Many times peoples response to participating in an event is “I can’t afford it” or words that to effect. Let’s breakdown what is being communicated:

First, do you ever have enough money, or time, for a mission trip?

Second, did the person who invited you believe you had extra money in your pocket so you could go on a mission trip?

Third, to close this line of thought, you weren’t asked if you had enough money to go on a mission trip but you were asked if you wanted to go on a mission trip.

Fourth, now let’s focus on the question, “Do you want to go on a mission trip”?  Yes or no.  If not then say so.  Be direct and upfront to eliminate any confusion. Tell the person who invited you, “No, I don’t want to go.” If your answer is yes, then you begin to plan how to pay for the trip. There are many ways to generate income to pay for a trip.  This site offers suggestions, see Fundraising, and here is a video showing how two kids raised $35,000: http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=NvN3N1dzoliek0bsZIePe9Sl0BTJDrjD&pbid=d6398a0e0ad4c3f850b8c5c2dd76db7” target=”_blank”>$35,000 Raised.

http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=NvN3N1dzoliek0bsZIePe9Sl0BTJDrjD&pbid=d6398a0e0ad4c3f850b8c5c2dd76db7The goal in this blog post is for your to get clear on how money is to be considered in missions.  Does the Bible provide us with texts that allow money to be the deciding factor in our desire to participate in a mission trip? If you can’t find the verses then consider the motives of your “No” answer when you are invited to go on a mission trip.

The point of missions is for us to mature in our faith.  To accept the challenge to go on a mission trip is to accept the responsibility to overcome all the ordinary obstacles associated with going to a new land whether that is in the US or Internationally to tell other souls the Good News of Jesus Christ. At least if you say “No” to a mission trip invitation you are clear that you are denying those souls the opportunity to hear of our great God and Savior’s redemption instead of falsely resting in the response “I can’t afford it”.   [constantcontactapi formid=”1″]

Another fruitful day of preaching Christ at Wembley Stadium.

The team, including Willem who joined us yesterday, cast out the Gospel net to a sold out game between Ireland and Romania.

There were several encounters.  A couple with guys who were seeking to find a way to declare our great God and Savior unfair.  Of course, this is a mask for their own desire to not believe.  These conversations are amazing in that they are in the Bible.  Like the rich, young ruler who came to Jesus to justify himself men likewise come to us to seek a way to justify themselves.

The best conversation was with a young Irishman names Bill who was honest enough to admit he didn’t know what to believe but was searching.  He didn’t hide his unbelief but that we were doing a good job.  May the Lord guide Bill to Himself.

Below are some pictures.  You can see all the pictures: RWC ’15 9-27-15

As you read the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, it’s essential to read them with Jesus of Nazareth at the center of the story instead of for instance man, Israel or the future of the world at the center.

Why? Because the entire historical account happened because Jesus was born into the world. The Gospels tell of us of His life, His teaching, His work and what circumstances unfolded around Him.

For instance, as Jesus began His ministry He initial message was ‘repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand’. As the people heard His message they responded to Him.

Some believed and came to Jesus in faith to be healed. Some did not believe and conspired to do away with Him.

The discussions recorded in the Gospels are because of Jesus’ teachings and the Jews responses to His teaching.

Jesus of Nazareth, His message and His work is the singular issue at hand.

The question then if Jesus is the center of the Gospels is what was He teaching?  What did the people hear and respond to with or without faith?  Why did He heal?  Why did He go to the cross? Why was He raised from the dead? Where is He now? What is His future?

More to come tomorrow…..

Jesus says in the historic Sermon on the Mount,  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; ²¹ for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This statement presents two questions:  1) what is a treasure and 2) how will the treasure be rewarded.

First, in general, every act done in accordance with the Lord’s will is adding treasure in heaven.  Second, you’ll receive a crown at the judgment seat commensurate  with what you’ve done for the Lord on the earth (see 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4) and I believe there is a tangible or visible reward that can be seen by other Saints based on your labors for the Lord.

The concept of working and being paid is an eternal truth that is manifested in the world for us to understand that the Lord directly rewards those who work for Him. Jesus discusses His concept of labor and payment in Matthew 20:1-7.

What are called ‘rich people’ on earth provide a visual understanding that there are ‘rich people’ in heaven.  This is why Jesus says in John 6:27, “ Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”

What the Lord is seeking to do is redirect our labors towards eternity.  Sin leads us to concentrate on life on the earth and seek the riches of the earth but Jesus is constantly seeking to turn our attention to eternal riches.

James 2:5, “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

Rich in faith is another exhortation to turn your attention to eternal matters based on the Word of God.

What are eternal works: believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, studying the Bible in order to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord’; prayer: without ceasing and giving thanks in all circumstances; keep His commands like loving your wife as Christ loves the church,  raising your children in the nurture an admonition of the Lord, loving your neighbor as yourself, loving your enemies; and bearing witness to the Lord’s existence and work.

As the Apostles Paul says in Colossians, 3:1-4, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”

If you have never considered this then your first act is to redirect your attention toward eternity and believe that your labors for the Lord will be rewarded. Pray, as your read the Holy Scripture, that the Lord will open the eyes of your understanding on this matter.