The Church: People of Mission

Jesus came on a Mission

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly” - John 10:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.” - Luke 11:21-22

The Church does not exist for the sake of itself, but for Jesus and His Mission

“All things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church” - Colossians 1:16-18

We must recognize that this Mission is a Spiritual Battle

“…take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” - Ephesians 6:11-12

Jesus gives us Authority

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus also gives us Power

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” - Luke 24:49

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

We are to be a people on a Mission who “Invite & Go” and “Gather and Scatter” for His Glory

“Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!” - Ephesians 3:10 MSG

Questions to Ponder

Was there a battle for your soul leading to salvation? What “schemes” did the enemy use to try to keep you captive?

Who reached out to you, sharing the “Good News” of Jesus? Imagine how there has been an unbroken line of believers on mission all the way from Jesus to you, throughout the centuries. How does that make you feel?

What can you do to personally respond to Jesus’ command:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

Who would you love to see come to salvation? What scheme of the enemy is being used to keep them from “seeing” God’s Goodness and their need? Pray for God to destroy the schemes and to remove the blinders from them.

Activity

Find a comfortable place to quiet your soul and your thoughts. Invite God’s Presence. Reflect on your experience in the Church. Reflect on how God loves you so much that He sent people to share the “Good News” with you. Imagine how there has been an unbroken line of believers on mission all the way from Jesus to you, throughout the centuries.

Who is He calling you to reach out to? Ask for Wisdom, Courage, Authority, and Power to take the next step.

Ask for direction as to what to do next (i.e. Invite? Visit? Bless? )

Scripture Memory Verse

*“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:…” - Romans 1:16