Scripture References: Acts 1:6-8; Psalm 68:5-6; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Matthew 28:20Intro: Welcome to today's sermon! We've explored following Jesus into love, worship, and service. Now, we take all that and follow Him into mission. Faith isn't meant to be held inward; it's meant to go outward. My hope today is to stir possibility in our hearts – what could our lives and church look like on mission? We have a great heritage, a cloud of witnesses who carried the torch before us. Now, it's our turn.Key Points:The Original Mandate & Our Heritage (Acts 1:8):Jesus' parting words: Be My witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to the ends of the earth.A small group (120) waited, believed, and were empowered. They risked everything. Most NT writers were martyrs – this was serious business.God gathers His people to scatter them. Are we hiding in safe places instead of being scattered on mission?Inspiration from History:Christian Women in Egypt: Showed God's heart by rescuing discarded babies, nursing them back to life. A quiet act that powerfully displayed God's value for life and spurred Christianity's growth (connects to Ps 68:5-6). Question: Who are the 'unwanted' in our city today?The Salvation Army (Booths): Entered London's darkest "hell on earth" with bold faith. Believed changed hearts change the world. Fought spiritual battles with divine weapons (2 Cor 10:3-5), not worldly ones. Used unconventional methods. Question: Are we moving into darkness with bold confidence or retreating?Overcoming Excuses & Embracing Eternity:Personal Story (Mexico Trip): God often challenges our excuses (comfort, cost, safety). The safest place is the center of His will. Mission provides perspective on our own lives/complaints. Question: What barriers (fatigue, finances, fear) are stopping you?The Rope (Eternity Perspective): Our time on earth is incredibly short compared to eternity. How we live this "red part" impacts forever. Don't be consumed by temporary comfort; invest in what lasts.Our Shared Ministry: Reconciliation (2 Cor 5:17-21):In Christ, we are new creations, reconciled to God.He has entrusted us – not just pastors or professionals – with the "ministry of reconciliation." We are His ambassadors.Our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families are mission fields where God wants to make His appeal through us.Conclusion: Understanding eternity changes everything. We have a brief time on earth to fulfill a glorious mission. God hasn't left us alone; He promises His presence: "I am with you always" (Matt 28:20). We carry the message of reconciliation the world desperately needs. This isn't a heavy burden; it's a privilege entrusted to us by the God who is with us.Call to Action:Ask God for an eternal perspective. Stop living only for the "red part" of the rope.Identify your excuses for not engaging in mission. Bring them to God.Ask God for courage to step out where He leads.Embrace your role as an ambassador for Christ wherever you are this week.Pray for God to scatter us from our gathering, filled with His Spirit, to be His witnesses.with Mike Young Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.