July 9. The Missionary Spirit
J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital call for every believer to actively share the gospel and healing power of Christ with others, embodying the true missionary spirit.
In this sermon, J.R. Miller passionately calls believers to embrace the missionary spirit by actively sharing the gospel and healing power of Christ with others. He highlights the selfishness of withholding the good news and encourages personal sacrifice for the sake of spreading salvation. Through biblical examples and compelling stories, Miller inspires Christians to become the hands and hearts of Christ in a world in need.
Text
"They departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere" Luke 9:6
A great many people do not do this. They come to Christ and hear His command — but they do not go, or at least they do not preach and heal. They do not carry to other homes and to other lives — the sweet blessings of mercy and health they have themselves received. Surely this is very ungrateful to Christ, when we remember all that He has done for us. Then it is also very selfish, when we have found such joys — not to try to share them with others who need them.
Christ wants to get the gospel into every home in the world; and the way He wants to do this — is through the hearts and hands of those whom he has already saved. If we do not carry the good news, the lost will not receive it at all.
It is told of a boy who was converted — that at once he started to walk, (for he was poor, and could not buy a ticket on the railroad) away to a place in the West, more than a thousand miles from his home, to tell his brother and Christ.
History relates that the early Christians, many of them, were so eager to carry Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The command of Christ to go and preach
- The failure of many to obey this command
- The selfishness of withholding the gospel
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II
- Christ’s desire to reach every home
- The role of believers as His hands and hearts
- The consequences if believers do not share the gospel
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III
- Examples of early Christians’ eagerness
- The story of a converted boy traveling to share Christ
- The importance of personal sacrifice in missions
Key Quotes
“They departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.” — J.R. Miller
“Surely this is very ungrateful to Christ, when we remember all that He has done for us.” — J.R. Miller
“Christ wants to get the gospel into every home in the world; and the way He wants to do this is through the hearts and hands of those whom he has already saved.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Commit to sharing the gospel actively with those around you.
- Recognize the selfishness in withholding Christ’s blessings and choose generosity in faith.
- Be willing to make personal sacrifices to fulfill the Great Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the missionary spirit according to J.R. Miller?
It is the eager willingness of believers to share the gospel and healing with others, fulfilling Christ’s command to spread the good news.
Why is it selfish not to share the gospel?
Because withholding the blessings and joy found in Christ denies others the opportunity to receive salvation and healing.
How does Christ want the gospel to be spread?
Through the hearts and hands of those who have already been saved, reaching every home in the world.
What example does the sermon give of missionary zeal?
The story of a poor boy who traveled over a thousand miles on foot to share Christ with his brother.