Activated for Mission: Sharing the Good News
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that each of us is called to be activated for mission, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in our everyday lives. We began by reflecting on the early followers of Jesus in the book of Acts, who experienced a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit. This encounter not only changed them spiritually but also physically, awakening them to the reality that they were made for more than they could imagine. This same Holy Spirit is available to us today, empowering us to live out our faith in tangible ways.
We discussed the importance of personal encounter with Jesus as the foundation of our mission. Without this personal experience, our news isn't truly good because it lacks the power and authenticity that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. We often fall into the trap of thinking that the mission of sharing the good news is solely the responsibility of the church or professional ministers. However, the mission is for each one of us, and it is through our individual stories and encounters with Jesus that the good news spreads.
Philip's story in Acts 8 served as a template for us. Philip was available to the leading of the Holy Spirit, his eyes were open to the opportunities around him, and he was prepared to share the good news when the moment came. We learned that being available means walking through life with a constant awareness of what God is saying and where He is leading us. It means pacing our day with moments where we stop and ask God for guidance.
We also emphasized the importance of having our eyes open to the opportunities around us, especially in the places we least expect. Philip saw the Ethiopian eunuch reading the scriptures and recognized it as an opportunity to share the good news. Similarly, we need to be aware of the people in our everyday lives who are open to the realities of Jesus.
Finally, we talked about the practical steps we can take to be ready to share our story. Over the coming months, we will dive deeper into what it means to be equipped to share the good news. We shared personal stories, like that of Greg and Amelia, to illustrate how being available, having our eyes open, and being ready to share can lead to life-changing encounters with Jesus.
As we concluded, we prayed for God to fill in the blank for each of us, to place someone on our hearts who is in desperate need of the good news. We encouraged everyone to take practical steps, like using invite cards, to reach out to those individuals. We also invited those who had an encounter with Jesus today to share their experience with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Personal Encounter with Jesus: The foundation of our mission is a personal encounter with Jesus. Without this, our news isn't truly good because it lacks the power and authenticity that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. This encounter transforms us, awakening us to the reality that we are made for more than we can imagine. [21:28]
2. Availability to the Holy Spirit: Being available to the Holy Spirit means walking through life with a constant awareness of what God is saying and where He is leading us. It involves pacing our day with moments where we stop and ask God for guidance, making ourselves open to His leading in our everyday lives. [40:38]
3. Eyes Open to Opportunities: We need to have our eyes open to the opportunities around us, especially in the places we least expect. Philip saw the Ethiopian eunuch reading the scriptures and recognized it as an opportunity to share the good news. Similarly, we need to be aware of the people in our everyday lives who are open to the realities of Jesus. [42:30]
4. Preparedness to Share: When the moment comes, we must be prepared to share the good news. This means being equipped to tell others what it means that Jesus changed our lives forever. Over the coming months, we will dive deeper into what it means to be ready to share our story. [43:55]
5. Practical Steps to Mission: Taking practical steps, like using invite cards, can help us reach out to those individuals God places on our hearts. We are encouraged to be intentional in our efforts to share the good news, recognizing that each of us has a role to play in the mission of spreading the gospel. [01:06:55]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:19] - Made for More
[21:28] - Encounter with the Holy Spirit
[24:52] - Good News is a Someone
[33:17] - Multiplicative Movement
[40:38] - Availability to the Holy Spirit
[42:30] - Eyes Open to Opportunities
[43:55] - Preparedness to Share
[44:26] - Story of Greg and Amelia
[48:22] - Sharing the Good News
[01:06:29] - Practical Steps to Mission
[01:07:16] - Conclusion and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:32-42 - "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles."
2. Acts 8:26-40 - "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it.' Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked. 'How can I,' he said, 'unless someone explains it to me?' So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: 'He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.' The eunuch asked Philip, 'Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?' Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea."
### Observation Questions
1. What transformative event did the early followers of Jesus experience in Acts 2, and how did it change them? ([21:28])
2. How did Philip respond to the Holy Spirit's leading in Acts 8, and what was the outcome of his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch? ([38:01])
3. According to the sermon, what are the three key actions Philip took that we should emulate to be activated for mission? ([38:01])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is a personal encounter with Jesus essential for our mission, and how does it impact the authenticity of the good news we share? ([34:04])
2. How does being available to the Holy Spirit's leading change our daily interactions and decisions? ([40:08])
3. What does it mean to have our eyes open to opportunities around us, and how can we cultivate this awareness in our everyday lives? ([42:30])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit leading you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? ([40:08])
2. Identify one person in your life who might be open to hearing about Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to share the good news with them? ([47:17])
3. How can you create moments in your day to stop and ask God for guidance? What changes might you need to make in your schedule to be more available to the Holy Spirit? ([40:54])
4. Think about a recent opportunity you missed to share your faith. What prevented you from seizing that moment, and how can you be better prepared next time? ([43:55])
5. How can you use tools like invite cards or personal stories to make sharing the good news more practical and approachable? ([01:06:55])
6. Reflect on your personal encounter with Jesus. How has it transformed your life, and how can you share this transformation with others in a way that is genuine and impactful? ([34:04])
7. Pray for God to place someone on your heart who needs the good news. How will you commit to reaching out to this person in the coming week? ([47:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Personal Encounter with Jesus
A personal encounter with Jesus is the foundation of our mission. Without this, our news isn't truly good because it lacks the power and authenticity that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ. This encounter transforms us, awakening us to the reality that we are made for more than we can imagine. When we experience Jesus personally, it changes our perspective, our priorities, and our purpose. It is this transformation that fuels our desire to share the good news with others, as we have experienced firsthand the life-changing power of Jesus.
Acts 9:3-6 (ESV): "Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you had a personal encounter with Jesus. How did it change your life? How can you share that experience with someone else today? [21:28]
Day 2: Availability to the Holy Spirit
Being available to the Holy Spirit means walking through life with a constant awareness of what God is saying and where He is leading us. It involves pacing our day with moments where we stop and ask God for guidance, making ourselves open to His leading in our everyday lives. This availability requires intentionality and a willingness to be interrupted by God's plans. When we are available to the Holy Spirit, we become instruments through which God can work, bringing His love and truth to those around us.
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance? What practical steps can you take to be more available to God's leading today? [40:38]
Day 3: Eyes Open to Opportunities
We need to have our eyes open to the opportunities around us, especially in the places we least expect. Philip saw the Ethiopian eunuch reading the scriptures and recognized it as an opportunity to share the good news. Similarly, we need to be aware of the people in our everyday lives who are open to the realities of Jesus. This requires us to be observant and sensitive to the needs and openness of those around us, ready to step in and share the love of Christ when the moment arises.
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Who in your life might be open to hearing about Jesus? How can you be more attentive to the opportunities God places in your path to share the good news? [42:30]
Day 4: Preparedness to Share
When the moment comes, we must be prepared to share the good news. This means being equipped to tell others what it means that Jesus changed our lives forever. Over the coming months, we will dive deeper into what it means to be ready to share our story. Being prepared involves knowing our own testimony, understanding the gospel message, and being able to communicate it clearly and confidently. It also means being ready to answer questions and engage in meaningful conversations about faith.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Are you prepared to share your story of how Jesus changed your life? What steps can you take to become more equipped to share the good news with others? [43:55]
Day 5: Practical Steps to Mission
Taking practical steps, like using invite cards, can help us reach out to those individuals God places on our hearts. We are encouraged to be intentional in our efforts to share the good news, recognizing that each of us has a role to play in the mission of spreading the gospel. Practical steps might include inviting someone to church, sharing a personal testimony, or simply being a listening ear and a source of encouragement. These actions, though small, can have a significant impact on someone's journey toward faith.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What practical step can you take today to share the good news with someone in your life? How can you be more intentional in your efforts to spread the gospel? [01:06:55]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life has a way of pulling us in a million different directions, doesn't it? Man, all over I got things to do and people to see and things you know stuff to talk about and work to get done and kids to raise and graduation parties to plan for and all the things that are good in our lives but that take up so much space that eventually we become people who are so consumed with the everything of life that we miss the one thing that matters most." [30:01]
2. "Did you know that God made you for more? Think that is good news today. I was sitting in my house the other day and the family was all together and we were watching TV. It was towards the evening and it was just such a chill spirit in the house where everything was just restful. We were all hanging out and then this gigantic loud cry pierces the silent peace of my home. Oh my goodness, I looked over and Mackenzie, my youngest daughter, had just screamed like a shout of pure joy and exuberance." [22:16]
3. "I believe Philip looked at the opportunity and then this final crucial piece that often I think many of us miss as Jesus followers in the modern church is because we want to be available to God's leading and we want to be open to opportunity but when the moment comes where God shows us this opportunity and then we don't open our mouths or we're too afraid to speak life and hope into someone's life because we're afraid we'll say the wrong thing and the enemy shuts our mouths and contains the activated mission of God within each of our individual lives." [43:22]
4. "I want to make our point personal today. Can I do that? I want you to rest with this statement in your heart as we worship these next few songs and fill in the blank in your own life. Don't make this about anybody else today and don't make this and don't generalize this statement. The world is in desperate need. We can do that sometimes but I want you to pray and say God make this personal for me today. I want to be available and have my eyes open that God might fill in the blank for you that someone in your life right now desperately needs the good news that you have." [47:17]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our news isn't good when we don't share it. The truth is our news isn't good when it isn't shared and second, our news isn't good when it's someone else's news, not ours. I've been feeling like the press of the spirit on this challenge in my own heart and life because I think we live in these two realities, these tensions where we often times experience in the modern day church the reality of a co-opted mission and disconnection from power." [32:05]
2. "Preaching from the stage, Facebook posts from pastors do the work of proclaiming the good news when all along Jesus came into the world to start a multiplicative movement that happens when each and every individual experiences the work of the power of the Holy Spirit and is awakened to the reality that they were made for more. The mission is not the church's mission; the mission is the church's." [33:17]
3. "Philip was available to the leading of the Holy Spirit and Philip's eyes were open to the opportunity in front of him. He in the scripture before because I got out of whack, I'm sorry, but in the scripture before Philip heard the leading of the Holy Spirit and then as he ran up he saw the Ethiopian reading the scriptures. His eyes were open to a potential opportunity. His heart was softened to the reality that there was a person in front of him that God led him to that was softened to the things of God." [41:56]
4. "I perceive as a pastor and as a Jesus follower within our churches, within the community of faith, within people right now in modern times and this isn't all to be true but I think there's an element of our experience as Jesus followers that sometimes our news isn't good. But the truth is when these people in the first century church experience the reality of God moving into their lives something happened to them." [25:14]
5. "Remember the first boundary to our lives being part of the good news is that we just don't have the time to be available. But I wonder what would happen in your life if you began to say God help me have ears to hear today in this moment. If we began to pace our day with moments where we stop and say God I want to be available to you. Tell me what to go, tell me where to go, tell me what to do, tell me what to say." [40:38]
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