God’s mission for humanity did not end, even when we quit on Him.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” —Acts 1:8
Mission is not just for “missionaries”.
- All Christians are called to partner with God in His mission.
What we believe about missions…
God’s mission is to redeem a people for Himself. (Revelation 7:9-10)
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” —Revelation 7:9-10
God sent His Son and His Spirit to redeem sinful humans. (John 3:16-17)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. —John 16-17
God sends the Church to proclaim the gospel. (John 20:21-22)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. —John 20:21-22
God sends the Church to make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… —Matthew 28:19
God sends the Church to be a prophetic voice to a sinful world. (Luke 4:18-19)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” —Luke 4:18-19
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
Mission is not just for missionaries. All Christians are called to partner with God in His mission of reaching the lost and making disciples. We believe God’s mission is to redeem a people for Himself from every tribe, nation, and language and to restore creation for His glory. As the Father loved the world and sent His Son, and the Father and the Son sent the Spirit, the Triune God sends the Church into the world to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and seek God’s justice and reconciliation in the world.
Acts 1:1-9; Revelation 7:9-10; John 3:16-17; 20:21-22; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 4:18-19
Discussion questions:
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Read John 3:16-17. God’s motive for redemption was love. In light of that, what hindrances affect your commitment to the mission, and what can you do to resolve them?
- Read Acts 1:1-9. As ministers of reconciliation, we are all called to go, pray, and give. Which one is the Holy Spirit emphasizing to you now, and what will you do about it?
- Read Luke 4:18-19. What are the implications of Jesus’ self-declaration in this scripture, and how does it apply to your life and the mission of the Church?
- Read Matthew 28:18-20. Why is discipleship an essential part of our mission? What would our mission look like without discipleship?
Take a Step
- Take time this week to pray for a particular nation or people group.
Here’s My Prayer
We are no longer our own, Lord; we belong to You. So send us wherever You want. Give us the nations for our inheritance and the ends of the earth for our possession. Let our life be a beacon of hope for those whose lives have been devastated by violence, suffering, and loss. Empower us with supernatural wisdom to engage in any situation. Give us the ministry of reconciliation so we may be a bridge to the lost. Fan into flame the global Church so its heart would beat vigorously for the Great Commission. Use us in our homes, workplaces, ministries, and nations so that Jesus would be glorified and Your kingdom come to this earth.