Healing of Evangelism and Missions (Mark 16:15-20) 2/23/2025
Healing of Evangelism and Missions (Mark 16:15-20) 2/23/2025
Why do we need to heal evangelism and missions? We ae not saying let us diligently. Go and evangelize and do missions because churches today are not doing so. That is a concern, but churches today do not have the strength for evangelism and missions.
There is something more important. The real question is, are the churches engaging in missions truly following the evangelism and missions that the Lord desires and the Bible teaches? Incorrect missions lead to works that have nothing to do with God. In the extreme, this is what Satan wants. That is why we need to heal evangelism and missions.
What is the reality of the mission field? It is not centered on the gospel alone. Many fall into religious pluralism, liberation theology, and abnormal mysticism. India, the country I am visiting tomorrow, is one of the four cradles of civilization. Its vast land has now surpassed China in population, and one-third of the world’s unevangelized people groups reside there. Indian people are also key IT professionals in the U.S. Despite significant missionary efforts since the apostle Thomas first arrived as a missionary, India’s religious demographics remain as follows: 80% Hindu, 15% Muslim, 3% Buddhist, and only 2% Christian, primarily Catholic. Mother Teresa, known for her Nobel Peace Prize, is buried there.
What kind of missions does God desire? Our church must engage in this kind of mission, and that is why we are going to India. To train the small number of people God has prepared so they can enjoy and proclaim the true gospel as leaders. In today’s passage, Jesus commands His disciples: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). This is not just any gospel. It is the only gospel, the unique gospel. We must first understand, experience, and stand as witnesses of the gospel. Because people have lost the gospel and are not delivering it, the world remains in deep darkness.
- The Gospel is that the Son of God. came as the Christ to solve our life’s fundamental problem (Luke 2:10-11).
1) When we believe this gospel, demons will be cast out (Mark 16:17a). This was God’s first promise after humanity’s fall (Genesis 3:15). The devil, who deceived Adam and Eve into leaving God, now rules the world (John 8:44, 14:30). He is called the ruler of darkness, and that is why endless darkness continues (Isaiah 60:2). People become evil, corrupt, and as a result of human greed, wars, disasters, and destruction will continue.
2) When we believe this gospel, we will speak in new tongues (Mark 16:17b). What does “new tongues” mean? This means we will proclaim that Christ is the only answer to all problems and the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) in our respective languages. We must go and proclaim this one true answer in the mission fields.
3) Then, we will pick up snakes, drink deadly poison without harm, and heal the sick (Mark 16:18). True healing arises. Snakes symbolize Satan. This means his authority will be broken and we can block his offense. Spiritual healing will come to idol worshippers (Colossians 1:13-14). Healing of the broken heart(Acts 10:38), healing of relationships (Isaiah 60:3-4), physical healing (Acts 8:4-8), and even economic healing (Isaiah 60:5-6) will arise.
- When Christ is proclaimed, the enthroned Lord will be with us (19). This is the blessing of God’s Kingdom. The Christ of the throne reigns over us by the Holy Spirit, leading, guiding, and answering us.
1) When the Lord of the Throne is in me, the Kingdom of God is established in my life (Luke 17:21). True peace will come into my life. Whether at home or work, there will be no need for unnecessary arguments or conflicts. When we enjoy the state in which the Holy Spirit leads and works within me, we can understand God’s will and experience true joy (Romans 14:17).
2) Then, our families, churches, nations, and the world can truly unite (Ephesians 4:3-6). In the end, Christ will unify all things. It will be the kingdom of God with no more darkness (Revelation 22:5). When families and churches are united, strength emerges, and with that strength, we carry out world missions.
3) At this point, darkness will be broken, Satan’s forces will collapse, and the spiritual atmosphere will change (Matthew 12:28).
① When the gospel is proclaimed and its power manifests, entire regions and nations can be transformed. Philip brought this gospel to Samaria, a land filled with suffering and despair, and changed the cursed flow of that land. Like Joseph, when a person with the mystery of God’s presence enters a workplace or business, a new stream of blessing begins.
② When the spiritual flow region changes through its pastors and the church who have this mystery, more and more evidence of blessings will be shown as time goes. This is what we believe and take with us when we go on missions and hold pastoral trainings.
- When we enjoy and proclaim this blessing of God’s Kingdom, signs that follow will be the evidence of the Word (20). This means that every word we hold onto, declare, and share will be fulfilled. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
1) Experiencing the power of the Word is the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work.
① Faith in salvation comes through hearing and believing this Word (Romans 10:17). “When you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).
② Evangelism will take place when God allows you to meet people who need to hear the Word of the Gospel that you are holding onto. Evangelism is not just inviting people to church. The Holy Spirit led Philip to meet the Ethiopian eunuch, who would hear and understand the word of the gospel (Acts 8:26-39).
③ Meeting such people who will focus on the Word is our goal for this mission Trip. They will become those who will continue as disciples (John 6:67-68). That is why theological ministry that teaches the correct gospel and trains leaders who will relay that gospel is important.
2) Embracing the Word of the gospel and seeing its fulfillment is the true answer (John 15:7).
① Hold onto the message from the pulpit, meditate on it, and pray with faith (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Not listening to the pulpit message and losing hold of the Word is losing hold of all blessings. God created the world through His Word, and that Word became flesh as Christ, and that Christ is fulfilling works of re-creation through the Word even now.
② The work of the Holy Spirit is not the preacher’s skill or character. It is important and necessary, but it is not enough. The works arise from the Word itself that proclaims Christ, God’s kingdom, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
3) When the enthroned Lord confirms His Word to us, unprecedented works that transcend time and space will take place. Anything you do as you hold onto the Word, meditate, and believe will become God’s eternal masterpiece. Try recording the Holy Spirit’s fulfillment of the Word in writing. Create masterpieces (Sunday School’s workshops).
Conclusion – This year, I plan to hold onto the covenant of Macedonia that Paul received (Acts 16:9-10) for my missions. Just one disciple who hears and stands with this only gospel is important. May this blessing of true evangelism and missions that God desires become ours.
2.23.25 Healing of Evangelism and Missions