THE MACEDONIAN CALL
Acts 16.9
“…Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” This was the dramatic appeal of the Macedonian man that appeared in vision to Paul and spoke deeply into this great God`s servant`s spirit and heart.
Macedonia was very well endowed: arts, philosophy and the Greek religion. Besides, it was influenced by Greece through schools, the wise men, the temples and its oracles.
However, Macedonia was destitute of something superior, the gospel, that is, the saving message in Jesus Christ. It`s interesting to notice that God is always in search of man and He shows that in His Word. In this text, we can observe God`s concern in “seeking and saving that which was lost” (Lc. 19.10). Your social, economic and cultural context doesn`t matter. He loves everybody and His Son came for everybody. He loves and has a plan for everybody. And here in this text, we see this tremendous cry through this vision: bring us the Savior.
So many go on with the same cry. Urban and indigenous tribes, people from all tribes and languages and even the sertanejos (Northeastern backland people). We want missionaries, too, as cried the Matapi indigenous. However, few are the Christians who, like the apostle Paul, are sensitive to the cry of those who still don`t know the Lord Jesus. Many make believe they don`t understand it and run away from their responsibility of preaching the gospel.
The Macedonian call is not towards a specific group of people, but to all the church, to every true Christian who understands his compromise with God`s Word. This text shows us that the calling has some aspects.
I. THE MACEDONIAN CALL IS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN.
Paul had the vision and, immediately, he and Elijah decided to answer God`s calling. They didn`t hesitate in obeying as, above all, “coming over into Macedonia, and helping the people there” was obeying God, Whom they served. They were not stuck to their comfort, financial support or their comfort zone.
Preaching the Lord Jesus` gospel wherever He showed them was their purpose. This was very clear in their minds and hearts. Such challenge is for each one of us today.
II. THE MACEDONIAN CALL HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO ARE ATTEMPTIVE TO GOD`S VOICE.
Now he understood the reason why he couldn`t go into Bithynia, Frigia and Mysia with the Good News. This vision made the reason why God had taken him to Troas clear: because there was an evangelization of greater dimension.
Many times we put ourselves through faith into an evangelistic undertaking, understanding it to be the Lord`s will; however, the doors close, and that apparently without any clear reason to us. And at times, we even complain!
God wishes to transmit His plan to us as regards people`s salvation, even though this plan may seem confusing to us. As we`re attentive to God`s voice, we can be sure that the doors will easily be opened. We need to be attentive to God`s voice and still…
III. THE MACEDONIAN CALL COMES TO PEOPLE WITH THE DISPOSITION TO GO WHERE GOD WANTS.
Paul had though of traveling to places he had already been to. God`s plans, however, included a completely new continent, one that was also open to Christ`s invitation, where no one had been before, that is, no one equipped with the wonderful message of hope in Christ Jesus. That God had called him to a new frontier.
Undoubtfully, this would alter his plans. It was clear to him, however, that his target was to satisfy the will of Him who called him to work. Thus, the apostle and his companions did not hesitate to accomplish the missionary call, as upon him was this necessity. 1 Co. 9.16.
Paul didn`t waste time in obeying the Lord`s order. The challenge of an unknown place didn`t frighten him. On the contrary, we believe it stimulated him.
he Lord just said to go to Macedonia and they went immediately, certain that God had called them to preach the gospel (Acts 16.10).
This must be everyone`s answer among God`s people to the Macedonian people. We must be ready and willing to answer God`s calling and go where He sends us. There are many “Macedonians” scattered around the world, around Brazil, in regions like the Northeast, in desperate need of the Lord Jesus Christ`s Gospel, and God`s with you to answer this call.
Each one of us can answer the Macedonian call positively and obey God`s voice.
We all can do the Macedonian call because “Missions are made with the feet of those who go, the knees of those who stay and the hands of those who contribute.”
You can take part by going (your feet) with us! We need workers in our action field.
You can participate by praying (your knees) with us for God to support His work and for many to be saved and come to the full knowledge of the truth.
You can participate by contributing (with your hands) with us for resource supply so we can buy land, build houses of prayer (temples), as much as our missionary headquarters. You can contribute to supply for traveling costs and mail Bible courses.
What`s your decision?
The Macedonian call echoes on:”Come over into the Northeast, and help us!”
Thinking about that, we have the following needs:
1. CONCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR MISSIONARY HEADQUARTERS.
-Roof, doors and windows; hydraulic and electrical installation, floor, painting, etc;
-Furniture.
2. CONCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOUSE OF PRAYER IN RIACHUELO.
-Floor; building the bathrooms, including tiles and hydraulic installation; doors; painting and outside walls.
3. BUILDING THE HOUSE OF PRAYER IN JUCURUTU.
-Bricks; tiles, cement, bathroom, floor, doors and windows, painting and hydraulic installation.
4. BUILDING THE HOUSE OF PRAYER IN BARRO, CE.
-Buying the land (R$16,000.00)
-Building – bricks, cement, tiles, doors, windows, floor, hydraulic and electrical installation and paying the bricklayers.
5. PREPARATION OF MISSIONARIES WILLING TO BE USED IN TEAM WORK.
6. CONTRIBUTING TO SUPPORT OUR MISSIONARIES.
WHAT TO DO?
You can contribute through the SEARA bank accounts:
BRADESCO – Agency 2134---2 – Bank Account: 19.261 – 9
BANCO DO BRASIL – Agency 3293 - X – – Bank Account: 11.385 – 9
NOTE: We`d like to be informed of your deposit so we can send you a receipt and a letter thanking: The SEARA Ministry - Caixa Postal 671 – 59022-970 – NATAL – RN - Brasil.
