The Church: God’s People Empowered and Sent on Mission

Devotional

Day 1: The Power and Hope of the Gospel

There is hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a hope that is not based on our own achievements or worthiness, but on the righteousness that God freely offers to everyone who believes. This gospel is the very power of God for salvation, breaking the chains of shame and offering new life to all who accept it. Whether you have already received this gift or are still considering it, remember that the gospel is not just good news for the past, but a living reality that empowers you to walk in freedom and strength today. Let the truth of God’s grace refresh your faith and give you courage to face whatever comes your way, knowing that you are loved and accepted because of Jesus. [07:04]

Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be reminded that your worth and hope come from the gospel, not from your own efforts or failures? How can you let that truth shape your actions today?

Day 2: The Church—God’s People, Not a Building

The church is not a building, a program, or a set of events; it is the people of God, called together as family and fellow citizens in God’s household. In Christ, we are no longer strangers or outsiders, but we belong to one another, joined together as living stones in a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit. This belonging is powerful, providing a place to support, encourage, and invest in each other as we do life together. When we welcome others, build friendships, and share burdens, we reflect the heart of God and help others find their place in His family. [38:24]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Reflection: Who is someone in your church or community who might feel like an outsider? How can you reach out to help them feel like they belong this week?

Day 3: Empowered by the Spirit for God’s Mission

God does not leave us to figure out life or faith on our own; He empowers us by His Spirit to be His witnesses and to live out His mission in the world. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness when we are timid, wisdom when we are confused, love when we feel hatred, and strength when we are weak. As we trust the Spirit’s guidance, we find ourselves equipped for moments we never thought we could handle, and God works through us to bring others to faith and hope. Living as God’s people is not about our own strength, but about letting His Spirit work in and through us every day. [40:19]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: Where do you feel weak or unsure in your faith or service? Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you in that area today, and look for an opportunity to step out in faith.

Day 4: Living Under the Reign of Jesus

Jesus is the head of the church and the King whose authority shapes every part of our lives. Living under His reign means following His teachings, reflecting His character, and putting His priorities above our own. It means showing mercy instead of seeking revenge, giving instead of taking, and loving when it would be easier to ignore. When we let Jesus’ leadership guide our choices, words, and relationships, we become living examples of His kingdom values in action, and our daily lives become a testimony to His love and rule. [42:12]

Colossians 1:18 (ESV)
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Reflection: What is one decision or relationship where you need to let Jesus’ values and leadership guide you more fully? What practical step can you take today to submit that area to Him?

Day 5: Sent to Restore and Bless the World

The church is not just saved for comfort or escape, but sent into the world as part of God’s mission to restore all things. Jesus sends us as the Father sent Him—to serve, love, forgive, and bring hope to broken places. Every act of love, every step of obedience, and every moment we reflect Christ’s character is part of God’s ongoing story of redemption. We are called to look for tangible ways to bless and serve those around us, trusting that God can use even small acts to make a global impact and bring restoration to the world. [44:25]

John 20:21 (ESV)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve or bless someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or community this week as part of God’s mission to restore all things?

Sermon Summary

At Highlands, life with Jesus is the best way to live, and that life is meant to be shared in community. God’s story is not just ancient history—it’s an ongoing narrative that we are invited to participate in today. From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people, to form a community that reflects His character, and to bring blessing to the world through them. The church is not an afterthought or a temporary fix; it is the next act in God’s redemptive story, rooted in the promises made to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus. We are not just individuals who gather in a building, but a people called, empowered, and sent by God.

The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone. We are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household. This means we belong—to God and to each other. Life is not meant to be lived alone, and God calls us into a community where we support, encourage, and invest in one another. The Holy Spirit empowers us, giving us boldness, wisdom, love, and strength beyond our own abilities. We are not left to figure things out on our own; God’s Spirit works in and through us, equipping us for the mission He’s given.

Living under the reign of Jesus means that every aspect of our lives is shaped by His authority and love. We are called to reflect His character, to show mercy, to give generously, and to love sacrificially. Our obedience and service are not just good deeds—they are tangible expressions of God’s kingdom values in action. But we are not called to keep this life to ourselves. Jesus sends us into the world as His hands and feet, to bring hope, restoration, and the good news of the gospel to broken places.

God is using His church—imperfect people like us—to make a difference locally and globally. Through acts of generosity, service, and partnership, we are seeing lives changed, communities transformed, and the gospel spread to the ends of the earth. Every act of love, every step of obedience, is a living chapter in God’s ongoing story of redemption. The invitation is clear: live as God’s people, empowered by His Spirit, under the reign of Jesus, and sent into the world to restore all things. This is God’s story, and it’s our story too.

Key Takeaways

1. The Church Is Rooted in God’s Ancient Promise God’s plan for the church began long before Acts 2; it is deeply rooted in the promises made to Abraham and the calling of Israel. We are heirs of that promise, called to be a light to the nations and a blessing to the world. The church does not replace Israel but fulfills the mission God always intended for His people—to reflect His character and bring His blessing to all nations. [35:44]
2. Belonging Is Found in God’s Family We are not just attendees or spectators; we are members of God’s household, belonging to Him and to each other. This belonging is transformative—it provides support, encouragement, and a place to grow. True community is found when we invest in one another, carry each other’s burdens, and celebrate life together as God’s family. [37:43]
3. Empowered by the Spirit, Not Our Own Strength The Holy Spirit is the source of our power, wisdom, and love. We are not left to navigate life or mission alone; God’s Spirit equips us for every challenge and opportunity. When we trust the Spirit’s leading, we find boldness to witness, strength to serve, and faith to step into God’s purposes, even when we feel inadequate. [40:19]
4. Living Under the Reign of Jesus Transforms Our Choices Jesus is not just our Savior but our King, and His authority shapes every area of our lives. Living under His reign means our actions, priorities, and relationships reflect His values—mercy, generosity, and sacrificial love. Obedience to Jesus is not about rule-keeping but about embodying His kingdom in our daily lives, even when it’s costly or countercultural. [41:36]
5. Sent to Restore, Not Just to Gather The church is not called to comfort or self-preservation but to mission. We are sent into the world to be agents of restoration, bringing hope, healing, and the gospel to broken places. Every act of love, service, and generosity is a participation in God’s ongoing work of redemption, both locally and globally. [44:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:38] - The Power of Worship and Community
[06:22] - The Hope and Righteousness of the Gospel
[07:46] - Invitation to Experience Jesus
[19:31] - The Reach of Online Ministry
[20:51] - Difference Maker: Global Impact
[25:36] - God’s Story: From Creation to Christ
[27:39] - Stories of Restoration and Healing
[29:04] - God’s Faithfulness and Forming a People
[30:23] - The Church: Not Plan B
[31:45] - The Church’s Identity and Mission
[33:06] - The Church Rooted in the Old Testament
[36:24] - Fulfillment of the Kingdom Promise
[37:43] - Belonging in God’s Family
[39:37] - Empowered by the Spirit
[41:36] - Living Under Jesus’s Reign
[42:56] - Sent Into the World
[45:07] - Global Partnerships and Impact
[47:16] - Living Out God’s Story
[48:41] - Practical Steps to Live as God’s People
[49:56] - Jesus Builds His Church
[53:51] - Next Steps and Belonging
[55:47] - Testimonies and Community
[56:26] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV) — > So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV) — > Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Acts 1:8 (ESV) — > 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.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what are some of the ways Paul describes our new identity in Christ and our relationship to one another in the church?
In Genesis 12:1-3, what was God’s original promise to Abraham, and how was it meant to impact the world?
What does Acts 1:8 say will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon the followers of Jesus?
In the sermon, what are some practical examples given of how people at Highlands have experienced belonging and community in the church? [[38:24]]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone”? How does this shape the way we see the church today? [[31:04]]
The sermon says the church is not an afterthought or “plan B” but the next act in God’s redemptive story. Why is it important to see ourselves as part of God’s ongoing story rather than just as individuals attending church? [[30:23]]
How does the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 connect to the mission of the church today? In what ways are we called to be a blessing to others? [[35:44]]
The Holy Spirit is described as the one who empowers us for mission and daily life. What are some ways the Spirit’s power might look different from relying on our own strength? [[39:37]]

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that “belonging is found in God’s family.” Have you ever felt like an outsider in church or in life? What helped you feel like you belonged, or what could have helped? How can you help someone else feel like they belong this week? [[37:43]]
Think about the idea that the church is “empowered by the Spirit, not our own strength.” Is there an area of your life or ministry where you’ve been trying to do things on your own? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit’s help in that area? [[40:19]]
The sermon said living under the reign of Jesus means our actions, priorities, and relationships reflect His values—mercy, generosity, and sacrificial love. Is there a specific relationship or situation where you need to let Jesus’ values shape your response? What’s one step you can take this week? [[41:36]]
The church is “sent to restore, not just to gather.” What is one practical way you can bring hope, healing, or the good news to a “broken place” in your community or relationships this month? [[44:25]]
The sermon shared stories of people serving, giving, and investing in others. Who is someone in your life you could encourage, serve, or invest in this week? What’s a simple way to start? [[48:41]]
The church is described as “imperfect people making a difference locally and globally.” Do you ever feel like your imperfections disqualify you from being used by God? How does the sermon challenge or encourage you about this? [[47:16]]
The invitation is to “live as God’s people, empowered by His Spirit, under the reign of Jesus, and sent into the world.” Which of these four areas (belonging, empowerment, obedience, mission) do you most want to grow in right now? What’s one next step you can take? [[49:19]]

Sermon Clips

The church is not an afterthought. The church is not plan B, but the church is actually the next act in God's redemptive story. The same God who created the world, who called Israel and sent his Son, is still at work, and he has chosen to work through us, his people, and he calls it the church. [00:30:29]

The church is the people of God, empowered by the spirit living under the reign of Jesus and sent into the world as part of God's mission to restore all things. [00:31:56]

So the first thing that we need to understand is that the church is not just a building, it's not a building, okay? The church is not a program or a series of events. The church is a people. It's God's people. [00:37:24]

That means that we belong, we belong, and not only do we belong to God, but we actually belong to each other. We belong to one another. And that belonging is powerful because life wasn't meant to be lived alone. God calls us into a community where we support each other, we carry each other's burdens, and we can celebrate life together. I mean, we're doing life together. [00:38:02]

The Holy Spirit gives us boldness. When we feel timid. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom. When we feel confused, the Holy Spirit gives us love. When we feel hatred, the Holy Spirit gives us strength. When we feel weak, the Holy Spirit gives us faith when we feel doubt. And I could keep going and going and going. [00:39:44]

Living under Jesus's reign means every action, every choice, everything that we do reflects his leadership and his love, and it should change how we live. All right. So let's look at that. Let's look at the next part of this statement. [00:42:47]

So finally, the church is sent. And Jesus didn't just save us for our comfort, all right? Or to save us from hell. I mean, he does, but that's not all that he saved us for. He he saved us to bring restoration to this world. [00:43:17]

So the church is God's mission in motion. We are called to be his hands and his feet serving, loving, forgiving, sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and bringing hope to broken places. [00:43:37]

And I think that sometimes I forget how powerful our God is. And I tend to limit what he can do through a small group of people who are sold out for him, and who are willing to do whatever it takes to see the mission and vision that he's given us fulfilled. [00:46:21]

But you would not believe the impact our Church Highlands Fellowship has had and continues to have all around the world. And that's the work of God through His church. And this is just one of our global partners that we have. [00:46:42]

So when we put all of this together, the church as the people of God, empowered by the spirit living under the reign of Jesus sent into the world, we see that this is not just some abstract theory, but this is something that is based on hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of years of real world experiences. [00:47:16]

And here's the amazing part that that always blows me away is that we get to participate in this every act of love, every step of obedience, every moment that we reflect Christ's character is part of God's ongoing story of redemption. [00:47:47]

From Abraham's call to Israel's mission, to Jesus's ministry, to the work of the church. Today, we are living chapters in God's story, and it's our story too. So here's the challenge that I want to leave with you this week. [00:48:09]

Depend on the Spirit of God in your life. Ask him for his guidance so that he can empower you daily and trust him to equip you for what he's calling you today. Submit to Jesus's reign in your life. Let his values shape your choices, your words, and your relationships. Live your life on mission. [00:48:52]

God has been writing a story of redemption this whole time, and we are invited to live in it. The church is not plan B, the church is not a building or a program or a bunch of events that we put on. The church is you and me. It's all of us who have given our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ together, empowered by the Spirit of God, living under Jesus's reign and sent out to restore the world and Jesus. [00:49:29]

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