Messages about mission
Extend Empathy to One Another
One of the best ways to reach a lost world is to identify with them in suffering. While one cannot affirm a sinful choice, we can acknowledge the pain of life in a fallen world and feel for the destructive effects of sin and the devil. Text: 1 Peter 3:8-17
Greet One Another
To greet one another is to give a polite word of welcome that says, “I’m glad you are here.” Within a list of names, Paul ends his letter to the church in Rome with the admonition to “greet one another.” Why greet one another? Because God in Jesus equips and connects us to the ultimate family and the ultimate story of redemption for His glory. Text: John 13:34-35; Romans 16:1-27
Love One Another
After washing the feet of his disciples, and predicting his betrayal and death, Jesus gives a new commandment: “Love one another.” While the commandment is not new, the pattern is new, “as I have loved you” and the result is new, “all people will know you are my disciples.” For followers of Jesus there is a direct link to the cross, community and mission. Text: John 13:33-35
As Jesus went…the Marketplace mattered
As Jesus went on mission, the marketplace mattered. Throughout the Gospels, significant “missional moments” occurred in the everyday marketplace. Consider the lunchbox and conversational opportunities which cross our path…everyday. Text: Matthew 9:35-38
Storm at Sea and Unstoppable Mission
To be passionately persuaded is to see and with the eyes of faith to believe that all of Scripture, and all of life’s circumstances point to the saving, restoring purpose of God in Jesus. Text: Acts 27:1-28:30
Defense and Deferment
To be passionately persuaded is to surrender all earthly power, position, and fame to entrust oneself to the truth and reasonableness of Jesus. Text: Acts 24:1-26:32
How a Conflict Advances Mission
The good, the bad, and the ugly is revealed in the early church throughout Acts. This included conflict and disagreement. In #3 of 4, “Messy People, Faithful Church,” consider everyday applications for navigating personal differences while staying on mission.
The Messiness of Church Growth
The success of the First Missionary Journey creates a dispute over the relationship of Gentile followers of Jesus and the Law. The dispute is graciously resolved, the gospel affirmed, and the church strengthened in mission. Text: Acts 15:1-35