Sent by Jesus
Kingdom Culture
September 24, 2023
You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.
THE CULTURE OF GOD’S KINGDOM IS THAT WE ARE SENT OUT BY JESUS TO CONTINUE HIS MISSION.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” —John 20:19-23
What did God the Father send Jesus to do?
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. —John 3:16-17
Jesus’ mission to save the world, was going to continue through his disciples.
1.) God is always at work drawing people to Himself.
“My Father is always working, and so am I.” —John 5:17
“This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father draws them.” —John 6:65
2.) God uses people to lead others to Jesus
19b And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. —2 Corinthians 5:19b-20
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. —Acts 20:24
3.) God invites us into His saving work.
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” —Matthew 9:35-38
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
17 This is my command: Love each other. —John 15:16-17
21 As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” —John 20:21-23
YOU ARE EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
YOU HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO PREACH THE GOSPEL
If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven —John 20:23