Missionary Biographies

As we continue to remember this month’s focus on international missions, I want to take this opportunity to explain the benefit of learning about missionaries from the past. As Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Though this passage is referring to Hebrews 11 and the number of men and women who had displayed an example of faith, we could easily apply this to the example of other countless men and women who have gone before us and endured faithfully for the sake of Christ and the proclamation of his gospel to the ends of the earth. One of the key ways that we can learn about those who have gone before us is through reading their biographies. So then, as we consider the effects of reading about men and women of the past, let me give you four reasons why you need to know about missionaries and why you should read their biographies. 

First, missionary biographies connect you with God’s work through time. Naturally we are consumed with the present more than we are with the past. But a knowledge of the past is essential to understand the present time in which we live. As we saw on Sunday, much of the emphasis that we currently place upon international missions comes from knowing Lottie Moon. Additionally, you don’t understand the full breath of missions in China without understanding her work either. Then, as you begin learning about many other missionaries during Lottie’s time, you see the influence she had upon them and subsequently the influence that she had upon the world.  Plus, as you grow in understanding of how God used men and women in the past, you also grow in seeing his faithfulness to seek out and to save the lost.

Second, missionary biographies show you God’s work through imperfect people. As you dive into people’s lives you find much to be admired. Men and women who gave up all that they had for the work of the gospel. Some who lost spouses and children while serving the Lord, others who endured persecution and many who fought through discouragement and disappointment.  But at the same time you also see their faults. These men and women had the same types of temptations that are common to everyone. Whether it be a struggle with pride, or the desire for more things, or even difficulties in their relationships with others. Regardless, learning about others of whom God has used around the world, despite their sin, ought to remind us that God is glorified even in the midst of our weaknesses. 

Third, missionary biographies display the expansion of God’s kingdom.  In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  It is easy to look at the world today with the threat of Islam, Russia and their anti-evangelism laws, and even the hostile culture in our own country against historic Christianity, and we may wonder, how will God accomplish his work? As we learn about the world of the past and the men and women God used during that time, we see that what we are experiencing now is really nothing new. God will build his kingdom despite the opposition of the world and reading about the work of missionaries in the past reminds us of this.     

Fourth, missionary biographies provide a passion for your own soul. What you read about men and women from the past is that many of them were normal people like you and me. They were not exceptionally gifted in any particular area nor were they privileged over and beyond others.  They were simply willing to be used and went wherever the Lord led them. As you learn about those who have gone before, you see how God used them and how God accomplished much through them. This ought to remind you of how big and how great our God is. In addition to this, how can we not be moved by the stories of animist and atheists or Hindus and Buddhists being forever changed through the gospel that was proclaimed to them? Knowing the stories of those who have gone before provides the inspiration to want to be involved in God’s work.

As we remember our emphasis this month on international missions, don’t just sit back and brush it off as another fundraiser for us to participate in for our convention, but see it as an opportunity to be involved in God’s work around the world. At the same time, take the opportunity to learn about a missionary of the past. Consider reading about William Carey in his biography titled, Faithful Witness, the story of Jim Elliot in the biography titled, Through Gates of Splendor, or the biography of Adoniram Judson in To the Golden Shore. There are many others, of course, but the point is, seek to know about others of whom God has used and may it enliven your soul to want to be used by God for the spread of His great name all over the world.

Serving Him with You,

Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Announcements:

Congratulations!: Walker Roy Wood was born to Ryan and Lucia on Monday, November 24th. Walker was 7lbs and 7oz. Visit our Meal Train HERE!

Advent Devotionals: There are three options for Advent devotions available in our Welcome Center. The first one is free and it is titled, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. The second one is $10 and it is titled, Gifts of Grace. The last one is also $10 and it is titled, Come, Let us Adore Him. For an online resource, you can check out Advent is for Adoring Jesus by John Piper. Also, if you are looking for a family Advent devotional, check out The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent calendar and reading plan. 

Advent Music: Check out this Advent playlist from the Gettys: Spotify. Here is an Advent playlist from The Gospel Coalition: Spotify or Apple Music.

Prepare Him Room: On Saturday, December 13 from 10:00am-1:00pm, there will be a ladies’ Christmas event with Kelly Minter. Ladies, plan to join this event at the church for food, fellowship and worship, as we celebrate the Christmas season. There is a sign up sheet and more information in the hallway.

New Equip Class: Starting on January 11th at 9:15am, there will be a new class called Habits of the Household beginning. In Habits of the Household, we will discover simple practices that we can implement around our daily routines and seemingly mundane moments that will lead to a lifetime of growing closer to God—both for parents and their children. Go HERE for more information about this study.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: Every year at this time, we raise funds to support missionaries all over the world who are serving with the International Mission Board (IMB). Our goal at First Baptist Church is to raise $5,000. If you haven’t already, will you consider partnering with us by giving, as we seek to support international missions? You can give on Sunday mornings through one of our offering boxes located in the foyer or the welcome center. Just mark your envelop as “missions” or “Lottie Moon.” Or you can give online HERE. Choose “missions” under the Fund tab. You can find more information about this offering HERE.

Members’ Meeting: Our regular potluck lunch and members’ meeting will be held following the morning service on Sunday, December 14th.

Christmas Eve Service: Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on December 24th at 6:00pm. On this evening, we will read the Christmas story, sing Christmas Songs together and hear a short Christmas message. Make plans to join us and invite your family and friends.

Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.

Men’s Study: On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 8:00-9:15pm, the church hosts a men’s study through the book, The Measure of a Man. See Clint Blankenship for more information.

Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.

Awana Bible Club

Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.