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The
Overflow of Mission
by Steve Bussey
Theme: When Christ’s presence
overflows in our lives, even in the midst of suffering
we
can find comfort, encouragement, and generosity
not just
for ourselves, but for the world.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:26; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2
Corinthians 1:5-7; 1 Corinthians 6:4-13.
Supporting Scriptures: Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 8:2; 2
Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 1:9; Colossians 2:7; 1
Thessalonians 3:12.
Missions: A Defining Essential
Missions is a defining essential of The Salvation Army. We
were born as a mission with the purpose of seeing all of the
world being saved by the grace experienced through the blood
of Jesus.
Frederick (Booth-)Tucker poetically shared these words in
1886:
We
mean to save them, all we can - All the world!
Make
no exceptions, every man - All the world!
We’ll
strain and stretch our every nerve,
Nor
ever from this purpose swerve
That
every one should Jesus serve - All the world!
(Tucker, 1887)
This Great Commission was given to us by Jesus in Matthew
28:19 - “to make disciples of all nations...” Our mission is
to bring the gospel of salvation to every nation alive in this
generation.
This
Commission is not simply a suggestion, but a mandate - not
from The Salvation Army, but from Jesus himself as revealed in
Scripture. It was our Founder, General William Booth who said:
“Ours
is the same salvation taught in the Bible - the very same
salvation which was purchased by the sufferings and agony and
Blood of the Son of God. We believe the world needs it, and
that this and this alone will set it right.” (William Booth,
1882, 18)
“Put
your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull
poor sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the
burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its
pitying wail for help.” (William Booth, The General’s Letters,
1886)
The
Bible is the story of redemptive mission. In its’ pages lie
the battle plan for how to reach a generation for Christ. Dr.
Nina Gunter, first woman elected to the highest office in the
Church of the Nazarene, has said, “If you take missions out of
the bible, you won’t have anything left but the covers.”
In the
pages of the Bible lies both the story of salvation and the
story of those who have spread the message of salvation. We
find our missions blueprint - not only what to think and do,
but who we are called to be. 1 Corinthians 12:26 reminds us
that, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one
part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (NIV) Over
these next few weeks, we will explore God’s message to us
about how we are called to not only share our resources, but
share in suffering, share in rejoicing and share of ourselves
with those who are a part of God’s global Army of salvation.
The
Overflow
Michael
Green, the great British theologian has described evangelism
with simply the word, “overflow.”
“It
gives the right nuance, of someone who is so full of joy about
Jesus Christ that it overflows as surely as a bath that is
filled to overflowing with water. It is a natural thing. It is
a very obvious thing. (Green, 1993: 8)
Green’s
definition is not his own imagery, but draws upon the
beautiful imagery of the great missionary, Paul the Apostle,
who in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 uses the Greek word, “plērophoria”:
“Our
gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in
the Holy Spirit and in much plēophoria’”
This
word has been translated as:
•
Assurance (NKJV)
•
Sure Knowledge (NCV)
•
Deep Conviction (NIV)
•
Full Conviction (NASB)
•
Steel Convictions (MSG)
The
word literally translated means “to exceed the measure” - a
certain confidence, fullness or abundance (Strong, 2010). It
implies a confidence, a conviction or an assurance which isn’t
half-sure, but completely sure. It is a belief that is so deep
that nothing can alter it. It is assurance that is so absolute
that it bubbles-up and overflows into every facet of life -
our body, our mind, our emotions, our relationships. It
affects our homes, our workplace, our recreation spaces -
wherever we go. It is obvious transformation - which stops
people in their tracks to ask, “Why is that person so
different?”
When
this happens, evangelism is impossible to avoid. When overflow
begins to take place - it can’t remain in one place, but must
spread to the four corners of the world! Missionary Statesman,
Roland Allen says this:
“This
is the instinctive force which drives people even at the risk
of life itself to impart to others a new-found joy: that is
why it is proverbially difficult to keep a secret... The
Spirit of Christ is a Spirit who longs for, and strives after
the salvation of souls of people, and that Spirit dwells in
them. That spirit converts the natural instinct into a longing
for the conversion of others...” (Allen, 1927)
Overflow in Scripture
Jesus
promised us, “Your joy will overflow!” in John 15:11.
This
experience of “joy-filled spontaneous combustion” occurred
following Pentecost - when the Holy Spirit sanctified the
early church with a mighty Baptism of Fire which resulted in
thousands being immediately saved. It couldn’t be contained!
It was overflow!
In the
life of the Apostle Paul after his Damascus experience. His
life was inevitably propelled into overflowing, spreading the
gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Wherever he went, people
were saved and joined the church.
Throughout his writings he declares this:
•
Romans 15:13 “You will overflow with
confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
•
2 Corinthians 8:2 “They are filled with
abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.”
•
2 Corinthians 9:14 “They will pray for
you will deep affection because of the overflowing grace God
has given to you.”
•
Philippians 1:9 “I pray that your love
will overflow more and more.”
•
Colossians 2:7 “You will overflow with
thankfulness.”
•
1 Thessalonians 3:12 “May the Lord make
your love for one another and for all people grow and
overflow.”
Paul
was constantly singing,
It’s
bubblin’, it’s bubblin’, it’s bubblin’ in my soul.
I’m
singing and shouting since Jesus made me whole!
Folks
don’t understand it, but I can’t keep it quiet.
It’s
bubblin, bubblin, bubblin, bubblin, bubblin day and night!
(Sullivan, 1936)
Paul’s
experience of overflow was that the love, joy, hope, grace and
thankfulness could not be contained within the four walls of
the church - this cup of blessing was to be spread to all the
world.
Overflow in Tradition
What
was true of the early church has remained true throughout
history - and remains true today. The same Holy Spirit who set
the Acts church alive set William and Catherine Booth alive.
In 1881, three years after the Christian Mission had become
The Salvation Army, there was a profound moving of the Holy
Spirit when the vision of the Army expanded beyond England,
America, France, Australia and Canada to all the world. This
experience came with a similar overflowing of the Holy Spirit.
As Commissioner Railton would relay:
“We
fully expect the most wonderful meetings we have ever known,
and are earnestly looking forward to a Baptism of the Holy
Ghost, the results of which shall be felt ALL OVER THE WORLD.”
(Railton, March, 1881)
Over
the next ten years, The Salvation Army would explode into the
most remote regions of this world - going to places where
people had never even heard of Jesus! By the end of their
lives, both William Booth and George Scott Railton had
travelled around the world more than anybody else in history!
They were most certainly obeying Christ’s command - choosing
to “go in the strength of the Lord.”
Commissioner George Scott Railton said,
“The
life of the soul saver is the grandest, merriest, strangest
life that can be lived on earth - the life of Jesus lived over
again in us. It will cost you all, but it will be a good
bargain at that!” (Railton, 1881)
Railton
was once described by his fellow global Salvationist,
Commissioner Frederick Booth-Tucker, as “a wild stallion who
didn’t require whip or spur.” (Booth-Tucker, 1892: 28) He was
a person who couldn’t stop sharing the gospel with others. He
was the son of missionaries who left Scotland to go to Antigua
in the Caribbean to help the Methodist church both share the
gospel and rid the world of the recently abolished slavery.
After returning to England for health reasons, they sacrificed
their lives by caring for those who were dying of cholera,
leaving George and his brother orphaned.
As a
teenager, Railton was infected with the same missionary spirit
as his parents - and wanted to win all of Africa for Jesus! He
was overflowing, and set sail for Morocco but nearly starved
to death and had to be rescued by the British Consulate. That
enthusiasm never waned, but rather was intensified when he
met his new father-figure, William Booth. Without hesitation,
Railton became William’s Lieutenant and called him General
five years before the “Salvation Army” would officially be
realized.
With
reckless abandon, Railton’s goal was to “win the world for
Jesus.” Every moment of his life was dedicated to the glory of
God and the salvation of souls. Through good times and bad
times, the Holy Spirit overflowed wherever he went and
thousands were being saved. Railton spearheaded the mission to
America, then returned to England to the front-lines of battle
with the Skeleton Army, while serving as Booth’s right-hand
man (Douglas & Duff, 1920; Watson, 1970).
Overflow in Suffering
This
story sounds like a fantastic adventure of a lifetime, but
there was a time when Railton experienced his lowest moment in
ministry.
1884
was a wonderful year for George. He had met the love of his
life, Marian Parkyn and had married her in January of that
year. By the end of the year his first son, David was born.
Everything seemed to going well. In addition, The Salvation
Army had begun to gain the respect and support of the church
and the work of the Army was fast expanding into new regions
including South Africa.
Unexpectedly Railton was told that he was to be replaced by
his best friend and surrogate brother, Bramwell Booth as the
Chief of the Staff. Railton was left to rediscover his
identity and place in this movement he loved. In the midst of
this challenge, Railton also discovered that he was deathly
ill!
To
recover, Doctors recommended that he go on a long voyage to
rest, but he refused. Finally the Booths insisted that he go
to recover and was put on a ship for Natal, South Africa.
Marian accompanied him, leaving their child behind.
They
began their three month long voyage, with thirteen drunken
sailors on board. Railton was so frail that the crew were
convinced he would be dead before they made it to shore. They
arrived and no one was there to welcome them, and yet the
newspapers heard that Railton was in Africa and reported, “The
Salvation Army has landed here today!” unable to walk, Railton
had to be carried off the boat. The pain of not being able to
witness for Christ nearly broke Railton as he was taken to a
room to heal.
At this
incredibly low moment of real suffering, while lying in his
bed close to death, the only person whom he had contact with
besides Marian, was a maid who came to clean their room. With
barely a spare breath, Railton quietly shared the gospel with
her. He was at his lowest, and yet the joy of the Lord
overflowed in that room and that young maid was caught in the
“boundless salvation and deep ocean of love!” Some years
later, that maid became a Salvation Army officer.
While
recuperating, Railton read of Revival Meetings in Durban and
wrote to volunteer assistance. When Marian found out, she
firmly stated, “But you know you can’t work!” to which he
replied, “Yes, I told him so - but that my wife could. We
can’t both stay here idle...” And so Marian began to preach
and giant crowds came out to hear her speak. Revival began to
sweep the community. Shortly afterwards, Marian would be
invited to preach at a Zulu Mission Station.
During
this time, Zulu warriors were extremely feared. Considered a
terrifying and brutal tribe, the settlers avoided contact with
them. Only a few years earlier the Zulus had defeated the
British Army in a monumental battle.
While
others saw a fearsome tribe, George and his wife saw a group
of people who needed Jesus, and could become mighty warriors
in the war against sin. While recovering, George went into the
thick of Zululand with Marian. George taught himself the Zulu
language and began to translate Salvation Army songs into Zulu
while Marian preached. During this time, the Lord renewed
Railton’s vision of winning Africa for Jesus. He would leave a
few months later, but only once reinforcements had come to
continue the work which he and Marianne had begun in one of
the toughest moments of their lives (Douglas & Duff, 1920:
103-107).
In the
coming months, heroes like Zulu Jim Osborne (Tuck, 1998) would
emerge. A “Salvation Safari” led by the famous Colonel
Allister Smith would continue to expand the work (Smith,
1945). By the time of the first International Congress, Joel
Matunjwa, would visit London as part of the Africa delegation
- a Zulu Warrior who had become a Salvationist Warrior (Smith,
1953). The ministry of The Salvation Army continues today
because of the overflow of the gospel in a weakened warrior
who continued to allow the love of Christ to overflow for all
the world.
In 2
Corinthians 1:5-6 (NIV), we read:
“For
just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so
also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are
distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are
comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you
patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”
Paul
had first visited the commercial city of Corinth at the
conclusion of his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18) and
had spent one and a half years (18 months) ministering there.
They had experienced an overflow of the Holy Spirit,
witnessing both an incredible manifestation of spiritual gifts
and the fruit of the Spirit.
After
leaving, Paul heard that the church at Corinth were no longer
overflowing with love, but that divisions and pride had
fractured the community. This made the Corinthian church as
effective as a leaky bucket. In response Paul wrote several
letters to help seal up these holes and heal the fractures
that had turned this church from an oasis to a spiritual
desert.
In 2
Corinthians Paul gives the church a threefold challenge:
1.
Reconnect to the Source (2 Corinthians 8:2)
•
“In the midst of a very severe trial,
their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in
rich generosity.”
2.
Reconcile with each other (2 Corinthians 5: 18 - 20)
•
”All this is from God, who reconciled us
to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of
reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself
in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has
committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are
therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his
appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be
reconciled to God.”
3.
Refocus on mission to the world by giving to those in need
(their own “world services campaign”) (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 8)
•
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will
also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have
decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to
bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Following this letter, Paul returned to Corinth for a third
visit, and found the church had come to the point of constant
spiritual overflow!
While
the Corinthians might have lost their overflow for a period of
time, Paul did not. Throughout the trials that Paul faced -
beatings, hunger, attacks on his character, stoning and
illness - he still maintained his connection with Christ,
bubbling over in joy, grace and love. Paul discovered that
suffering was not only an inevitable part of the Christian
life but also the vehicle through which God could use him to
bring comfort, blessing and encouragement to others.
So it
is with us. The comfort or encouragement which God brings is
not just for us. The struggles in our lives can become
evidence of God’s presence as His hope, love and joy flow over
our circumstances and into the hearts of those around.
In
other words, we are called to “mediate” God’s encouragement to
others.
Suffering might be painful, but God’s encouragement is as vast
as an ocean. It doesn’t have to compete with the fractures or
suffering. God’s boundless salvation flows over suffering,
Hallelujah! This is why Paul could say, “if we are distressed,
it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted it
is for your comfort.” (v.6) REGARDLESS of circumstance,
whatever Paul experiences, not only does he benefit, but so do
the Corinthians.
An
Overflowing Passion for Jesus
Therefore when we are fully surrendered to Christ, the
overflow becomes a blessing to all.
Is
there a more powerful medium to communicate the gospel than
this?
Is
there a better way for us to see this generation saved other
than allowing the Good News to flow out of our lives and into
our relationships?
·
What if this joy and love over flowed into our homes, our
workplaces, our recreational times?
·
What if a fountain of hope over flowed in the midst our most
challenging circumstances?
·
What if the presence of Christ over flowed into the places in
the world where there is the greatest suffering?
·
What if our love over flowed in radical acts of giving?
·
What if men and women, boys and girls volunteered to go to the
four corners of the world?
Places
which are currently a spiritual desert could become a
spiritual oasis!
Paul
challenges the Corinthians to “open wide your hearts” to allow
this overflow to minister in and through them. The Message
states in 2 Corinthians 6:4-13:
Our
work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details.
People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly,
unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when
we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working
late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head,
steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when
we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power;
when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re
praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true
to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but
recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be
dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die;
immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on
handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.
Dear,
dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to
enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in.
The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives
aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m
speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up
your lives. Live openly and expansively!
Conclusion
Where
do you find yourself today?
Do you
find yourself experiencing this overflow, or are there
fissures in your spiritual walk which are causing you to leak
and lose this overflowing joy and love? Maybe like the
Corinthians, there is a need to ask the Holy Spirit to heal
these areas of brokenness and allow God’s overflow to come
once again.
Do you
find yourself going through a time of great suffering like
George Scott Railton? God’s love and encouragement wants to
increase to the point where it can overflow even out of these
experiences.
General
Albert Orsborn (Orsborn, 1947) penned these words when seeing
and drinking the abundant healing waters springing forth from
a hillside in New Zealand. His cupped hands were filled to
overflowing as he drank from it. During this difficult time in
his journey, the Lord reminded him of the spiritual reality:
When
shall I come unto the healing waters?
Lifting my heart, I cry to thee my prayer.
Spirit
of peace, my Comforter and healer,
In
whom my springs are found, let my soul meet thee there.
Wash
from my hands the dust of earthly striving;
Take
from my mind the stress of secret fear;
Cleanse thou the wounds from all but thee far hidden.
And
when the waters flow let my healing appear.
From a
hill I know,
Healing
waters flow;
O rise
Immanuel’s tide,
And my
soul overflow!
Light,
life and love are in that healing fountain.
All I
require to cleanse me and restore;
Flow
through my soul, redeem its desert places
And
make a garden there for the Lord I adore.
Reference
Allen, Roland. The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church; and
the causes which hinder it.
London: The World Dominion Press, 1927.
Booth,
William. Salvation soldiery: A series of addresses on the
requirements of Jesus’ Christ’s service. London: S.A.
Partridge, 1882.
_____.
The General’s Letters, 1885. London: S.A., 1886.
Booth-Tucker,
Frederick. The life of Catherine Booth, Vol.2 London: The
Salvation Army, 1892.
Douglas, Eileen & Duff, Mildred. Commissioner Railton. St.
Albans: The Campfield Press, 1920.
Green, Michael. Evangelism through the local church. London:
Hodder & Stoughton,
1990/1993.
Orsborn, Albert. “When shall I come unto the healing waters?”
Salvation Army Song Book,
(SASB 647) Verona, NJ: The Salvation Army, 1947/1987
Railton, George Scott. “Easter Monday Service in Exeter Hall”
The War Cry, March 31, 1881.
Railton, George Scott. “‘The life of the soul saver’ autograph
in 1881, in Halifax, Canada” in John D. Waldron, G.S.R.:
Selections from published and unpublished writings of George
Scott Railton. Oakville, ON: Triumph Press, 1981.
Smith,
J. Allister. Zulu crusade. London: Salvationist Publishing and
Supplies, 1945.
_____.
A Zulu apostle: Joel Mbambo Matunjwa. London: Salvationist
Publishing and Supplies, 1953.
Strong,
James. The new Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the
Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2010.
Sullivan, James P. “Bubbling in my soul.” in Percy B. & Ruth
D. Crawford New Pinebrook Songs: Young people’s church of the
air, Philadelphia, PA: Van Kampen Press, 1936.
Tuck, Brian. Stick to the fight!: The heroic story of Major
James ‘Zulu Jim’ Osborne.
Johannesburg: B and D Printers, 1998.
Tucker,
Frederick. “All the world” in Swift, Susie (Ed.) All the
world, 1886. London: The Salvation Army, 1887.
Watson, Bernard. Soldier saint: George Scott Railton, William
Booth’s first Lieutenant. London:
Hodder & Stoughton, 1970.
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