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A Crown Of Rejoicing by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     On May 12, 1792 William Carey published a little pamphlet entitled, An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens. By God’s grace, his words inspired the modern missionary movement, and by God’s grace, I’m praying that they will inspire a fresh passion for global missions at Glory of Christ.
     Having touched on the necessity of obeying the Great Commission until Jesus comes, and on the difficulties involved in such obedience, the place of prayer and faith-filled action in it, and the need for organization and funding mechanisms for it, Carey concluded his pamphlet with the following words. I’m praying we will take them to heart.
     We are exhorted to lay up treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. It is also declared that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. These scriptures teach us that the enjoyments of the life to come, bear a near relation to that which now is; a relation similar to that of the harvest, and the seed. It is true all the reward is of mere grace, but it is nevertheless encouraging; what a treasure, what an harvest must await such characters as [the Apostle] PAUL, and [John] ELLIOT, and [David] BRAINERD, and others, who have given themselves wholly to the work of the Lord. What a heaven will it be to see the many myriads of poor heathens, of Britons amongst the rest, who by their labors have been brought to the knowledge of God. Surely a crown of rejoicing like this is worth aspiring to. Surely it is worthwhile to lay ourselves out with all our might, in promoting the cause, and kingdom of Christ.
     By the grace of God, William Carey and the words of his pamphlet have inspired generations of global missionaries and supporters of global missions. So, by the grace of God, let him inspire the people of Glory of Christ Fellowship now! From the early days of this church, your passion for global missions has been strong, consistent, and increasing. Let us fan this into flame by eagerly obeying the Great Commission all the more! Let us lay up much treasure in heaven! Let us sow the seeds of the gospel throughout the earth that we might reap a mighty harvest in due time! Let us look forward to the day when we will meet face to face with every soul who has come to know Jesus, in part, because of the investment of time, treasure, and talent made by the people of Glory of Christ, for they will be our collective crown of rejoicing! And when that day comes, let us eagerly give all the glory to Jesus as he invests his eternal joy in us!

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