“Going and Sending”

Sunday, February 09, 2025

In the tenth chapter of Romans, Paul laments Israel’s need for the gospel of Jesus Christ and their rejection of it. His heart longed for his fellow Jews to be saved (Rom. 10:1). He knew that without preaching, neither Jew nor Gentile could call upon the name of the Lord. Thus, in verses 14-15, Paul writes:

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Paul's series of questions culminates in the crucial point: 'How shall they preach unless they are sent?' This underscores two critical aspects of preaching: the necessity of preachers to proclaim the gospel and the church’s role in sending them. The good news cannot reach the lost unless messengers go forth, and messengers cannot go forth unless they are sent. Therefore, the church has a divine responsibility to identify, equip, and commission those willing to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

The First Century Church in Action

The New Testament provides multiple examples of how the early church practiced this sending and going.

1. Acts 13:1-3 – The Church at Antioch Sends Barnabas and Saul
   In this verse, the church at Antioch, under the Holy Spirit's guidance, selected Barnabas and Saul to go. The church, having fasted, prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them out on their mission. This shows a deliberate and prayerful commissioning of workers for the gospel.
2. 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 – Support from Other Churches
   Paul acknowledges that he received support from other churches while teaching in Corinth. This demonstrates that sending evangelists involves not only prayer and commissioning, but also financial and material support.
3. Philippians 4:14-20 – Partnering in the Gospel
   The Philippian church actively supported Paul’s missionary work, sending him aid more than once. Paul commended them for their partnership in the gospel. This passage highlights the ongoing relationship between senders and those who go out.

The Present Need

The principles practiced by the early church are still applicable today. The fields remain ripe for harvest, as Jesus stated in John 4:35-36:

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

The words the Lord spoke are just as true today as when he said them. The world is full of people who need to hear the gospel. As members of the Church, we can share in the kingdom work of going and sending.

A Going Opportunity

The brethren at the Southside church of Christ in Smyrna, whom I dearly love, need assistance. If you would like to volunteer to preach on a Sunday morning or evening, please let me know. To those who have already volunteered, thank you. I deeply appreciate your willingness to serve in this capacity. I have shared your names and contact information with them.

If you know of other congregations in similar circumstances, please let me know. I want to help.

A Sending Opportunity

As was announced on Wednesday night, Lisa and I are taking our kids to Canada to work with the Peterborough, Ontario, church in July. Do not worry; I will not ask you to fast. I, however, will ask you to remember us and the brethren in Peterborough in your prayers, that it may be a fruitful trip and that many people will be able to hear the gospel because of it. Lastly, thank you for all the encouragement you have already provided. It means more to my family than I can express in words.

Final Thoughts

The New Testament provides a clear model for preaching: the church sends, preachers go, and the good news is proclaimed. Whether we are doing the sending or the going, we are participating in spreading the gospel message. Thank you for the work you do!

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