A Call to Missions: Isaac Yim

A Call to Missions: Isaac Yim

This Sunday at CDC, we were privileged to have Pastor Isaac Yim speak on the topic “A Call to Missions” on Acts 13:1-3. Giving a general overview of the book of Acts, Pastor Isaac explained that Acts 1-8 mainly focused on Peter’s ministry to the Jews while Acts 13-28 focused on Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. This morning’s passage showed us the beginning of Paul’s ministry at Antioch which saw the culminated in the amazing movement of the Gospel to the ends of the known world.

1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3

Basically, this passage and later verses show the main pattern by which missionaries are sent out. Firstly, God calls those whom He chooses. Then the church certifies the call. After that, the church sends out the missionaries, backing them by prayer and support. Finally, the missionaries return to report to the church.

Focusing first on the calling of God, we see that it took place during worship, prayer and fasting. Here, we see the importance of worshipping and praying together as a church, especially among the leaders and pastors. Pastor Isaac highlights the concept Communion as very fundamental in our worship and prayer with God. It is fellowshipping with God, and we should expect God to speak to us too when we worship and pray. Prayer is both communion and union with God.

Pastor Isaac then focused on the term Consecration, which means to Set Apart for a Special Purpose, and this was what happened to Barnabas and Paul, who were set apart to be the first missionaries to the Gentile world. Similarly, missionaries in today’s church are also set apart to be sent out on a special purpose from God.

Being a missionary demands total commitment - an uncompromising loyalty to God’s plan for one’s whole life. It is not easy, but God will certainly rewards His servants, not so much with dollars and cents, but rather with a fulfilled, rich and purposeful life.

Once a church commissions missionaries to another place, the church must support them with prayers and material support. The church should also encourage missionaries by writing to them and exhorting them. In a way, the church is sort of like “holding the line” for them as they go out to spiritual war.

In closing, Pastor Isaac challenged us to seek to hear God speaking to us daily, whether in prayer, Bible Reading or reading Christian books. For the church, Pastor Isaac exhorted us to recognize those who are called and set apart for ministry. As church or individual, we need to learn to discern God’s call and make ourselves available to Him for His service.

God bless,

Jason