LET THE CHURCH KNOW

1. LET THE CHURCH KNOW Lesson 11 for June 16, 2012

2. MISSIONARY REPORT If we understand the book of Acts as a missionary report, we can see how Luke tells how the Church quickly grew in that time, thank to the divine intervention. The author wrote about the results of that evangelism in his report.

3. MISSIONARY REPORT If we understand the book of Acts as a missionary report, we can see how Luke tells how the Church quickly grew in that time, thank to the divine intervention. The author wrote about the results of that evangelism in his report.

4. MISSIONARY REPORT While the act of reporting on our witnessing and evangelistic endeavors is not as important as the news of the gospel itself, it does represent a key link in the chain of God’s plan to save lost humanity. Communicating God’s activity throughout the church is essential. This week we’ll study the different aspects of a missionary report. • MOTIVATION: • Whytoreport? • CONTENT: • Whattoreport? • RESULT: • What is the goal of reporting?

5. MOTIVATION, WHY TO REPORT? What our reports say depends on the reaction we expect from those who will read those reports. We can find a good example of that when the 12 spies who were sent to the land of Canaan returned and reported (Numbers, 13: 26-33; 14: 1-9)

6. MOTIVATION, WHY TO REPORT? In order to avoid our reports from not making the right impression or making the people who hear them feel that they were deceived by those reports in the future, we must follow some rules. Information must be the most detailed possible. Reports must be the most honest and fairest possible. We must reveal God’s will through His blessings. We must not highlight what we’ve done, but what God has done through us, or how we fulfilled God’s will. We must seek God’s will for our Church, and follow it.

7. CONTENT, WHAT TO REPORT? “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts, 14: 27) “On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry” (Acts, 21:18-19) We don’t need to be great evangelists like Paul to share WHAT GOD HAS DONE through us with the church when we are witnesses and evangelists for Him. That must be done humbly and with enthusiasm and love for the souls.

8. RESULT, WHAT IS THE GOAL OF REPORTING? When Peter and John were arrested and judged after healing the born lame (Acts, 4: 1-22), they reported on what happened before the Council to the Church (Acts, 4: 23-33) As a result of that report, believers were motivated to:

9. RESULT, WHAT IS THE GOAL OF REPORTING? “On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs” (Acts, 21: 18-21) After Paul’s third missionary trip, he came back to Jerusalem and reported on his missionary activities among the Gentile to the Church. That report generated diverse reactions. Those who heard Paul’s report because they wanted to see the wonders God was doing to spread the Gospel, praised God. Those who heard Paul’s report with some prejudice against his “theology”, criticized him and weren’t favored by his experiences; they didn’t feel motivated to praise God.

10. RESULT, WHAT IS THE GOAL OF REPORTING? Some people are hesitant to turn in successful reports because they wonder if it is a form of boasting in human achievement. In reality, however, God is glorified by faithful reporting, and His church is strengthened in the faith and resolve to continue working for Him. Reporting can greatly encourage other church members also to get involved in the work of evangelism and soul-winning. When Peter visited Cornelius and baptized him and all who were gathered at his house, the leaders of the Church called him to explain why he had broken the Jewish customs. We can read his report on Acts, 11: 4-17. Peter’s report emphasized what God had done. As a result of it, the eyes of those who were hearing weren’t set upon Peter, but upon God. “When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”” (Acts, 11: 18)

11. RESULT, WHAT IS THE GOAL OF REPORTING? When missionary reports are properly presented, their main results are: • They invite to pray, to study the Bible and to testify. • When the report is well received, it leads to praising God. If it is not, then it generates criticism. • They encourage the Church to keep working with witnessing and evangelism. • TheyglorifyGod.

12. “Let those who gain such an experience in working for the Lord write an account of it for our papers, that others may be encouraged. Let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his ministry as an evangelist. These reports should find a place in our papers, for they are far-reaching in their influence. They will be as sweet fragrance in the church, a savor of life unto life. Thus it is seen that God works with those who co-operate with Him” E.G.W. (ColpolteurMinistry, cp. 11, pg. 79)