Introduction : Sometimes on the news we see an airplane make a forced landing in a deep jungle or see a shipwreck. Its nation mobilizes helicopters, planes, and ships, and searches for missing people. We see anxious parents searching for their children throughout the country, leaving their jobs behind. God sent His only son Jesus 2,000 years ago to find His missing people and save them. His eagerness to find His missing people does not cease even now. God sacrificed Jesus on the cross, and is making an effort to find His people.


1. The restoration of lost identity (2 Co 5:17)
    1) After Adam, humanity got out of touch with God, lost their identity, and acted as the
        devil´s tool.
    2) The restoration of lost identity
        - when the relationship with God is restored through Jesus
        (1) We are forgiven and justified. (Isa 53:5)
        (2) We are godly and become people who serve the Holy Spirit with our heart and
             mind. (Ac 2:38, 1Jn 4:13)
        (3) We are healed and healthy (1Pe 2:24)
        (4) We have the blessing of Abraham (Gal 3:13, 2Co 8:9)
        (5) We are heavenly people with resurrection and eternal life. (2Co 5:1)
            - Through missionary work, we find those who have lost their identity and have
               been dragged in by the devil, so they can accept Jesus and have a new, true
               identity from God (Lk 19:10, 1Co 1:21)

2. The restoration of self-image
    1) Adam had the image and likeness of God - He had a glorious, majestic self-image.
    2) A lost self-image (Ro 3:23)
        (1) Empty humanity - they are like a scarecrow without any substance in it
        (2) The chaos of humanity
            - they are wanderers who are unaware of their addresses.
            - They don´t know where they are from, what they are living for, and where they
               are going. (2Co 4:4)
        (3) Humanity caught by darkness - they are caught by the devil and they are in
             despair of atheism and materialism (Jn 3:19, Eph 2:12)
    3) The restoration of the self-image (Ps 103:2-5)
        - Remember what kind of self-image you have
        (1) All sins are forgiven (Heb 10:12, 14, 17).
        (2) All sicknesses are healed (Mt 8:16-17, 1Pe 2:24, Ex 15:26).
        (3) All become renewed like an eagle.
            ① Saved from destruction
            ② Loved by God
            ③ Blessed tremendously
            - Missionary work searches for people to bring them a self-image filled with life
               that will soar on wings like eagles (Isa 40:31).

3. Heaven´s people with new status (1Pe 2:9)
    1) A chosen people - in Christ (Eph 1:5)
    2) A royal priesthood - with Jesus (Ro 5:17, Rev 20:6)
    3) A holy nation - a life of which God is in control (Co 1:13)
    4) A people belonging to God (Tit 2:14)


Conclusion : Missions is glorious work that brings new identity, new self-image, and new status in Jesus.