STATE MISSIONS SPECIAL EMPHASIS: An Acceptable Sacrifice
Why have a Special Emphasis? Because we have been commanded to take the gospel to those around us, as well as all over the world. I wanted to share the good news your missionaries are experiencing during these most difficult times.
First, they are seeing a slow but steady increase in the number of professions of faith and the number of people desiring to become involved in discipleship. Praise the Lord! Some are beginning new classes and special groups, steadily increasing their outreach. The funds given during Special Emphasis enable us to reach even further in our evangelization efforts.
Our churches have always been very loving and involved in State Missions. This year, we intend to use a portion of these extra funds to help fulfill some of our missionaries’ immediate needs. So please pray and support our Special Emphasis offering this year. As our dear friend I.V. Hight used to say, it is “For the Sake of Souls.”
“…They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18 NIV). This verse adds details about the gifts Paul received through Epaphroditus. Paul clearly received some money, enough for him to consider himself more than fully paid. Using “gifts” in plural form suggests multiple items were given. Beyond money, Paul was probably sent other helpful items. The same is true today. Though unknown, these other gifts may involve chairs, tables, sound equipment, song books, Lord’s Supper dishes, vans, etc., meant to assist them in their work.
Paul calls these gifts “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Just as proper Old Testament offerings were considered acceptable sacrifices that pleased God, the Philippians’ gifts to Paul provided God the same satisfaction. Believers no longer lived under the requirements of the sacrificial system but could bring joy to the Lord through other expressions of worship, such as their sharing of gifts and resources with Paul.
Our Mission Statement is “to partner with individuals, churches and associations of the Baptist Missionary Association in sending out spirit-filled men to plant local churches wherever needed and fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
To fulfill our mission and provide services in our communities, we rely totally on the generosity of individuals and churches for support. Thank you in advance for your prayers and faithful support throughout the year.
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Paul White
Arkansas State Missions Director Paul White pens a weekly column to inform the BMA of Arkansas concerning Arkansas Missions’ activity and includes individual reports from each church planter.
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