(This article pairs well with our Great Commission article. Consider starting there!)
In the book of Acts, chapter 1, verse 8, Jesus gives His disciples a powerful mandate that serves as the foundation for missions:
- “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (KJV)
- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” (WEBU)
This verse lays out a strategic approach to missions, starting from the local context and expanding outward to the farthest reaches of the world. It emphasizes the importance of beginning right where we are, in our own communities, before reaching out to distant lands.
The first step in fulfilling the Great Commission is to be witnesses in Jerusalem—For us, Montana—our immediate surroundings. This means sharing the love of Christ with our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.
Local missions provide a unique opportunity to meet people where they are, addressing their physical, emotional, and most importantly: their spiritual needs. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, delivering Gospel tracts, caring for the sick, or providing shelter for the homeless, these acts of compassion open doors for sharing the message of hope found in Jesus Christ.
Moreover, engaging in local missions allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and spiritual dynamics within our own communities. It enables us to identify specific areas of need and develop targeted strategies for reaching the lost with the gospel.
As we faithfully witness in our Jerusalem, we then expand our reach to Judea and Samaria—the regions beyond our immediate vicinity but still within our sphere of influence. This may involve partnering with churches, ministries, and organizations in neighboring communities or regions to amplify our impact and reach a broader audience with the gospel message.
Judea and Samaria represent the next level of engagement in missions, where we extend our reach beyond familiar territory to reach those who may be culturally or geographically different from us. It requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people who may have different backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Finally, Jesus instructs His disciples to take the gospel to the ends of the earth—a global mission that transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers. This encompasses missions to unreached people groups, remote villages, and distant nations where the name of Jesus has yet to be proclaimed.
Wherever we go, we are to take Him with us.
But it all starts with a commitment to local missions. As Jesus Himself demonstrated during His earthly ministry, effective missions begin by ministering to the needs of those closest to us. It’s about loving our neighbors as ourselves and sharing the hope of salvation with those who are searching for meaning and purpose in life.
So, let us heed the words of Jesus and begin our missions endeavors right where we are, in our own Jerusalem. This is what we’re trying to do here with Mission Save Montana. Let us be faithful witnesses, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways and proclaiming the good news to all who will listen. If you can, support us or get involved to help us fulfill Acts 1:8.
And as we do so, may we see lives transformed, communities revitalized, and the kingdom of God advanced, one person at a time.
