PRESENTATION: MESSAGE: Operations Order

Bruce Sidebotham <73362.1503@compuserve.com>, director of Operation Reveille, is focusing on mobilizing Christians in the military for missions. The first article below is his outline of a five paragraph military operations order applied to the Great Commission.

OPERATIONS ORDER

1. SITUATION
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) Half the people in the world do not know a Christian who speaks their language, eats their food, or wears their clothes. The "body of Christ" does not exist within their culture.

2. MISSION
"Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:19) Create and maintain the "kingdom of God" within every existing linguistic and ethnic context.

3. EXECUTION
"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20:21) Incarnate the church in a new context the way God incarnated himself, by the power of the Holy Spirit with the participation (prayer and sacrifice) of God's people.

4. SERVICE & SUPPORT
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" (Romans 10:14-15) Local churches, denominations, and individuals send resources of people, money, and prayer so that someone can live and minister within an un- reached culture. Agencies providing support (Bible translations, gospel recordings, radio broadcasts, medical assistance, famine relief, etc.) enhance effectiveness. Other organizations (Adopt-a-People Clearing House, the ECFA, this outfit, etc.) contribute by serving the resource base, sending agencies, and support agencies.

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL
". . . and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18) Jesus is the Commander-In-Chief. His followers act on His word and in His name. Though diverse, they unite to accomplish the mission. Each one contributes according to his or her abilities and circumstances.

 

EOF