Lord, Send Forth Labourers!

Introduction

Two key things in the ministry are:
1. Pure gospel
2. Faithful men and women to receive it and take it forward

Jesus’ ministry was exemplary for this:
• Matthew 9:35-10:8

The Program (v 35) The church is with a very definite program plan which Jesus explains in this verse:

• Teaching and preaching the gospel—the real power of God is revealed through the faithful preaching, teaching, and practicing of the gospel
• Healing every sickness and every disease—a holistic ministry of the church

We as a church should always gospel oriented

The Problem (vv 36-38)

Who will do the gospel work?
◦ There were multitudes to hear the gospel, but there were no faithful men to lead them.
◦ The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

The Provision (vv 38-10:4)

It is God who provides labourers, but we must pray, and be ready to go.
◦ The disciples were ready to heed the call ◦ These 12 men were from the different walks of life
◦ They surrendered their lives to serve the Lord fulltime

Today the church needs such people—people to serve the Lord fulltime

The Pattern (vv 5-10)

The Lord set forth a clear pattern for the gospel ministry:

• Prioritize—the lost sheep of the house of Israel
• Preach with urgency—the Kingdom of heaven is near
• Provide for the desperate and needy—freely received, freely give

Conclusion/Application

There is an urgent call today—heed the gospel call, be blessed, and take it forward! • Who shall receive this call today?

“O God, stamp eternity on my eyeballs. Keep me ever mindful of the shortness of life, the solemnity of death, and the glory of Christ. May I never do anything out of revenge. Never do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life. Lord, let every moment be spent for Your glory—that I may live with all my might while I do live. Let me not be weary in well-doing, for in due season I shall reap, if I faint not.” Jonathan Edwards