By: Pastor Rick Smith

William Carey is known as the founder of modern day missions, but before this he had a heart for missions. He was a cobbler and above his workbench he tacked a map of the world and used it to pray for the souls of people all over the world. Missionaries were rare in those days and when the missionary society in London asked who would go to the world, Carey responded, “I will go down into the well, if you will hold the rope”. In the little letter of 3 John we have the guidelines for being those that “hold the rope” — that provide the support of those that go “…into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15).

First, we must stand for the gospel ourselves. “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 3-4). The same commission that our missionaries take applies to us. It is just like in the military you have the front line soldiers, but you also have the support personnel that are necessary for the success mission. We must maintain the faith and the truth where we are and practice living and proclaiming the gospel to those that are around us. We are co-laborers with the Lord and the missionaries He sends into the far reaches of the world.

If a missionary is home on furlough or we hear about a need that they have on he mission field, then we are obligated to help as much as we can. John said this to Gaius, “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well…” (3 John 5-6). We often think that the only thing that missionaries need is money to fund their work. They do need this, but they need much more. Sometimes they need a place to stay when on furlough. Many times they need, whether at home or abroad, a friend to listen, to be as sounding board, and a prayer warrior to come along side of them to help. Pray for our missionaries, but also correspond with them and encourage them in the work. Years ago there was a young missionary family that I had visited with and suddenly they seemed to disappear. Perhaps I failed to be a friend as well as a supporter. Perhaps I failed to hold the rope for them at a critical time in their work. Sadly, I will never know what happened.

I think that we need to remind ourselves of the great responsibilities that have been placed on our missionaries. Again, John says, “Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.” (3 John 7). First, they did not choose to be a missionary. They were called by Jesus and they go in His name. A soldier represents the country that commissioned him and our missionaries are not commission by the church or an organization, but they are singled out and called by Jesus Himself. Consider Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:3, that says, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” They were called by the Spirit of Jesus and sent out by the church in Antioch. Secondly, they are not to look to the world for their support. They are one with us and we with them. They deserve support from faithful followers of Jesus Christ Who sent them out. Will you support them Jesus sent out?

Lastly, when we support our missionaries we are joining in with them in the work. “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 8 ESV). We ought, we are obligated, to support those that are called by Jesus into this work. We are not obligated to support, nor encourage those that are self-sent or who preach another Jesus and another gospel. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 10-11). We should reprove such as these and call them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you have any questions, we invite you to visit with us this Sunday. Worship at 10:50 A.M. We are located at 711 West Washington Ave. Check our sermon videos on Youtube @ricksmith2541. Send comments and prayer requests to prayerlinecmbc@gmail.com.

Rick Smith is the Pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Artesia