Scripture References: Acts 1:6-8; Psalm 68:5-6; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Matthew 28:20
Intro: 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
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