As Mimico Baptist Church, we celebrate 106 years of ministry and are reminded of God’s faithfulness through more than a century. While we give thanks for all that has gone before us, we are not called to remain there. The Christian life is a missionary journey. With our guest speaker Rev. Reuben “RG” Foncardas, we return to our primary purpose.
sermon: On Mission with God–How God Expands His Kingdom (Acts 13-14) with Rev. Reuben “RG” Foncardas
On Mission With God
Seeking His Direction, Sharing His Message, Strengthening His Church
As Mimico Baptist Church marked its 106th anniversary, we did more than celebrate longevity—we paused to remember why we exist and what God continues to call us to.
Anniversaries help us do three important things:
- Remember God’s faithfulness in the past
- Recognize God’s work in the present
- Renew our trust in God’s plans for the future
Together, they remind us of this foundational truth: we are on mission with God.
But what does that really mean—for us as a church and for each of us as followers of Jesus?
Why Are We Still Here?
If our sins are forgiven and eternal life is assured, why didn’t God bring us home the moment we believed?
Scripture gives us a clear answer:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
We are still here because God’s mission is not finished. And in His grace, He invites us to join Him.
The Christian life is not just about personal faith—it is a missionary journey. No matter our job, age, life stage or location, we are called to be salt and light, ambassadors of Christ and participants in God’s redemptive work in the world.
Learning From the First Missionary Journey
In Acts 13–14, Paul and Barnabas embark on the church’s first missionary journey. From their story, we learn three essential steps for joining God in His mission today:
- Seek God’s direction
- Share God’s message
- Strengthen God’s church
1. Seek God’s Direction
Before Paul and Barnabas ever set out, the church in Antioch was worshiping, praying and fasting. Then the Holy Spirit spoke.
Mission did not begin with strategy—it began with listening.
An important truth emerges here:
Mission is not something we start for God; it is something God starts in us.
The ministries we carry out are not our projects—they are God’s work, entrusted to us. That is why the church’s mission always:
- Begins with worship
- Ends with obedience
Faithfulness, not visible results, is how success is measured in God’s kingdom.
Four Questions for Discernment
When seeking God’s direction, the order of our questions matters:
- What has God done?
Remembering God’s grace stirs gratitude—and gratitude fuels obedience. - What is God doing?
God is active and present, often working where there is tension, transition, or trouble. - Who are we becoming?
Mission is not first about activity; it is about identity—becoming more like Christ. - What does God want us to do?
Our actions should always deepen our life in Christ and advance His kingdom.
We do not work for God in our own strength—we work with God, in His power.
2. Share God’s Message
Once sent, Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the gospel wherever they went—because the gospel is urgent.
If you had a cure for a deadly disease, you wouldn’t keep it to yourself.
And church, we hold the cure for sin and spiritual death: Jesus Christ.
Our witness involves both:
- How we live
- What we say
Even when there is resistance, fear, or cultural pushback, we are called to speak the truth with courage, humility, wisdom and love.
3. Strengthen God’s Church
The mission didn’t end with new believers. Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen churches, appoint leaders, and encourage disciples.
Evangelism without discipleship leads to abandonment. New life requires nurturing.
If we want to see transformation in our city, we must be a church that helps people:
- Know Christ
- Obey Christ
- Serve Christ
Simple Ways to Strengthen the Church
- Pray – for others and for yourself
- Give – not only finances, but time and gifts
- Unite – pursue peace, resolve conflict, and walk together in love
Strength begins personally—then it flows into our families, small groups, and the wider church.
God’s Mission Is Not Finished
You are here because God still has work to do.
You are here because God wants to use you—right where He has placed you.
May these not just be ideas we hear, but patterns we live:
- Seek His direction
- Share His message
- Strengthen His church
As we remember what God has done, recognize what He is doing, and trust where He is leading, may we continue faithfully on mission with God.