EVANGELIZING THE WORLD THROUGH CITIES
Recurrent Thought:
To evangelize the world, ICA must be mobilized to reach Lilongwe City, and let Lilongwe become a sending hub, sending missionaries to the cities of the world.
Texts:
Acts 17:16–23; Acts 19:8–10; Romans 15:18–21; Acts 28:30–31
Acts 17:16–23 (ESV)
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new. 22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you
Acts 19:8–10 (ESV)
“And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became hardened and disbelieved, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”
Romans 15:18–21 (ESV)
“For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in obedience from the Gentiles by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. It has been my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation…”
Acts 28:30–31 (ESV)
“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
INTRODUCTION
- The International Christian Assembly (ICA) has always been a mission-minded church.
- From its very birth, missions has not been a department or a side activity—missions has been the very heartbeat and reason for ICA’s existence.
- This passion for missions is not accidental; it is part of our spiritual DNA inherited from our founding father.
- Before ICA was planted, he faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of Kawale Assemblies of God Church.
- Because of his burning heart for missions, the church began to plant other congregations across Lilongwe and throughout Malawi.
- This multiplication spirit led to the church being renamed Kawale Harvest Temple—“Harvest” symbolizing the great mission of gathering souls into God’s Kingdom.
- Yet, even with that success, our founder felt a holy dissatisfaction. He noticed that a particular “people group” in the city—educated professionals, business executives, and expatriates were not attending our Assemblies of God churches.
- His missionary heart could not rest. He began to hold deliberate open-air evangelistic campaigns during lunch hour right in the heart of the City Centre, taking the Gospel close to this needy people group.
- Out of that vision, a new kind of church was conceived—a church designed to reach a unique classes of people right in the city and also around the world. And in April 1996, ICA was born.
No wonder we are called “International Christian Assembly (ICA)”
No wonder our tagline boldly declares: “A House of Prayer for All Nations.”
No wonder our media arm is called “Channel for All Nations.”
No wonder our worship team carries the name “All Nations Worship.”
- We are mentioning all these not just for the sake of narrating our history, but to remind all of us about who we really are.
- If you belong to ICA, you are not just in any other congregation. You are in a mission agency.
- You belong to a missionary people with a missionary foundation running with a missionary vision because our God is a missionary God.
- ICA was born for missions. ICA exists for the nations. ICA’s calling is global.
- For the past 29 years, this divine passion has fueled ICA’s journey. Through seasons of joy and through seasons of testing, ICA has remained steadfast in one holy ambition—to make Christ known among all nations.
- And today, as we continue walking in this sacred calling, God is sharpening our focus. We believe the key to finishing the task of world evangelization in our generation lies in reaching the urban centers of the world.
- That is why, at the end of this month, we are holding our Urban Missions Conference—a time to reawaken ICA’s divine calling to reach the world through cities.
- This is also why today’s message is titled:
“Evangelizing the World through Cities.”
- To understand this divine strategy, we turn to the greatest missionary strategist in history—the Apostle Paul.
- Paul carried a vision not just to preach the Gospel, but to evangelize the entire Roman Empire, until it was filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. His method was simple yet powerful: a city-centered mission strategy.
- Every city Paul entered—whether Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, or Rome—became a launching pad for the Gospel to entire regions. Paul understood that if he could win the city, he could reach the world.
- Paul’s ministry began in DAMASCUS and ended in ROME—the heart of the empire. His pattern was clear: reach the cities, and the regions will follow. When cities are discipled, nations are transformed.
- In DAMASCUS, he preached that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20)
- In JERUSALEM, he debated boldly with the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 9:28–29)
- In ANTIOCH (of Syria), he taught for a whole year and helped establish the first missionary-sending church (Acts 11:26)
- In SALAMIS (Cyprus), he preached the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues (Acts 13:5)
- In PAPHOS (Cyprus), he confronted and blinded Elymas the sorcerer (Acts 13:11–12)
- In PERGA (Pamphylia) John Mark left Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem.
- In PISIDIAN ANTIOCH, he preached his first recorded full sermon to Jews and Gentiles (Acts 13:16–41)
- In ICONIUM, he and Barnabas performed signs and wonders and many believed (Acts 14:3)
- In LYSTRA, he healed a man crippled from birth but was later stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:8–19)
- In DERBE, he made many disciples (Acts 14:21)
- In PHILIPPI, he and Silas were imprisoned but God sent an earthquake leading to the jailer’s conversion (Acts 16:25–34)
- In THESSALONICA, he reasoned from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 17:2–4)
- In BEREA, he commended the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11–12)
- In ATHENS, he preached about the ‘Unknown God’ at the Areopagus (Acts 17:22–23)
- In CORINTH, he planted a strong church and stayed for a year and a half teaching the Word (Acts 18:11)
- In EPHESUS, he ministered powerfully, resulting in mass repentance and burning of occult books (Acts 19:18–20)
- In TROAS, he preached late into the night and raised Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:9–10)
- In MILETUS, he gave a farewell address to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17–38)
- In CAESAREA, he was imprisoned and defended his faith before Governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa (Acts 24–26)
- In ROME, he preached the kingdom of God boldly under house arrest (Acts 28:30–31)
- Just like Paul, we will start with cities. God is calling us to see LILONGWE not just as our location but as our mission base—our modern-day Antioch.
- From here, we can raise and send missionaries, evangelize our urban centers, and influence the nations.
- Why is focusing on cities strategic in finishing the task of world evangelization?
- Here are FIVE reasons:
- CITIES GATHER THE NATIONS
- (Acts 17:16–18; Acts 18:1–3; Acts 19:10; Revelation 21:24–26)
- In Athens, Paul met philosophers and foreigners from every corner of the empire. In Corinth, he worked alongside Jews and Gentiles.
- In Ephesus, “all Asia heard the Word.” These were not small villages or quiet towns—they were bustling centers where commerce, culture, and communication converged.
- Paul understood that when he preached in a city, he was not just addressing one tribe or people, but the nations represented there.
- Cities have always been God’s divine crossroads where the nations meet.
- The city gathers the nations in one place—creating an opportunity for the gospel to reach many peoples at once.
- When Paul stood on Mars Hill, he was surrounded by thinkers from Greece, merchants from Rome, and travelers from distant lands.
- The message he preached in one city echoed into many nations.
- Lilongwe has become a centre of the nations. Here you will find Malawians from every district—north, central, and south—as well as people from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Nigeria, India, and beyond.
- God has brought the nations to our doorstep. Instead of waiting for missionaries to go abroad, we can reach the nations right here in Lilongwe! The harvest has come to the city gates.
- We suggest that ICA must evangelize Lilongwe through:
- Street evangelism and market outreaches
- Door-to-door evangelism in residential communities.
- Campus evangelism in universities and colleges.
- Hospital and prison ministries to reach the hurting.
- Digital and media evangelism to reach professionals and youth online.
- Let ICA become a cross-cultural mission hub—training believers to engage the many ethnic and national groups within the city. Every office, school, market, and bus station is an Antioch of opportunity.
- DECLARATION:
- “When we evangelize Lilongwe, we evangelize the nations gathered within it.”
- CITIES INFLUENCE NATIONS
- (Acts 19:8–10; Acts 18:9–11; Acts 28:30–31)
- Paul always began his ministry in major urban centers—Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Rome.
- These were centers of trade, politics, culture, and communication.
- He knew that what happens in the city eventually shapes the countryside.
- The city was his strategic entry point to the world.
- In Ephesus, Luke records: “All who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). How? Because Ephesus was a hub!
- The gospel spread along the trade routes, through merchants and travelers who passed through that city.
- Paul understood that if you can influence a city, you can transform a nation.
- Lilongwe is not just Malawi’s political capital—it is the spiritual gateway of the nation. What happens here shapes the entire country.
- Policies are made here. Movements begin here.
- Cultures are formed here.
- When corruption rises in Lilongwe, it spreads across Malawi.
- But when righteousness reigns in Lilongwe, it flows like a river to every region.
- If the gospel transforms Lilongwe, it will influence the entire nation of Malawi.
- ICA must see Lilongwe not merely as a home church but as a mission base.
- We suggest that ICA should:
- Disciple leaders in government and parliament through Bible studies and prayer fellowships.
- Adopt schools and universities for evangelism and mentorship.
- Engage business leaders through professional fellowships and business breakfast outreaches.
- Host citywide evangelistic crusades to proclaim Christ publicly.
- Let righteousness flow from the city to every region.
- DECLARATION:
- “When Lilongwe is reached, Malawi is influenced, and the nations are transformed.”
- III. CITIES SHAPE CULTURE AND THOUGHT
- (Acts 17:22–28; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23; Matthew 5:14)
- In Athens, Paul faced philosophers and thinkers who shaped the worldview of their time.
- In Corinth, he interacted with merchants and entrepreneurs who drove the city’s economy.
- In Philippi, Lydia—the first convert in Europe—was a successful businesswoman whose home became a base for the gospel.
- Paul knew that whoever shapes the city shapes the nation’s culture.
- Cities are incubators of ideas—centers where arts, media, education, and policy emerge.
- If the gospel is absent from the city, the culture will be shaped by darkness. But if the gospel shines in the city, it radiates into the whole nation.
- Lilongwe shapes Malawi’s culture through education, government, music, and media. If the church is silent, secular and ungodly ideologies will dominate.
- We must raise believers who will shine as lights in every sphere—from Parliament to classrooms, from the music studio to the business world (Matthew 5:14–16).
- We suggest that ICA must intentionally:
- Equip and release Christian artists, journalists, and influencers.
- Engage teachers, lecturers, and policy makers with biblical worldview training.
- Establish creative evangelism initiatives—music festivals, art shows, and cultural events that exalt Christ.
- Lilongwe must become a fountain of righteous influence. When the gospel shapes Lilongwe’s culture, Malawi’s destiny will be transformed.
- DECLARATION:
- “When the gospel shapes Lilongwe’s culture, Malawi’s destiny is redeemed.”
- IV. CITY STRATEGY REFLECTS GOD’S GLOBAL VISION
- (Romans 15:20–21; acts 28:30–31; Isaiah 2:2–3; Revelation 11:15)
- Paul’s final destination was Rome—the empire’s capital and symbol of world influence.
- Even as a prisoner, he “preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness” (Acts 28:31).
- Paul understood that if the gospel reached Rome, it would reach the world, because Rome was the heartbeat of the empire.
- Rome was the center of communication, law, and power.
- When the gospel entered Rome, it began to spread through its networks, roads, and influence to the ends of the earth.
- This was not coincidence—it was strategy. God’s mission always has a global vision, and the city is His chosen platform.
- Isaiah 2:2–3 foretells that “in the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established… and all nations will stream to it.”
- God’s desire is that His truth flows from the city to the nations until Revelation 11:15 is fulfilled: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.”
- Just as Rome was strategic for Paul, Lilongwe is strategic for Malawi. It is our nation’s Rome—our center of decision, communication, and connection.
- We suggest that ICA must flood Lilongwe with the gospel through:
- Citywide prayer movements and unity gatherings.
- Strategic evangelism partnerships with other churches and ministries.
- Discipleship and leadership training schools.
- If we can flood Lilongwe with the gospel—through prayer movements, evangelism, discipleship, and cultural transformation—then Malawi will arise as a mission-sending nation.
- “Lord, make Lilongwe a city burning with Your glory—a Rome of revival for the nations.”
- DECLARATION:
- “From Lilongwe to every city, from every city to every nation—until the task is finished.”
- CITY CHURCHES ARE MISSION BASES
- (Acts 13:1–3; Acts 18:9–11; Romans 15:19–23)
- Paul did not merely preach and move on—he established churches that became mission-sending centers.
- The church at Antioch sent him and Barnabas (Acts 13:1–3).
- The church at Ephesus became a base from which “all Asia heard the Word.”
- These city churches were not passive congregations; they were training grounds for world evangelization.
- A city church that burns with the fire of missions can shake nations.
- When believers in Antioch fasted, prayed, and sent missionaries, the world was never the same.
- City churches are God’s command centers for the Great Commission.
- ICA must see itself as a modern Antioch—a Spirit-filled sending base. God wants Lilongwe to be a sending city, not just a receiving one.
- We suggest that ICA should:
- Train and send missionaries to unreached areas in Malawi and beyond.
- Establish mission training programs for youth and families.
- Build strategic partnerships with global mission networks.
- Mobilize prayer and financial support for frontier missions.
- Every department, fellowship, and home cell should be a mission training ground. Let us raise young people, professionals, and families who will carry the gospel from Lilongwe to Mzuzu, Blantyre, Lusaka, Johannesburg, and beyond.
- DECLARATION:
- “Strong city churches like ICA are God’s launching pads for global missions—from Lilongwe to the nations.”
CONCLUSION
- When Paul reached the cities, he reached the nations. When we reach Lilongwe, we influence Malawi, Africa, and the world.
- God is calling ICA to see Lilongwe as both a harvest field and a mission base—a city to be transformed and a city that sends.
- If Lilongwe burns with the gospel, it will set Malawi on fire for missions.
- The call today is clear:
“Mobilize ICA to reach Lilongwe, and mobilize Lilongwe to send missionaries to the cities of the world.”
CLOSING COPORATE PRAYER:
Based on this sermon, let us all spend few minutes to pray the following SEVEN prayers:
- Lord, thank You for birthing ICA with a missionary heart—renew in us the fire to go, not just gather, until every people and every city hears of Your saving grace…..
- Father, help ICA to walk faithfully in the courageous and compassionate vision of our founder, keeping the missionary flame burning brighter in this generation…..
- Lord, thank You for bringing the nations into Lilongwe city—help ICA to see the harvest before us and boldly share Christ with every people You’ve gathered here…..
- Father, raise ICA to be a voice of truth and righteousness in Lilongwe, so that our influence will shape entire nations for Your glory……
- Holy Spirit, empower ICA and its members in every sphere of city life—arts, media, business, and education—to shape culture and thinking of Lilongwe city according to the Kingdom of God……
- Lord Jesus, give ICA Your global heart and strategic wisdom to reach the world through cities, just as You did through Paul and the early church…….
- God, make ICA and other city churches strong mission bases—training, sending, and sustaining laborers who will take the Gospel from our cities to the ends of the earth……