To the Uttermost Parts of the Earth
Mike Attwood teaches that the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to prayer and fasting, is God's chosen instrument to carry the gospel from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the earth through planned missions and establishing new churches.
This sermon from Acts 13 focuses on the importance of missions and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for prayer, fasting, and yielding to the Spirit's leading in spreading the gospel. The passage also emphasizes the opposition faced in sharing the Word of God and the astonishment at the doctrine of the Lord, urging believers to never lose the wonder of God's grace and plan.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Biblical Foundation of Missions
- Acts 1:8 outlines the gospel's progression from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth
- The church at Antioch as a model for planned missionary outreach
- Missions originate from the church, not mission boards
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II. The Role of the Holy Spirit and Church Leadership
- Five gifted men ministering in Antioch, demonstrating plural leadership
- Holy Spirit directs the sending of Barnabas and Saul for the work
- The importance of prayer and fasting in preparation for mission
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III. Shattering Common Myths in Missions
- Indigenous church leadership myth challenged by biblical example
- Cultural sensitivity vs. biblical transformation of culture
- Unity in the church transcends national and racial distinctions
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IV. Practical Lessons for the Modern Church
- Need to move from comfort zones to active mission
- The church must prioritize prayer and fasting for power
- God calls men to a work, not just a location
Key Quotes
“God's program in this age is centered on the church. That's what it is. Everything else is a distraction.” — Mike Attwood
“The Holy Spirit says, 'Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.' God calls men to a work, not a location.” — Mike Attwood
“If we want to see power return to the church, and if we want to see the gospel go to the ends of the earth, there comes a time when we've got to stop playing and feasting and start earnestly praying and fasting.” — Mike Attwood
Application Points
- Commit to regular prayer and fasting to seek God's guidance and power for missions.
- Support and participate in your local church's mission efforts, recognizing the church as God's primary instrument.
- Embrace unity in the church beyond cultural and national differences, focusing on the shared mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Acts 13 in missions?
Acts 13 marks the beginning of the church's deliberate, Spirit-led missionary outreach beyond Jewish regions to the Gentile world.
Why does Mike Attwood emphasize the church as the source of missions?
Because Scripture shows missions are sent out from local churches, not just mission boards, highlighting the church's central role in God's plan.
What does the sermon say about cultural sensitivity in missions?
While culture is important, the sermon stresses that the Word of God should transform culture rather than be molded by it.
Why is prayer and fasting important for missions according to the sermon?
Prayer and fasting prepare the church spiritually and invite God's power to effectively carry out the gospel mission.
What does the sermon say about leadership in the church?
The church should have plural gifted leadership rather than a one-man ministry, ensuring effective edification and ministry.