Scripture References: Luke 10:1-9; Matthew 28:19-20; John 15; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 3:1
Intro: Greetings! As followers of Jesus, we're called to His mission: presenting the Kingdom of God in ways that invite people into life. But how? Many struggle with evangelism, perhaps due to past awkward experiences or fear of being "those annoying Christians." Yet, we don't want to lose our distinctiveness either. There's a better way, rooted in knowing God's good heart and a practical strategy Jesus gave His disciples.
Key Points:
- Mission Flows from Knowing God is Good: Our willingness to engage in mission hinges on our view of God. If deep down we believe He's angry, ambivalent, or absent, we won't eagerly represent Him. Mission flows naturally when we truly grasp and experience His amazing grace and goodness.
- Shift from Human Paradigm to Jesus Paradigm:
- Human Paradigm: Life based on striving ("How am I doing?") to reach a goal ("X") through steps/works. Applied to faith, it means trying to earn closeness to God through religious effort, often leading to frustration.
- Jesus Paradigm: Starts with God's action – He adopted us! We are already close through grace (Eph 1:3, Col 3:1). Focus shifts from arrival to abiding in this reality. Question changes from "How am I doing?" to "God, how can You be so good?" This frees us from self-focus for mission.
- Jesus' Strategy: Find People of Peace (Luke 10:1-9): When sending out the 72, Jesus gave practical instructions. He didn't just say "Go preach"; He said find a "person of peace" – someone receptive who welcomes you into their home/life. God is already at work preparing hearts.
- Identifying People of Peace: These are likely non-believers in your sphere who:
- Welcome you / Invite you in.
- You genuinely like, and they seem to like you.
- Create a sense of peace when you're together. Notice who God might be highlighting around you.
- Engaging People of Peace:
- Stay & Invest: Don't move house-to-house; build genuine relationship. Eat with them, accept hospitality. It's mutual.
- Presence the Kingdom: Be authentically yourself as a follower of Jesus. Listen generously. Share your story naturally. Pray for opportunities. Offer prayer when appropriate. Heal the sick (demonstrate Kingdom power). Tell them the Kingdom is near. Let your heart "burn" with Christ's life (Emmaus road).
Conclusion: God's mission (Missio Dei) is already happening around us. Living securely in our adoption allows us to join Him. Jesus gives a practical strategy: identify and invest relationally in the "People of Peace" He places in our lives. This shifts mission from awkward confrontation or performance to natural, relational engagement where the Kingdom can be authentically presenced and shared.
Call to Action: Ask God to solidify your understanding of His goodness and your adoption. Reject the "human paradigm" of striving. Pray for eyes to see the "People of Peace" in your life. Who is God highlighting? Intentionally invest time in those relationships this week. Practice being authentically Christian with them. Discuss this concept in your small group/pack.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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