5_-_The_Churchs_Mission_in_the_World.docx

This sermon explores the true purpose of the church as revealed in Matthew 28:18–20 and Acts 1:8. While worship, fellowship, and service are important, the church’s ultimate calling is to participate in God’s mission: making disciples of all nations. Jesus sends His followers out with His authority and promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The mission is both local and global, personal and collective, and it calls every believer to move beyond comfort and share the gospel with those who have not yet heard. The sermon challenges us to rediscover and embrace the church’s mission, living as witnesses in every sphere of life.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Authority of Christ Transforms Our Mission We do not share the gospel on our own authority or out of personal conviction alone. Jesus, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth, sends us as His representatives. This means our message carries the weight and backing of the King Himself, freeing us from fear of rejection or inadequacy. When we remember whose mission we are on, our confidence and courage are rooted in Christ, not ourselves.
• 2. The Holy Spirit Is Our Source of Power Mission is not a task we can accomplish through charisma, strategy, or sheer willpower. The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us boldness, wisdom, and the right words at the right time. Just as a lamp cannot shine unless it is plugged in, we cannot be effective witnesses unless we are daily dependent on the Spirit’s presence and power. Prayerful reliance on the Spirit transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for God’s work.
• 3. The Mission of the Church Is Both Local and Global Jesus’ plan for His followers starts at home but never stops there. We are called to be witnesses in our immediate circles—our “Jerusalem”—but also to cross boundaries into unfamiliar or uncomfortable places—our “Samaria”—and ultimately to the ends of the earth. The gospel is not a secret to be kept but a cure to be shared, and our hearts should ache for those who have never heard. Faithfulness to the mission means refusing to settle for comfort or familiarity.
• 4. Our Lives Are Meant to Be a Living Witness Words matter, but so does the way we live. The credibility of our message is often tested by the compassion, integrity, and love people see in us. Living as a witness means letting Christ shape our attitudes, relationships, and daily choices so that others are drawn to Him through us. The mission is not just about what we say, but about who we are becoming.
• 5. Every Believer Has a Role in God’s Mission The mission of the church is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or a select few. Every follower of Jesus is sent, empowered, and called to participate—whether through praying, giving, going, or simply being faithful in daily life. God’s invitation is for each of us to step into His story, trusting that our labor is not in vain. When we embrace the mission, we discover a purpose that is bigger than ourselves and worth giving our lives to.

1. In Matthew 28:18–20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His followers?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the source of power for the church’s mission?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given to show that the church’s mission is both local and global?
4. What promise does Jesus make to His followers at the end of the Great Commission?

1. What does it mean that Jesus sends us out with “all authority in heaven and on earth”? How might this change the way someone views sharing their faith?
2. Why is it important that the Holy Spirit, not our own strength, is the source of power for the mission? How could relying on ourselves instead of the Spirit affect our witness?
3. The sermon says the church exists for those who are not yet members. How does this challenge the way people usually think about church?
4. How does living as a “witness” go beyond just speaking words? What might it look like for someone’s life to be a living witness?

1. The sermon says we are sent with Christ’s authority, not our own. Is fear of rejection or inadequacy holding you back from sharing your faith? What would it look like to remember you are going in Jesus’ name this week?
2. The Holy Spirit is our source of power. Before you try to share your faith or serve others, do you pray for the Spirit’s help? What is one way you can practice relying on the Spirit daily?
3. Think about your “Jerusalem”—the people closest to you (family, friends, coworkers). Is there someone in your immediate circle who needs to hear the gospel? What is one step you can take to reach out to them?
4. Who might be your “Samaria”—people you tend to avoid or feel uncomfortable around? What would it look like to cross a boundary for the sake of the gospel this month?
5. The sermon compared the gospel to a cure for a deadly disease. Are there people in your life who have never heard about Jesus? How can you share the “cure” with them in a natural way?
6. The message said every believer has a role in God’s mission—not just pastors or missionaries. What is one practical way you can participate in God’s mission this week (praying, giving, going, serving, or sharing)?
7. How can your small group encourage each other to live as witnesses—both in words and actions—so that others are drawn to Christ through your lives? What is one thing your group could do together to live out the church’s mission?