Tag: devotional

The Mission of the Church

The mission didn’t start in the upper room—it started in the heart of God. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. And now He sends us with that same purpose—not to build our own name, but to proclaim His.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
— Matthew 28:19

The Church Was Never Meant to Stay Inside the Walls

From the start, the Church was scattered and sent. The Gospel advanced through the witness of everyday believers—fishermen, tentmakers, mothers, laborers. They didn’t wait for a pulpit; they lived their message in public.

“You are the light of the world… A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:14

“We are sent into the world as lambs among wolves, not to fear, but to shine.”
— Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans

The Early Church Was Marked by Movement

“They went everywhere preaching the word.”
— Acts 8:4

Persecution didn’t stop the mission—it spread it. Every new city became a new outpost of the Kingdom. They shared the Gospel, taught the commands of Christ, and lived in ways that confronted darkness with light.

Mission Is Not Optional—It’s Our Identity

“You are My witnesses.”
— Isaiah 43:10

We are not consumers—we are carriers. Not attendees—but ambassadors. The Church is not a cruise ship. It’s a lifeboat with a rescue mission.

“Let us not waste the time we’ve been given. For our King shall soon return.”
— Hermas, Mandate 13

What We Can Learn

1. We are a sent people with a clear mission.
2. The early Church fulfilled the Great Commission through faithful witness.
3. Every believer is called to shine, speak, and serve in their sphere.
4. We must live with urgency—our King is returning soon.

Sources:

• The Holy Bible — John 20:21; Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 8:1–4; Matthew 5:14–16; Isaiah 43:10
• Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans
• Hermas, Mandate 13
• Didache, ch. 10
• Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 36

The Bride Keeps Her Lamp Lit

The King is coming—but not everyone will be ready. Jesus warned of those who grew drowsy, whose lamps ran dry, and who were unprepared when the cry rang out: “Here is the Bridegroom!” The early Church heard that cry—and they lived to be found faithful and burning when He arrived.

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning… for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
— Luke 12:35–40

Readiness Is Devotion, Not Just Information

To be ready isn’t to have charts and timelines—it’s to live with purity, purpose, and passion for Jesus. The wise virgins in Jesus’ parable didn’t have more knowledge—they had oil.

“Those who were ready went in with Him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.”
— Matthew 25:10

The Early Church Watched, Waited, and Witnessed

“Let us walk in vigilance, for the hour is near.”
— Didache, ch. 16

They didn’t grow apathetic. Their hope didn’t make them passive—it made them holy. Their love was active. Their devotion was real.

“The Bride must be found without stain, ready for her Lord.”
— Hermas, Mandate 11

The Lamp Must Be Filled with Oil

Oil represents intimacy with the Spirit, sustained faith, and a heart fully alive to Christ. The foolish virgins had lamps—but no oil. They looked the part, but they weren’t connected to the source.

“Do not quench the Spirit.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Living Ready Is Our Daily Call

To pray.
To repent.
To love.
To endure.
To hope.
To shine.

What We Can Learn

1. Readiness is a heart posture, not a prophecy chart.
2. The Bride keeps her lamp lit through intimacy and obedience.
3. We must not grow sleepy—the hour is nearer than we think.
4. Those who are ready will reign in joy forever.

Sources:

• The Holy Bible — Luke 12:35–40; Matthew 25:1–13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6–11, 19; Revelation 19:7–9
• Didache, ch. 16
• Hermas, Mandate 11
• Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to Polycarp
• Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 35