Blessed to Be a Blessing: Our Mission
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the importance of aligning my heart with God's and being open to His work in the world. The focus of the sermon was on missions and the role each of us plays in spreading God's love. The pastor used the story of Father Abraham to illustrate this point, explaining that if we are in a relationship with Jesus, we have a spiritual lineage that traces back to Father Abraham. This lineage is not about us, but about the world that God loves.
The sermon emphasized that God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. This is not just about material blessings, but spiritual ones as well. As followers of Jesus, we are called to go where God leads us, whether that's to our neighbor next door, someone at work, or people in a distant land. We are all called to go and to partner with those who go globally. This partnership can be through prayer and giving, using the blessings God has given us to bless others.
Key takeaways:
- Our spiritual lineage traces back to Father Abraham, reminding us that our faith journey is not just about us but about the world that God loves. #!!35:31!!#
- God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. This is a call to action for all followers of Jesus to spread God's love and blessings to those around us. #!!47:14!!#
- We are all called to go where God leads us, and this can take many forms. It's not just about going to distant lands, but also about reaching out to those in our immediate surroundings. #!!48:38!!#
- Prayer and giving are two key ways we can partner with those who go globally. These are ways we can use the blessings God has given us to bless others. #!!49:57!!#
- The journey of faith can be challenging and filled with self-doubt, but it also brings great joy and deep relationships. This is a reminder of the cost and reward of following Jesus. #!!01:02:55!!#
Study Guide
Takeaways from the sermon:
1. We are blessed to be a blessing. This was the call of the first missionaries and it remains our call today. We are encouraged to contribute something because we have been blessed. This is not just about local blessings but also global ones ([54:02]).
2. The journey to missions can be a long one, filled with comfort, ease, and the blessings of family and income. However, the calling on our hearts to be a blessing to others, especially on a global scale, remains. This calling is what leads us to leave our comfort zones and serve in unfamiliar territories ([56:05]).
3. Despite the challenges and struggles faced in missions, such as cultural and language barriers, there are also immense joys. These joys often come from hard-fought and worked-for relationships that feel incredibly sweet, special, and wonderful when God brings opportunities for deep connections ([01:05:28]).
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 12:1-9 - This passage narrates the call of Abram, the first missionary, who was blessed to be a blessing.
2. Acts 13:1-3 - This passage describes the calling and sending of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 12:1-9, what were the specific instructions God gave to Abram and what were the promises He made?
2. In Acts 13:1-3, how did the church in Antioch respond to the Holy Spirit's instruction to set apart Paul and Barnabas for the work to which He had called them?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call of Abram in Genesis 12:1-9 relate to our call to be a blessing to others today?
2. In Acts 13:1-3, what can we learn from the church in Antioch about responding to God's call to missions?
Application Questions:
1. In what ways have you been blessed and how can you use these blessings to bless others?
2. Have you ever felt a calling on your heart to serve in a particular way or place? How did you respond to this calling?
3. Can you recall a time when you faced challenges in serving others? How did you overcome these challenges and what joys did you experience in the process?
4. How can you better respond to the Holy Spirit's instruction in your life, especially in relation to serving others?
5. How can you support those who are serving in missions, both locally and globally?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is not just a personal conversation with God, but a powerful tool that can be used to bless others. It is through prayer that we can intercede for others, especially those who are serving in global missions. This is a profound way to use the blessings we have received to bless others. [51:17]
James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: How can you commit to praying more specifically and regularly for global missions?
Day 2: The Blessing of Giving
We have been blessed in many ways, and one of the ways we can use these blessings is through giving. Supporting global missions financially is a practical and impactful way to bless others. It is a tangible expression of our faith and commitment to God's work. [51:54]
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you contribute to global missions in a way that reflects the blessings you have received?
Day 3: The Call to Go
As followers of Jesus, we are all called to go and be a blessing to others. This call may lead us to our neighbors, coworkers, or even people in distant lands. We are blessed so that we might be a blessing to others. [48:38]
Matthew 28:19 - "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."
Reflection: Where is God leading you to go and be a blessing to others?
Day 4: The Work of God in Our Lives
God not only uses us to bless others, but He also works in our lives. Through our struggles and challenges, He shapes us and teaches us to trust Him more. This personal transformation is part of our journey as followers of Jesus. [01:15:06]
Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Reflection: How has God used your struggles and challenges to shape you and deepen your trust in Him?
Day 5: The Importance of Sabbath
Taking time to rest and spend extended time in prayer is crucial in our walk with God. It not only refreshes us but also transforms our ministry and relationship with God. The Sabbath is a gift from God that allows us to refocus and realign our hearts with His. [01:17:18]
Exodus 20:8 - "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a Sabbath into your routine to deepen your relationship with God and enhance your ministry?
Quotes
1. "We really felt God calling us to and telling us that we are blessed and to be a blessing and that blessing yes it's local but we really felt called globally." - Todd and Danielle Jorgensen, 56:48
2. "We have been blessed to be a blessing that was the call of the first missionaries and I think it's the call of our lives today." - Pastor, 54:38
3. "We pray that your heart would be what aligns with ours or maybe the other way around that our heart would rely with you God we want to see your kingdom come in this world." - Pastor, 33:02
4. "One way that you can be a blessing to this world is by praying for those who are called to serve globally... I believe that prayer is powerful that God really moves in that." - Pastor, 51:17
5. "Everyone has been blessed enough to contribute something and some of you have been blessed that you can contribute 10 bucks a month and some of you have been blessed to contribute a hundred dollars and some of you have been blessed to contribute a thousand dollars a month to partner with and support because you have been blessed to use that to be a blessing to the world." - Pastor, 52:59
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