main points carefully. Essentially what
he’s saying is that the imperative for missions permeates the entire
Bible. To paraphrase:
• It is found in the creation of God. Because we were all
created by him, we are all responsible to Him.
• It is found in the character of God. As we read through the
Bible we learn that God is outgoing, loving, and compassion-
ate. We see that he is a seeking God who doesn’t want any to
perish but all to come to repentance.
• It is found in the promises of God. The first promise, for
example, is part of the Call of Abram (later renamed Abraham)
in Genesis 12. God promised Abram that all nations would be
blessed through him.
FROM MALAYSIA TO LAGUNA
15
• It is found in the Christ of God. Christ has been exalted to a
position of universal authority and deserves the worship and
obedience of all people.
• It is found in the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit’s work in the
world is not just that of teaching and encouraging believers.
He is also convicting people of sin, empowering witness of
Christ and mobilizing the church in evangelism.
• It is found in the Church of God. The church is made up of
people of many nations. And by its very nature the church is
to be a missionary community. It is under orders to evangelize
until Jesus returns.
Who Should Read This Book?
Asian Missionaries As you study through the passages here,
my desire is that God would strengthen
your convictions. It is my prayer that he would use your study of
his word to renew your zeal for declaring his glory among the
nations—with boldness, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is not only important for your own spiritual health and
fruitfulness. You also have a responsibility to pass on a vision for
missions among those to whom God has sent you to minister.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God raised up missions movements in
all the countries of Asia?
Pastors Pastors, many of you may be like the frustrated Pastor
Danny from San Fernando in the story. You sincerely
desire for your church to become a Great Commission Church, but
you don’t have the resources that would enable you to preach on
missions from various parts of the Bible. This book is for you!
The approach in this book is not to provide you with sermon
outlines, as valuable as those might be. Rather the strategy here is
to help you discover truth on your own. Hopefully, by the time
INTRODUCTION
16
you’ve finished studying and praying through one of the passages
with the help of this book, you will be prepared to communicate
the main truths of those verses to your congregation.
Students, Church Workers
and Fellow-Believers This book is also for you. It can help
you get to know God more intimately,
understand more clearly the importance of reaching the nations,
and become part of his program of world evangelization. If the
Philippines is truly going to become an “Antioch of Asia,” we not
only need missionaries and missions-minded pastors. We also need
thousands of Great Commission Churches filled with missions-
minded members. You, too, have a key role to play!
Missions Teachers Books on missions theology and the bibli-
cal basis of missions are essential. I use
them myself. But wouldn’t you like a resource that will help your
students work through key missions passages in the Bible on their
own? This book can help to meet that need. In the Bibliography,
you will also find a list of missions resources that I’ve found to be
particularly valuable.
Let me know which books God has used to give you a heart for
missions. I welcome your response. Let’s work together to build a
strong missions movement in the Philippines for his glory!
How to Use This Book
Although this book can be used for individual study, you will gain
the greatest benefit if you discuss your ideas in a small group. So
if you can, find a few other people who will study through these
passages with you. Your study will be more fruitful and enjoyable
as you discover God’s truth together.
Most chapters deal primarily with just one passage. Be sure to
take time to pray and carefully read the passage several times
FROM MALAYSIA TO LAGUNA
17
before you begin answering the questions. Ask God to open your
mind and heart to his truth.
The questions are designed with several purposes in mind. First,
of course, we need to learn the basic facts related to the passage:
who, what, when, where, why, and how. Second, we want to
understand the basic teaching of the passage. What is God saying
through these verses? Third, it is important that we see the
relevance of the verses to world evangelization.
Finally, our study is not complete unless we consider ways in
which we can apply what we’re learning to our lives and in our
churches. And for those who would like additional study, a special
section is included at the end of each chapter just for you—
Digging Deeper. This study is designed to be heart-warming, mind-
stretching and feet-moving!
Are you ready? Let’s begin with the book of beginnings.
INTRODUCTION
18
“Safety does not depend on our conception of the absence
of danger. Safety is found in God’s presence, in the center
of his perfect will.”1
T. J. BACH
1881-1963, Venezuela
It had been an
enjoyable trip
visiting relatives,
but Linda was glad
to be home. She had
missed her husband
and children. Strain-
ing with her bag
full of pasalubongs,2
she smiled as she
thought of the
happiness her gifts
would bring.
Why is it that a pasalubong means so much? Because it says that
someone cares. It means that someone was thinking about you. Did
He was Thinkingof You
Genesis 11:1–12:9
1
you know that God was thinking about you a long, long time ago?
It’s true that aggressive outreach to Gentiles (non-Jews) didn’t
begin until after the Church was born. But all nations were on
God’s heart from the very beginning. We can see this in the Call
of Abram in Genesis 12.
Background
The human race did not get off to a great start, did it? First came
the sin of Adam and Eve, and then the sin of Cain. The situation
eventually became so bad that “The Lord was grieved that he had
made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain” (Genesis
6:6). He sent a flood that wiped out everyone except Noah and a
few members of his family. But even after the Flood the situation
did not improve.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Genesis 11:1-9
1 Why did the people want to build a tower? (verse 4)
2 How was their plan an act of disobedience? (verse 4; see also
Genesis 9:1)
3 How did God respond to their disobedience? (verses 5-9)
CHAPTER 1
20
What a mess! Not only are people sinful, but now they speak
different languages and are scattered all over the earth. God
created human beings to know, enjoy and glorify him. But so far in
Genesis we see that his purposes are being thwarted. This sets the
stage for the launching of God’s plan of redemption.
Read Genesis 11:10-26
These verses cover the centuries between the flood and Abram.
The descendants of Shem were called Shemites. This was later
modified to Semites, and would include such peoples as Arabs,
Babylonians, Hebrews, and Phoenicians.
Read Genesis 11:27-32
4 These verses tell us about Abram’s family. Match the names of
the following people with the word that correctly describes their
relationship to Abram:
Terah a. brother
Sarai b. nephew
Nahor c. father
Lot d. wife
Haran e. niece
Milcah f. brother
5 What important information about Sarai3 is given in verse 30?
(We’ll better understand the significance of this information when
we look at the first few verses of Genesis 12. Feel free to take
a peek now if you like!)
HE WAS THINKING OF YOU
21
6 Who accompanied Abram to Haran?
Read Genesis 12:1-3 — The Call of Abram4
7 State in your own words the LORD’s call to Abram.
8 When did the Lord first give this command to Abram? (see Acts
7:2-3)
9 What did the Lord promise to do for Abram? (verses 2-3) How
does God’s gift to Abram compare with what Abram had left?
10 Do you think Abram would have had any difficulty believing
God’s promises? (see 11:30)
11 How would you have felt if you had been in Abram’s situation?
CHAPTER 1
22
12 What did the Lord promise to do through Abram? (verses 2-3)
13 What do you think God meant when he promised to bless all
peoples on earth through Abram? (verse 3; see Acts 3:25-26
and Galatians 3:6-9)
14 How are you and your church seeking to be a channel of bless-
ing to the nations?
Read Genesis 12:4-9
15 How did Abram respond to God’s call?
16 In what ways would it have required faith for Abram to obey
God’s call?
17 What additional promise did God make in verse 7?
HE WAS THINKING OF YOU
23
Ultimately, the
blessing promised
through Abram is the
sending of Jesus Christ
to be the Savior of all
peoples. Abram didn’t
understand that, of
course. He had only
the vaguest notion of
how he would be a
blessing to the nations.
But looking back at
Genesis 12 in the light
of New Testament
revelation, we can see
that God was thinking of the blessing of salvation. And not just for
the Jews, but for all peoples!
The passages we’ve just studied can be pictured as an hourglass.
Starting broadly with the nations in Genesis 10, we move to the
Shemites in chapter 11. The focus narrows to the family of Terah
at the end of chapter 11, and then narrows further to Abram in
Genesis 12.
God never intended, however, that his blessing would end with
Abram and his descendants. Rather, his plan was that Abram and
Israel would become a channel of blessing to all peoples. This plan
culminated in the sending of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
With millions of Christians and over 30,000 evangelical churches,
the Philippines has received that blessing. We share in the blessing
of Abram! God was thinking of you!
And yet God’s plan to bless all nations is still not fulfilled. There
are still thousands of barangays that do not have even one evangel-
ical church. Furthermore, there are still many people groups in
the Philippines and Asia that do not yet have access to the blessing
of salvation because there is not yet a church in their own language
CHAPTER 1
The Nations
The Shemites
Terah’s Family
Abram
Israel
All Peoples
24
and culture. As a matter of fact, most of the world’s Unreached
People Groups5 (UPGs) are in Asia—about 60%! It’s our privilege
and responsibility to be a channel of blessing to them.
And just think. As we become involved in missions we have a
part in fulfilling God’s promise to Abram given 4000 years ago! We
have a part in extending the blessing of salvation to the nations.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
1 God’s promise to Abram is repeated in a number of other
passages. Read the following passages to see how the original
promise was expanded and reaffirmed to Abraham and his
descendants.
• God’s promises to Abram (Abraham): Genesis 13:14-17;
15:1-21; 17:1-22; 18:16-19; 21:8-13; 22:15-18.
• God’s promises to Isaac: Genesis 26:1-6; 26:23-24.
• God’s promises to Jacob: Genesis 28:10-15; 35:9-13;
46:1-4; 48:1-4.
• God’s promises to Moses: Exodus 3:1-10; 6:1-8.
2 Abraham is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a man of faith.
See Romans 4:1-25; Galatians 3:6-9; Hebrews 11:8-19. How
can we follow his example?
HE WAS THINKING OF YOU
25
3 In Acts 3 a crowd gathers at Solomon’s Colonnade after the
healing of the man crippled from birth. In his sermon to the
crowd of Jewish listeners, Peter makes reference to the promise
of blessing for all peoples which had been given to Abram and
the other patriarchs so many years before. In Acts 3:25-26 Peter
says,
“And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant
God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham,
‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be
blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him
first to you to bless you by turning each of you from
your wicked ways.”
Have you ever thought of blessing in this way—the blessing
of being turned from our wicked ways? We normally think of
blessing in terms of good health, friends, and material benefits.
But consider what a blessing it is that God has turned us from
sin and self to enjoy and serve him (see also Acts 11:18; Romans
2:4). Take a moment to reflect on this wonderful blessing and
thank God for it in prayer.
CHAPTER 1
26
“We need to look resolutely away from the impossibilities and
to the Lord. His help will come, though often it cannot break
through to us until the last moment.”1
ISOBEL KUHN
1901-1957, China
Searching for Gold2
“So this is what it’s like to die.” With his leg trapped under
a boulder, Boyet knew that the end was near. With his
fingers he felt in his pocket for the gold nugget he’d found. He
laughed bitterly. Of what use was it now?
When he’d joined the tour to the old mine near Baguio City, he
had just been looking for an interesting diversion. The mine had
been shut down years before when it was no longer cost-effective
to dig out what little gold was left. It now brought a little income
to its owner by hosting guided tours.
Leading them through the labyrinth of tunnels, the guide had
instructed the group to follow closely and not pick up any gold.
The warning was unnecessary, since this part of the mine had long
From Darknessto Light
Exodus 19:1-61 Peter 2:9-10
2
CHAPTER 2
since been stripped of any precious metal. But it set Boyet’s mind
to wondering, “Is there still any gold in some of the smaller
tunnels?”
It hadn’t been difficult to separate himself from the larger group.
He simply drifted to the back of the line and eventually turned off
the lamp in his miner’s helmet. Then, having waited for the group
to move on, he turned the lamp back on and struck off on his own
down a side tunnel.
For the first few hours he was caught up in the thrill of exploring
forbidden places. “What if I actually find a nugget?” he thought
with excitement. “What if I find a nugget as big as a lanzones3—
as big as a mango? I’ll be rich!” He laughed at his own foolishness,
28
knowing that the odds of finding anything more than a little gold
dust were almost non-existent. But the lure of instant wealth led
him on, his conscience objecting feebly in the back of his mind.
Occasionally he would see something sparkle but closer exam-
ination would reveal that it was only quartz or moisture on the
rocks. Pausing for a rest on a stone shelf, he absentmindedly stirred
the rubble at his feet with the toe of his boot. He couldn’t believe
it when his half-hearted efforts uncovered a misshapen lump of ore
with yellow highlights.
He picked it up and was surprised at how heavy it was. Could
it really be gold? Could the miners have somehow overlooked it?
He couldn’t believe his good fortune. Pocketing his treasure, he
began retracing his steps. All he had to do now was make his way
back to the entrance of the mine and slip out while no one was
looking.
He began to think of what he would do with the money he would
get from the sale of his gold. How much was it worth, anyway?
Maybe he could buy a CD player. Or a computer. Or even a car!
Because of his excitement he failed to notice that the lamp in his
helmet was growing gradually dimmer. Finally, perceiving that the
tunnel seemed to be getting darker, Boyet told himself that it was
just his imagination. But when his lamp became so dim that he
could hardly see the floor of the tunnel he was forced to face the
awful truth.
How could he have been so stupid? He’d never even thought to
find out how long the battery would last. Finally his lamp went out
and Boyet felt himself caught in the cold grip of fear. He was deep
inside a maze of unused tunnels, without a map and without a light.
He took off his helmet and shook it in a vain attempt to revive the
spent battery. Finally he threw the helmet down in disgust.
The darkness was like a heavy blanket, threatening to smother
him. He breathed deeply in an effort to control the panic that was
rising in him. “All I have to do,” he said aloud, “is go back the way
I came. But which way is that?”
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
29
He slowly groped his way forward, arms stretched out to touch
the walls on either side. “Aray!” The blow where he’d struck his
head on the rock overhang sent him reeling. Reaching up, he could
feel the knot that was already beginning to form on his forehead.
He cursed at his stupidity in leaving his helmet behind, but was
afraid to look for it now.
Disoriented and frightened, he decided to simply sit and wait.
Surely help would come sooner or later. His friends would miss
him and would send a search party.
Now that he was no longer moving he began to feel the cold. He
also became aware of little sounds that he hadn’t noticed before.
Water trickling down the damp walls. The clatter of little pebbles
as rocks shifted somewhere in the deep recesses of the mine. Even
small sounds seemed to echo off the hard rock walls.
“Are there bats in here?” he wondered. “Or snakes?” He tried
not to think about the possibilities. With aching head and tired
limbs he finally drifted into a fitful sleep.
When he awoke hours later he thought he was dreaming. How
could he be awake if he couldn’t see? Then the memory of his
predicament came back to him with a sickening certainty. He was
lost and no one was coming to get him. If he were to make it out
alive, he would have to do it on his own.
Ignoring the protests of his
aching muscles and empty stom-
ach, he carefully rose to his feet.
Slowly he began again to make
his way forward, being careful to
protect his still-throbbing head.
He didn’t see the open pit in
front of him.
One moment he had been
walking on solid ground. The
next, he was tumbling headlong down a slope of gravel and stone.
He had never experienced such terror in his life. Mercifully, he was
CHAPTER 2
One moment he
had been walking
on solid ground.
The next, he was
tumbling headlong
down a slope of
gravel and stone.
30
knocked unconscious by the fall and didn’t immediately feel the
worst of his injuries.
When he finally regained consciousness he was more aware than
ever of his thirst, and of a terrible pain in his right leg. He tried to
get up, only to find that his leg was pinned under a huge boulder,
evidently one that had been dislodged by his fall. The jolt of pain
that shot through his body made him cry out in agony. But even
that was not as bad as the growing awareness that now he was
indeed without hope. He would die and no one would ever know
what happened to him.
Why did he ever come on this tour? Why was he so foolish as
to sneak off on his own? If he ever got out he vowed he’d never
have anything to do with gold. If he ever got out. What a joke.
There was no hope now. None at all. Tears of anger and regret ran
down his cheeks.
Passing in and out of consciousness, he didn’t know how much
time had passed. When awake, he shivered with the cold and the
spasms of torn muscles. He dreamed of warmth and food. He could
hear someone calling him. “Am I dying?” he thought. “Am I hallu-
cinating?” His tired mind could hardly comprehend what he was
hearing.
“Boyet! Boyet!” The voices came louder now. With a jerk he
snapped awake. It wasn’t a dream. Someone had come!
Through cracked lips he tried to answer. “I’m here! I’m here.”
His voice came in pitiful, weak gasps. He was terrified that they
would not hear him. Gathering his last bit of strength he shouted
as loud as his injured ribs would allow, “I’m here.” The last thing
he remembered as he again fell unconscious was lights coming closer,
shouts, ropes, strong hands and then blackness.
Boyet awoke in the hospital to see Nestor, a friend from school,
sitting on a chair near his bed. “So, you’re finally awake. How do
you feel?”
“Like I’ve been run over by a jeepney going to market,” answered
Boyet. “But I’m alive. I can’t believe it. I was sure that I was going
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
31
to die. And then I heard voices. Who was it that rescued me?”
With a seriousness that Boyet didn’t fully understand Nestor
answered, “Mr. Tancoco, the owner of the mine, sent a search party.
As a matter of fact, he sent his own son to lead the rescue because
no one knows the mine better than him.”
“That’s amazing! Where is he? I need to express my gratitude to
him.”
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” Nestor replied. “When they
shifted the boulder that was on your leg it caused other rocks to
shift. Mr. Tancoco’s son was crushed under the landslide.”
The sense of shame and guilt that filled Boyet’s soul was more
than he could bear. What could he possibly say to Mr. Tancoco?
“I’m sorry I wandered off in your mine to look for gold. I’m sorry
that it was because of me that your son is dead. Sorry po.” He knew
that no apology could make up for Mr. Tancoco’s loss. Out loud
he mumbled, “What am I going to do?”
Nestor gave him a strange look and said, “You won’t believe it,
but Mr. Tancoco said he forgives you.”
Boyet’s eyes opened wide in surprise as his friend continued, “I
know. I don’t really understand it myself, but that’s what he said.
He forgives you. Oh, and there’s something else. He said that you
are to keep the memory of his son alive. Until the day you die, you
are to tell people what his son did for you.”
Background
The Israelites have been miraculously delivered from slavery in
Egypt. After 400 years in bondage they have finally been set free!
By the time they arrive at Mt. Sinai they have seen the Lord’s power
demonstrated in many ways:
• in the 10 plagues (Exodus 7:14 – 12:30)
• in the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)
• in the purifying of the water at Marah (Exodus 15:22-26)
CHAPTER 2
32
• in the provision of manna and quail (Exodus 16)
• in the provision of water from the rock (Exodus 17:1-7)
• and in the defeat of the Amalekites. (Exodus 17:8-16)
Searching the Scriptures
Read Exodus 14
1 Imagine you’re one of the Israelites. If you had just experienced
this fantastic deliverance from Egypt followed by the miraculous
crossing of the Red Sea, what thoughts and emotions would be
going through your mind?
Read Exodus 19:1-6
2 How long had it been since the Israelites4 had left Egypt?
(verse 1)
3 Where did this conversation between God and Moses take place?
(verses 2-3)
4 In verse 4 the LORD refers to things he had done in Egypt which
the Israelites had seen. Name some of those things. (Read
Exodus 7:14-12:30 to refresh your memory.)
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
33
5 In verse 4 the LORD instructs Moses to remind the Israelites of
how he had carried them on eagles’ wings. This is a beautiful
description of God’s tender care. Just as an eagle stirs up its nest
to force the young eaglets to fly, but carefully catches any who
fall, so the Lord led the nation of Israel out into the wilderness—
out of the safety of what was familiar. And yet he was always
with them, watching over them, ready to help them. Read through
Exodus 15-17 and list the ways in which the Lord cared for the
Israelites.
6 Why do you think God reminded the Israelites (through Moses)
of what he had done in Egypt? What is the connection between
this reminder and the statements that follow? (verses 4-6)
7 In verse 5 God calls Israel his treasured possession .5 What ideas
are communicated by this phrase?
8 God also said that the Israelites were to be a kingdom of priests.
This means that, like priests, the entire nation was to be conse-
crated to the Lord and his service. But that’s not all. One of the
basic functions of a priest was to represent God to others. In
what sense do you think the Israelites were to be a kingdom of
priests? To whom were they to represent the Lord? (verse 6;
see also Genesis 12:3)
CHAPTER 2
34
9 The third phrase used to describe the Israelites is holy nation.6
The basic meaning of holy is to be separate or set apart. In what
way was Israel to be set apart? (verses 5-6)
Unfortunately, for the most part the nation of Israel failed in its
responsibility to represent God to the nations. They repeatedly fell
into sin and idolatry, and viewed the nations around them as
enemies rather than objects of God’s concern.
God’s plan was temporarily frustrated, but not terminated. The
Church eventually inherited the role of being a mediator to the
nations. This truth is brought out in 1 Peter 2:9-10, a passage which
borrows several phrases from the passage we’ve just studied. As
you read, note the parallels.
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10
10 What phrases does Peter use to describe Christians in verse 9?
Incorporating what you’ve already learned from our previous
study of Exodus 19, write a brief explanation of each phrase in
the chart on the next page.7
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
35
11 According to verse 9, why are we a chosen people and a royal
priesthood? For what purpose are we a holy nation and a people
belonging to God?
12 In verse 10 Peter borrows some phrases from the book of Hosea.8
Since we are the people of God, how should we live?
CHAPTER 2
PHRASE MEANING
36
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
In what ways has God’s mercy been shown to you?
•
•
•
It is clear in the immediate context that Peter intended these
truths to motivate his readers to “declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” These truths
are to result in proclamation! What could be more logical? If we’ve
been brought out of darkness into the light—out of death into life—
it is only natural that we would want to share that good news.
In the parable at the beginning of this chapter, Boyet was over-
joyed that he had been rescued. He had thought for sure he was
going to die. He knew that he didn’t deserve the kindness of Mr.
Tancoco, and he would forever be grateful for the sacrificial love
demonstrated by Mr. Tancoco’s son.
We can easily imagine what Boyet told his friends, or anybody
else who would listen. “You won’t believe what happened to me.
I was lost in this deep, dark mine with my leg pinned beneath a
huge boulder. I thought for sure I was going to die. But Mr. Tancoco’s
son led a rescue party to get me out. He gave his life for me. For
me!”
In Colossians 1:13-14 Paul writes these wonderful words:
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in
whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
37
Do we need a special command to make us tell what God has
done? Of course not! No more than Boyet needed a command to
tell people how good Mr. Tancoco had been to him. When we receive
a marvelous gift from someone, it is only natural that we would
want to tell others of the kindness and generosity of the giver.
Here we are at the heart of missions—declaring the praises of
God. Telling how good and gracious he is. Every true Christian has
experienced grace beyond measure—beyond understanding. Every
Christian knows something of the goodness and greatness of God,
and this good news needs to be shared.
Ask God to give you an opportunity this next week to tell some-
one of what he has done for you.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
1 Like Boyet, we too were in darkness—lost in spiritual darkness.
Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and reflect upon how wonderfully
gracious God has been to you.
2 One recurring theme in Peter’s first letter is that of holiness.
Read through the letter and note the various ways in which Peter
exhorts his readers to live holy lives. What is the connection
between holy living and declaring God’s praises?
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
38
“Self-distrust is good, but only if it leads to trust and faith in
God. Otherwise it leads to spiritual paralysis, inability and
unwillingness to undertake any course of action.”1
JOJO MANZANO
Director, Philippine Home Council of OMF
Alone in the City
“You’ll make new friends. Just wait. You’ll see.” That’s what
Josefina’s parents had said when they moved from Calinan
to Davao City. Her father had been working for a pineapple plan-
tation but had come to Davao looking for a better job.
It had been hard for Josefina. A native Manobo, she spoke
Cebuano with an accent that did not go unnoticed by her class-
mates at her new school. It wasn’t that they were openly critical,
but nonetheless Josefina could sense their disdain.
She acted like she didn’t care about others—like she was happy
to be by herself, eat lunch by herself, walk home by herself. The
truth, of course, was that she longed to join in their activities and
be accepted. But it seemed that an unseen barrier was keeping her
out.
There’s aWelcome Here
2 Chronicles 6:32-33
3
CHAPTER 3
She felt like someone on the other side of a thick glass
window. She could see the people inside laughing and having
fun, telling stories and sharing confidences. But they treated her
like she wasn’t even there.
One morning, when she arrived at school, Josefina saw her
classmates Marivic and Bing, heads together, reading a note and
chattering excitedly. Looking up, they spotted Josefina making her
way down the hall.
“Guess what, Jo. Merla is having her 16th birthday party, and
we’re invited. Did you get an invitation?”
With her attractive appearance and buoyant personality, Merla
was one of the most popular girls at school. And as the daughter
40
of a local physician, her party was sure to be the social event of the
month. Every girl in her class would be coveting an invitation.
Josefina’s cheeks burned with shame at the deliberate attempt
to humiliate her. What could she say? There was no way of answer-
ing their question without prolonging the embarrassment.
Just as she was about to stutter a reply she felt a hand on her
shoulder. Turning, she found herself looking into the smiling face
of Merla. “Hi, Jo! I’ve been looking for you. I’m having a birthday
party this Saturday, and I want you to come. As a matter of fact,
I want you to be my special guest.”
Background
How would you feel if you were Josefina? Have you ever been in
that kind of situation? Have you ever felt ignored or unwelcome?
It’s a painful feeling, isn’t it?
Although it was God’s intention to use Abraham and his descen-
dants to bless all peoples, for most of their history the Israelites
showed little concern for the nations around them. One of the
encouraging exceptions, however, is King Solomon.
As you’ll recall, it was Solomon, David’s son, whom God chose
to build his temple. Upon completion of this magnificent edifice,
Solomon made a lengthy prayer of dedication. Tucked away in this
prayer are some verses which show that Solomon understood that
God’s purpose encompassed more than just the Jews. He recog-
nized that God also wanted the Gentiles to know him.
Searching the Scriptures
Read 2 Chronicles 6:12-21
1 Write down the main idea for the sections in the chart on the
next page. (The first is filled in as an example.)
THERE’S A WELCOME HERE
41
6:12-13 Preparation for the prayer
6:14-15
6:16-17
6:18-21
Read 2 Chronicles 6:22-42
2 Did you notice that in verses 22-39 Solomon anticipates various
kinds of requests that will be made in the temple he has just
built? Some of these prayers will be cries of help in times of
punishment for sin. Others have to do with grace toward for-
eigners, wisdom in judging a dispute, or assistance in war.
Match the following passages with the descriptions on the
right. Write the letter of the description on the line beside the
passage it matches. (Note that the list is continued on the next
page.)
PASSAGE DESCRIPTION
6:22-23 a. Assist us when we go to war
6:24-25 b. Sin, no rain; prayer, repentance: hear
and forgive
6:26-27 c. Sin (implied), disaster, disease, enemies;
prayer, repentance: hear and forgive
6:28-31 d. Sin, exile; prayer, repentance: hear and
forgive
MAIN IDEA
CHAPTER 3
SECTION
42
6:32-33 e. Conclusion
6:34-35 f. Sin, defeat by an enemy; prayer,
repentance: hear and forgive
6:36-39 g. Help us judge a dispute
6:40-42 h. Answer the prayer of a foreigner
3 Now let’s take a closer look at verses 32-33. What phrases does
Solomon use to describe the foreigner? (verse 32)
4 What is it that will cause the foreigner to come to the temple?
(verse 32)
— because of your:
•
•
•
The word name in Scripture is often used to represent
the person himself or herself. God’s name is not only
his identity but his reputation. So the phrase because of
your great name in verse 32 could be paraphrased
because of what they’ve heard about you—your charac-
ter and deeds.”
THERE’S A WELCOME HERE
43
5 The phrase your mighty hand and your outstretched arm is a
reference to God’s power on behalf of his people, particularly as
seen in the Exodus.2 Write a short sentence that summarizes the
main ideas being expressed by the phrases you listed in #4.
6 What was the basic request that Solomon made of the Lord in
verse 33?
7 Why did Solomon make this request? What purpose did he have
in mind? (Hint: a purpose clause is often introduced by the phrase
so that.)
In praying that all the peoples of the earth would know
God’s name, Solomon is not thinking of a specific name
of God. He is essentially praying that they may know
you.
8 How extensive is this prayer in verses 32-33? In other words,
who is included?
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44
9 Write a paraphrase of verses 32-33.
10 Unlike the nation of Israel, God’s presence today is not espe-
cially located in a particular building, but in the community of
believers. Like Israel, however, God’s presence should be mani-
fested in such a way that non-Christians are attracted to the
Church and ultimately to Christ.
Solomon anticipated that Gentiles would be attracted to the
temple by hearing of God’s wonderful character and mighty
works. How can God’s character and works be seen in the
Church?3
11 Consider the local church of which you are a member. In what
ways are God’s character and power evident in your assembly?
12 Look at your church through the eyes of an unbeliever. If you
were not a Christian, what is there about your church that would
attract you to God?
THERE’S A WELCOME HERE
45
13 Is there anything about your church that you think might alien-
ate non-Christians—things that obscure God’s character and
power? If so, can these things be eliminated? How can your
church become more attractive to non-Christians?
14 Even in the midst of praying for Israel, Solomon expressed
concern for the nations. It wasn’t enough that Israel worship
and follow Yahweh. Reflecting God’s desire, Solomon wanted
all peoples to recognize Yahweh as the one true God—to know
him and live in reverence and awe of him.
Is intercession for the nations a regular part of your prayers?
Is it a part of the prayers of your church? If so, great! If not,
begin now to include prayer for the nations in your personal
and church prayer life.4
Alone No Longer
For a moment Josefina was speechless. Then she stammered, “You
want me to come to your party? You really mean me?”
“Yes!” responded Merla with a quick hug. “I want you to come.”
“But you hardly know me,” persisted Josefina.
“True. And that’s precisely why I’m inviting you—so I can get to
know you better. My party isn’t just for old friends, but for new
friends, too. Everyone’s invited, and that includes you!”
� � � �
CHAPTER 3
46
THERE’S A WELCOME HERE
Digging Deeper
Two additional passages which speak of the temple as a house of
prayer for all nations are Isaiah 56:1-8 and Mark 11:15-19. Medi-
tate upon these passages for further insights on God’s concern for
all peoples.
Read Isaiah 56:1-8
1 What evidence is there in this passage of God’s concern for the
nations?
Read Mark 11:15-19
2 Why was Jesus angry with those who were buying and selling
in the temple area? (Note: this was taking place in the Court
of the Gentiles—the only part of the temple in which Gentiles
could come to worship God.)
3 How were the money changers and animal sellers hindering God’s
purpose as revealed in Isaiah 56:7?
47
“But whenever I can say, ‘Thy will be done, teach me to do
thy will, O God, for thou art my God;’ it is like throwing ballast
out of an air-balloon—my soul ascends immediately, and light
and happiness shine around me.”1
HENRY MARTYN
1781-1812, Missionary to India and Persia
Tale of Two Sons
“Come on, Reggie. We’ll be late for class,” Alvin said impa-
tiently.
Reggie picked up his backpack, grabbed one last pandesal 2 from
the kitchen, and ran out the door of his uncle’s house in Sta. Mesa.
It was still dark outside, but the brothers needed to leave early if
they were going to make it on time for their early morning classes
at the University of Santo Tomas.
The sky in the hills over Antipolo was already painted with a
red glow by the time the twins walked the short distance to Quezon
Blvd., named after the first president of the Commonwealth of
the Philippines. From there it was only two jeepney rides to the
campus.
Blessed to Bea Blessing
Psalm 67
4
The oldest university in the Phil-
ippines, UST is still regarded as one
of the best and had a much re-
spected medical school. To Reggie
it still seemed like a dream.
Born in a sleepy
barangay in Kabugao,
Apayao, Reggie and
Alvin were the first
from their town to at-
tend UST. Their father,
Felipe, was a jeepney
driver. Maria, their
mother, taught grade
five students in the
local school.
As boys, Alvin
and Reggie would
sometimes ride
along with their
father. Reggie re-
membered how
grown up it had made him feel the first time his father allowed
him to be the conductor—collecting the fares and returning the
change.
In those days no one would have guessed that the two sons would
one day attend UST. No one, that is, except Felipe and Maria. From
the time the boys were small their mother had instilled in them a
love for reading. “Readers are leaders,” she would say, handing the
boys a book she had bought or borrowed. Only when Reggie was
older did he learn that his mother often skipped her lunch, saving
the extra money to buy books for her children. And that was only
one of many sacrifices made by the boys’ family so that they could
go to school. Felipe often worked seven days a week to provide for
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
49
CHAPTER 4
his family’s needs.
As the years passed, it became clear that Alvin and Reggie were
indeed gifted students. Their teachers sometimes gave them addi-
tional assignments to help them reach their potential. And even
when she was tired from teaching, grading papers and preparing
lessons, Maria would take time to talk with them about what they
were learning—challenging them to grow.
One day a medical team from a church in Manila came to
Kabugao. Calling themselves a medical mission, these doctors, nurses
and helpers had come to bring free medical and dental care to an
area that was far from the regional hospital. Reggie was intrigued
that they would use their vacation time and come at their own
expense to help people they didn’t even know. They said it was
because they were Christians.
That encounter had not only marked the beginning of Reggie’s
interest in the Gospel, but of his interest in medicine. As he watched
the team caring for people’s needs with love and compassion, a
dream was born. Reggie would become a doctor.
“A doctor?!” exclaimed Felipe. “But that would take years of
training. How could we possibly afford that?” Then more calmly,
“Son, you know your mother and I want to see you go to college,
but we have to be realistic.”
His mother’s reaction, when she heard of his plans, surprised
him by its forcefulness. “You can do it, Son! I know you can be a
doctor! And you will be an excellent doctor.”
Their enthusiasm was infectious, and soon Alvin declared his
intention of becoming a doctor, too. Having barely recovered from
the shock of Reggie’s news, Felipe was unprepared for Alvin’s
revelation. With a resigned sigh he said, “OK. We’ll send you to
college. I don’t know how, but we’ll try to find a way. And if you
graduate, then we’ll see about medical school. But there’s just one
thing,” he continued with a twinkle in his eye. “When you become
doctors you can buy me a jeepney of my own.”
50
The boys applied themselves to their studies even more. But they
knew that good grades alone would not gain them entrance to the
elite college. Nevertheless, believing that somehow God would
supply their needs, they applied to UST. What an exciting day it
was when they were notified of their acceptance.
There had been moments when their faith had wavered, but little
by little God provided. Help came in various forms: scholarships
from the university and from a men’s civic organization in Kabugao,
money from relatives in Apayao and from a sister working in Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia, a letter from their aunt and uncle inviting them to
stay at their home in Sta. Mesa—with free room and board, and
even the promise of part-time work near the campus. Step by step,
God provided.
And he continued to provide during their years at college and
medical school. Reggie was amazed and humbled at the way so
many people contributed sacrificially for his education. And when
the two boys finally graduated, it seemed half of the people in their
barangay had traveled to Manila to be a part of the occasion.
Both of them outstanding students, Reggie and Alvin received
attractive job offers from hospitals in Manila. Unknown to his fam-
ily, however, Alvin had been making inquiries about opportunities
in Canada. “I can make so much more in Canada,” he eventually
explained. “And then I can buy you that jeepney, Tatay.”3
As the years passed, Alvin married and did indeed establish a
successful practice in Montreal. But it seemed that his bills multi-
plied as quickly as his income, and there was never much left over
to send home. After all, he argued, there was the big house to pay
for, and the cars.
Reggie, meanwhile, worked for a few years in Manila. But then
he surprised his friends by returning to Kabugao. Although he
maintained a clinic at the small hospital, many days he could be
found in outlying barrios—visiting patients or conducting free
clinics.
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
51
Some of Reggie’s former
classmates couldn’t under-
stand why Reggie would
pass up an opportunity for
wealth and prestige to work
in Kabugao. Wasn’t that
why they’d become doc-
tors?
But those who knew him
best knew exactly why he’d
returned to Apayao. As Reggie himself had stated when he first
opened the doors to his small office, “These are my people. They
sacrificed so that I could become a doctor. And so I have a debt,
not a burdensome debt, but a debt of gratitude. I may not become
wealthy, but I have a deep sense of peace and joy in doing what
God wants me to do. As I see it, I’ve been blessed to be a blessing.”
Searching the Scriptures
Read Psalm 67
1 Whereas poetry in some parts of the world is marked by repeti-
tion of sound (rhyming), Hebrew poetry is often characterized
by repetition of ideas. In the Psalms, for example, it’s not
uncommon to see essentially the same idea expressed in various
ways. What phrases or ideas do you see repeated in Psalm 67?
2 What is the basic request of the psalmist in verse 1?
CHAPTER 4
“These are my people.
They sacrificed so
that I could become
a doctor. And so I
have a debt, not a
burdensome debt, but
a debt of gratitude.
52
3 Why does the psalmist make this request? What purpose does
he have in mind? (verse 2)
4 Write a brief paraphrase of verses 1-2.
5 Write the request of the psalmist in verses 3 & 5 in your own
words.
6 How does the psalmist’s request in verse 4 emphasize God’s
sovereignty (supreme power and control)?
As we shall see in the next chapter, it is
right and good that God be glorified
by all nations. He deserves the
praise of all peoples. And
although at first glance it might
seem manipulative and self-
serving to us, it is not uncom-
mon for someone in the Old
Testament to appeal to God’s
concern for his own glory.4
(Indeed, at times God himself
explains his actions as being
for his own name’s sake.5) It
all makes sense, of course, when
we remember that God deserves
to be glorified.
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
A. Prayer for
God’s Blessing
(vs. 1-2)
B. Prayer that the
Peoples Would
Praise God
(v. 3)
B’. Prayer that the
Peoples Would
Praise God (v. 5)
A’. Results of
Prayer for God’s
Blessing (vs. 6-7)
C. Prayer that the Nations
Would Rejoice in God’s
Sovereignty (v. 4)
53
With this in mind, verses 3-5 can be viewed as a symmetrical
refrain intended to move God to answer the psalmist’s prayer in
verse 1.
The structure of the entire psalm is centered around the state-
ment of God’s sovereignty in verse 4. To an extent, the bottom half
of the psalm can be seen as a mirror of the top half.
Think of the psalm as having its hinge in verse 4. Each section
in the top half has a corresponding section in the bottom half. Verses
1-2 have their answer in verses 6-7. Verse 3 is exactly the same as
verse 5. Verse 4 is the hinge in the middle.
7 In what way is the request of verse 6 an answer to the request
in verse 1?
8 How is the purpose of verse 2 reflected in verse 7?
9 In what ways has God blessed you?
Make a list of the blessings you have received.
10 In what ways has God blessed your church?
CHAPTER 4
54
11 In what ways is your church being a blessing to the nations?
12 Take a moment now to read the psalm again as a prayer. Let
your heart echo the prayer and praise of the psalmist. Ask God
to bless you and your church that you might be a blessing to the
nations.
13 Write a prayer patterned after Psalm 67 that can be used in
your church to pray for the nations. A sample is included below
to stimulate your thinking, but see if you can write a prayer of
your own. And then ask your pastor if it can be used in one of
your church services. You could even distribute copies to the
congregation as a guide that they can use to pray for the
nations.
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
55
Prayer for the Nations
Heavenly Father, Lord of the Universe, we praise you
for your love and your power. We thank you that you
have forgiven us, and that you graciously invite us to
present our requests to you.
Lord, we are helpless without you. We cannot be-
come the people you want us to be without your work
among us. And so we ask you to bless us—to shape us
to become more like our Lord Jesus Christ, and enable
us to follow you wholeheartedly.
We do not ask this just for ourselves, Lord. We ask
this for the sake of the nations. We know that it is your
desire for all peoples to praise you, and we desire to
be a part of the fulfillment of that purpose. You deserve
the praise of all peoples, for you made all the nations of
the earth. We long for the day when all peoples will
worship you.
Use us, Father, to bless the nations. Work among us
so that we might be your witnesses among the nations.
Bless us that we might be a blessing.
We ask this in the name of our glorious Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, believing that this is what he would
want. Amen.
� � � �
CHAPTER 4
56
BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING
Digging Deeper
How do the following passages show that God is sovereign, and
that all nations will eventually worship him?
• Psalm 22:27
• Psalm 46:10
• Psalm 86:9
57
“If we could only remember that God has always gloried in
choosing the foolish things, the weak things, the base things
and the things which are not in order that His power might
be revealed to us in our weakness and through us that the
glory might be all His.”1
KENNETH STRACHAN
1910-1965, Costa Rica
Because He’s God
“I am the greatest!” The
victorious boxer strutted
around the ring, punching the
air with his fists. To the delight
of the adoring crowd, he made
his boastful claim over and over
again, “I’m the best! I’m the
greatest! I’m the champion!”
Whether boxing, basketball,
baseball or football, many professional athletes today regularly taunt
their opponents with arrogant boasting. No longer content to let
Declare HisGlory!
Psalm 96
5
“I am the greatest!”
The victorious
boxer strutted
around the ring,
punching the air
with his fists.
their fans congratulate them on their outstanding performances,
they congratulate themselves.
Deep inside, we know that it’s not right to exalt ourselves.
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else,
and not your own lips,” says the writer of Proverbs.2
As the apostle Paul points out, what do we have that we did not
receive?3 Even if we list our accomplishments, we have to admit
that it is not only God who gave us our gifts, but he is also the one
who gave us the strength and opportunity to develop those gifts.
So ultimately he should get the credit for whatever we accomplish.
The simple fact is that we do not deserve to be glorified. But
God does! We have no glory that ought to be declared, but God
DECLARE HIS GLORY!
59
CHAPTER 5
does. God deserves to be exalted and lifted up because of who he
is and what He’s done.
As Tom Wells has written in his excellent book, A Vision for
Missions, “God is worthy to be known and proclaimed for who
He is, and that fact is an important part of the missionary motive
and message.”4 God deserves to be made known simply because
he’s God!
Please take a moment to think about this carefully. When we
consider the various motives for missions, we normally list things
like
• the commands of Christ,
• the fact that people are lost without Christ,
• the fact that God wants the lost found, and
• the imbalance of Christian workers.
Certainly all of these are important.
But perhaps the most fundamental motive for missions is this:
God deserves to be made known simply because he’s God. God is
the only One in the universe who—by nature—deserves to be made
known. And he deserves to be made known among all nations.
The writer of Psalm 96 grasped this concept. As you read this
beautiful psalm, let your soul resonate with the psalmist in praise
to God.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Psalm 96
Psalm 96 is divided into two sections: verses 1-6 and verses 7-13.
Each of these sections is also divided into two parts. The basic
structure of the psalm looks like this:
60
A. Call for Universal Praise (verses 1-3)
B. The Reason for Praise: God’s Majesty (verses 4-6)
A’. Call for Universal Praise (verses 7-9)
B’. The Reason for Praise: God’s Righteous Reign
(verses 10-13)
In other words, verses 7-9 continue the thought of verses 1-3.
And verses 10-13 continue the thought of verses 4-6.
1 Now read the psalm again and note the parallelism between verses
1-3 and 7-9, and between verses 4-6 and 10-13. In what ways
are these verses similar?
2 Write down the various words that the psalmist uses to refer to
the nations (verses 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13).
Read Psalm 96:1-3
3 How extensive is the call to praise in verses 1-3? Who is told to
praise the Lord?
4 What phrase is repeated in the first two verses?
DECLARE HIS GLORY!
61
Read Psalm 96:4-6
5 What reasons are given in verses 4-6 for praising the Lord?
gods — The psalmist is not saying that there really are
any gods besides the LORD. On the contrary, in verse 5
he makes it clear that the gods which are worshiped by
pagans are nothing but idols. And the Bible clearly teaches
here and elsewhere that idols are worthless nothings (see
Isaiah 44:9-20; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 10:19-20).
Read Psalm 96:7-9
6 Who is told to ascribe glory to the Lord in verses 7-9?
7 What do you think it means to ascribe glory and strength to the
Lord?
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62
Read Psalm 96:10-13
8 In what ways does the psalmist speak of God’s sovereignty5 in
verse 10?
9 What reasons does the psalmist give in verses 10-13 for why all
nations should glorify God?
10 Why will all creation eventually rejoice? (verses 11-13)
11 The psalmist called upon all nations to praise God for who he
was—for his majestic character. Theologians sometimes refer
to these aspects of God’s character as his attributes. Simply put,
an attribute is something that God has revealed as being true
about himself. For example, God is love. List below some of
the things that you know (from Scripture) to be true about God.
• •
• •
• •
• •
DECLARE HIS GLORY!
63
12 The psalmist also called upon all peoples to praise God for
what he had done—for his marvelous deeds and righteous reign.
List here some of the wonderful things God has done for you.
•
•
•
•
•
13 Take time now to praise God for the things you’ve just listed
in numbers 11 and 12. Rest in his gracious presence and
ascribe to him the glory he deserves.
At the beginning of this chapter you read a statement by Tom
Wells. He wrote, “God is worthy to be known and proclaimed for
who he is, and that fact is an important part of the missionary motive
and message.”6
The second thesis of A Vision for Missions is also profound. Wells
writes, “Those who know the most about God are the most respon-
sible and best equipped to tell of him.”7
You have just listed above some of the things that you know about
God. We know about his character and have experienced his good-
ness and power in our lives. And yet there are millions of people
in this world who do not know God. There are many people groups
(nations) that cannot worship God in spirit and truth. They ought
to be praising him, because the Lord deserves the praise of all
peoples. But they can’t praise him because they don’t know him.
They can’t sing to the Lord and praise his name. They can’t ascribe
to him glory and strength. They cannot rejoice in his gracious,
sovereign rule of the universe. They are still relying on false gods.
They haven’t yet come to know the true God who deserves their
worship.
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64
DECLARE HIS GLORY!
Those of us who do know the Lord have the responsibility to tell
them—to tell them about the wonderful God we know and serve.
It is our great responsibility and privilege to declare his glory among
the nations.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Read Psalm 97
Picture yourself talking to someone who has never heard about the
one true God. What could you share with this person from Psalm
97? What can we learn from this psalm:
• about God’s character?
• about God’s sovereignty?
• about idols?
• about God’s followers?
65
To the Ends ofthe Earth
Isaiah 49:1-7
6
“Without a doubt there comes to many of us the choice
between a life of contraction and one of expansion; a life of
small dimensions and one of widening horizons and larger
visions and plans; a life of self-satisfaction or self-seeking and
one of unselfish or truly Christ-like sharing.”1
JOHN R. MOTT
1865-1955
Former Chairman
Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions
How Big is Your World?
“Fifty-three, fifty-four, fifty-five.” Pastor Rudy watched in
amusement as his son kicked the homemade sipa2 into the
air. With his sandal twisted around his foot to protect his ankle
from the metal washers, Carlo was sometimes able to keep the sipa
aloft for 80 kicks or more without it hitting the ground.
Lifting his gaze to the mango tree that stood nearby, Pastor Rudy
could see some of the ripening fruit shining golden in the afternoon
sun. They would soon be ready to pick, if only Carlo and his friends
would quit eating them green with bagoong.3
To his left a kalatsutsi4 tree with yellow and white blossoms
was perfuming the air with its sweet fragrance. A few chickens
pecked at the ground beneath the tree. Carlo’s small dog dozed
under a bougainvillea bush, its eyes fluttering open warily when the
chickens came too near.
Pastor Rudy was content. He and his wife, Nona, had moved to
Barangay Olandes sixteen years earlier to plant a church. At first it
had been difficult, but they had persevered. They started outreach
Bible studies wherever people were receptive, and slowly God had
given fruit. Eventually they had been able to gather the new believ-
ers into a fellowship, meeting at first in the shaded front yard of
one of the members. Then they rented a local restaurant for their
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
67
Sunday services until finally they had saved enough money to
purchase their own property and erect a small church. Over 160
members now considered Olandes Christian Fellowship their home
church.
Preaching, teaching, discipling, training leaders—it was a lot of
work, but Pastor Rudy enjoyed it. It was his sincere desire to be
a faithful pastor, and he felt that—by God’s grace—he had been
faithful to do what God had called him to do. Hadn’t he and his
church members visited almost every home in Barangay Olandes?
Hadn’t they shared the Gospel with all who were open? What more
could God want?
“Tao po.”5
Pastor Rudy looked up to see a
small woman outside the gate. A
familiar figure in the barangay,6
Saleena was part of a Badjao com-
munity in a neighboring sitio.7
Every afternoon she would make
her rounds selling homemade
snacks. Pastor Rudy and Nona
occasionally bought suman8 or turon9 for the children.
After buying a few items, Pastor Rudy watched reflectively as
Saleena continued down the street. With a discomforting shock it
hit him that he knew almost nothing about her. For years she had
been passing this way. For years he had known of the Badjao living
nearby. But he had never been inside their community. Were they
part of his responsibility too?
He didn’t know where this new awareness would lead, but of
this he was sure: He was determined to be a faithful servant. God
would lead, and God would provide.
CHAPTER 6
A familiar figure
in the barangay,
Saleena was part
of a Badjao
community in a
neighboring sitio.
68
Background
At times God refers to Israel as his servant.10 At other times God
refers to the Messiah (Christ) as his servant. By paying close atten-
tion to the context we can usually determine to whom a “servant
passage” is referring.
Isaiah 49:1-7 is the second of four Servant Songs11 about the
Messiah (Christ). Taken together, these magnificent prophecies give
us a wealth of insights into the Messiah’s character and mission.
And not surprisingly, we see that his mission encompassed more
than just Israel. God’s Servant was also sent to bring salvation to
Gentiles.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Why do you think the Servant addressed himself to the “distant
nations12” in verse 1? What special relevance did his message
have for them? (See also v. 6)
2 When was Christ given his mission to be the Servant? (verse 1)
3 In verse 2, there are two phrases that refer to judgment as part of
the Servant’s mission. Two other phrases show that the Servant
would be revealed in God’s timing. (See also Galatians 4:4).
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
69
Match the following phrases with the descriptions that fit best.
(Each of the descriptions will be used twice.)
PHRASES DESCRIPTIONS
___ “He made my mouth like a a) Revealed in
sharpened sword” God’s timing
___ “in the shadow of his hand he b) Judgment
hid me”;
___ “he made me into a polished arrow”
___ “and concealed me in his quiver.”
In verse 3 God calls the servant Israel. And yet we know
from the context that the servant can’t literally be the
nation of Israel because he has a mission to Israel (see
verses 5-6). Most likely, the servant is Israel in the sense
that he (Christ) would fulfill the mission that had origi-
nally been given to them (Israel)—to reflect God’s glory
to the nations around them.
4 What would be the Servant’s ministry to Israel13? (verse 5)
5 How would the nation of Israel respond to the Servant (verses 4
and 7)?
CHAPTER 6
70
6 How is God’s world-sized plan of redemption seen in verse 6?
7 In what sense would Jesus be a light for the Gentiles? (verse 6)
8 Although we clearly see in the Servant Songs that the Servant will
be rejected, how do we know that his mission will ultimately
succeed? (verse 7; see also Isaiah 53:10-12)
9 Paul and Barnabas quoted Isaiah 49:6 when their message was
rejected by the Jews at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:47). How did
they see their ministry as being consistent with God’s purposes
revealed through the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years earlier?
Passing on the Light
The Servant’s mission was not only to restore Israel, but to be a
light for the Gentiles—to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
By God’s grace, salvation has been provided for all nations. But not
all peoples have heard this good news.
Perhaps like Pastor Rudy in this chapter’s parable, there are people
of another culture or religion living right near you—Muslims,
Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, various tribal groups, international
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
71
students. The Philippines is a mix of various religions and cultures.
And yet—like a glass of halo halo14—the various cultures do not
always mix.
The monggo15 and white beans, makapuno16 and kaong17 are all
in the same glass with the shaved ice. These are all flavored by the
milk and sometimes topped with leche flan. But the monggo beans
are still monggo beans. The kaong is still kaong. They are not all
blended into some homogeneous paste. Similarly, the various
cultures in the Philippines may live side by side, but they do not
always mix in a meaningful way.
Pastor Rudy realized with some shame that he had been buying
merienda18 from Saleena for years, but knew almost nothing about
her except her name. He resolved to change.
How about you? Are there people of another culture or religion
in your area? Of particular concern are those people groups which
are unreached. Are there any Unreached People Groups in your
barangay or municipality or province?
Why not do a little field work? Take a friend and explore your
town or neighborhood. Ask God to open your eyes to see those
who may have been overlooked by existing church-planting efforts.
And ask God to open your heart to what he wants to do through
you and your church.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Read the other Servant Songs in Isaiah
(42:1-7; 50:4-9; and 52:13-53:12).
• Write down what you learned about the Messiah from each one.
• What do we learn about the Messiah’s suffering, sacrifice,
resurrection and exaltation?
CHAPTER 6
72
• What do we learn about the Messiah’s mission?
• How do the Servant Songs reveal God’s concern for the Gen-
tiles?
Isaiah 42:1-7
•
•
•
•
Isaiah 50:4-9
•
•
•
•
Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12
•
•
•
•
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
73
“OBEDIENCE to God’s will is the secret of spiritual knowledge
and insight. It is not willingness to know, but willingness to
DO (obey) God’s Will that brings certainty.”1
ERIC LIDDELL
1902-1945, China
Saint Patrick2 — Missionary to Ireland
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was neither Irish nor
Roman Catholic. He was an Englishman, born in Roman
Britain about A.D. 389.
When he was 16 years old he was taken captive by Irish maraud-
ers in a slave raid. For six years he worked as a shepherd in Ireland.
Although he was a third-generation Christian, it was during his
captivity that his inherited faith became personal and genuine to
him.
He escaped and crossed to France. Eventually Patrick made his
way back to Roman Britain. After about 17 years he received a kind
of Macedonian vision—a dream in which he heard the voice of the
Jonah on theRun
Jonah 1Jonah Flees His Mission
7
JONAH ON THE RUN
Irish saying, “We beseech
thee, holy youth, to come
and walk with us once
more.”
What would you have
done? Would you have
wanted to return to the land
where you had been a
slave—to the people who
had invaded your own
country and taken you as a
captive? Amazingly, Patrick
did return to Ireland
about A.D. 432 and la-
bored there until his
death in A.D. 461.
What motivated
Patrick to return to the
country in which he had
been forced to serve as a
slave? Why would he do
such a thing?
Patrick understood that the
Irish, too, were objects of God’s
concern. Rather than seeing them
as the hated enemy, Patrick saw
them as people who needed to
hear the gospel of God’s love.
Patrick went willingly, eagerly.
But not all witnesses have been
so motivated. In the next four
chapters we will examine the life
of Jonah—the reluctant prophet.
What motivated
Patrick to return
to the country in
which he had
been forced to be
a slave?
75
Background
The events recorded in Jonah occurred in 8 B.C. It was a time of
tremendous upheaval. As Jonah himself had prophesied (2 Kings
14:25), Israel was able to regain territory in the north during the
time of Jeroboam II. Perhaps because they had been able to enlarge
their boundaries, Israel was politically secure and spiritually smug.
They were proud of being God’s chosen people. And far from
being concerned about the Assyrians, the Israelites viewed them as
their enemies. To be fair about it, the Assyrians were hardly the
kind of people you’d want for neighbors.
Known for their cruelty in war, the Assyrians stacked up the
bodies of their victims like pieces of wood, and their heads like
bowling balls. One of their kings, Ashurnasirpal II, cut off the hands,
feet, noses and ears of his captives. Then he put out their eyes.
Could God truly care about such people? Could it really be that
his compassion extended even to people like the Assyrians? This is
the great question that is answered by the book of Jonah.
In studying this book we will learn about Jonah himself. The
only prophet to actually be sent to a heathen nation, he is also the
only prophet who refused his commission.3 What an unfortunate
distinction!
We will learn about Israel, since Jonah typifies the attitude of the
Israelites toward the Gentiles. It is important to remember as we
study this book that it is primarily written as a rebuke of the nation
of Israel for their self-centered complacency and lack of concern
for the nations around them.
Third, we will learn about ourselves. If we’re honest, we will
have to admit that there is something of Jonah in each of us. Most
of us do not naturally love those who are different, especially if
they’ve committed hateful acts against us.
Finally, we will learn about God. Although the story is basically
about Jonah and Nineveh, we can also learn a lot about God
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76
himself from this short book: his sovereignty, power, grace, mercy,
patience and concern for the lost.
Structure
The book of Jonah is organized very symmetrically. In chapters
1-2 Jonah flees his mission. In the last two chapters Jonah fulfills
his mission. Here’s a simple outline that will give you a quick over-
view of the book:
Chapter 1 Jonah Flees
Chapter 2 Jonah Gives Thanks
Chapter 3 Jonah Preaches
Chapter 4 Jonah Sulks
Another outline that you’ll find easy to remember is JAWS.
Jonah Flees
Answered Prayer
Warns of Judgment
Sulks
Searching the Scriptures
Read Jonah 1-4
In this chapter we will concentrate on Jonah chapter 1. But take
time first to read through the entire book. Circle words and phrases
that are repeated. Note especially how the themes of God’s grace
and sovereignty are woven throughout the four chapters.
JONAH ON THE RUN
77
Read Jonah 1
1 What did God tell Jonah to do? Why? (verses 1-2)
2 How did Jonah respond?
Tarshish — probably to be associated with Tartessus in
Southern Spain, about 4000 kilometers to the west—
the opposite direction from Nineveh!
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78
3 What were the consequences of Jonah’s action?
4 How do you suppose Jonah felt? What kind of emotions do you
think he was experiencing as he boarded the ship?
5 What was Jonah doing while the sailors were crying out to their
gods?
6 How did the sailors know that Jonah was responsible for the
storm?
7 Why were the sailors terrified when Jonah told them that he
worshiped the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and
the land? (verses 9-10)
8 Do you think Jonah was being noble in telling the sailors to throw
him into the sea to calm the storm? Why or why not? (verses 11-
12)
9 Even after Jonah admitted that he was the cause of their prob-
lems, the sailors continued trying to row to land. Why do you
think they were reluctant to do what Jonah said?
JONAH ON THE RUN
79
10 In what ways do the sailors recognize the sovereignty of the
one true God?4
11 What evidence is there in this chapter of God’s grace?
12 How is God’s grace seen in the commissioning of Jonah?
13 What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty—the
fact that he is in control?
14 Can you think of a time when you ran away from God’s will?
How did you feel? What were the consequences?
St. Patrick’s Final Words
St. Patrick’s missionary service involved many power encounters as
he confronted pagan priests and magicians. He was one who lived
with a profound sense of God’s grace and power.
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80
He established monasteries all over Ireland. These were highly
evangelistic, missionary-oriented monasteries in which young men
were equipped to go into the world to spread the gospel. Churches
grew up alongside these monasteries and drew their leadership
from them. God used this humble shepherd to change the history
of Ireland. We can see something of the secret of his usefulness in
the hands of God in Patrick’s final words:
But I pray those who believe and fear God, whosover has deigned
to scan or accept this document, composed in Ireland by Patrick
the sinner, an unlearned man to be sure, that none should ever
say that it was my ignorance that accomplished any small thing
which I did or showed in accordance with God’s will; but judge
ye, and let it be most truly believed, that it was the gift of God.
And this is my confession before I die.5
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Jonah claimed to worship the LORD (verse 7). But his life didn’t
match his profession. Ironically, the sailors are presented in a more
positive light than Jonah. Read the first chapter of Jonah again. List
the ways in which the behavior of the pagan sailors is more godly
than that of Jonah—God’s prophet.
•
•
•
•
•
JONAH ON THE RUN
81
Thank you,Thank you,Thank you
Jonah 2Jonah Gives Thanks
8
“And to the Lord I said, Well, Lord, I have put all these things
under Your blood; so I’ll not be afraid of what people may do
to me. Interesting, isn’t it, that everything we commit to the
Lord seems to have to be tested to see whether our commit-
ment is genuine!”1
HANNA HANDOJO
Indonesian missionary to the Philippines
A Most Unusual Prayer
The wrong-way prophet. Commanded to go and preach against
Nineveh, Jonah instead goes to Joppa and boards a ship headed
in the opposite direction. Did God know that Jonah was going to
disobey when he called him? Of course, and yet God called him
anyway. That’s grace—God’s unmerited favor.
Not only that, God sent a storm to try to redirect his wayward
prophet. That too was an act of grace—chastisement intended to
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
get Jonah to obey. As we’re told in Proverbs 3:12, “The LORD disci-
plines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Unfortunately, Jonah was so hardheaded that apparently he would
rather die than go to Nineveh. Instead of telling the sailors to turn
around and go back to Joppa, he instructed them to throw him into
the ocean. Was God under any obligation to rescue Jonah? Of course
not. God would have been perfectly within his rights to say, “Jonah,
you would rather die than obey? Okay, I’ll raise up another prophet
who will do as I command.”
Again, however, we see God dealing patiently and graciously with
Jonah. This time his grace and his sovereignty are seen in the send-
ing of a great fish to rescue Jonah from certain death.
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CHAPTER 8
. . . we see God
dealing patiently and
graciously with Jonah.
This time his grace
and his sovereignty
are seen in the sending
of a great fish . . .
84
Jonah was in the belly of
the fish for three days and
three nights.2 During this
unexpected underwater
sojourn he had time to think.
Profoundly grateful that
God had rescued him, he
composed a prayer of
thanksgiving.
Structure
If you look closely, you’ll
notice that chapter 2 is actu-
ally a prayer within a prayer.
In other words, from inside the
fish Jonah prays. And in that
prayer he refers to his pre-
fish prayer—his cry for help
when he was sinking down to
the bottom of the ocean. (I’m
sure that prayer was very
short: Help!) Note also that the
same concepts are mentioned
over and over. This is common
in Hebrew poetry, where
rhyming of sounds was not as important as “rhyming” of ideas.
Repeatedly Jonah refers to his distress, his cry for help, and God’s
answer. This cycle is repeated five times. All three components are
not mentioned in each cycle, but the repetition of the basic themes
are evident nonetheless.
CYCLES IN JONAH 2
Prayer
Distress
God’s
Answer
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Searching the Scriptures
Read Jonah 2
1 What happened to Jonah after he was thrown overboard?
2 Complete the chart on the next page by entering the phrases
that fit in each category. (Some parts are already filled in to help
you get started.)
Distress — phrases in which Jonah describes his predicament
when he was drowning.
Prayer — phrases which speak of Jonah’s cry for help.
Answer — phrases which refer to God’s answer or deliverance.
Again, all three elements are not present in every cycle. The
shaded boxes indicate that the elements listed at the top of the
chart are not found in those particular verses. Bullets indicate
that several phrases are found in the verses shown at the left for
the category listed at the top. Can you find them all?
85
VERSE
CHAPTER 8
86
PRAYERDISTRESS ANSWER
2a In my distress I called to the and he answered
Lord me.
2b
3-4 • You hurled me •
into the deep
•
•
•
•
5-6 • The engulfing
waters threatened
me
•
•
•
•
7 •
•
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
87
3 How has Jonah’s attitude changed from chapter 1?
4 At what point did Jonah finally yield to the LORD? (verse 7)
5 What did Jonah say that shows he recognized God’s hand in his
chastisement?
6 How is God’s grace seen in this chapter?
7 How is God’s sovereignty seen in this chapter?
8 Is there anything that is noticeable in this prayer by its absence?
Is there something that Jonah should have said but didn’t?
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88
9 In verse 8 Jonah says, “Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” This verse sets up a con-
trast with his great confessional statement in the next verse,
“Salvation comes from the LORD.”
What do you think it means to cling to worthless idols? Can
you give an example from our modern-day world?
10 Why are those who trust in idols today forfeiting the grace that
could be theirs?
11 Describe a time when God brought you back after you had
strayed from his will.
12 Write a brief prayer of thanksgiving for God’s loving chastise-
ment and deliverance.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Peter was another person who knew what it was to fail the Lord
and then be commissioned again for God’s service.
Read John 18:15-18 and 18:25-27
1 Compare Peter’s failure with that of Jonah.
Read John 21:15-22
2 Compare Peter’s restoration with the second commissioning
of Jonah (Jonah 3:1-2).
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
89
“He is helping me to rejoice in our adverse circumstances,
in our poverty, in the retirements from our Mission. All these
difficulties are only platforms for the manifestation of His
grace, power and love.”1
J. HUDSON TAYLOR
1832-1905, China
The Reluctant Preacher
Tossed about by a violent storm, faced with certain death, swal-
lowed by a great fish, Jonah is finally vomited onto dry land.
What a trip! I wonder if he thought to himself, “There’s got to be
a better way to do this.”
Certainly there was an easier way for God. He could have
chosen a different prophet. God was under no obligation to give
Jonah a second chance. After sparing Jonah’s life, God could have
sent him back to Israel, stripped of his responsibilities as a prophet.
That God continued working with Jonah is a testimony to his
incredible patience and grace.
Repentance inNineveh
Jonah 3Jonah Preaches
9
Depending upon
where Jonah started, it
would have been about
800 kilometers by land
from the coast of the
Mediterranean Sea to
the city of Nineveh (see
map on page 78). Jonah
would have had plenty
of time to think on the
way. Do you suppose he
was eagerly anticipating
his ministry in Nineveh,
Jonah would have had
plenty of time to think
on the way. Do you
suppose he was eagerly
anticipating his ministry
in Nineveh, rubbing his
hands together with glee
at the thought of Nineveh
being destroyed?
REPENTANCE IN NINEVEH
91
CHAPTER 9
rubbing his hands together with glee at the thought of Nineveh
being destroyed? Or was he afraid of what awaited him, thinking
that every step was bringing him closer to a painful death at the
hands of the cruel Ninevites? Or did he have a suspicion that God
might not judge the Ninevites after all?
Searching the Scriptures
Read Jonah 3
1 What did God tell Jonah to do this time?
2 How did Jonah respond?
3 Do you think Jonah had sincerely repented of his disobedience
and hardness of heart? Why or why not?
4 Summarize Jonah’s preaching. What was his message?
5 What was the reaction of the Ninevites to the preaching of Jonah?
92
6 How much did the Ninevites know about the Lord? Did they
have any confidence that he would forgive if they repented?
7 What was God’s response to the Ninevites’ repentance?
8 How do we explain this? Does this mean that God changed his
mind? (See Numbers 23:19; Jeremiah 18:7-10)
9 How is the Ninevites’ experience in chapter 3 like that of Jonah
described in 1:17–2:9? In what ways is it different?
10 In what ways is God’s grace seen in this chapter?
11 What evidence is there of God’s sovereignty?
REPENTANCE IN NINEVEH
93
God does not change. He keeps his promises. At the same time,
God is not held hostage by his own declaration of impending
judgment. As we saw in the last chapter, God reserves for himself
the right to respond to repentance with forgiveness. It’s not
because he’s fickle, but because he’s gracious. As God declares in
Ezekiel 33:11,
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take
no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that
they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from
your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?
But how about Jonah? Did he rejoice in God’s forgiveness of the
Ninevites? Having just been shown so much grace himself, was he
glad to see judgment averted and mercy extended to the Ninevites?
The answers are in Jonah chapter 4.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Isaiah 55:8-9 are two verses which are commonly used to teach
that God is different from us, and of course that’s true. But a closer
look at the context will reveal that Isaiah has something more
specific in mind.
Read Isaiah 55:6-9
1 Summarize the exhortation of verses 6-7.
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94
2 What is the promise made in verse 7?
3 What assurance is given in verses 8-9 for the pardon promised
in verse 7? In other words, why can the repentant sinner expect
forgiveness?
4 In what specific way, then, is God different from us?
REPENTANCE IN NINEVEH
95
The PoutingProphet
Jonah 4Jonah Sulks
10
“The Christian life can be exciting or exacting, depending upon
one’s relationship with the Lord, His Word and the Holy Spirit.”1
FLORENTINO DE JESUS, SR.
Missionary to Muslim Mindanao
The Fisherman’s Folly
Lito sat on a small table, a flickering candle lighting the features
of his weather-beaten face. A fisherman by trade, the years
of exposure to sun and sea were evident in his leathery skin. His
hands were rough and calloused from wrestling nets and rigging.
Now these hands held a glass of Tanduay2 in a futile attempt to
drown out the problems that were pressing in on him.
The sound of soft weeping came from the bedroom. His wife,
Perla, had not said much when she’d heard the news, but Lito could
see the despair in her eyes. And when she’d retreated to the
bedroom he felt more alone than ever.
Known as a hard worker and as one who was always faithful to
pay off his debts, Lito had been able to get a loan to build a new
bangka.3 He’d been so proud of his new boat. He named it Perlita
in honor of his wife. Painted blue and white like his house, its
powerful diesel motor would allow him to navigate the islands with
ease.
“Everything had been going so well,” Lito thought to himself.
“And now this.” Lito had felt a little uneasy that fateful morning
when he and his oldest son, Ronaldo, had pushed off from shore.
Something about the deep red in the eastern sky warned of a
possible storm. But he’d seen plenty of storms, he assured himself.
And besides, no work—no money.
The success of the morning’s fishing confirmed his decision. “Look
what we would have missed!” He couldn’t wait to show his catch to
those who had stayed behind, fearful of the weather. “Old women!
Hah! We’ll show them,” Lito boasted.
But then the wind had begun to howl and waves were soon
towering over their small vessel. The typhoon seemed almost to
strike without warning. In desperation they tossed overboard
everything that might lighten the boat. They tried to find shelter in
the lee of a small island, but even there the storm tore at the small
craft. Finally a monster wave finished what the wind had started.
The Perlita was destroyed.
Miraculously, Lito and Ronnie made it to land, clinging to pieces
of wreckage. Neighbors told them they should be glad to be alive,
and Lito knew they were right. But all he could think of was the
loan on his boat. How could he possibly pay that off now? Sure, he
could work for someone else, but that would barely bring in enough
to care for their daily needs—much less pay off the loan. And on
top of that, they’d hoped to send Ronnie to college.
Wild thoughts began to race through Lito’s mind. Maybe they
could sell the house to pay off the loan. Maybe they could just
sneak away and live someplace else. Even dark plans of suicide
floated around the edges of his thinking. Eventually Lito faced the
inevitable—he would have to go speak with Mr. Gonzales and beg
for an extension.
THE POUTING PROPHET
97
Feeling small and insignificant, even in his best clothes, Lito
entered the bank and asked to speak with the manager. His courage
faltered when he saw Mr. Gonzales wearing a fancy barong Taga-
log,4 seated behind an imposing desk made of narra.5 The banker
listened intently as Lito explained what had happened. When Lito
was finished the banker just sat there quietly for a few minutes,
then he rose and retrieved Lito’s papers from the file cabinet. After
reviewing them silently, Mr. Gonzales wrote something at the bot-
tom and signed it. He handed the papers to Lito.
“Paid in Full.” Lito could hardly believe his eyes. He didn’t know
what to say. Finally he stammered, “But how . . . ?”
With a wave of his hand, Mr. Gonzales smiled and simply said,
“Never mind. I’ll take care of it.”
Feeling like he’d just won the lottery, Lito started home. In just
a few short minutes his future had changed from despair to hope.
True, he still had no boat, but at least he wasn’t saddled with the
crushing burden of a debt he could never repay. “Wait till Perla
hears the good news,” he thought to himself.
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98
On the way, he passed by the house of his friend, Sergio. Sergio
had borrowed a couple thousand pesos from Lito to repair his own
bangka. At the time, with all the money he’d gotten through the
loan from Mr. Gonzales, Lito had been happy to help out his friend.
Now he was wishing he still had that money. “Hey, Sergio. Remem-
ber that money you owe me? I want it back by tomorrow. I need it.”
Sergio was stunned by Lito’s cold manner. “Tomorrow?! There’s
no way I can get it by tomorrow. I need more time. Just give me a
little time, Pare,6 and I’ll pay you back.”
Fingering one of Sergio’s
nets, Lito said with a sinister
grin, “It would be a shame if
something happened to your
boat, wouldn’t it? Tomorrow,
Sergio! I don’t care how you do
it. I want my money tomorrow.”
News traveled fast in the
barangay, and it wasn’t long
before Mr. Gonzales heard
about what Lito had done. Calling Lito back to the bank, Mr.
Gonzales looked at him sternly across his desk. “I canceled the huge
debt you owed me. And then you went out and threatened your
friend over a couple thousand pesos? I can’t believe it! How could
you be so hard-hearted?
“Because of what you’ve done,” the banker continued, “you will
pay back every peso you owe me. I don’t care how long it takes.
And don’t try to run away, because wherever you go I will find you.
You will pay!”
“I canceled the
huge debt you owed
me. And then you
went out and
threatened your
friend over a couple
thousand pesos?
THE POUTING PROPHET
99
Searching the Scriptures
Read Jonah 4
1 How did Jonah feel about God sparing the Ninevites? What did
he do?
2 Why was Jonah angry? What was his complaint?
3 How did God respond to his angry prophet? What did he do?
4 How are God’s grace and patience seen in this chapter?
5 How is God’s sovereignty seen in this chapter?
6 What was the purpose of God’s object lesson with the vine, the
worm and the wind? What was the Lord trying to get Jonah to
understand? (verses 5-11)
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CHAPTER 10
7 The book ends with a very penetrating question, both for Jonah
and for us. Write a paraphrase of the last question God asked
Jonah: “Should I not be concerned about that great city?”
8 As you’ll recall, the book of Jonah was written first to the na-
tion of Israel as a rebuke. What do you think God was saying to
them through this book, especially through the final question?
9 What do you think God is saying to you through the book of
Jonah?
10 What do you think God is saying to your church?
Have You Seen Jonah?
Why was Jonah so hardheaded? Why was he so reluctant to go to
Nineveh? As we’ve seen in chapter 4, it was not because he feared
the Ninevites. It was because he couldn’t stand the thought of God
being gracious to the Ninevites.
What makes Jonah’s hard-heartedness particularly repugnant
to the reader is that Jonah himself had just been shown so much
grace. He was only too happy to enjoy God’s goodness, mercy and
101
THE POUTING PROPHET
deliverance for himself, but he didn’t want God to show those same
qualities to the despised Ninevites. His lack of love is set off in
stark relief by God’s abundant love shown toward him.
The Israelites, to whom this book was originally addressed, would
have been caught off guard. As they read the book they would have
found themselves shaking their heads in amazement at the ungodly
attitude of Jonah in the first chapter. Perhaps they would even have
laughed at his stubbornness.
As they read chapter two they would have recognized echoes
from the psalms. Now Jonah is sounding more like a proper prophet.
But then as they read the third chapter they would have begun to
become uneasy, and perhaps outright irritated by God’s forgiveness
of the despicable Ninevites. That wouldn’t have been the outcome
they’d have chosen.
In chapter four they would likely have found themselves being
critical of God’s complaining prophet. Too late they would realize
that in condemning Jonah they were condemning themselves. For
like Jonah, the Israelites did not share God’s concern for the
Ninevites. God’s last great question—Should I not be concerned?—
is intended to change Jonah’s heart, the hearts of the Israelites, and
ours.
* * *
One time a Sunday school teacher was telling her young students
the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). As
you may recall, the Pharisee was very proud of his righteousness.
“The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank
you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—
or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth
of all I get.’” (Luke 18:11-12)
The tax collector, on the other hand, was very aware of his sin-
fulness. His prayer stood in marked contrast to that of the Pharisee.
“He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said,
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102
‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” (Luke 18:13)
Jesus concluded the parable with these words, “I tell you that
this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
humbles himself will be exalted.”
The Sunday school teacher ended her lesson by saying, “Now,
children, let’s pray and thank God that we are not like that Phari-
see.”
We laugh, but somewhere at the back of our minds can we hear
a voice whispering: Let’s thank God we’re not like that Sunday
school teacher? The truth is, there’s probably a tendency toward
self-righteousness in all of us. Similarly, there’s also a little of Jonah
in all of us.
To whatever extent we are content to enjoy the riches of God’s
kindness but are reluctant to share the good news with those around
us—to that extent we are like Jonah. When we forget that we have
been blessed to be a blessing we bear a distinct resemblance to the
reluctant prophet.
Have you seen Jonah?
“And while he never forces any one of us, he tenderly
asks us to put our whole heart and soul into the work
of mission. God is still interested in transforming obsti-
nate, irritable, depressive, peevish Jonahs into heralds
of the Good News which brings freedom.”7
JOHANNES VERKUYL
� � � �
THE POUTING PROPHET
103
Digging Deeper
Jonah’s statement in 4:2 has its roots in Exodus 34:6-7. When God
proclaimed his name to Moses he revealed himself as:
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious
God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wicked-
ness, rebellion and sin.
Ironically, although Jonah’s theology was correct, his heart was
cold. Instead of rejoicing in this great declaration of God’s grace,
he is actually complaining to God for being a forgiving God. And
it’s because Jonah had a hunch that God would forgive the Ninevites
that he didn’t want to take God’s warning to them. We could para-
phrase Jonah’s complaint in this common expression: Sinabi ko sa
iyo, e!8
Exodus 34:6-7 is reflected in a number of passages in the Old
Testament.9 Read Psalm 145—a glorious song of praise from the
pen of David.
1 What does David teach us about God’s character?
2 How does David’s attitude in proclaiming God’s goodness
compare with the attitude of Jonah?
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104
THE POUTING PROPHET
3 Summarize what you’ve learned about God from the book of
Jonah. Write a psalm in which you extol God for who he is and
what he’s done for you. And ask God to put a sincere song of
praise on your lips. Look for opportunities to tell others about
God’s wonderful love.
105
It’s HarvestTime!
Matthew 9:35-38
11
“If you are sick, fast and pray; if the language is hard to learn,
fast and pray; if the people will not hear you, fast and pray;
and if you have nothing to eat, fast and pray.”1
FREDERIK FRANSON
1852-1908
Missionary to Scandinavia and Germany
The Three Sons
There once was a farmer with three sons. The farmer lived with
his sons near a large rice field in Nueva Ecija.
One day the farmer said to his sons, “Mga anak,2 the harvest is
ready.”
The oldest son looked at the field, yawned and said, “Let’s do it
tomorrow. Anyway, the rice isn’t going anywhere.”
The second son looked at the field, saw that it was indeed ripe,
and went off to meet with his barkada.3 Over many glasses of tuba4
they talked about the best way to harvest the rice. Various strategies
were considered. Their discussion continued for many days, and
they even consulted experts from the Institute of Rice Harvesting.
The third son looked at the field, picked up his panggapas,5
and began to harvest the rice. But after working all day he was
saddened to see that he had
only harvested a fraction of the
rice that was ripe.
The next day he woke up
even earlier and worked hard
all day. Yet at the end of the day
he was again dismayed to see
that most of the rice would be
lost if it was not gathered soon.
“What can I do?” he thought
to himself. “I’m already work-
ing as hard as I can.”
His father was waiting for him when he returned home. “My
son, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. There’s no way
you can bring in the harvest by yourself. You must ask the owner to
IT’S HARVEST TIME!
“My son, the harvest
is plentiful but the
workers are few.
There’s no way you
can bring in the
harvest by yourself.
You must ask the
owner to send others
to help you.”
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CHAPTER 11
send others to help you.”
So the next day the youngest son walked to town and asked the
owner to send some workers to help him. And they came—many of
them. As the son looked at the growing pile of rice his heart swelled
with happiness. The harvest would not be lost.
Finally the day came when the rice was delivered to the owner.
The youngest son couldn’t help but remark, “You know, I thought
we were going to lose the harvest. After all, at first I was the only
one doing the work. There was no one else to help me.”
At that the owner said with a slight smile, “All you had to do was
ask.”
Background
Matthew 10 is the second major discourse (speech) in this gospel.6
It is essentially a set of instructions that Jesus gave to the disciples
when He sent them out. In 9:35-38 Matthew sets the stage for the
commissioning of the disciples by highlighting the need of Israel
and the compassion of Jesus. That compassion is seen not only in
Jesus’ command to petition the Lord of the harvest for more work-
ers, but in the sending of the Twelve in chapter 10.
As you read Matthew 9:35-38, picture yourself standing at the
Luneta for a huge rally. Even if you’ve never actually been to the
Luneta, you’ve probably seen it on TV. So picture yourself there
now, looking out across the crowd.
Perhaps people have gathered to hear a crusade evangelist. They’ve
come with many needs—hoping for healing, wholeness, and an end
to that longing in their souls. As you look out across that crowd,
what do you see? What do you feel in your heart? What will you
do?
108
Searching the Scriptures
Read Matthew 9:35-38
1 How does Matthew summarize Jesus’ ministry in verse 35? What
were the main elements of Jesus’ ministry?7
2 Why were the crowds gathering around Jesus? (See Mark 9 for
background.)
3 What was Jesus’ response when he saw the crowds? (verse 36)
4 What reasons does Matthew give for Jesus’ response? (verse 36)
5 Think about these phrases for a minute: harassed and helpless,
like sheep without a shepherd. Why do you think Matthew
describes the crowds in this way?
6 What do these phrases imply about the religious leaders of
Israel?
IT’S HARVEST TIME!
109
7 Do you think these phrases also apply to people today? Why or
why not?
8 Write verse 37 in your own words.
9 Jesus saw that the people were defenseless and without guid-
ance, and felt compassion for them. He saw them as a harvest
to be brought into his kingdom. But there were so many, and
the workers were so few. What was his solution? (verse 38)
10 To whom does the harvest belong?8 What are its implications
for all of our missions endeavors?
11 Do you think more workers are needed today? Why or why
not?
12 How can you apply Matthew 9:35-38 to your own life and
ministry?
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110
“William Carey and his circle of friends are our models
here. They prayed before they did anything else. Later
they did much more. And so must we. But they knew
their God, and they knew that the harvest was in His
hands. Because they knew God they entered into the
spirit of this saying: You can do more than pray after
you have prayed; but you cannot do more than pray
until you have prayed!”9
TOM WELLS
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus’ heart was moved with compassion
when he saw the people of Israel—harassed and helpless like sheep
without a shepherd. He saw the overwhelming need, and responded
by directing his disciples to ask for more laborers. More workers
were needed to bring in the kingdom harvest.
In the immediate context, this prayer was answered by the send-
ing of the Twelve in chapter 10. In a larger sense, however, Christ’s
command is intended for all of his followers—all who see the crowds
and are touched with the compassion that moved the heart of Christ.
There are still billions of people who don’t yet know Christ.
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Thousands of
laborers are needed. Let’s pray them out to the field. Let’s ask God
to send out workers into his harvest field.
On the following page is a Prayer Guide to assist you to obey the
command of Matthew 9:38. It is a tool that you can use in your
personal prayer life, as well as in your church and in small groups.
Let’s pray!
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IT’S HARVEST TIME!
111
Filled with Compassion
Digging Deeper
On a number of occasions the gospel writers record that Jesus
was filled with compassion. Sometimes Jesus’ compassion was a
response to spiritual need, and on other occasions it was a response
to physical need. Read the passages listed and fill in the chart
below, indicating the kind of need to which Jesus seems to be
responding, and what he did in response to that need.
Matthew 14:13-14
Matthew 15:29-39
Matthew 20:29-34
Mark 1:40-45
Mark 6:30-34
REFERENCE JESUS’ RESPONSENEED
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112
Praying for the Philippines
The missions movement in the Philippines is growing at a very
rapid rate. But much work remains to be done. Please pray for the
following:
1 Pray that the Spirit of God
would inspire a powerful
prayer movement for mis-
sions. This is the heart of a
strong missions movement.
2 Pray for renewal and
revival. This is the
foundation of a
strong missions
m o v e m e n t .
T h r o u g h o u t
history, new
evangelistic thrusts
have often been pre-
ceded by movements
of renewal in the
Church.
3 Students have played a key
role in almost every major
missions movement through-
out history. Pray that God would raise up a dynamic student
movement for missions in the Philippines.
4 Pray that God would multiply Great Commission Churches in
the Philippines—churches that are zealously seeking to do their
part to fulfill the Great Commission. Many churches are still
IT’S HARVEST TIME!
113
only involved in mono-cultural outreach. Pray that God would
give them a heart for the world beyond their cultural walls.
5 There are a growing number of missionary training centers,
but there is still a need for more. Without proper training
missionaries will be limited in their ministry effectiveness and
more vulnerable to culture shock and attacks of the Enemy. Pray
that God would prompt the formation of more missionary train-
ing centers and programs.
6 With around 35,000 evangelical churches, the Church in the
Philippines has tremendous potential for sending missionaries to
unreached people groups inside the Philippines and to other parts
of the world. Pray that the Philippines would become an Antioch
of Asia—that God would raise up thousands of Filipino mission-
aries. Pray for more laborers for the harvest! (Matthew 9:35-38)
7 Some denominations have been very effective in planting churches
within their own cultures, but have not yet seen the need for
cross-cultural church planting. Pray that God would awaken
denominations throughout the Philippines to the need for mis-
sions.
8 There are some structures for sending missionaries, but not
enough. Pray that God would help churches and parachurch
agencies create the necessary structures for sending cross-
cultural workers. Pray that God would give them wisdom to
wisely deploy, supervise and shepherd the new generation of
missionaries.
9 In order for missionaries to survive and thrive in another
culture, they must be adequately prepared for the realities of
cross-cultural living and ministry. Pray that God would help
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114
churches and potential missionaries realize the importance of
proper training.
10 Many biographies of Western missionaries are available, but only
very few have been written about Filipino missionaries. Pray
that God would stimulate some to write the stories of Filipino
missionaries so that a new generation of workers may be
inspired and challenged by their examples.
11 If the Philippines is to become a great missionary-sending
nation, we will need both goers and senders. Pray that God would
stimulate many Filipinos to serve as goers, senders, welcomers
and missions mobilizers.
IT’S HARVEST TIME!
115
The GreatCommandment
Matthew 22:34-40
12
“I would rather die now than to live a life of oblivious ease
in so sick a world.”1
NATE SAINT
1923-1956, Ecuador
Greater Love Has No One Than This
Every year for the past two decades, veteran missionary Gra-
ham Staines of Australia conducted five-day open-air “jungle
camps” in villages of the eastern Indian state of Orissa, teach-
ing, preaching, and singing to Santal tribal members. After one
such meeting on January 23 in Manoharpur, a village 600 miles
southeast of New Delhi, the 58-year-old Staines and his two
sons, 10-year-old Philip and 7-year-old Timothy, were murdered.
They had been sleeping in a vehicle parked outside a local
church when militant Hindus, allegedly from the Bajrang Dal
group, doused the vehicle with gasoline and set it afire.
“My husband and sons tried to get out of the burning
vehicle, but were stopped by the attackers,” Staines’s wife,
Gladys, recounts. As the flames engulfed the vehicle, the mob
danced and some
shouted, “Justice has
been done; the Chris-
tians have been cre-
mated in Hindu
fashion.” The mob kept
would-be rescuers at
bay for more than an
hour until making sure
the missionary and his sons had died.
Police arrested 53 people in connection with the killings.
Staines, secretary of the Evangelical Missionary Society, an
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
Staines, secretary of the
Evangelical Missionary
Society, . . . had been
operating a hospital
and clinic for lepers
in India for 34 years.
117
CHAPTER 12
independent missionary organization based in Brisbane, had
been operating a hospital and clinic for lepers in India for 34
years. Two days after the murders, lepers dug the graves for the
family while Gladys Staines consoled them as they wept.
“God has given me peace, and I have never questioned his
wisdom in allowing this tragedy,” Gladys Staines said after the
tragedy. “These people are my people and I hope to stay here.”2
When I first read of the ghastly murder of Graham Staines and
his two sons, I was amazed and inspired that his wife, Gladys,
was so quick to forgive. But then I was further challenged by her
intention to remain in India and continue their ministry to lepers.
What amazing love!
The Staines are glowing examples of Christian love—the kind
of love that is essential to missions which pleases God. This love
is taught in one of the most well-known passages of Scripture:
Matthew 22:34-40.
Background
The conversation recorded in
Matthew 22:34-40 occurred
on Tuesday of Passion Week
(the week which began with
Palm Sunday and ended on
Resurrection Sunday). It was
a day of controversies and
parables.
One after the other, the
various groups of religious
leaders came to Jesus in the temple to try to trick him, embarrass
him or discredit him. Sometimes they were answered with a
question,3 sometimes with parables,4 sometimes with a command,5
and sometimes with an explanation.6
118
Palm Sunday — The Triumphal
Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)
Monday — The Clearing of the
Temple (Matthew 21:12-17)
Tuesday — Day of Controversy
and Parables
(Matthew 21:18–25:46)
This series of controversies concludes with Jesus’ blistering
rebuke of the teachers of the Law and Pharisees in the “Seven Woes”
of chapter 23.
By the time that the Pharisees tested Jesus with their question in
Matthew 22:34ff, Jesus had already
• rebuked the chief priests and elders (21:23 – 22:14),
• defeated the attempt of the Pharisees and Herodians
to trap him (22:15-22), and
• silenced the Sadducees (22:23-33).
Not having learned a lesson from their earlier failure to trap
Jesus in a mistake, the Pharisees again decide to test Jesus with a
question. They would soon regret their overconfidence (see ch. 23).
At first glance, you may wonder what this passage has to do
with missions, since there is no direct reference to the Great
Commission. Further reflection, however, reveals that the Great
Commandment found here is in fact the foundation and fuel of
missions.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Matthew 22:34-35
1 Who asked this question? What group did he represent?7
2 What was their motive?
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119
3 What question did he put to Jesus?
Read Matthew 22:37-40
4 According to Jesus, which is the greatest commandment?8
5 Jesus’ statement in verse 37 is extremely important. Meditate on
this verse for a few minutes and then put it in your own words.9
Heart . . . soul . . . mind — The Jews did not use these
terms in exactly the same way as we do today. But the
essential point Jesus is making is that we are to love God
with all our faculties and capacities. We are to love him
wholeheartedly, with all that we are, holding nothing
back. What God requires from his followers is total
devotion.
6 As you examine your own life, would you say that you love God
wholeheartedly? In what way would you like to love God more?
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120
7 The Pharisee only asked for the greatest commandment. In
Jesus’ answer he gave two. What is the second commandment?10
As yourself—Contrary to what some positive self-image
writers have said, this is not a command to love our-
selves. We do that naturally. Rather, Jesus is command-
ing us to love others in the same way as we already love
ourselves—to direct toward others the love that we so
generously bestow on ourselves.
8 The first command has to do with our vertical relationship
with God. The second focuses on our horizontal relationship
with those around us. In what ways are the two related?
9 What does the Apostle John say about the connection between
loving God and loving others? (See 1 John 4:7-8)
10 What do you think Jesus means by the statement in verse 40?11
(See the parallel passage in Mark 12:31.)
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
121
11 Now let’s apply what we’ve learned to the area of missions.
How does missions demonstrate our love for God?
12 How is missions a means of loving others (as Jesus commanded
us to do in Matthew 22:39)?
13 Why is love for God the essential foundation for missions?
Summary
Loving God The command to love God is the logical starting
point for missions. He himself—not a task, no
matter how important or urgent—is to have first place in our atten-
tion and our devotion. We are to love him with all that is in us—
with all that we are.
Secondly, above all else, missions is a means of loving God. When
we reach out to people with the Good News of salvation in Jesus
Christ, it is one way of showing our love for God. It is love shown
through obedience (see John 14:21), but it is more than obedience.
We obey God in missions not just because he commanded us to
make disciples of all nations, but because we want to please him.
Because missions is important to God, it becomes important to us.
And so we delight to be involved in missions because of our love
for God.
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Loving Others Missions must be grounded in our love for our
neighbors. We must be able to say with Paul,
“The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). We cannot
allow missions to be just a fad, a hobby or a profession. We cannot
view people merely as souls to be won. We must allow God to work
in our hearts so that we genuinely love our neighbors.
Missions is one of the most profound means of loving our neigh-
bors. To share the gospel is to share something of inestimable value.
We must not fall prey to the notion that it is unloving or intolerant
to try to persuade others to become followers of Christ. On the
contrary, we cannot claim to love others, and yet withhold from
them the good news that will bring them abundant, eternal life
through salvation in Christ.
Missions is at the same time grounded in love for others and is a
manifestation of love for others. Missions must flow from a heart
of love, and is a profound expression of love.
In short, our involvement in missions must be motivated by love
for God and others. And it is one of the most profound ways of
expressing our love for God and others.
The Pharisees’ Folly Most of the Pharisees were not question-
ing Jesus with hearts inclined to obey.
On the contrary, as we learn from Matthew 23, they did not prac-
tice what they preached. Their religion was for show—for others to
see. How sad that they were so close, yet so far away. They knew
the truth but failed to obey it.
We, too, can be very zealous in our service for Christ, and yet
miss the main thing. As shocking as it may seem, according to Paul’s
words in 1 Corinthians 13, loveless ministry counts for nothing.
Consider this missionary paraphrase of the great love chapter.
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123
Missionary Versionof 1 Corinthians 13
If I am exceptionally gifted and can preach fluently in the language
of the people I’m seeking to reach, but have not love, I’m just making
a lot of noise.
If I am well-educated and have much knowledge about Scrip-
ture, missiology, cultural anthropology, cross-cultural communica-
tion, contextualization and world religions, but have not love, all
of my training and intelligence is worth nothing.
If I am a powerful evangelist, plant many churches, speak at
conferences, write books, and rise to positions of leadership, but
have not love, I’ve missed the most important thing. My labors
profit me nothing.
If I am mighty in spiritual warfare and can cast out a multitude
of demons, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I am a person of great faith and vision and can formulate
inspiring plans and launch impressive programs, but have not love,
it is empty organization.
If I leave home and family to work sacrificially for Christ in
another culture, enduring culture shock, homesickness and illness,
but become sour and critical because of the annoyances of daily life
so that I’m no longer motivated by love, I might as well stay home.
Even if I die a martyr’s death, if I don’t have love it profits me
nothing.
But if I am motivated by my love for Christ, if my service is
empowered by his love flowing through me, then even though I
may not be famous, even though I may not receive the praise of
people, I will eventually receive the most important accolade of all.
I will hear my Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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124
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Read 1 Corinthians 13
1 What are the implications for missions?
2 What are the implications for your ministry?
125
Jesus Said ItAll
Matthew 28:16-20
13
“I can plod; I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I
owe everything.”1
WILLIAM CAREY
1761-1834, India
William Carey—The “Father of Modern Missions”
William Carey was a poor shoe cobbler and Baptist lay-preacher
in 18th-century England. Converted at the age of 17, he read
with great interest a borrowed copy of Captain Cook’s Voyages, the
journal of the famous sailor’s travels in the South Seas.
As Carey sat at his cobbler’s bench, his mind was often miles
away. He studied and reflected upon Scripture. He began to teach
himself world geography. He made a map of the world on which he
noted the population, religion and other important information of
the countries he researched. As a result, he became increasingly
burdened for the needs of the world.
He gradually became convinced that Christ’s commission to
make disciples of all nations was binding on Christians of his day—
that it hadn’t expired—and that Christians ought to organize and
mobilize to get the job done. He published his ideas in the book: An
Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to use means for the
Conversion of the Heathens, in which the Religious State of the
Different Nations of the World, the Success of Former Undertak-
ings, and the Practicability of Further Undertakings, are Consid-
ered. That wasn’t the first chapter. That was just the title!
He eventually persuaded his Baptist minister colleagues that they
needed to send missionaries to the “heathen.” They finally yielded
to his impassioned pleading and sent Carey and several others to
India in 1793. He labored there until 1834, without once ever
returning to England. He translated the entire Bible into Bengali,
Oriya, Marathi, Hindi, Assamese and Sanskrit, and portions of
the Bible into 29 other languages. He became known as the “Father
of Modern Missions.” By any measure, his vision, dedication and
127
JESUS SAID IT ALL
CHAPTER 13
perseverance were remarkable.2
Why did Carey leave the comfort of home to pour out his life in
India? He was convinced that the Great Commission was intended
not just for the early disciples, but for the Church through the ages.
Background
Jesus appeared to his disciples on a number of different occasions
following his resurrection. Several of these appearances occurred
on Resurrection Sunday.3 Others, such as the appearance recorded
in the last five verses of Matthew, took place at a later time,
between his resurrection and his ascension into heaven.4
As you read these verses, put yourself in the place of the eleven
disciples who first heard Jesus give this incredible command. Then
look at the passage through the eyes of William Carey. Reflect upon
what courage and vision it must have taken for him to strike out for
India when the modern missions movement was still a thing of the
future. Finally, listen to what Jesus is saying to you through these
verses.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Matthew 28:16-20
1 Where did this appearance take place?
2 Why had the disciples gone to Galilee? (Matthew 26:32; 28:7,10)
128
3 What was the response of the disciples when Jesus appeared to
them in Galilee?
4 What does the fact that they worshiped him reveal about their
understanding of who Jesus was?
5 Jesus begins by emphasizing his authority. Why do you think he
began the Great Commission in this way? Why was it important
for the disciples to know that Christ had been given all authority
in heaven and on earth?
“There is not one square inch of the entire creation about
which Jesus Christ does not cry out, ‘This is mine! This
belongs to me!’”5
ABRAHAM KUYPER
6 What is the main command of verse 19?6
JESUS SAID IT ALL
129
7 Since a disciple is a learner or follower of Christ, to make dis-
ciples means to help people become learners/followers of Christ.
What are some ways in which you can do this?
8 Were the disciples commanded to just make disciples of other
Jews? Explain your answer.
Nations — We normally think of nations as countries.
But it would be closer to the biblical usage to think of
these nations as peoples or people groups. The Philip-
pines, for example, is one country, but it has many
nations: Ibaloi, Tausug, Ilonggo, and many more.
9 What is one of the first steps of obedience for a new disciple?
(verse 19)7
10 What evidence is there in verse 19 of the Trinity?
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130
11 What else are we to do with new disciples? (verse 20)
Teaching them to obey — Note that the emphasis here is
not on teaching but on obedience. Yes, the first step is to
know what Christ commanded us to do, but we must
not stop there. We must go on to obey Christ’s teaching.
Obedience, not knowledge, is the goal.
12 What evidence is there in verse 20 that the Great Commission
was not just for the eleven disciples on the mountain in
Galilee?
I will be with you always — the promise of Christ’s pres-
ence means much more than that he is simply there. It
means he is present to help, encourage, strengthen, com-
fort and guide—in short, to enable us to do his will. (See
the examples in #2 under Digging Deeper at the end of
this chapter.)
13 Why is it important for us to know that Christ is with us as we
seek to make disciples?
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131
Jesus said it all.
Although it’s not readily apparent in our English
translations, the word all appears four times in this
passage in the original Greek. All authority, all nations,
all that I commanded you, and I am with you all the
days.
14 In what ways do you feel God wants you to be involved in
helping to make disciples of all nations?
The Last Survivor
Lieutenant Hiro Onoda is known in Philippine history as the last
Japanese soldier to surrender. Twenty-nine years after the end of
World War II, and 15 years after being declared dead in Japan,
Lt. Onoda emerged from the jungle in Lubang, Mindoro. Initial
attempts to persuade him that the war was over were of no avail.
He refused to lay down his arms until his former commanding
officer actually went to Mindoro and commanded him to surren-
der in 1974. With his back pay, Lt. Onoda was able to buy a piece
of land in Brazil.
It is sad to think that Lt. Onoda spent 29 years fighting a war that
had already ended. And yet there is something admirable about his
tenacity—his refusal to give up. He was determined to persevere
until his commanding officer gave him permission to quit.
Is it any different with us? We have received a commission from
the King of Kings to make disciples of all nations. As the One with
all authority, he has the right to issue such a command. And as the
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132
One with all authority, he deserves the worship of all nations.
Yet there are still many people groups which have no opportun-
ity to worship Christ. There are still many people who have never
heard the Gospel in a meaningful way. Let us remain dedicated to
the task of world evangelization until our Commanding Officer
calls us home.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
1 Who Is Jesus? Donald McGavran—one of the leading
missiologists of the 20th century and founder
of the church growth movement—is well known for his emphasis
on making disciples of all nations. His impact in the world of
missions is hugely significant and far-reaching.
Shortly before he died, Dr. McGavran had a conversation with
a colleague, Dr. Art Glasser, in which they discussed the Great
Commission as it is found in Matthew. Specifically, the two men
were addressing the question: Which part of the Great Commis-
sion is the Church most likely to forget? Surprisingly, McGavran
did not point to Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations, as
was so often the emphasis in McGavran’s teaching. Rather, he felt
that the part of the Great Commission that the Church was most in
danger of overlooking was in verse 18—who Jesus is. In the words
of Dr. Glasser:
. . . we soon found ourselves agreeing that the part of the Great
Commission most frequently overlooked was the full
significance of Jesus’ triumphant affirmation: “All authority
in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is what
the church forgets.
JESUS SAID IT ALL
133
This was the focus of Dr. McGavran’s thought: the concern
that Christians realize who Jesus is, and they should be
motivated by this reality.8
Before we can truly understand and obey the command to make
disciples of all nations, we must reflect deeply upon who it is that
is giving us this commission. We must realize that it is our glorious,
risen Lord Jesus—King of Kings and Lord of Lords—who is com-
manding us to go and make disciples of all nations. Read the
following passages and write down what you learn about the
exalted position of King Jesus.
• Ephesians 1:18-23
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Hebrews 1:1-13
2 The Promise of
His Presence The promise of God’s presence is a common
theme in Scripture. Matthew ends his gospel
with these reassuring words from Jesus who is Immanuel—God
with us (Matthew 1:23). The one who is God over us is also God
with us. Read the following passages to see other examples.
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134
JESUS SAID IT ALL
• Genesis 26:3,24 (Isaac)
• Genesis 28:15; 31:3 (Jacob)
• Exodus 33:12-17 (Moses)
• Deuteronomy 31:1-8 (Israel and Joshua)
• Joshua 1:1-9 (Joshua)
135
The Heart ofthe Father
Luke 15
14
“One can’t save and then pitchfork souls into heaven . . . Souls
are more or less securely fastened to bodies . . . and as you
can’t get the souls out and deal with them separately, you
have to take them both together.”1
AMY CARMICHAEL
1867-1951, India
And You Call Yourself a Christian?
A long blast of the whistle signaled the end of the shift for the
workers at the Toyota plant. Ernie joined the others as they
punched the time clock and filed out the doors. His shoulders were
sore from a long day’s work, but he enjoyed the satisfaction of a job
well done.
It was drizzling when he got outside. He knew that meant the
lines for the jeepneys would probably be longer. “Oh well,” he
thought to himself. “At least I only have to go to Angono.”
Eventually he was able to squeeze himself into a jeepney with old
Michael Jordan posters pasted to the ceiling. A small statue of Jesus
was stuck to the dashboard, along with a figure of Mary and a
Buddha that glowed in the dark. Ernie just hoped that he could see
past the various stickers and ornaments that adorned the windshield,
limiting the driver’s vision to a narrow band across the middle.
Pushing his doubts aside, Ernie dozed lightly until the jeepney
had reached his stop. His wife had often warned him that he would
someday wake up and find himself in Binangonan, but somehow he
had a knack for waking up at just the right time.
Getting out of the jeepney, he was glad to see that it had stopped
raining. A short walk brought him to Barangay San Miguel. “Who
is the patron saint of drinkers?” ran the local joke. The answer was
normally given with much gusto: “San Miguel!”
Ernie made his way down the narrow paths that wound between
the small houses. As he neared his own home he spotted some of
THE HEART OF THE FATHER
137
CHAPTER 14
his neighbors seated at a small table under an awning made of
plastic. On the table in front of them were bottles of their patron
saint’s brew along with a large bowl of chicharon2 and a small bowl
of peppered vinegar.
“Ernie! Pare! Sit down, sit down. We’re just getting started.”
Ernie’s neighbors greeted him warmly and drew up another stool
for him to join them. Knowing his preference, they sent someone
to buy a Coke from a sari-sari3 store nearby.
Ernie was eager to get home, but he also enjoyed being with his
friends. From time to time, if he had a little extra money, he went
bowling with them on his day off. Holidays sometimes found them
going on outings together.
With a piece of chicharon half-way to his mouth, Ernie looked
up to see one of his churchmates approaching. Norman was an
elder at the Light of the World Christian Fellowship. Ernie and his
family had become members of the church when they moved to
Barangay San Miguel four years earlier.
It all happened in an instant,
but Ernie could see that Nor-
man’s face registered shock and
displeasure. He wasn’t surprised
the following Sunday when
Norman seemed to avoid him at
church. Ernie’s greeting had
been returned with a half-
hearted response.
But what was this? Was it his imagination, or were some of the
other church members giving him strange looks? He could feel it in
the way people would turn away when he glanced in their direc-
tion—people were talking about him. Cornering one of his closest
friends, Ernie asked, “Felix, what’s going on? Is there something I
should know about?”
It all happened
in an instant, but
Ernie could see that
Norman’s face
registered shock
and displeasure.
138
Felix was embarrased by Ernie’s direct question but eventually
admitted that people were talking. He became even more uncom-
fortable as Ernie pressed further, “Come on, Felix, tell me. What’s
the chismis4?”
When he could see that Ernie was determined to know the truth,
Felix finally faced his friend and said, “Ernie, the story is that you
were drinking with some of your neighbors.”
With an irritated groan Ernie exclaimed, “Yeah, I suspected that
was the problem. Well, as a matter of fact, I was drinking with
them. But I was drinking Coke!”
“Does that really matter?” Felix persisted. “After all, Norman
said there was beer on the table. Don’t you know you’re supposed
to avoid every appearance of evil? What kind of testimony is that?”
“What a mess!” Ernie thought in exasperation. How could he
answer Felix? How could he make his churchmates understand?
Background
Jesus faced a similar problem. The religious leaders of his day
couldn’t understand why he spent time with tax collectors and
sinners. In their minds, no righteous person would associate with
the unrighteous—much less actually eat with them! To do so, they
thought, could only mean that Jesus was not righteous after all.
How was Jesus to answer such accusations? How could he help
the Pharisees and teachers of the Law to understand his behavior?
How could he get them to see that their own behavior was not at all
the kind of righteousness that God desired?
To counter their criticisms Jesus gave three parables in Luke 15.
All of them address essentially the same issue: What is God’s
attitude toward the lost?
It is as if Jesus is saying, “The reason you criticize me is because
you don’t really know what God is like. You think you know him,
THE HEART OF THE FATHER
139
but by your attitude toward the lost you demonstrate that you
really don’t. Here—let me tell you three stories to show you what
God is like.”
Searching the Scriptures
Read Luke 15:1-7 The Lost Sheep
1 Why did the shepherd leave the 99 sheep and go into the
country?
2 What happened when the lost sheep was found?
3 Who does the shepherd represent?
4 Who is probably represented by the 99 righteous persons who do
not need to repent?5
5 What do you think is the main point Jesus is making?
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140
Read Luke 15:8-10 The Lost Coin
6 What did the woman do when she realized that one of her
coins was missing?6
7 What did she do when she found the coin?
8 What is the main point of this parable?
9 How is this parable similar to the parable of the lost sheep?
Do you notice some similar phrases?
Read Luke 15:11-32 The Lost Son
10 What did the younger son do with his share of the estate?
THE HEART OF THE FATHER
141
11 Why did the younger son finally return home?
12 How did the father respond when the younger son returned?
Why?
13 How did the older son respond?
14 Who is represented by these characters in the parable?
• The father =
• The younger son =
• The older son =
15 How do you think the Pharisees and teachers of the Law re-
acted to this parable?
16 What do you think is the main point that Jesus was trying to
communicate? (See also Luke 19:10)
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142
THE HEART OF THE FATHER
143
17 How does this provide us with a reason for reaching out to
those who don’t know Christ?
18 With what person in the parable do you identify most closely?
Why?
19 Ernie gives us one example of how Jesus’ teaching might be put
into practice today. How will you apply the lessons you’ve
learned from Luke 15 to your life?
� � � �
Digging Deeper
There are a number of similarities between the book of Jonah and
the parable of the prodigal son. Review your notes on the book of
Jonah (chapters 7-10 in this study guide), and then see if you can
fill in the comparisons at the bottom section of the next chart.
JONAH LUKE 15:11-32
God The Father
The Ninevites The Younger Son
Jonah The Older Son
God was gracious to the sinful The father was gracious to his
Ninevites. sinful _____________ son.
Jonah was angry because God The older brother was angry
was gracious to the sinful because his father was gracious
________________. to his sinful _______________.
“Righteous” Jonah was The “righteous” older brother
insolent to _________. was insolent to his _________.
I told you so! Look!
God responded with grace The father responded with
and patience to ______________ grace and patience to the
in chapter 4. __________ son, in spite of
the hardness of his heart.
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Power fromon High
Luke 24:36-49
15
“The blessings of God are sufficient for India’s needs.”1
PANDITA RAMABAI
1858-1922, India
It’s been a long day at work. You’ve just finished supper and now
you’re looking forward to watching your favorite TV program.
You turn on the television, sit down on the sofa, and then . . . .
Naku!2 Brown-out!
You’re riding on a bus headed for Baguio City. It’s an old bus,
and you have your doubts about whether or not it’s capable of
making the steep climb up Marcos Highway. The first part of your
journey is fine. But as you get closer to Baguio City the road
becomes steeper and steeper. You can almost hear the bus gasping
as its ancient engine groans up the inclines. Finally you reach a hill
that is just too much for the tired vehicle. You grind to a stop and
the driver quickly sets the brake.
“Come on, you can do it!” One of your friends is trying to
persuade you to run in a charity marathon. “It’s for a good cause,”
he says. “We’re helping to raise funds for a new hospital.”
CHAPTER 15
“If I try to run a mara-
thon,” you think to yourself,
“you’ll have to put me in the
hospital.” But in a moment
of temporary insanity you
reluctantly agree to enter the
race. In the few months left
before the event you train
diligently, but when the day
comes you know you’re not
prepared. The gun goes off
and you begin the grueling
41-kilometer race.
You know you’re in seri-
ous trouble when you begin to struggle at the five kilometer mark.
After ten kilometers even the children are passing you. At twenty
kilometers you finally slow to a walk. You trudge a couple more
You know you’re in
serious trouble when
you begin to struggle
at the five kilometer
mark. After ten
kilometers even the
children are passing
you. At twenty
kilometers you finally
slow to a walk.
146
kilometers before stopping for a rest. You’ve simply used up all
your strength.
What do these illustrations have in common? Power. Whether
electrical power, gasoline power or muscle power, we can’t see,
climb hills or run without it.
Power is also essential for fulfilling our role as witnesses of Jesus
Christ. This emphasis is seen clearly in the passage for this chapter,
Luke 24:36-49.
Background
Jesus appeared to his followers a number of times between his
resurrection and his ascension into heaven. Although it’s not
possible to determine the order with absolute precision, it would
seem that Jesus’ first appearances were to Mary Magdalene, the
women returning from the tomb, Simon Peter, and the two travel-
ers on the road to Emmaus. He then appeared to the disciples
gathered in Jerusalem.
From the parallel account in John 20:19-25, we know that the
disciples were assembled behind locked doors “for fear of the Jews.”
Two travelers to whom Jesus had appeared on their way to Emmaus
had just returned to Jerusalem. With great excitement the disciples
shared the marvelous news of Jesus’ resurrection and appearance
to Peter. The new arrivals, in turn, told how Jesus had appeared to
them on the road to Emmaus.
Into this emotionally charged atmosphere Jesus suddenly made
his entrance. How did the disciples respond? How did Jesus
reassure them? What did Jesus tell them to do?
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147
Searching the Scriptures
Read Luke 24:36-43
1 Jesus began with the traditional Jewish greeting. Do you think
that the greeting would have any special significance in this
context? Why?
2 How did the disciples respond? Why?3
3 How would you have responded if you had been there?
4 What did Jesus do to reassure the disciples that it really was him?
(verses 38-43)
•
•
•
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148
Read Luke 24:44-49
5 How do we know from Jesus’ words that his death and resurrec-
tion were prophesied in the Old Testament?4
6 Verse 45 says that Jesus opened their minds so they could under-
stand the Scriptures. This seems to have involved both explain-
ing Old Testament truths to the disciples, as well as supernaturally
enabling them to understand. In what way is this relevant for us
as we seek to make disciples today?
7 Write a brief summary of the Gospel as given by Jesus in verses
46-49.
8 The resurrection of Christ was a key theme in the preaching and
witnessing of the apostles.5 Why do you think this is such an
important part of the gospel message? (see 1 Corinthians 15:12-
19)
9 What evidence is there that this Good News is not just for the
Jews? (verse 47)
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149
10 What responsibility did Jesus give to the disciples? (verse 48)
11 Jesus said he would send what My Father has promised. What
is the gift that the Father promised? (see Acts 1:4-5)
12 What were the disciples to do first? (verse 49)
13 Why do you think it was important for the disciples to wait
until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit?
14 After the birth of the Church in Acts 2, believers receive the
Holy Spirit at the time of conversion.6 In what ways does the
Holy Spirit help us to be Christ’s witnesses today?
15 Compare the Great Commission as it is found in Matthew
28:16-20 with the version given here at the end of Luke. What
are the similarities?
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150
16 What are the differences?
17 What have you learned from your study of Luke 24:36-49 that
can help you be a more fruitful witness of Jesus Christ?
“Missionaries . . . are absolutely united in the convic-
tion that world evangelization is a divine enterprise, that
the Spirit of God is the great missioner, and that only as
He dominates the work and workers can we hope for
success in the undertaking to carry the knowledge of
Christ to all people.”7
ROBERT HALL GLOVER
� � � �
Digging Deeper
It is impossible to read the book of Acts without seeing the prom-
inent role played by the Holy Spirit. Not only is he mentioned
often, but the Holy Spirit is mentioned at key points in the Church’s
growth and development.
Read the instructions at the top of the chart that follows. After
looking up the references, write a brief summary of your discov-
eries in the space provided.
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151
A Sampling of References to the Holy Spirit
in the Book of Acts
INSTRUCTIONS: (1) For each reference, give a brief description of
the setting and a statement of the key idea. [See the first two refer-
ences for sample entries.] (2) Summarize what you discover. What
are the various ways in which the Holy Spirit is at work in the book
of Acts?
Acts 1:2 Post-resurrection Holy Spirit empowered
ministry of Christ Christ to teach.
SETTING KEY IDEA
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152
Acts 1:5 Jesus’ instructions Disciples would be baptized
to wait in Jerusalem. with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8
Acts 2:4
Acts 2:38-39
Acts 4:8
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153
SETTING KEY IDEA
Acts 4:31
Acts 6:5,9-10
Acts 8:29
Acts 9:31
Acts 10:19
Acts 10:44-47
SETTING KEY IDEA
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154
Acts 13:2
Acts 13:4
Acts 13:9
Acts 15:28
Acts 16:6-7
Acts 20:22-23
“I believe that the greatest lesson to learn in missions is
servanthood, not leadership. In a world where everybody vies
for positions of leadership, the Messiah’s missionary should take
the role of a servant.”1
MET CASTILLO
Executive Secretary, Missions Commission
Evangelical Fellowship of Asia
The Flightless Fowl
One time a young man was walking home from work. As he
passed the house of one of his neighbors he noticed a very
strange sight.
In his neighbor’s front yard were some chickens. And there among
the chickens was a large bird with powerful claws and a sharp beak.
The young man said to his neighbor, “That’s a very strange chicken
you have there. It looks like an eagle.”
“Yes,” said his neighbor. “It is an eagle. Let me tell you what
happened.
“One day my son was hiking up in the mountains and he spotted
an eagle’s nest. There were three eggs in the nest, so he took one
of them. When he got back he put that eagle egg under one of the
hens. Eventually the egg hatched, and that eagle has grown up
So Send I YouJohn 20:19-23
16
CHAPTER 16
thinking he’s a chicken.”
“Has it never tried to fly away?” asked the young man.
“No, I suspect it doesn’t even know it can fly,” said the neighbor.
“It just thinks it’s a chicken.”
The young man considered this for a minute, and then asked,
“Do you mind if I try something?”
The neighbor gave his permission, so the young man proceeded
with his plan. He picked up the eagle, held him above his head and
said, “You’re not a chicken. You’re an eagle!” Then he threw the
eagle up into the air.
156
With barely a flutter the eagle flipped over and landed on the
ground with a dull thud. It quickly jumped up and darted away.
The young man shook his head in bewilderment and went home.
The next day he was still troubled about the eagle that thought
it was a chicken, so he again stopped by his neighbor’s house. Again
he asked his neighbor if he could try something. The neighbor, being
an easy-going sort of guy, nodded his OK.
The young man asked for a ladder and propped it up against the
side of the house. Then he went to get the eagle. It was a little
harder this time, because the eagle—recognizing its tormentor of
the day before—took off running when it saw him coming. But
eventually the young man was able to round up the fleeing fowl,
tuck him under his arm and climb the ladder to the top of the roof.
He carefully walked over to the edge and raised the bird above
his head. “You’re not a chicken,” he said to the confused bird. “You’re
an eagle!” And with that he flung the bird into the air.
This time the eagle flipped over several times before finally land-
ing in a heap on the ground. Its eyes rolled back in its head, and the
young man thought for sure the bird was dead. But after a few
minutes it revived and staggered off to find a place where it could
hide from its crazy assailant.
The young man was exasperated. What could he do to help the
eagle regain its true identity? It was a shame for the magnificent
bird to go through life as a chicken. Surely there was a solution. He
couldn’t sleep much that night for puzzling over the problem. And
then an idea came to him.
He rose early in the morning while it was still dark. Quietly he
stole into his neighbor’s yard, crept into the hen house, and care-
fully grabbed the sleeping eagle from off its perch. He tucked the
eagle under his arm and began hiking toward the mountains.
For more than an hour he trudged across the foothills, and then
began climbing a path that would take him to the top of a cliff. By
the time he reached the plateau the sun was just rising on the
SO SEND I YOU
157
He took the bird
from under his arm,
held him above his
head, and shouted,
“You’re not a
chicken. You’re an
eagle. Fly!”
eastern horizon.
With grim determination he
marched to the edge of the cliff.
He was now more than 1000
meters high. Far below he could
barely make out the people and
animals. The wind came whis-
tling up the face of the cliff,
making his eyes water.
He took the bird from under
his arm, held him above his head, and shouted, “You’re not a chick-
en. You’re an eagle. Fly!”
With all his strength he threw the terrified eagle off the cliff.
Down, down the bird went. Expecting the worst, the eagle was
petrified with fear and had tucked its wings firmly around itself. Its
eyes were tightly shut. Any second it would hit the ground with an
impact that was sure to be fatal.
But as the speed of its fall increased, so did the force of the wind.
In spite of the eagle’s efforts to keep its wings folded, first one and
then the other was jerked open. With eyes still closed, the eagle
kept waiting to hit the ground. Why was it taking so long?
Finally, the eagle opened its eyes. To its amazement, the ground
was far below. In fact the surprised bird was soaring above the
top of the mountain. The eagle—with its sharp eyes—could see a
young man on the top of that mountain. And the man was saying,
“Remember—you’re not a chicken. You’re an eagle!”
Background
The appearance of Jesus in John 20:19-23 is the same as that
recorded in Luke 24:36-49, the passage we studied in the last
chapter. John, however, adds some details that Luke did not
include. This does not mean, of course, that the accounts are
contradictory. Rather, they are complementary.2
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158
As you read these verses in John 20, keep in mind that the disci-
ples have just gone from fear and utter despair to incredible joy.
Imagine how you would feel if you had been in their situation.
They had thought that Jesus was the Messiah. Never had they
met anyone like him before. His authoritative teaching—his kind
deeds—his powerful miracles. Surely he must be the Christ—the
Anointed One.
But then came the crucifixion. Confused and afraid, they ran
away. They deserted the One whom they had called “Master” and
“Lord”. Mocked by their own hopes and dreams, they cowered
behind locked doors, afraid that the religious leaders might arrest
them as well. What terrible guilt and despair must have filled their
hearts.
But by the evening of Resurrection Sunday, several people claimed
to have seen the risen Lord. Among them were Mary Magdalene,
Simon Peter, and the travelers on the road to Emmaus. However, to
the rest of the disciples it still seemed just too good to be true. And
then Jesus came and stood among them!
Searching the Scriptures
Read John 20:19-23
1 When did the events recounted in this passage occur? (verse 19)
2 In your own words, describe the setting. (verse 19)
SO SEND I YOU
159
3 If you had been one of the disciples—hiding behind locked doors
that first Sunday evening—what do you think would have been
going through your mind?
4 Even though the doors were locked, John tells us that Jesus came
and stood among them. What does that tell us about Jesus’
resurrection body? (Include what you learned from Luke 24:42-
43 in your answer.)
5 As we saw in Luke 24, Jesus began with the traditional Hebrew
greeting: Peace be with you. In John’s account, however, we learn
that Jesus repeated the greeting. Why do you think he did that?
6 In recounting the disciples’ response, John (unlike Luke) does
not mention their doubts or fears. How does John describe their
reaction when Jesus suddenly appeared among them?
7 Each account of the Great Commission contributes something
unique to our understanding. The key verse in John’s account is
verse 21. Write this verse in your own words. (You’ll find John
17:18 to be a helpful cross-reference.)
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160
8 Which of the following phrases best captures the meaning of
Jesus’ statement, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”?
(Check all of the phrases that apply.)3
_____ a) As Jesus died for the sins of the world, so we are
to die for the sins of the world.
_____ b) As Jesus was sent to represent the Father, so we
are sent to represent the Son.
_____ c) As Jesus was sent to make the Father known, so
we are sent to make God known.
_____ d) As Jesus bestowed the Spirit, so we are to give the
Holy Spirit to others.
_____ e) As Jesus was sent to minister in the power of the
Spirit, so we are sent to minister in the power of
the Spirit.
9 It is both humbling and sobering to realize that—just as the
Father sent the Son—so Christ has sent us. We are to be his
representatives in the world. In what ways are you represent-
ing Christ by your character and behavior?
10 How does God empower us to fulfill our role as his represent-
atives? (verse 22)
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161
Theologians are not in agreement as to whether the Holy
Spirit was given to the disciples at this time, or on the
day of Pentecost. But one thing is clear: God has given
us his Holy Spirit to enable us to do what he’s called
us to do. He has called us, commissioned us, and
empowered us. And it is only as we minister in the power
of the Spirit that we can be fruitful, Christ-like witnesses.
11 At first glance, verse 23 might look like it’s saying that we have
been given the authority to forgive sin. The grammar makes
it clear, however, that such is not the case.4 Rather, as we pro-
claim the gospel, we are proclaiming how sins can be for-
given. We are announcing the forgiveness of sins for those who
accept Christ as Savior and Lord.
Take a moment to pray and ask God to use you to share the
good news of salvation with someone this week.
You’re an Eagle!
Like the eagle in the parable at the beginning of this chapter, many
Christians do not really know who they are. They are not fulfilling
their destiny as sent ones. They are pecking after petty pursuits
rather than soaring on the winds of God’s grand purpose.
As Christ’s disciples, we are not to be caught up in self-centered
living. We are to be preoccupied with God’s purposes. We should
allow his concerns and goals to shape our lives.
Just as Christ was sent into the world with a mission, so we have
been sent with a mission. Christ paid the price for sins. We
announce that the price has been paid. Christ came as the Father’s
representative. We have been sent to represent Christ. Christ glori-
fied God by completing the work he had been given to do. We
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162
glorify God by completing the work we have been given to do.
Remember, you’re a sent one. Live in the freedom of forgiveness
and the joy of fulfilling God’s purposes for your life!
� � � �
Digging Deeper
A verse we considered earlier, to help us understand the meaning
of being sent by Jesus, was John 17:18. That verse falls in a passage
known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, for in those verses Jesus—like
a high priest—is interceding for his disciples ( John 17:6-26). And
not just for the early disciples, but for us also. In Jesus’ words, “I
pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message”
(John 17:20). Isn’t it thrilling to know that Jesus was thinking of
us in that prayer?
Read John 17:1-26
1 According to the first five verses, how did Jesus glorify the
Father?
2 List some of the things that Jesus prayed for his followers.
SO SEND I YOU
163
His Witnesses toa Waiting World
Acts 1:1-11
17
“There are grave difficulties on every hand, and more are
looming ahead—therefore we must go forward.”1
WILLIAM CAREY
1761-1834, India
Are We Missing Something?
“Lord, thanks so much for giving us your Holy Spirit. He is a
wonderful comfort to us.”
“I’m glad to hear that. He is the Comforter. But . . . .”
“Thanks that he also teaches us. It’s great to know that he helps
us as we study your Word.”
“You’re welcome. The Holy Spirit was sent to lead you into all
truth. But . . . .”
“And thanks, Lord, that the Holy Spirit has given us gifts so that
we can serve you.”
“Yes, that’s right. He was sent to enable you to serve me.
But . . . .”
“As a matter of fact, some of us, through the Spirit’s power, have
seen people healed and have delivered people from evil spirits.”
“That’s wonderful.
But . . . .”
“Yes, Lord?”
“I’m pleased that you
are aware of some of
the reasons why the
Spirit was sent to live
inside of you. But you
seem to be forgetting
something very impor-
tant.”
“What’s that, Lord?
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
“You will receive
power when the Holy
Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth.”
HIS WITNESSES TO A WAITING WORLD
165
CHAPTER 17
Background
This imaginary conversation highlights the fact that we sometimes
overlook one of the main purposes—if not the primary purpose
for which the Holy Spirit was given. Like Luke 24 and John 20,
this Great Commission passage in Acts shows that there is a direct
connection between the gift of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s
command to be his witnesses. Luke has already underscored that
connection in his gospel. Now he points it out again in his second
book, the book of Acts.
As you’ll see, the first three verses are an overview of Jesus’ Post-
Resurrection Ministry—his ministry between the time he rose from
the dead and ascended to heaven. Verses 4 and 5 seem to refer to
the appearance of Jesus which we have already studied in Chapters
14 and 15.2 Acts 1:6-8, on the other hand, describe Jesus’ last
appearance to his disciples on the day of his ascension. As we study
these verses, they are a good reminder that we can’t proclaim the
glory of Easter without the power of Pentecost.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Acts 1:1-11
1 How much time passed between Christ’s resurrection and his
ascension into heaven? (verse 3)
2 What did Jesus do during this time? (verses 1-3)
166
3 Why was it important for Jesus to give many convincing proofs
that he was alive? (verse 3)
4 In your own words, what did Jesus say in verses 4-5?
5 Did the disciples understand that the kingdom would not come
right away? Explain. (verse 6)
6 What are we to do instead of speculating about the time of Christ’s
return? (verses 7-8)
7 Why were the disciples to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit—
the gift promised by the Father? (verses 4-5, 8)
8 According to verse 8, for what purpose is the Holy Spirit given?
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167
9 What does it mean to be a witness of Jesus Christ?
10 Where did Jesus tell his disciples that they would be
witnesses?
As we read the chapters that follow, we see that Acts
1:8 forms a rough outline for the book of Acts. Chap-
ters 1-7 tell of the Church’s witness in Jerusalem. The
witness to Judea and Samaria is recounted in chapters
8-10. The Church begins to reach the ends of the earth
in chapters 11-28. These areas can be thought of as
concentric circles, with Jerusalem at the center.
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168
Ends of the Earth
Judea
Samaria
Jerusalem
11 What is the significance of verses 7-8 for us today?
12 From the perspective of your church, thinking geographically,
what is your:
Jerusalem:
Judea:
Samaria:
Ends of the earth:
13 What is your church doing to reach out to these various areas?
• Your Jerusalem:
• Your Judea:
• Your Samaria:
• Your “ends of the earth”:
HIS WITNESSES TO A WAITING WORLD
169
As you trace the expansion of the Church in the book of
Acts, you will notice that the gospel was crossing not
only geographical boundaries but also cultural bound-
aries. At first the disciples witnessed only to other Jews.
Then they took the gospel to some transitional people:
• the Samaritans (half-Jews)
• the Ethiopian eunuch (a religious sympathizer)
• and Cornelius (a God-fearer).
Eventually, the disciples began to evangelize outright
Gentiles.
At first, therefore, the disciples were reaching people
like themselves. Then they shared the gospel with people
who were somewhat different. Finally, they took the
gospel to people whose cultures were very different from
their own.
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170
Jews
Cornelius
Gentiles
SamaritansEthiopian Eunuch
14 How can we apply this concept to our churches today? On the
first line below, write the name of your own culture (e.g. Badjao,
Manobo, Cebuano).
•
Now write the name of a people group with a culture that is
different from yours, but not radically so:
•
Finally, write the name of a people group with a radically dif-
ferent culture from yours.
•
15 What role do you think God might want your church to have
in reaching one or more of these people groups?
16 What do you think is God saying to you personally through
these verses?
17 What did Jesus do after giving his disciples these last-minute
instructions? (verse 9)
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171
18 How will Christ return? (verses 10-11)
His Last Command
It’s sobering to think that the words that we read in Acts 1:6-8 are
Christ’s last recorded instructions. Of all the things he could have
said before he rose to heaven, this is what he chose to say—his
parting words.
Do his words sound familiar? Hundreds of years earlier, the
prophet Isaiah recorded God’s plans for his Servant, the Messiah:
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my
salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). As Christ’s wit-
nesses, we now have a vital part in the fulfillment of his mission.
In order to capture both the geographical and cultural dimen-
sions of the task given to us, we might summarize our evangelistic
responsibility in this way:
we are to be Christ’s witnesses,
in the power of the Spirit,
to all kinds of people everywhere.
Does this responsibility seem overwhelming—like an impossible
undertaking? It would be—if we were to approach the task in our
own strength. But God never intended that world evangelization
would be accomplished through human energy and intelligence.
Rather, he has graciously given us his Holy Spirit to enable us to
carry out the work he’s given us to do.
� � � �
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172
Digging Deeper
The book of Acts records the expansion of the Church across
geographical and cultural barriers. Each of the following passages
recounts a significant advance of the gospel. For each passage, fill
in the chart on the following page by answering these questions:
• Who is/are the evangelist/s?
• Who is the audience?
• What kind of cultural barrier is being crossed (or will be
crossed) as a result of this outreach?
• What prompted this particular outreach? Was it human initia-
tive, persecution, God’s supernatural intervention, etc.?
• What evidence is there of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment or
involvement?
The passages listed on the chart that follows are just a sampling
of the evangelistic encounters in the book of Acts. But they will give
you some valuable insights regarding the way the early Christians
evangelized the world of their day. Note especially the role of the
Holy Spirit in the advancement of the gospel. (The first encounter
is filled in as an example.)
HIS WITNESSES TO A WAITING WORLD
173
Passage Evangelist/s Audience Cultural BarrierWhat prompted this
outreach?Evidence of Holy Spirit’s
Involvement
Acts 2:1-41 Peter
Evangelistic Encounters in Acts
“God-fearing Jewsfrom every nationunder heaven” (2:5).
Minimal. Althoughthey came fromvarious parts of theRoman empire, theywere all Jews.
God’s initiative: thesending of the HolySpirit with spectacu-lar signs.
Acts 8:1-8
Acts 8:26-40
Acts 10
Acts 11:19-21
Acts 13:1-12
The Holy Spiritdrew the people’sinterest throughdramatic signs.
The Only Way?Acts 4:1-23
18
“It has been well for me to remember, when speaking to
others, that I am a dying man speaking to dying souls.”1
T.J. BACH
1881-1963, Venezuela
Mang Pedro’s Map
Nestled near the foot of Mt. Fortuna, the little town of San
Clemente was the home of roughly 70 families. Ignoring the
threat posed by the dormant volcano, the residents grew rice, coco-
nuts and bananas.
True, there had been a terrible explosion years ago which had
covered the original settlement with ash and lava. But for a long
time Mt. Fortuna had been sleeping, and the people stayed. When
asked why they chose to live so near a volcano the townspeople
simply said, “The land is good. And if The Lady wakes up, bahala
na.2”
Mang3 Pedro was the town mayor. It was mostly an honorary
title, but he did have one important duty—one which had been
passed down for generations. If ever Mt. Fortuna erupted, he was
to direct the townspeople to safety.
A map had been given to him along with this solemn responsibil-
ity. It showed the various roads leading out of San Clemente. At
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first glance, one might think that the obvious choice was to take the
only paved road that left town and connected with the national
highway. But that choice would be unwise, as the paved road curved
back near the base of Mt. Fortuna.
Two other smaller roads were shown—both of them barely more
than footpaths made larger by carabao carts. But only one of these
led to safety. This was marked with a bright red line.
One night the people of San Clemente were shocked out of their
slumber by what felt like an earthquake. Rushing outside they were
stunned to see a plume of smoke rising from the top of Mt. Fortuna.
Within minutes the town was in chaos. Some were loading carts
with their belongings. Others were trying to round up chickens and
176
goats. Children were crying.
The cloud of ash over Mt.
Fortuna was growing with
every new convulsion of the
awakening giant.
And then as the villagers
watched in horror, a crack opened on the side of the killer moun-
tain. Molten lava began to pour down its side. Consuming every-
thing in its path, the fiery river was heading straight for San
Clemente.
Panic-stricken people dropped what they were carrying and began
running for the paved road. Struggling to make himself heard above
the tumult, Mang Pedro shouted, “Follow me. I know the way out.”
But they weren’t listening.
Grabbing the arm of one of his neighbors, Mang Pedro said, “No!
We must go this way. It’s the only way.” But the neighbor wrenched
free and joined the crowd going the other direction.”
“Don’t you understand?” yelled Mang Pedro in dismay. “I have
the map. There’s only one way.”
Background
In a day of religious pluralism4, it is not popular to declare that
there is only one way of salvation. Growing numbers of people
prefer to believe that there are many ways to God. Furthermore,
those who maintain that Christ is the only way are seen as being
intolerant and narrow-minded. How should we respond?
Should we cave in to the pressures of pluralism and preach Christ
—if at all—as only one among several viable options? Should we
tone down our message for the sake of being more tolerant? Do we
really have a right to preach Christ as the only way?
The answers to these questions, of course, must come from Scrip-
ture. For as followers of Christ we take our orders from King Jesus,
not from the world around us.
THE ONLY WAY?
Mang Pedro shouted,
“Follow me. I know
the way out.” But they
weren’t listening.
177
The early disciples faced similar pressures to compromise their
message. We can learn much not only from their example, but from
the truths they proclaimed.
The background to the verses we’ll be studying is found in Acts
3. Peter and John were on their way to the temple when they were
stopped by a crippled beggar. In a wonderful display of God’s
gracious healing power, the beggar was miraculously healed (Acts
3:1-10). This miracle caused quite a crowd to gather, so Peter took
the opportunity to preach. (You can read his powerful sermon in
Acts 3:11-26.) This brings us to Acts 4.
Searching the Scriptures
Read Acts 4:1-4
1 How did the religious leaders feel about Peter and John preach-
ing to the people?
2 What did the religious leaders do?
3 How did the people respond to the preaching of Peter and John?
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Read Acts 4:5-7
4 The rulers, elders and teachers of the Law were the three groups
that made up the Sanhedrin, Israel’s supreme court. In your own
words, what question did they ask Peter and John?
5 Peter and John were fishermen. They had neither power, nor
position, nor prestige. And now here they were in front of some
of the most powerful Jews in Israel. How would you have felt if
you were in their shoes?
Read Acts 4:8-12
6 Why do you think Peter was able to speak so boldly?5
7 How did Peter answer their question: “By what power or what
name did you do this?”
8 What does Peter’s statement in verse 12 tell us about the way of
salvation?
THE ONLY WAY?
179
The word name in verses 10 and 12 is not to be under-
stood in some sort of animistic sense, as if the words
Jesus Christ had some sort of magical power. In biblical
times, a person’s name represented the person himself
or herself, along with that person’s characteristics.
Therefore, we could paraphrase verse 10 like this:
It is by the person and power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
. . . that this man stands before you healed. Similarly, we
can paraphrase verse 12 as follows: Salvation is found
in no one else, for there is no other person under heaven
given to men by whom we must be saved.
9 Read John 14:6. Write Jesus’ statement in your own words.
10 Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. How many mediators are there between
God and people?
Read Acts 4:13-17
11 What impression did the apostles’ courageous stand have on
the Sanhedrin?
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12 Note that Peter and John were unschooled, ordinary men.
Yet look how powerfully they were used in the hands of an
Almighty God. How can this be an encouragement to us?
13 What course of action did the Sanhedrin decide to take?
Read Acts 4:18-23
14 What command did the religious leaders give Peter and John?
15 How did Peter and John respond?
16 What lessons can we learn from the courageous example of
Peter and John?
•
•
•
THE ONLY WAY?
181
No Other Way
Suppose Mang Pedro had said to himself, “Well, even though the
map shows only one way, perhaps the map is wrong. After all, it is
very old. Maybe there really are other ways to safety that are not
shown on the map. Surely all those people can’t be wrong.”
We would surely condemn Mang Pedro for such irresponsible
hypothesizing. The true way had been revealed to him, and he has
no right to suggest other possibilities.
And so it is with us. The way of salvation has been clearly
revealed to us in Scripture—not one way among many, but the
only way. The Bible says nothing about an alternate plan. There-
fore, we have no right to suggest any other possibility, no matter
how unpopular it might be to insist on Christ as the only way of
salvation. Yes, in a sense we are narrow-minded, but only because
Scripture itself teaches that narrow is the road that leads to life
(Matthew 7:13-14).
By all means we want to avoid causing unnecessary offense by
having a belligerent or insensitive attitude. As Peter teaches, we
want to contend for the faith with gentleness and respect (1 Peter
3:15-16). Nevertheless, there will surely be times when we will be
accused of being intolerant. At such times we must remember that
we have the Map. And it reveals only one way.
� � � �
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Digging Deeper
Read Acts 16:16-34
1 What was the jailer’s question? (verse 30)
2 How did Paul and Silas answer his question? (verse 31)
3 From this passage, what would you say is the way of salvation?
(verses 31-34)
183
THE ONLY WAY?
Let My PeopleGo!
Acts 13:1-5
19
“The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning.”1
EMIL BRUNNER
A Diabolical Dialogue
The demon slithered into Satan’s presence and groveled at his
feet. “You sent for me, your Infernal Majesty?”
“Yes,” answered the Prince of Darkness in a voice that sounded
like death. “My plans are not working. We’ve tried persecution
from the outside and sin from the inside, but it didn’t stop the
followers of the Enemy. They just keep multiplying.” The demon
could sense Satan’s anger looming like a dark storm cloud.
“I’m sorry,” whined the demon. “We’re doing everything we can.
We tried to stop them by causing division over the feeding of the
widows, but that didn’t sidetrack them for long. And then we thought
for sure that we could put an end to them by getting rid of Stephen.
The persecution that followed was a great success . . .”
“Success?” bellowed Satan. “You call that a success?” The demon
was now shaking. “All you did was to scatter the followers of the
enemy all over the place. And everywhere they go they’re talking
about Him. There are even some Gentiles who have become fol-
lowers of you-know-who. Can you believe it—they call themselves
Christians. Christ-followers!” He spat the words out as if they had
a foul taste.
Trembling with fear the evil spirit said, “Yes, O Putrid Prince,
it’s true that there is now an assembly in Antioch. But we think we
can contain the movement there.”
The demon was quivering and drooling on himself. Satan
pondered his underling’s words for a moment before responding.
A fiendish gleam was in his eye. “Alright then, you may go. But
make sure that they stay in Antioch. Get them focused on them-
selves. Convince them that they need to consolidate their gains
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LET MY PEOPLE GO!
CHAPTER 19
and forget about outreach. Distract them with dissension.
Anything—just don’t let them spread beyond Antioch.”
The demon began backing away from Satan’s throne, eager to
escape the cruel scrutiny of his evil lord.
“And watch out particularly for the one called Saul,” Satan
concluded. “I’ve heard rumors that the enemy has special plans
for him. That’s the last thing we need.”
Background
After its birth on the day of Pentecost, the Church expanded across
both geographic and cultural boundaries. At first it may have looked
like the gospel was not going to go any farther than Jerusalem. But
then, following the martyrdom of Stephen, “a great persecution
broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles
were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (8:1). Like striking
a charcoal fire with a palu-palo,2 the persecution did not put out
the flame but only spread it to other areas.
As a matter of fact, not only did this persecution force believers
into Judea and Samaria, but even to more distant areas such as
Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch (11:19). And wherever they went,
they preached the Word (8:4).
At first they preached only to Jews. But some of them, Hellenistic3
Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene, also shared the gospel with Gentiles
at Antioch. Many accepted the message of salvation and became
followers of Jesus Christ (11:20-21).
The church at Jerusalem soon dispatched Barnabas to look into
the situation. Even more people came to the Lord through his
ministry. Then Barnabas recruited Paul to help him shepherd the
new believers at Antioch.4 “So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul
met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The
disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26).
We get a glimpse of the generosity of the church at Antioch from
an event that is recorded at the end of chapter 11. Luke reports that
186
the disciples at Antioch learned (from a prophet named Agabus)
that a “severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world”
(Acts 11:28). So what did they do?
Did they hoard their resources? After all, they were part of the
area that would be affected. No! Luke writes, “The disciples, each
according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers
living in Judea” (Acts 11:29)
Amazing! Faced with the certainty of a famine that would surely
affect them, they chose to share what they had with others. And
they sent their gift to the elders in Jerusalem by Barnabas and Saul.5
With this background, then, the stage is set for the sending of the
first missionaries.6
Searching the Scriptures
Read Acts 11:19-26
1 How was this church founded?
2 Who did God use to pastor these believers?
3 What can we conclude about Barnabas’s character from these
verses? (See also Acts 4:36-37)
LET MY PEOPLE GO!
187
Read Acts 12:25
4 Who accompanied Barnabas and Saul when they returned from
taking the famine gift to Jerusalem?
Read Acts 13:1-5
5 Who were the prophets and teachers at Antioch?
•
•
•
•
•
6 What were they doing when the Holy Spirit spoke to them?
7 What does this imply about these five leaders?
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8 Have you ever spent an extended period of time in prayer and
worship? Many people have found that this has been an excel-
lent way of drawing closer to the Lord, and of more clearly
discerning his will. Why not schedule a personal retreat in the
near future? You could set aside a day for worship, Bible read-
ing, prayer—and fasting, too, if you like. Specifically, ask the
Lord what role he’d like you to have in helping to fulfill the
Great Commission.
Personal retreat: [date]
9 Pastors, have you and the leaders of your church taken
extended time recently to come before the Lord in prayer and
worship—earnestly seeking his direction for your church?
Perhaps this is something God would like you to do in the near
future.
I encourage you to set a date now for a meeting with your
church leaders. This could be a special time of prayer and fast-
ing, worshiping God and asking him how your church might
more completely fulfill his plans for you. Ask him to guide
and mobilize your church as you seek to obey the Great
Commission.
Special meeting of church leaders for prayer and fasting:
[date]
10 What did the Holy Spirit command these leaders to do?7
LET MY PEOPLE GO!
189
11 How did the leaders respond?8
12 Do you think that—humanly speaking—the church at Antioch
might have been reluctant to send off two of their key leaders?
How would you have felt if you had been a member of that
congregation?
13 How about your church? Are there some in your congregation
that God might want to send out as missionaries? Perhaps you!
How thrilling to know that your church, too, can have a role
in evangelizing unreached people groups.
• What steps can you take to discern whom God might want
to use as cross-cultural witnesses?
• How can they be trained for cross-cultural witness?
The Spirit of Missions
In Chapter 16 we noted that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of
Missions. Not only is he given to empower our witness (Acts 1:8),
but we see that he is often specifically named at key points in the
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advancement of the gospel. Here in Acts 13 it is the Holy Spirit
who commands the leaders at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and
Saul for the unique ministry to which they had been called.
And although we read in verse 3 that they placed their hands on
them and sent them off, ultimately Barnabas and Saul were sent on
their way by the Holy Spirit (verse 4).
Being a congregation which counted Hellenistic Jews and Greeks
among its members (Acts 11:20-21), the church at Antioch was
uniquely suited to evangelize Gentiles. In God’s sovereignty, Filipi-
nos also have some unique opportunities to spread the gospel among
the world’s Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists.
Just think of all the Filipinos working in the Middle East and
Southeast Asia. Consider the fact that many Filipinos speak
English, learn new languages easily and adapt to new cultures quickly.
In addition, the rapid multiplication of churches in the Philippines
over the last 25 years is creating a strong missionary-sending base.
No doubt about it. The Philippines has the potential of making
a major contribution to the evangelization of the world’s unreached
peoples.
But isn’t there still much to do in the Philippines? Of course. But
wasn’t there still much to do at Antioch? Certainly, and yet the
Holy Spirit chose two of the key leaders to help spread the gospel
elsewhere.
It’s the same today. The Holy Spirit is still selecting and equip-
ping people to serve him cross-culturally. The question is, will we
hear and heed his voice?
� � � �
LET MY PEOPLE GO!
191
Digging Deeper
Another example of missionary sending is recorded in Acts 15:36-
41.
1 What similarities do you see between this passage and the send-
ing of Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13?
•
•
•
2 What differences can you identify?
•
•
•
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Beautiful FeetRomans 10:1-15
20
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he
cannot lose.”1
J IM ELLIOT
1927-1956, Ecuador
Links in a Chain
Like so many other barangays in Metro Manila, Escopa was a
jumble of hollow-block houses and shacks. Perched on the top
of a hill at the edge of Quezon City, some of the homes clung pre-
cariously to the slope like bloated spiders, slender poles supporting
shaky shanties.
Aling Merced had been living in Escopa ever since she and her
husband had moved to Manila from Masbate looking for work.
They both had succeeded in finding jobs, but even with long hours
of working and careful saving they still barely had enough to make
ends meet. “And soon there will be another mouth to feed,” thought
Aling Merced as she patted her swollen abdomen.
The young mother was jerked out of her musings by shouts from
outside. What were they saying? “Fire! Fire!” Rushing to the door,
she could see an orange glow in the night sky just a few houses
down the narrow street. Was it coming this way? She knew their
house would be consumed in an instant if the fire reached them.
Quickly she herded the children outside, then dashed back to
gather a few precious items. These she dumped into a pillowcase
and ran back to join her children. She could smell the smoke now
as the flames came relentlessly closer.
Fortunately for the residents of Escopa, a fire station was located
just below them on Maj. Santos Dizon. Alerted by a phone call, fire
trucks were soon dispatched. Like threading a needle, the driver of
the first truck carefully maneuvered his way close to the burning
houses. With the captain directing their efforts, the firemen trained
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194
their hoses on the houses at the center of the inferno, as well as on
those nearby. Due to their swift response, the fire was soon under
control. Amazingly, Aling Merced’s house was spared.
Who was most important in rescuing Aling Merced’s house? That’s
a foolish question, isn’t it, because it was obviously a team effort.
The alert observer who called the fire station. The dispatcher who
sent the trucks. The captain who supervised his crew. The firemen
who put out the blaze. All of them had a crucial role to play. As we
will see in the following passage, it is the same in missions.
Background
The nation of Israel rejected its Messiah. Paul addressed the
problem of Jewish unbelief in Romans 9-11. One of his main points
is that Israel had the opportunity to hear the gospel, but failed to
accept God’s provision of righteousness through faith in Christ.
Tucked away in chapter 10 is a wonderful passage that discusses
the essentials of salvation and evangelism. Paul addresses this vital
question: What is necessary for people to become followers of Christ?
Searching the Scriptures
Read Romans 10:1-4
1 According to these verses, how does one obtain righteousness?
2 Why did the Israelites not have the righteousness that comes from
God? (verse 3)
BEAUTIFUL FEET
195
Read Romans 10:5-10
3 According to verses 9-10, how does one become a Christian?
heart — We normally think of the heart as the center of
our emotions and affections. But in biblical terms it is
also the center of the intellect and will.
4 What do you think it means to believe and confess?
Read Romans 10:11-13
5 What additional insights do we gain about salvation from verse
11?
6 How do verses 12-13 reveal God’s concern for the Gentiles (non-
Jews)?
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196
7 Is there any difference in the way that Jews and Gentiles are
saved? Explain your answer.
8 What do you think it means to call on the name of the Lord?
(See Acts 16:31)
Read Romans 10:14-15
9 Write verses 14-15 in your own words.
10 How do verses 14-15 underscore the importance of evangel-
ism? Explain the logical flow of Paul’s thought in these two
verses.
11 It is clear that both goers (missionaries) and senders are needed
if everyone in the world is to have a chance to hear the gospel.
In what sense are all Christians to be goers?
BEAUTIFUL FEET
197
12 In what sense are we to be senders?
Two other roles that are vital to the missions enterprise are those
of welcomer and mobilizer.
Welcomers Welcomers do not go to other countries, but they
welcome those of other cultures who come to us.
For example, I have several friends in Los Baños, Laguna, who reach
out to those from other countries who have come to study at the
University of the Philippines, or at IRRI (International Rice
Research Institute). Some of these students come from countries
which are closed to traditional missionary approaches. The hugely
significant role of welcomers, therefore, is to share the gospel with
these students in word and deed.
Mobilizers Mobilizers are not necessarily working cross-
culturally themselves, but their important role is to
help churches and denominations to become more involved in world
missions at home and abroad. There are a number of missions
mobilizers throughout the Philippines whom God is using in
marvelous ways to build and strengthen the missions movement.
Perhaps this is a ministry you could undertake in your local church.
13 There are still millions of people who cannot call on the name
of the Lord for salvation, because they know nothing about
Him. They can’t believe in Christ because they’ve never really
heard who He is and what He’s done. If they hear and have an
opportunity to believe, it will be because some go, some send,
some welcome and some mobilize. What do you think is God’s
role for you? (Choose from the boxes on the next page.)
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q Goer q Welcomer
q Sender q Mobilizer
14 What steps will you take to fulfill God’s role for you?
� � � �
Digging Deeper
When we study the history of missions we normally read of those
who went to new areas or new peoples. Often little is recorded
about those who sent these missionaries, and yet their role is equally
important.
A wonderful example of giving to missions is found in Paul’s
letter to the church at Philippi. Read of the generosity of this church
in Philippians 4:10-20.
1 Was this church young or old when it began to assist Paul finan-
cially? (verse 15)
2 Were all churches as generous as the Philippians? (verse 15)
BEAUTIFUL FEET
199
3 What can we learn about the Philippians from verse 16?
4 To what extent is your church following the example of the church
at Philippi?
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His CompellingLove
2 Corinthians 5:14-21
21
“When we only seek eminence and position, how few avenues
are open! When we seek service, how many—all with wide gates,
and loud calls, and pleading invitations, to come where work,
and room, and reward await all!”1
ISABELLA THOBURN
1840-1901, India
Bought with a Price
There she stood on the auction block. She could feel the eyes of
the potential buyers roaming over her, evaluating her worth.
Their callous scrutiny made her skin crawl. She wanted to cry out,
“I am Maridadi2 ! I am not a slave. I am the beautiful daughter of a
powerful chief.” But looking down at the chains which bound her
ankles and the torn, dirty dress which hung on her thin body, she
thought sadly, “I am no longer beautiful. I’m ugly. My beauty has
been taken away like a crushed flower.”
Maridadi, a Swahili girl, had been taken from her family and
sold to Arab slave traders for a few cheap gifts. They in turn had
sold her to English slave traders who had shipped her to
America. Her first master,
the owner of a cotton
plantation, had been
cruel and abused
her. One year the
crops were poor.
He lost what
money he had
in a drunken
gambling spree.
He was finally
forced to sell
some of his
slaves to make
ends meet.
And that had
brought
Maridadi back
to the slave
auction.
The indignity
was overwhelming.
What would her next master be like? She determined that if he was
like the last one she would certainly run away, or die in the attempt.
The bidding had begun. She heard the voices as from far away.
“Sold!” Rough hands removed the chains around her ankles and
led her off the platform. She watched as a tall man shouldered his
way through the crowd to the bottom of the steps. With anxiety she
looked into his eyes, expecting to see him coldly calculating the
value of his purchase. But instead she saw compassion. What kind
of man was this?
The ride to the stranger’s plantation passed through lush green
valleys, but she scarcely noticed the beauty. Her mind was a jumble
of unfinished thoughts. She knew better than to wish for happiness,
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but in spite of herself she couldn’t keep hope from springing up
inside her.
More surprises awaited her when they arrived. The man’s wife
had been expecting them, and smiled as Maridadi stepped down
from the wagon. She took her to a room on the ground floor, showed
her some clothes laid out on her bed, and pointed to a large tub
where she was to take a bath. “When you’re done,” she said, “there
will be supper for you in the kitchen.” Maridadi simply nodded,
still unable to accept her good fortune.
In a daze Maridadi washed herself and put on her new clothes.
Timidly she made her way to the kitchen. A heavy-set woman was
working at the sink and turned as Maridadi made her approach.
“Ahhh, you must be the new woman,” she said with a smile. “You
sit now and eat.” Then, eyeing the newcomer’s bony frame the
cook added, “We fatten you up real soon.”
When she awoke the next morning it took several moments be-
fore Maridadi realized where she was. It hadn’t been a dream! But
what time was it? The sun was streaming through the curtains and
she could hear snatches of conver-
sation from other parts of the
house. Not wanting to make her
new owner angry she quickly
washed her face, dressed and ran
to the kitchen. She stopped
abruptly when she saw that her new
owner was seated at the table.
Seeing the worry in her face
the man said, “It’s OK. You’re safe
here. Come. Sit and eat.”
When Maridadi hesitated the man continued, “Child, you’ve been
bought with a price. You now belong to me. You can live here and
work here, and if someday you want to leave—you are free to go. I
bought you so that I could set you free.”
HIS COMPELLING LOVE
“Child, you’ve
been bought with
a price. You now
belong to me. . . .
I bought you so
that I could set
you free.”
203
Was she hearing him correctly? For the first time since she had
been torn from her family Maridadi was beginning to think she
might be happy again. Finally she could hold back the tears of joy
no longer. “Why would I ever want to leave?” she said. “I owe you
my life. I will serve you gladly.”
Background
Paul wrote the letter we call 2 Corinthians about A.D. 55 from
Macedonia during his Third Missionary Journey. He had already
made two visits to Corinth—and he was getting ready to make an-
other visit to deal personally with some problems that had arisen.
Specifically, some false teachers had infiltrated the church and
were questioning both Paul’s authority as an apostle as well as his
personal integrity.
For example, Paul had been collecting an offering for poor Chris-
tians in Jerusalem. These troublemakers in Corinth were insinuat-
ing that Paul was really putting the money in his own pocket.
Another accusation seems to have been that Paul was mentally
imbalanced. What else, his detractors suggested, could explain his
unusual behavior? Paul himself describes what he’d endured for the
sake of the gospel in chapter 11. Perhaps it was just this radical
commitment to Christ that Paul’s accusers interpreted as evidence
of being out of his mind. In any case, this seems to be the charge
he’s answering in 2 Corinthians 5:13.
So even though it was very distasteful to him to do so, Paul found
it necessary to defend his ministry. That was one of his primary
purposes in writing 2 Corinthians. And it is in explaining why he
served God with such selfless abandon that Paul also provides us
with several great motives for missions.
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Searching the Scriptures
Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-13
1 What do you think Paul meant in verse 11 by fearing the Lord?
(See verses 9-10; see also Romans 14:9-12)
2 In light of the fact that we will all eventually have to give an
account of our lives before God, how should we live on this
earth?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
3 How did Christ show his love for us? (See also 1 John 3:16)
4 In what way does Christ’s love compel us?
5 Why should we no longer live for ourselves? (See also
1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
HIS COMPELLING LOVE
205
6 Think about the goals you are pursuing, and the way you’re
investing your time, energy and resources. To what extent would
you say you are living for Christ, and not for self?
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, nothing that
I can ever do for Him should be called a sacrifice.”3
C.T. STUDD
Missionary to China, India and Africa
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
7 Why is it now possible for us to live for Christ, and not for self?
8 In what ways has God made you a new creation in Christ? How
has God changed you?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
9 What ministry has God given us? Describe this ministry in your
own words.
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206
10 In your own words, how would you summarize this message
of reconciliation?
CHARGE IT TO ME
A beautiful and heartwarming illustration of reconcilia-
tion is given to us in the book of Philemon. Philemon
was a Christian in Colosse. One of his slaves, Onesimus,
had apparently stolen from him and ran away. Under
Roman law, this offense was punishable by death. Even-
tually Onesimus met Paul and became a Christian.
Although Paul would have preferred that Onesimus
stay with him, he sends him back to his master. And
along with him he sends this letter, appealing to Philemon
to accept Onesimus back not just as a slave, but as a
brother in the Lord.
Furthermore, as the reconciler, Paul is willing to bear
the consequences of Onesimus’ sin. He says in verse 18,
“If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything,
charge it to me.”
That’s exactly what Jesus has done for us. When he
hung on the cross he was saying to the Father, “All the
wrong that they have done—charge it to me.”
This is the heart of the gospel, the good news: Jesus
Christ bore our sins so that we could be reconciled to
God. This is the message that people need to hear.
HIS COMPELLING LOVE
207
11 What do you think it means that God has committed to us the
message of reconciliation?
12 Paul says that we are Christ’s ambassadors. Which of the fol-
lowing sentences best captures the meaning of this phrase?
Circle the letter of the correct answer.
a) We are important people, like politicians. We deserve
respect.
b) We should travel to far places, like ambassadors of coun-
tries.
c) We are Christ’s representatives. We should speak to
people on his behalf, imploring them to be reconciled
to God.
13 We are not all called to be missionaries—those who take the
gospel to other cultures. But we are all called to be ambassa-
dors. What an amazing privilege! In what ways are you fulfill-
ing your role as an ambassador of Christ?
Those Marvelous Moravians
On October 8, 1732, more than half a century before William Carey
left England for India, a Dutch sailing vessel eased out of the
harbor in Copenhagen. It was bound for the Danish West Indies.
On board were Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann. They were
part of a remarkable Christian community known as the Moravians.
The Moravians were spiritual descendants of John Huss who
had been burned at the stake in 1415. After Huss’ death his
CHAPTER 21
208
followers went underground and managed to survive in central
Europe. In 1722 they migrated farther north and asked for refuge
on the estate of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf. They came
to be known as the Moravians because they came from Moravia.
Zinzendorf agreed, and they named their village Herrnhut—The
Lord’s Watch.
While in Copenhagen on affairs of state in 1731, Zinzendorf
met a black man from the island of St. Thomas who had been brought
to Europe and who had become a Christian. This man urged Zin-
zendorf to send missionaries to his people in the Danish West Indies.
Zinzendorf brought the challenge back to the Moravian brethren at
Herrnhut. Dober, a potter, and Nitschmann, a carpenter, responded.
Keep in mind that this was before the day of William Carey. This
was before the proliferation of Protestant mission societies at the
beginning of the 19th century. For almost all Christians, and
certainly for society at large, it was unthinkable for whites to go to
the West Indies to seek to convert black slaves. It is amazing that
the Moravians were willing to go against the tide of current think-
ing and send these two missionaries. Even more astounding, so
committed was Dober to the call of evangelizing black slaves in the
West Indies, that he was willing to become a slave if necessary.
In the decade from 1732-1742 the Moravians commissioned 70
missionaries—from a community of not more than six hundred
inhabitants! Think of it. More than 10% of their members became
missionaries.
They sent missionaries to 28 different countries in 28 years. In
1792, 60 years after Dober and Nietschman had sailed for the West
Indies, the Moravians had sent out 300 missionaries.4
What motivated these Moravian missionaries to take such a
radical step of obedience? What possessed them? What was the
driving force that pushed them to such selfless obedience? Nothing
less than Christ’s compelling love.
HIS COMPELLING LOVE
209
They realized that they had been bought with a price and that
they no longer had a right to their own lives. They gratefully
responded to Christ’s great love by giving themselves in willing
service to him who died for them and rose again.
We, too, have been bought with a price. We now belong to God.
Yet our service is not something we do grudgingly or unwillingly.
No, we will become zealous ambassadors of Christ as we allow his
compelling love to fill our hearts and motivate our service.
“I have one passion. It is He and He alone.”5
COUNT NICHOLAS LUDWIG VON ZINZENDORF
Leader of the Moravian Brethren
� � � �
Digging Deeper
1 Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Meditate for a few minutes on the
following key phrases:
• Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
• You are not your own.
• You were bought at a price.
2 Now write at least one implication for each phrase. One way to
spark your imagination is by adding the word therefore as in the
chart which follows.
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210
IMPLICATION
My body is a temple Therefore, I will
of the Holy Spirit.
I am not my own. Therefore,
I was bought Therefore,
at a price.
3 What do you think it means to honor God with your body?
HIS COMPELLING LOVE
211
PHRASE
Why Pray?1 Timothy 2:1-7
22
“Brother, if you would enter that Province, you must go forward
on your knees.”1
J. HUDSON TAYLOR
1832-1905, China
Prayer in Parañaque
Brother Doming greeted the members as they entered the small
church. Located in a noisy subdivision on the outskirts of Metro
Manila, Parañaque Christian Fellowship was having its weekly prayer
meeting.
After singing a few songs, the believers got down to the business
at hand. Brother Doming directed the meeting. “All right then, why
don’t we share our prayer requests?”
We need to pray for Bro. Rolly,” volunteered one voice from the
back. “I just heard that he has a very high fever.”
“And for Ate Gemma,” said another. “She has high-blood pres-
sure.”
“I’m taking the nurses exam next week,” added a young student.
“Please pray that I’ll remember what I’ve studied.”
More requests came quickly. “Brother Willy is returning to Saudi
on Saturday. We should pray for safe travel.”
“I’m looking for a job,” added Bro. Vic. “The factory where I
was working just laid off a bunch of us.” Heads nodded in under-
standing. It was an all-too-common occurrence.
“Could we pray for funds to buy a karaoke?” asked the worship
leader. “It’s hard to hear without some sort of sound system. Espe-
cially when the planes fly over.” The church was not far from the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and when the jumbo jets roared
off the runway they tended to drown out conversation in the church.
The meeting almost got derailed as several members began to
discuss the merits of various brands of karaokes, but Doming
managed to get things back on track.
213
WHY PRAY?
CHAPTER 22
For the next few minutes the
members shared prayer requests
concerning their personal lives
and the needs of the church.
They prayed for their church
leaders. They prayed for their
outreach Bible studies and for a
missionary they were helping to
support in Mindanao.
But something was missing.
Something that we are clearly instructed to do in Scripture. Do you
know what it is?
Background
According to the book of Acts, Paul made three missionary jour-
neys and was then placed under house arrest in Rome. Bible schol-
ars are generally agreed that Paul was eventually released, and that
he made a fourth missionary journey which is only referred to
indirectly in Scripture.
During that fourth missionary journey Paul commissioned Titus
as an apostolic delegate in Crete (Titus 1:5), and left Timothy in
charge of the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Paul then contin-
ued to Macedonia, from which he wrote this first letter to Timothy.
In order to better understand Paul’s instructions to Timothy in
1 Timothy 2, take a few moments to read the first chapter of Paul’s
letter. In particular, note the problems caused by false teachers in
the church at Ephesus.
Apparently there were some in Ephesus who were promoting
an elitist, exclusivist kind of Christianity. In other words, they were
trying to set up a restricted type of Christianity—for insiders only.
Provided you accepted their teaching and followed their rules, you
could be a part of the in group.
For the next few
minutes the members
shared prayer
requests concerning
their personal lives
and the needs of the
church.
214
Paul seems to have this kind of false teaching in mind as he gives
Timothy instructions on prayer in chapter two. In the passage we’ll
be studying, Paul shows in several ways that the gospel is for every-
one. God is concerned about all people. We should be, too.
Searching the Scriptures
Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 According to verse 1, for whom should we pray?2
Requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving —
although there may be slight differences in meaning
between these words, Paul is mainly piling up synonyms
to emphasize the importance of wholehearted prayer for
everyone.
2 According to verse 2, for whom should we pray?
3 What would be the modern-day equivalent of kings and all those
in authority?
WHY PRAY?
215
4 Paul’s exhortation to pray for those in civil government is
particularly remarkable in light of the fact that his words were
penned when Nero was in power, a ruler whose persecution of
Christians is legendary. Can you think of some political rulers
today who are making life difficult for Christians? Write their
names here, and take a few moments to pray for them.
5 As we pray for our government leaders, what will be one result?
(verse 2)
It would be unfortunate to stop at the end of verse 2, since it can
give the mistaken impression that the main reason for praying for
civil leaders is so that we can live calm, quiet lives. After all, we
know from Scripture that we can expect persecution (see for
example John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12). So what is Paul saying?
Most likely his point is that one result of praying for govern-
ment leaders is that we will have more freedom to live out our faith
in a godly and attractive way before unbelievers. We will be more
free to evangelize. Our prayers and our witness are both important
in the advancement of the gospel.
Read 1 Timothy 2:3-4
6 The word this in verse 3 probably refers to the primary teaching
of verses 1-2, namely that we are to pray for everyone, especially
government leaders. According to verses 3-4, why is it good to
pray for everyone—for kings and all those in authority?
CHAPTER 22
216
(If you look closely, you should be able to find two reasons—one
in verse 3 and one in verse 4.)
•
•
7 The word all in verse 4 should be connected with the all in verse
1.3 To paraphrase, we should pray for everyone—for all kinds of
people—because God wants everyone to be saved. All people are
the object of his loving concern. (See John 3:16)
Are you currently praying for all kinds of people? If not, how
can you begin to make this a part of your prayer life?
8 Verse 4 clearly states God’s desire for all people to be saved.
Does this mean, therefore, that everyone will actually be saved?
(See for example Matthew 7:13-14, 13:36-43; John 1:12 and
3:18.)4
WHY PRAY?
217
Read 1 Timothy 2:5-7
9 Two more powerful motives for missions are given in verse 5.
• There is one God.
• There is one mediator.
Consider these truths for a moment. Why is the fact that there
is only one God a motive for missions?
10 Who is the one mediator? Why is this truth another important
motive for missions?
11 What did Christ do as our mediator?5 (verse 6)
12 How extensive was Christ’s death? In other words, for whom
did he die?6
13 If Christ is the only mediator, what does this imply about turn-
ing to other mediators?
CHAPTER 22
218
14 What three words does Paul use to describe his unique, God-
appointed role in making known this wonderful news of salva-
tion through Christ?
•
•
•
At first glance, Paul’s insistence in verse 7 that he is tell-
ing the truth about his unique commission might seem a
bit strange. His point, however, is that his appointment
as a herald, apostle and teacher of the true faith to the
Gentiles is further evidence of God’s concern for every-
one. And this provides further support, therefore, to his
exhortation at the beginning of the passage that we
should pray for everyone.
15 To put it simply, a herald is one who announces good news.
An apostle is one who is sent on a mission. In what sense are
we all to be heralds?
Summary
Paul wanted the Christians at Ephesus to have a world concern that
was evident in their prayers for all kinds of people. Such prayer
pleases God who wants everyone to be saved. God demonstrated
his concern for all people by sending Christ to die for everyone, not
just a select few.
WHY PRAY?
219
If we’re honest, we’d have to admit that we, too, have a tendency
to be self-centered in our praying—both as individuals and as
churches. Like the Ephesians, we need to learn to share God’s
concern for the world. And that concern needs to be reflected in
the way we pray.
In a sense, Paul’s exhortation is overwhelming. To pray for all
kinds of people and to pray for government leaders—it hardly seems
possible. Let’s see if we can outline a few practical steps to help us
apply the truths of this passage.
On the next page is a prayer guide that you can use for your
personal devotions and in your church. It can help you make inter-
cession for peoples and politicians a regular part of your prayer
life.
But here’s an important qualification. In order for this prayer
guide to be a help and not a burden, do not try to pray for everyone
every day. Just pick a couple names a day to include in your prayers.
For example, the first day you could pray for the Badjao and
for the president of the Philippines. The second day you could pray
for Buddhists and for your barangay captain.
In the last edition of Operation World, Patrick Johnstone tells
how prayer played such a significant role in the collapse of the
former Soviet Union, and in the opening of that part of the world
to evangelism.
Communism’s collapse came with bewildering speed and little
violence. What an answer to the prayers of millions! A seven-
year campaign of prayer for the Soviet Union was launched in
1983 by Open Doors and others with the goal of complete
religious liberty and Bibles available to all. The goals were
achieved on time!7 [emphasis his]
Many peoples and nations of Southeast Asia do not allow free-
dom to evangelize. What will open these closed doors? Or better
yet, who?
CHAPTER 22
220
God, of course, is the only one who can open the hearts of people
and the doors of nations. But he has graciously given us the privi-
lege and responsibility of having a part in this through our prayers.
Our prayers do make a difference! Let’s pray!
1 Timothy Prayer Guide
I urge, then, first of all, that requests,
prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be
made for everyone—for kings and all
those in authority.
INSTRUCTIONS:� List some people of other cultures and religions in
the Philippines and Southeast Asia.� List the names of some of the government leaders in
your part of the world.� You don’t need to try to pray for them all every day.
But put this prayer guide in your Bible, and pray for
one or two of these leaders when you have your daily
devotions.� Make an extra copy of this prayer guide for use in
your local church. Your prayers will make a differ-
ence!
PEOPLE OF OTHER CULTURES AND RELIGIONS
(e.g. the Badjao, Buddhists)
•
•
•
•
WHY PRAY?
221
NATIONAL LEADERS AND AUTHORITIES
•
•
•
PROVINCIAL LEADERS AND AUTHORITIES
•
•
•
MUNICIPAL LEADERS AND AUTHORITIES
•
•
•
LOCAL LEADERS AND AUTHORITIES
(e.g. Barangay Officials):
•
•
•
OTHERS
•
•
•
� � � �
CHAPTER 22
222
WHY PRAY?
223
Digging Deeper
Some have suggested that a better name for The Lord’s Prayer would
be The Disciples’ Prayer, since Jesus intended it to be a model prayer
for his disciples. It is not a set formula that we are to recite. Rather,
it is to be a pattern for our prayers.
We don’t normally think of The Lord’s Prayer as relating to
missions, but it does! Read Matthew 6:9-13 and answer the follow-
ing questions.
1 How is the discipling of all nations connected with the hallowing
of God’s name (honoring, revering him for who he is)?
2 How is praying for God’s kingdom to come related to making
disciples of all nations?
3 How is praying that God’s will would be done related to preach-
ing the gospel?
“It is not a question of an oriental becoming infected with
western thought, or a westerner being over-influenced by the
east, but working and sharing together to seek for men of God
rich in spiritual gifts based on the revelation of the Bible.”1
JOSHUA K . OGAWA
Indonesia, Singapore
Bewildered in Baguio
Pastor Jun shook his head in frustration. When he’d accepted the
invitation to pastor a church in Baguio he hadn’t dreamed of
the problems that awaited him.
The first seven months had been wonderful. He and his family
loved living in the “City of Pines.” The cool weather, walks in
Burnham Park, fresh strawberries from the market—it had almost
been like a vacation. But then the troubles had begun.
First was the complaining of some neighbors who were bothered
by the exuberant Sunday worship service. Then there was the
threat of the landlord to increase their rent. He grimaced as he
remembered the day he’d received a petition from some disgruntled
members who had a list of complaints. In spite of his best efforts to
And Then theEnd Shall Come
2 Peter 3:1-13
23
find a peaceful solution, a number of them had left the church.
But by God’s grace they’d managed to move on, and the church
continued to grow. Especially encouraging was the fact that many
of the members were sharing the gospel. Some led outreach Bible
studies in their homes—others in their places of work. There was a
growing realization that evangelism was the responsibility of every
member. And now this.
At first he hadn’t believed the rumors of what was going on in
Sister Leah’s Bible study. After all, she was one of the founding
members of the church, and was recognized as a leader in the
congregation. So when Pastor Jun was told that there were some
strange things being taught in her Bible study, he refused to believe
the news.
AND THEN THE END SHALL COME
225
It was only when one of the elders gave Pastor Jun a cassette tape
of Sister Leah’s teaching that Pastor Jun was forced to face the facts.
Heresy—there was no other word for it. It was bad enough that
Sister Leah was questioning the return of Christ. But she went
further than that.
She was teaching that since Christ wasn’t going to return—since
this life is all there is—we might as well enjoy ourselves. Immoral-
ity was the inevitable result.
It was with a heavy heart that Pastor Jun pondered the situation.
What could he say to Sister Leah and all those who had been
affected by her false teaching?
Background
Heresies such as these have
been around for many years.
The Apostle Peter confronted
such false teaching in his day in
the letter known as 2 Peter.
Beginning at 3:3, Peter dealt
with the false teaching of scoff-
ers who questioned Christ’s
return.2 Their argument was
that ever since creation every-
thing had been going on as it
always had. God hadn’t intervened in his creation up till now, they
said, and therefore it wasn’t reasonable to expect him to do so in
the future.
Peter responds to this false teaching by pointing out the fallacy
in this heresy. He accuses these false teachers of deliberately over-
looking the fact that God had already intervened by bringing judg-
ment through the flood. And he will intervene again, bringing
judgment through fire.
CHAPTER 23
Heresy—there was
no other word for it.
It was bad enough
that Sister Leah was
questioning the
return of Christ.
But she went further
than that.
226
In verses 8-13, then, Peter writes about this coming Day of the
Lord—its apparent delay, and our responsibilities in light of Christ’s
return in power and glory. As we will see, Christ’s return is directly
related to our faithfulness in making Christ known.
Searching the Scriptures
Read 2 Peter 2:1-22
1 How does Peter describe these false teachers—their teaching,
character and influence?
2 Are you aware of any false teachers in the Philippines? If so,
describe their teaching, character and influence.
Read 2 Peter 3:1-4
3 Describe the false teaching of these scoffers (verses 3-4).
4 What effect did their teaching have on their behavior? (verse 3)
AND THEN THE END SHALL COME
227
5 What reason did the false teachers give to justify their teaching?
(verse 4)
Read 2 Peter 3:5-7
6 What evidence does Peter give to show that God has indeed
intervened in human history?
7 Did the scoffers accidentally overlook this evidence? (verse 5)
Explain your answer.
8 Do you think there are any teachings of Scripture which we tend
to deliberately forget because they are inconvenient or convict-
ing? If so, which ones? And why do we tend to ignore these
teachings?
CHAPTER 23
228
Read 2 Peter 3:8-9
9 Christ’s followers thought he was going to return very soon. When
he didn’t, some concluded that he wasn’t going to return at all.
How does Peter explain the apparent delay of Christ’s return in
verse 8?
10 In verse 9, Peter gives another reason why Christ has not yet
returned. Express this reason in your own words. (See also
Ezekiel 33:11; Romans 2:4, 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and 2 Peter 3:15.)
Read 2 Peter 3:10-13
11 At first glance, it might seem strange to compare the day of the
Lord as being like a thief. What point do you think Peter is
making? (See Matthew 24:42-44 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3.)
12 The first great universal judgment was by water (the Great
Flood). How will God destroy the world in the final judgment?
AND THEN THE END SHALL COME
229
13 In light of the coming judgment, how are we to live? (verse 11)
14 In your own words, what does it mean to live a holy and godly
life? What does a holy, godly life look like?
15 According to verse 12, we are not only to look forward to the
day of God but to speed its coming. What an amazing thought
—that we can actually speed the coming of the day of God,
which includes the return of Christ! How do you think this is
possible? What can we do to speed its coming?
16 As we consider how we can accelerate the Lord’s return, at
least three answers can be given:
• by faithfully preaching the gospel that has been
entrusted to us (2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
• by living holy and godly lives that attract people to
the gospel and to Christ.
• through prayer (Matthew 6:10).3
To what extent, then, are you helping to speed the Lord’s
return?
• Are you faithfully sharing the gospel?
• Are you living a holy and godly life that attracts people to
the gospel and to Christ?
• Are you praying for the coming of God’s kingdom?
CHAPTER 23
230
These are sobering questions for all of us. For just as it is thrilling
to think that we can have a part in bringing about the re-
turn of Christ by our obedience, what does it mean if we are
disobedient? Must we not conclude that we can retard the
return of Christ by our unfaithfulness in living as God wants
us to live—in doing the work God has given us to do? In a
sense, the curtain of history is being held back while God waits
for the Church to complete the work it has been given to do
—to make disciples of all nations.
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Read Matthew 24:14
1 What must happen before the end will come?
2 How does Matthew 24:14 relate to Matthew 28:18-20?
3 How does Matthew 24:14 support the truth we’ve seen in
2 Peter 3:12, that we can speed the coming of the day of God?
AND THEN THE END SHALL COME
231
“Someone else will say, ‘How are we to know when
the mission is completed? How close are we to the
accomplishment of the task? Which countries have been
evangelized and which have not? How close are we to
the end? Does this not lead to date-setting?’
“I answer, ‘I do not know.’ God alone knows the
definition of terms. I cannot precisely define who ‘all
the nations’ are. Only God knows the exact meaning
of ‘evangelize.’ He alone, who has told us that this
gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole
world for a testimony unto all the nations, will know
when that objective has been accomplished. But I do
not need to know. I know only one thing: Christ has
not yet returned; therefore the task is not yet done.
When it is done, Christ will come. Our responsibility
is not to insist on defining the terms of our task; our
responsibility is to complete it. So long as Christ does
not return, our work is undone. Let us get busy and
complete our mission.”4
GEORGE ELDON LADD
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232
“Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal in missions. It’s the
goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring
the nations into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The
goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness
of God.”1
JOHN P IPER
Pastor, Theologian
The Best Fiesta Ever
“Be still!” commanded Tessie. She was trying to fix her
daughter’s hair but Mabel kept turning to talk with her.
“How can I put these pins in your hair if you keep wiggling?”
“Hurry, Nanay.2 I’ll be late for the parade,” said the impatient
little girl. Mabel was practically jumping with excitement. She was
going to ride on one of the floats in their town fiesta.
What an occasion! Already Santo Tomas was decorated for the
annual celebration. Curbs had been whitewashed, banners were
strung across the streets and a huge bamboo arch had been erected
over the main highway leading into town.
A Fiesta forAll Peoples!
Revelation 5:1-14
24
CHAPTER 24
Yesterday Tessie had spent almost the whole day in the kitchen,
preparing food for the fiesta. She was cooking not only for her own
family and relatives, but for the many guests who were sure to stop
by. Now the table groaned under its load of tasty delicacies—adobong
baboy, pritong manok, pancit, menudo, pinakbet, kaldereta,
embotido, kalamay, and bibingka.3 Her children could hardly resist
the mouth-watering aromas that filled their house.
And as if her preparations were not enough, Tessie’s sister and
brother-in-law had arrived last night from Naga City, bringing
with them pili 4 and other treats from their province. It had been
a long bus ride, but it was important for the family to gather on this
special occasion.
234
“Nanay, is ours the larg-
est fiesta in the world?”
asked Mabel. In her wide-
eyed wonder the town fiesta
of Sto. Tomas was the most
magnificent social event she
could imagine.
With a laugh her mother
said, “No, Anak.5 It’s not
even the largest in the Phil-
ippines, or in our province.”
Seeing the disappointment
in her daughter’s eyes, Tessie
continued, “But someday you will go to the largest fiesta ever. And
not only will your Lolo and Lola be there, but even my grand-
parents, too.”
Her forehead wrinkling in confusion Mabel asked, “How can
that be? They’re already dead.”
“The biggest fiesta—the grandest and most spectacular celebra-
tion of all—will be in heaven. And people from all over the world
will be there. People from every language, every nation.”
Background
God has clearly revealed his concern for all nations, and his desire
that we take the message of salvation to all nations. His plan has
always been that every nation might be represented in heaven. But
will his plan succeed?
Revelation 5 gives us a glimpse of the future. The scene takes
place in the very throne room of God. And in this scene we see
that God’s plan will indeed succeed. All the nations will be repre-
sented in heaven. And what a celebration it will be—the best fiesta
of all!
“The biggest fiesta—
the grandest and most
spectacular celebration
of all—will be in
heaven. And people
from all over the world
will be there. People
from every language,
every nation.”
A FIESTA FOR ALL PEOPLES
235
Searching the Scriptures
Read Revelation 5:1-5
The scene opens with a scroll which no one can open. Think of it
as the scroll of destiny. The opening of the scroll represents the
outworking of God’s plan for the end of the ages. As we will see,
only Christ (the Lamb) is authorized to execute judgment and
establish the kingdom. Only Christ is worthy of bringing history
to its foreordained conclusion. And that conclusion includes all
nations.6
1 Who was worthy to open the scroll?
Lion of the tribe of Judah . . . Root of David — two titles
for the Messiah that come from the Old Testament. (See
Genesis 49:8-10 and Isaiah 11:1,10.)
Read Revelation 5:6-10
2 How is Christ described in verse 6?
seven horns — representing perfect power
seven eyes — representing perfect wisdom
CHAPTER 24
236
3 What is the significance of Jesus being called a lamb? (See also
Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29)
4 Why was the Lamb worthy to take the scroll and open its seals?7
5 How extensive was Christ’s death? In other words, who was
purchased with his blood?8
6 How does this fulfillment seen in Revelation 5:9 relate to God’s
promise to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3? (See also Chapter 1 of this
book.)
7 How does Revelation 5:9 relate to Daniel’s vision in Daniel 7:13-
14?
8 In what ways is the all nations emphasis (seen for example in
Matthew 28:19) evident in Revelation 5:9?
A FIESTA FOR ALL PEOPLES
237
9 Put verse 9 in your own words.
10 In what way is Exodus 19:6 seen in Revelation 5:10? (See also
Ch. 2 of this book.)
Read Revelation 5:11-14
11 Who is praising the Lamb in verses 11-12?
12 Put their praise in your own words.
13 Who is praising the Father and the Son in verses 13-14?
(See also Philippians 2:9-11.)9
Notice how the circle of those who are praising the
Lamb is growing larger. First it is the four living crea-
tures and 24 elders (verses 8-10). Then a countless
number of angels praise the Lamb (verses 11-12). And
finally all creation joins together in glorifying the Lamb
who was slain (verse 13).
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238
14 How is this passage (5:1-14) the fulfillment of God’s purpose
to be glorified among the nations?
15 As we have seen, the day will come when God will be honored
and praised by all nations. That is his unswerving purpose.
With that in mind, how then should we live?
A FIESTA FOR ALL PEOPLES
239
The Shepherds’ Song10
Have you heard? Our king is born!Let’s see this revelation.
God made man, yet still remainingLord of all creation.
Behold Messiah! Though just a childthe Savior of our nation.
Of all the world — the angels sangwith praise and adoration.
Have you heard? He’s preaching now.A message of salvation.
His kingdom comes! We’ll soon be freefrom Roman occupation.
Throw off their yoke, you’ll still be boundto lives of desperation.
Become God’s slaves and you will haveHis true emancipation.
Have you heard? They’ve killed our Kingand hopes of liberation.
Nailed on a cross he must have beenjust misled expectation.
Raise up your eyes. Your Savior lives!Begin your jubilation.
His plan complete, now all may cometo join the celebration.
From Abram’s day His will has beenthat some from every nation
Might one day stand before the throne,
All peoples’ grand ovation.
CHAPTER 24
240
A FIESTA FOR ALL PEOPLES
241
� � � �
Digging Deeper
Read Revelation 7:9-17
1 How is an all nations perspective seen in these verses?
2 Who are in white robes? (See verses 13-17)
3 How does their praise of the Lamb compare with that in
chapter 5?
Teresa looked at the audience at the missions conference.
The eager faces of the delegates reminded her of the first
MissionFest she’d attended years earlier. She still carried warm
memories of that special occasion when—for the first time—she
had sensed God nudging her to serve him as a missionary. And now
here she was a speaker and a member of a panel discussion.
“Ate1 Tess, why did you decide to go to Malaysia?” The question
came from one of the delegates.
“Many reasons, actually. Some good, and some not so good.”
Seeing the surprise in the eyes of the young people, Tess continued,
“Like you, I wanted to serve God. I wanted to do something mean-
ingful with my life. And I had come to understand—through a con-
ference just like this one—that God wants us to make disciples of
all nations.”
Tess hesitated before continuing, quickly weighing the risks
of openness with the importance of being honest with these
impressionable students. “Looking back, I can see that I was also
caught up in the adventure of going overseas, of living in another
culture. It was all so exciting. Nothing wrong with that, I suppose,
but I found that eagerness and excitement were not enough to see
CONCLUSION
From Confusionto Conviction
me through the hard times.”
When Teresa had left for Malaysia three years earlier she had
been full of youthful idealism. She figured that her work as a nurse
at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur would be a great way to share the
Gospel through friendship evangelism.
She discovered, however, that while she was indeed able to make
friends with her neighbors and her colleagues at the hospital, not
very many of her newfound friends were interested in the gospel.
As a matter of fact, some of her Malaysian friends were disappointed
that Teresa never became a Muslim.
As the difficulties of cross-cultural living mounted, Teresa began
to feel like a deflated balloon. Little irritations had begun to
accumulate, and then had come a debilitating illness. Oh how she
had longed to just get on a plane back to Manila.
After hearing of some of the difficulties Tessie had endured, one
young person asked, “Why did you stay?”
Tessie glanced briefly out the window before answering. The
rain clouds gathering over Lake Caliraya reminded her of the spir-
itual storms she had experienced during her first two years in
Malaysia.
It was with a sense of embarrassment that Tessie remembered
the times when doubts had almost overwhelmed her. Doubts about
her suitability as a tentmaking missionary. Doubts about the
gospel. Even doubts about Christ as the only way of salvation.
But God had used those doubts to draw her into his word. Was
there really a solid case for missions in the Bible? She had to find
out for herself. Diligently she searched the Scriptures, asking God
for answers to her questions, and slowly a firm foundation was
built.
Turning back to the young people Teresa answered, “Why did I
stay? It wasn’t because it was fun or romantic. And it certainly wasn’t
because I was an outstanding missionary. On the contrary, there
were times I wanted to quit—times I thought I might as well go
home.” Gathering her courage, Teresa told the young people of the
FROM CONFUSION TO CONVICTION
243
CONCLUSION
inner battles she had faced. The conference hall was quiet as the
delegates listened. Teresa knew that some would probably think
less of her because of what she was sharing, but she knew it was a
small price to pay if some could become better prepared.
“I’ll tell you why I stayed,” she declared with conviction.
“Because I became convinced from Scripture that people are lost
without Christ, that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, and
that he was sent to be the Savior for all peoples.
“Sure, I had heard these things in church, but I had never really
studied what the Bible says on these issues. Living in another
culture, surrounded by people of another religion, was sometimes
unsettling. I think it exposed some cracks in my theological foun-
dation. So in a way that I had never done before, I was forced to
think deeply about what I really believed. Most importantly, I was
driven to examine the Bible for myself. My emotional enthusiasm
comes and goes, but God’s word never changes.
“Why did I stay?” Teresa asked again. She answered the question
in a voice that was quiet yet forceful in its deliberate cadence. “Be-
cause God cares about the lost of every nation. Because God wants
the lost found. And because it’s our job, our responsibility, our
privilege to make disciples of all nations—all people groups.”
The Next Step
Our study of various passages in the Old and New Testaments has
shown us that God’s concern for the nations is seen not only in
the well-known Great Commission passages, but throughout the
Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals God’s plan
to populate heaven with a multitude from every tribe, language,
people and nation. God deserves to be glorified among the nations,
and it is his unswerving purpose to bring this about.
Amazingly, his plan includes us. Not only does God want us to
know him, but he desires to use us to make him known. It is part of
God’s design that we—the Church—have a key role in reaching the
244
nations. What marvelous grace!
Let your heart and mind be filled with God’s grand purpose to
make disciples of all nations. Rejoice in his goodness to you, and in
the wonderful privilege of being his child and his ambassador. Praise
him for who he is and what he has done for you. Ask him what role
he wants you to play in world evangelization.
Hallelujah! What a glorious God we serve!
FROM CONFUSION TO CONVICTION
245
Introduction
1 tentmaker — a bi-vocational missionary. The term is commonly used
today for those who use secular occupations to gain entry to countries
which are closed to regular missionaries, where they can work and
witness for Christ. However, a broader definition is biblically defen-
sible. D. Gibson has defined a tent-maker as “a cross-cultural Christian
worker with a secular identity.” D. Gibson, Avoiding the Tentmaker Trap
(Canada: WEC International, 1997), p. 41.
2 Overseas Filipino Workers, formerly called OCWs (Overseas Contract
Workers).
3 You can read about some of these early missionaries in a very interesting
book edited by Dr. Anne Kwantes entitled A Century of Bible Christians
in the Philippines (Manila: OMF LIT, 1998). You will be inspired and
challenged as you read these heart-warming stories of Filipino pastors,
church-planters, missionaries and church workers.
4 John Stott, “The Bible in World Evangelization,” in Perspectives on the
World Christian Movement: A Reader, edited by Ralph D. Winter and
Steven C. Hawthorne (Pasadena: William Carey Library, 1999), 22.
Chapter 1
1 Pearls from Many Seas (Wheaton, IL: Van Kampen Press, 1951), 32;
quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World
Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL:
Harold Shaw, 1991), 73.
2 A gift brought when returning from a trip, often a delicacy unique to
the place visited.
3 Sarai’s name was later changed to Sarah. See Genesis 17:15.
4 Strictly speaking, this is not the Abrahamic Covenant. That is given
in Genesis 15. But the promises given here later become part of the
NOTES
formal Abrahamic Covenant — God’s unconditional promise to give
Abram’s descendants the land “from the river of Egypt to the great river,
the Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18).
5 Unreached People Group — a people group that doesn’t yet have a church
of sufficient size and strength to evangelize that group without outside
(cross-cultural) assistance.
Chapter 2
1 Isobel Kuhn, In the Arena (Singapore: Overseas Missionary Fellowship,
1960), 11; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps.,
World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton,
IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 14.
2 Unless otherwise indicated, the stories at the beginning of this and other
chapters are fictional.
3 A fruit larger than a grape.
4 In Exodus 19:3 the Lord refers to the house of Jacob and the people of
Israel. Both phrases refer to the same people — the Israelites. Jacob’s
other name was Israel (see Genesis 32:28 and 35:10).
5 The phrase is repeated in Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:18; Psalm 135:4;
Malachi 3:17.
6 Other passages which speak of Israel being holy to the LORD are
Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2,21; 26:19; Isaiah 62:12.
7 Some of the phrases in 1 Peter have their background in passages such
as Isaiah 43:20-21 and 61:6.
8 See Hosea 1:6-9 and 2:1 for the way these phrases were originally used
to describe the nation of Israel.
Chapter 3
1 Jojo Manzano, ed., Mission Is for Every Church (Manila: OMF Liter-
ature Inc., 1994), 72.
2 See Deuteronomy 4:34; 5:15; 7:19; 11:2; 26:8; Psalm 136:12; Jeremiah
32:21; Ezekiel 20:33-34.
3 Missions in the Old Testament was mainly centripetal. In other words,
the Jews did not so much go out to the nations as attract the nations to
247
NOTES / CHAPTERS 2–3
them. At least that was God’s intention. For the most part, however,
Israel failed to fulfill this purpose. In the New Testament missions is
essentially centrifugal—going out. Although the Church should be going
out in mission, it should still have an attractive quality. There should be
something about the Christian community that attracts unbelievers. In
that sense, then, there is a legitimate application of these verses in 2
Chronicles.
4 Two excellent prayer tools are the Global Prayer Digest (available from
the Philippine Missions Association, PO Box M-006, Mandaluyong City
1550, MM) and Operation World (see Bibliography for more informa-
tion on OW ).
Chapter 4
1 A. Thomson, Great Missionaries: A Series of Biographies (New York: T.
Nelson & Sons, 1862), 239; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol
Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great
Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 16.
2 The local bread bun.
3 Father.
4 This idea is often expressed in the phrase “for the sake of your name”
or “for your name’s sake”. Many verses can be given as examples. See
Joshua 7:6-9; 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalm 23:3; 25:11; 31:3; 79:9; 106:8;
109:21; 143:11; Jeremiah 14:7-9; 14:21. (See also Deuteronomy 9:25-
29; 2 Kings 19:19.)
5 See Isaiah 48:9; Ezekiel 20:9,14,22,44; 36:22.
Chapter 5
1 Elisabeth Elliot, Who Shall Ascend: The Life of R. Kenneth Strachan of
Costa Rica (New York: Harper & Row, 1968), 142; quoted in Vinita
Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury
of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991),
93.
2 Proverbs 27:2. See also Proverbs 25:27.
248
NOTES / CHAPTERS 4–5
3 1 Corinthians 4:7
4 Tom Wells, A Vision for Missions (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust,
1985), 9.
5 By God’s sovereignty we are talking about God’s supreme power and
control over all creation and human affairs.
6 Wells, 9.
7 Wells, 9.
Chapter 6
1 David Bryant, In the Gap: What It Means to Be a World Christian
(Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, U.S.A., 1979), 177; quoted in Vinita
Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury
of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991),
121.
2 A small toy commonly made of plastic strips attached to a metal washer.
3 Salty shrimp paste.
4 Also known as frangipani, a tree commonly found in the tropics with
large, fragrant blossoms.
5 A common greeting to announce one’s arrival at another person’s house.
6 A community; the smallest political unit in the Philippines.
7 A neighborhood.
8 Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf.
9 Deep-fried banana with a thin wrapper made of flour.
10 For example: Isaiah 41:8; 42:19; 43:10; 44:1-2, 21; 45:4; 48:20.
11 The others are found in Isaiah 42:1-7; 50:4-9; and 52:13-53:12. Sug-
gestions for further study of these other Servant Songs are found at the
end of the chapter.
12 “You islands” in the first line of Isaiah 49:1 is a poetic way of referring
to the nations. As is often the case in Hebrew poetry, in the first two
lines of Isaiah 49:1 the writer is saying essentially the same thing in
different words.
13 Isaiah often used Jacob and Israel together as synonyms to refer to all
twelve tribes of the nation of Israel. The words are used together, for
249
NOTES / CHAPTERS 6
example, in Isaiah 9:8; 10:20; 14:1; 27:6; 29:23; 40:27; 41:8,14; 42:24;
43:1,22,28; 44:1,5,21,23; 45:4; 46:3; 48:1.
14 A snack made of shaved ice, milk and a mixture of candied fruits and
beans.
15 Mung beans.
16 A special kind of coconut meat.
17 Candied fruit of the sugar palm.
18 Snacks.
Chapter 7
1 Sally Magnusson, The Flying Scotsman (New York: Quartet Books,
1981), 165; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann,
comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries
(Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 90.
2 For more information on St. Patrick see Thomas Cahill, How the Irish
Saved Civilization (New York: Anchor Books, Doubleday, 1995).
3 There were others who prophesied to heathen nations, but they didn’t
actually go to those nations. For example, Obadiah preached against
Edom, and Nahum preached against Nineveh and the Assyrians.
4 For one thing, the sailors address God as LORD (verse 14). In the New
International Version, when LORD appears with all capital letters it is
a translation of Yahweh or Jehovah. This is the name of God that
emphasizes his special covenant relationship with Israel. In addressing
God as LORD, the sailors were implicitly acknowledging that the God
of Israel was sovereign over their own lives and circumstances as well.
5 F.F. Bruce, The Spreading Flame: The Rise and Progress of Christianity
From Its First Beginnings to the Conversion of the English (Grand
Rapids, MI:Eerdmans, 1979), 174, in Ruth Tucker, From Jerusalem
to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions (Grand
Rapids, MI: Academie Books, Zondervan Publishing House, 1983),
40.
250
NOTES / CHAPTERS 7
Chapter 8
1 Hanna Handojo, Assignment: Cuenca—Letters from the Frontline
(Manila: OMF Literature Inc., 1994), 226.
2 As in Matthew 12:40, this phrase may refer to a period of time which
included one full day and parts of two others—a common way of
reckoning time for the Jews.
Chapter 9
1 Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor, Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
(Chicago: Moody Press, n.d.), 214; quoted in Vinita Hampton and
Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from
Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 43.
Chapter 10
1 Benjamin de Jesus and Deborah Cowles, with a foreword by Agustin B.
Vencer, Jr. A Man Sent from God (Manila: CAMACOP, 1986), 117.
2 A locally produced rum.
3 A small boat with an outrigger.
4 A fancy, embroidered Filipino dress shirt.
5 A high-quality Philippine hardwood.
6 Shortened form of kumpadre, a Tagalog word used to address the god-
father of one’s child. Pare is often used as a form of address among
males even when no godfather relationship is present.
7 Johannes Verkuyl, “The Biblical Foundation for the Worldwide Mission
Mandate,” in Ralph Winter and Stephen Hawthorne, Perspectives on
the World Christian Movement: A Reader (Pasadena, CA: William Carey
Library, 1999), p. 33.
8 I told you so.
9 Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13.
251
NOTES / CHAPTERS 8–10
Chapter 11
1 Maria Nilsen, as told to Paul H. Sheetz, Malla Moe (Chicago: Moody
Bible Institute, 1956); quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Pluedde-
mann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Mis-
sionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 46.
2 Children.
3 A group of close friends, buddies.
4 Coconut wine.
5 Scythe.
6 There are five major discourses in the gospel of Matthew: chapters 5-7,
10, 13, 18, and 24-25. In these discourses Matthew gathers together
teaching of the same kind.
7 The summary statement in 9:35 (which introduces Jesus’ second major
discourse) is very similar to that in Matthew 4:23 (which introduces
Jesus’ first major discourse).
8 The Lord of the harvest — probably a reference to God the Father.
9 Tom Wells, A Vision for Missions (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust,
1985), p. 140.
Chapter 12
1 Robert Savage, At Your Orders, Lord! (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1957),
45; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World
Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL:
Harold Shaw, 1991), 16.
2 Michael Fischer, “The Fiery Rise of Hindu Fundamentalism,” Chris-
tianity Today, vol. 43, no. 3 (March 1, 1999): p. 47.
3 Matthew 21:23-27; 22:41-46
4 Matthew 21:28-22:14
5 Matthew 22:15-22; 22:34-40
6 Matthew 22:23-33
7 Most of the Pharisees, as self-appointed guardians of the Law, were very
strict about the outward observance of the Law and traditions. Unfortun-
ately, their hearts were far from God. (See Matthew 23.)
252
NOTES / CHAPTERS 11–12
8 first (verse 38) — this commandment is not the first one given in the
Bible, but it is first in importance.
9 Jesus is quoting from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. These verses were part of
the Shema — the great Jewish confession of faith which was recited
by pious Jews every morning and evening. It derives its name from
the first word of Deuteronomy 6:4 in Hebrew, shema (hear). The
passages that comprised the Shema were Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-
21 and Numbers 13:37-41.
10 Leviticus 19:18 is quoted here, and in a few other passages in the New
Testament: Mark 12:31 (the parallel passage to Matthew 22:39); Mark
12:33; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8.
11 All the Law and the Prophets — a reference to the entire Old Testa-
ment.
Chapter 13
1 A. Thomson, Great Missionaries: A Series of Biographies (New York:
T. Nelson & Sons, 1862), 225; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol
Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great
Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 17.
2 Material on William Carey drawn mainly from Mark Galli, “The Man
Who Wouldn’t Give Up,” Christian History 11, no. 4 (1992):8-17.
3 To the women (Matthew 28:1-10). To Mary Magdalene ( John 20:10-
18). To Peter (Luke 24:34). To two travelers on the road to Emmaus
(Luke 24:13-32). To the disciples in the Upper Room ( John 20:19-
23; Luke 24:36-49).
4 To the 11 disciples, including Thomas ( John 20:26-31). To seven
disciples by the Sea of Galilee ( John 21:1-23). To the eleven disciples
on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20).
5 Abraham Kuyper, in Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the
Central Purpose of Your Life (Nashville: Word Publishing, 1998), 35.
6 There is only one imperative (direct command) in verse 19: make
disciples. The other phrases are all participles: going, baptizing and
teaching them to obey.
253
NOTES / CHAPTERS 13
7 Baptism signified both submission to Christ, and entrance into the
community of believers.
8 Arthur F. Glasser, “My Last Conversation with Donald McGavran,”
Evangelical Missions Quarterly, vol. 27, no. 1 ( Jan. 1991), 59.
Chapter 14
1 Elisabeth Elliot, A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
(Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1987), 247; quoted in
Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers:
A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold
Shaw, 1991), 113.
2 Fried pork rind.
3 A small neighborhood store with various goods for sale.
4 Gossip.
5 Jesus is not saying that the Pharisees and teachers of the Law are actu-
ally righteous, but this is the way the religious leaders thought of them-
selves.
6 The coin was worth an average day’s wage—a significant amount!
Chapter 15
1 Basil Miller, Pandita Ramabai: India’s Christian Pilgrim (Grand Rapids,
MI: Zondervan, 1949), 118.
2 Idiomatic equivalent of “Oh no!”
3 It might be asked how Peter and the travelers on the road to Emmaus—
all of whom had just seen the Lord—would now be frightened. The
answer may be found in the fact that Jesus appeared suddenly among
them, at a time when they were already behind locked doors for fear of
the Jews ( John 20:19). See also Matthew 14:25-26; Mark 6:48-50.
4 The expression the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms was a
way of referring to the three divisions of the Old Testament. (The Psalms
comprised the first and most important part of the third section, the
Writings, and was therefore sometimes used to refer to that third
section.)
254
NOTES / CHAPTERS 14
5 See, for example, Acts 1:22; 2:24,27,31-32; 3:15,26; 4:2,10,33; 5:30;
10:40-41; 13:30, 33-34,37; 17:3,18,31; 23:6; 26:23.
6 Romans 5:5, 8:9-17, 1 Cor 2:12-14, 6:19, 12:7-13, 2 Cor 1:21-22,
2 Cor 5:5, Gal 3:2-5, 4:6, Eph 1:13-14, 4:30; 1 Thes 4:7-8; 1 Jn 3:24;
4:13. There are a few exceptions in Acts (Saul/Paul, the Samaritans, and
the believers at Ephesus). An adequate explanation for these atypical
events, however, can be found in the unique historical context of each.
7 Robert Hall Glover, in Herbert W. Kane, Christian Missions in Biblical
Perspective (Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1976), p. 131.
Chapter 16
1 Met Castillo, “Servanthood in Missions,” Missionasia (11, no. 2), 2.
2 Picture a traffic accident that is observed by four people. One witness is
in one of the cars involved in the accident. A second witness is standing
on the street corner. A third is looking out of a window of a nearby
office building. And a fourth happens to be flying over in a helicopter.
Their perspectives will all be very different, but not necessarily contra-
dictory. Each of them can supply information which contributes to a
more complete account.
3 Correct answers for #8: b, c and e.
4 Literally, the verse reads “Those whose sins you forgive have already
been forgiven; those whose sins you do not forgive have not been
forgiven.” We do not grant forgiveness. In essence, however, we
announce the forgiveness of sin through the proclamation of the
gospel—God’s sovereignly ordained way of salvation.
Chapter 17
1 F. Deaville Walker, William Carey: Missionary Pioneer and Statesman
(London: Student Christian Movement, 1926), 183; quoted in Vinita
Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury
of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991),
18.
2 If Acts 1:4-5 do not refer to the same event as that described in Luke
24:36-49 and John 20:19-23, then they refer to a subsequent similar
255
NOTES / CHAPTERS 15–16
event. It would be perfectly reasonable for Jesus to repeat these impor-
tant instructions on more than one occasion.
Chapter 18
1 Pearls from Many Seas (Wheaton, IL: Van Kampen Press, 1951), 12;
quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World
Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL:
Harold Shaw, 1991), 58.
2 A somewhat fatalistic expression meaning “What will be, will be.”
3 A word placed before a man’s name to indicate respect; roughly equi-
valent to Mister.
4 Religious pluralism is the worldview that all religions are equally valid—
that there is not just one true religion.
5 The filling of the Holy Spirit is often associated with bold preaching or
power in ministry. See Acts 2:4; 4:31; 7:55; 11:24 and 13:6-12 .
Chapter 19
1 J. Herbert Kane, Christian Missions in Biblical Perspective (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1976), 242.
2 A wooden club used for beating laundry.
3 Hellenistic Jews were those who spoke Greek and had adapted to Greek
culture.
4 Barnabas was the one who had defended and endorsed Paul when he
first went to Jerusalem as a Christian. The disciples there were under-
standably skeptical of this persecutor turned preacher. But Barnabas,
whose name means son of encouragement (Acts 4:36), vouched for the
sincerity of Paul’s conversion. (Acts 9:26-27)
5 A similar example is found in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, a reference to the
rich generosity of the Macedonians in the face of difficulty and poverty.
6 It could be argued that Peter was the first missionary since he took the
gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion (Acts 10). Or even Philip, who
evangelized the Samaritans (Acts 8:4-8) and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts
8:26-39). However, none of these examples (or the unnamed disciples
who first evangelized Gentiles in Antioch, Acts 11:19-21) represent
256
NOTES / CHAPTERS 17–18
missionaries who were sent by a local church. Indeed, it would seem
that—generally speaking —the early Christians were slow to take the
initiative in reaching out beyond their cultural walls.
7 Interestingly, Paul had first heard of the Lord’s plans to use him as an
apostle to the Gentiles at least 10 years earlier. (See Acts 9:1-19; 22:17-
21; 26:12-18.)
8 According to the grammar, the immediate antecedent of they in verse 3
is the group of leaders listed in verses 1-2. (More specifically, it would
be Simeon, Lucius and Manaen, since Barnabas and Saul wouldn’t have
laid hands on themselves.) However, it would be very unusual for these
three men to send off Barnabas and Saul without informing the rest
of the congregation at Antioch. Most likely, therefore, the church at
Antioch was involved in the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul. The
passage of time that would allow for this scenario is implied by the
fact that they fasted and prayed before sending them off. By definition,
fasting means going for a period of time without food.
Chapter 20
1 Elisabeth Elliot, Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim
Elliot (New York: Harper & Row, 1958), 15; quoted in Vinita Hamp-
ton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes
from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 16.
Chapter 21
1 Bishop J.M. Thoburn, The Life of Isabella Thoburn (Cincinnati: Jennings
and Pye, 1903), 246; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann,
comps., World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries
(Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 119.
2 Maridadi — a Swahili word meaning beautiful.
3 Norman Grubb, Christ in Congo Forests: The Story of the Heart of
Africa Mission (London: Lutterworth Press, 1945), 13; quoted in Vinita
Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps., World Shapers: A Treasury
of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton, IL: Harold Shaw, 1991),
19.
257
NOTES / CHAPTERS 19
4 The material on the Moravians is taken primarily from the lead article in
the first issue of Christian History magazine: “The Rich Young Ruler
Who Said Yes,” Christian History 1, no. 1 (n.d.):7-9, 31-35. This issue
contains several fascinating articles on Zinzendorf and the Moravians.
5 J. Herbert Kane, Christian Missions in Biblical Perspective (Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1976), 129.
Chapter 22
1 Rosalind Goforth, Goforth of China (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
1937), 80; quoted in Vinita Hampton and Carol Plueddemann, comps.,
World Shapers: A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries (Wheaton,
IL: Harold Shaw, 1991), 49.
2 Paul is not saying that we should pray for each person in the world.
That would be impossible. Rather, we are to pray for all kinds of people.
The reasons are given in the verses that follow.
3 All men in verse 4 is a translation of the same two Greek words that are
translated everyone in verse 1.
4 Some more passages to consider are Matthew 13:47-50, Luke 13:22-30
and Revelation 20:11-15.
5 The New Testament book which highlights Christ’s role as the perfect
mediator is the book of Hebrews. Because of the central place of the
tagapamagitan (mediator) in Filipino society and popular religion, the
view of Christ given in Hebrews would seem to be particularly relevant
for the Philippines.
6 All men — a better translation would be all people or everyone (since
it’s not a reference to men in particular, but to all people — men, women,
boys and girls). This is the third time Paul has made reference to all
people: in verse 1 (everyone), 4 (all men) and 6 (all men).
7 Patrick Johnstone, Operation World (Carlisle, United Kingdom: OM
Publishing, 1993), 52.
Chapter 23
1 Joshua K. Ogawa, Unlimited Purpose: An Asian Missionary Tells His
Story (Singapore: OMF Ltd., 1986), 125.
258
NOTES / CHAPTERS 20-21
2 These scoffers were either already on the scene, or perhaps were yet to
come. In either case, Peter’s purpose is to arm Christians against the
heresies of these false teachers.
3 See Digging Deeper at the end of Chapter 22.
4 George Eldon Ladd, “The Gospel of the Kingdom,” in Perspectives on
the World Christian Movement, Ralph D. Winter and Steven C.
Hawthorne, eds. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1999), 75.
Chapter 24
1 John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in
Missions (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993), 11.
2 Mother.
3 Various Filipino dishes.
4 Local almond-like nut.
5 Child.
6 This outworking of God’s plan includes the judgments and the estab-
lishing of the kingdom which are described in the chapters that follow.
Very likely John’s purpose was to reassure his readers that even as the
world goes through terrible tribulation we can be sure that history is
still under control—God’s control.
7 In Revelation 4:11, God is praised for his work in creation. Here in
5:9 the Lamb is praised for his work of redemption.
8 The phrase translated purchased men for God in the New Interna-
tional Version could probably be better translated as purchased people
for God.
9 Notice how verses 12-13 support the deity of Christ. The Lamb ( Jesus
Christ) is worshiped and praised in the same way as the Father.
10 Dean Wiebracht, 1995.
Conclusion
1 Term used in addressing one’s older sister or cousin. Often used by
Christians even when there is no blood relationship.
NOTES / CHAPTERS 22-23
259
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