Embracing God's Global Mission: A Call to Action
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the heart of God’s mission—a mission that is far bigger than any one of us, yet one that invites each of us to play a significant role. As our church grows and we prepare for a new season of increased attendance, we are being called to make “missional moves”—to step out of our comfort zones, to sacrifice convenience, and to help make room for others to encounter Jesus. This is not just about logistics or numbers; it’s about aligning ourselves with the very heartbeat of God, who is always on the move to reach the lost and draw people from every nation to Himself.
We looked at the story of Jonah, a man who ran from God’s call because he didn’t want to see his enemies receive mercy. This story isn’t just a warning about disobedience; it’s a window into the vastness of God’s compassion and His relentless pursuit of all people. Too often, we read the Bible as if we are the main character, but the true protagonist is God Himself, unfolding His global purpose through history.
Tracing the narrative from Genesis, we saw how humanity, once united, was scattered into tribes and nations because of sin. Yet, God’s response was not to abandon the nations, but to launch a rescue mission through a promise to Abraham. In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham that he will be blessed—not for his own sake, but so that “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” through him. This is the Abrahamic covenant, the foundation of God’s mission to bring salvation to every tribe, tongue, and nation.
This promise is not just ancient history; it is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings the ultimate blessing—justification by faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit—to all nations. The story of the Bible is not about us, but we are invited into it. Our role is to find where God is working and join Him, to be conduits of His blessing to the world. Like the Moravian missionaries who risked everything to bring the gospel to the unreached, we are called to move toward God’s mission, trusting that our small acts of obedience can have eternal impact.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Mission Is Global, Not Personal
God’s heart beats for the nations, not just for individuals. While He cares deeply for each of us, His ultimate purpose is to gather people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His family. We are invited to lift our eyes beyond our own needs and see the vastness of His redemptive plan. [39:38]
- Blessing Is Always Meant to Flow Outward
The blessings we receive from God—whether material, spiritual, or relational—are never meant to terminate on us. Like Abraham, we are blessed so that we might be a blessing to others, especially those who have not yet heard or experienced the love of Christ. True gratitude for God’s goodness is expressed when we become channels of that goodness to the world. [58:37]
- The Bible’s Story Is God’s Story
It’s easy to read Scripture as a self-help manual, but the Bible is first and foremost the story of God’s glory and His mission to redeem the world. Our lives find their deepest meaning when we see ourselves as participants in His story, not as the main characters. This perspective humbles us and frees us to join God in what He is already doing. [42:56]
- Sacrifice and Mission Go Hand in Hand
Comfort and convenience are not the marks of a missional life. God often calls us to make sacrificial moves—whether it’s changing our routines, giving up preferences, or even risking our safety—so that others might find a place in His kingdom. The stories of Jonah and the Moravian missionaries remind us that obedience to God’s mission may cost us, but it is always worth it for the sake of the gospel. [01:08:09]
- The Ultimate Blessing Is Salvation in Christ
The greatest gift God offers is not land, descendants, or reputation, but salvation through Jesus Christ. Through faith, we are justified, filled with the Holy Spirit, and brought into eternal relationship with God. This is the blessing promised to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ—a blessing meant for all peoples, and one we are called to share. [01:03:31]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Vision for Growth and Missional Moves
[03:02] - Preparing for Increased Attendance
[06:40] - The Call to Sacrifice for the Mission
[09:49] - Praying for God’s Direction
[10:28] - Jonah: A Story of God’s Relentless Mission
[13:31] - The Problem with a Me-Centered Faith
[16:39] - God’s Heart for the Nations in Jonah
[19:38] - The Mission of God Series Introduction
[22:56] - The Bible as a Tapestry of God’s Mission
[25:39] - The Abrahamic Promise: Genesis 12
[28:37] - The Meaning of Blessing
[31:24] - The Purpose of Blessing: To Bless Others
[34:49] - Standing with Israel and Praying for the Nations
[37:31] - The Fulfillment of the Promise in Christ
[40:28] - The Moravian Missionaries: Sacrifice for the Gospel
[43:15] - Responding to God’s Mission in Worship and Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Mission of God
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### Bible Reading
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.”
Galatians 3:8, 14 (ESV)
> And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” ... so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Jonah 1:1-3 (ESV)
> Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 12:1-3, what are the specific promises God makes to Abram? What is the purpose of these blessings?
2. According to Galatians 3:8, how does Paul connect the promise to Abraham with the gospel and the nations?
3. In the story of Jonah, what was Jonah’s initial response to God’s call, and why did he respond that way? ([37:13])
4. The sermon mentions that the Bible is not just about us, but about God’s global purpose. What evidence from the passages or sermon supports this idea? ([42:56])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God’s promise to Abraham included a purpose beyond Abraham’s own blessing? What does this reveal about God’s character? ([58:37])
2. The sermon says, “The story of the Bible is not about us, but we are invited into it.” What does it mean to be a participant in God’s story rather than the main character? ([42:56])
3. Jonah ran from God’s call because he didn’t want his enemies to receive mercy. What does this reveal about the difference between God’s heart and our own natural tendencies? ([37:13])
4. According to Galatians 3, what is the “ultimate blessing” that comes through Abraham, and how is it fulfilled in Jesus? ([01:03:31])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to make “missional moves” that may require sacrifice or stepping out of our comfort zones. What is one area of your life where God might be calling you to make a sacrificial move for the sake of others encountering Jesus? ([31:02])
2. The blessings we receive from God are meant to flow outward. Can you identify a recent blessing in your life? How could you intentionally use that blessing to serve or reach someone else this week? ([58:37])
3. Jonah’s reluctance to go to Nineveh was rooted in not wanting his enemies to experience God’s mercy. Are there people or groups you find it hard to want God’s blessing for? How can you pray for a change of heart? ([37:13])
4. The Moravian missionaries were willing to risk everything so others could hear the gospel. What is one thing you might need to let go of (comfort, time, resources, preferences) to join God’s mission more fully? ([01:08:09])
5. The sermon says, “Find out where God is working and join Him.” Where do you see God at work around you—at home, work, school, or in your community? What is one step you can take to join in? ([01:06:40])
6. The ultimate blessing is salvation in Christ, not just material or earthly blessings. How does this truth shape the way you pray for yourself and others? ([01:03:31])
7. Our church is preparing for growth and asking people to help make room for others. What practical steps can you take to help create space—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—for new people to encounter Jesus in our community? ([31:02])
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Close in prayer, asking God to give your group eyes to see His mission, hearts willing to sacrifice, and courage to join Him in blessing the nations.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Blessing Is Meant to Flow Through Us
God’s promise to Abraham was not just for his own benefit, but so that he would become a conduit of blessing to all the families of the earth. God’s generosity and goodness are never meant to stop with us; instead, we are called to receive His blessings and then share them with others, extending His love, mercy, and grace to the world around us. When we recognize that we are blessed to be a blessing, our lives become part of God’s greater mission to reach every nation, tribe, and tongue with His goodness. [58:37]
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.”
Reflection: In what specific way can you intentionally bless someone outside your immediate circle this week, so that God’s goodness flows through you to others?
Day 2: God’s Heart Is for All Nations and Peoples
From the very beginning, God’s mission has been to draw people from every nation, tribe, and language back to Himself. Even when humanity was scattered and divided by sin, God’s plan was always to unite us as one family through His grace. The story of the Bible is not just about individuals or one nation, but about God’s relentless pursuit of all peoples, inviting everyone into relationship with Him and into His story of redemption. [52:51]
Genesis 11:7-9 (ESV)
“Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.
Reflection: Who in your life represents a “different nation or tongue” from you, and how can you take a step toward building a bridge of friendship or understanding with them this week?
Day 3: The Ultimate Blessing Is Salvation Through Faith in Christ
The greatest blessing God offers is not material wealth or status, but the gift of salvation—being justified by faith and brought into God’s family through Jesus Christ. This blessing, promised to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ, is available to all nations and peoples, breaking down every barrier that separates us from God and from one another. To know the Giver personally and to be filled with His Spirit is the true and lasting blessing that God desires for every person. [01:03:31]
Galatians 3:8, 14 (ESV)
And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” … so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Reflection: Have you truly received the blessing of salvation by faith in Christ, and how can you share this good news with someone who may not yet know Him?
Day 4: God Invites Us to Join His Mission
God’s story is so much bigger than any one of us, but He graciously invites us to play a significant role in His mission. Rather than living for our own comfort or convenience, we are called to find out where God is working and join Him, using our hands, feet, and resources to help others find and follow Jesus. When we step out in faith and obedience, we become part of God’s unfolding story of redemption for the world. [01:06:40]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to step out of your comfort zone and join Him in His mission this month?
Day 5: God’s Mission Ends with Every Nation Worshiping the Lamb
The vision of God’s mission is ultimately fulfilled when people from every nation, tribe, and language stand together before the throne, worshiping Jesus, the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world. Our sacrifices and efforts to reach others are not in vain, for they contribute to the reward for which Christ suffered—the gathering of a great multitude in His presence. Let this vision inspire you to pray, give, go, or send, so that all peoples may know and worship the Lamb. [01:10:28]
Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Reflection: How does the picture of every nation worshiping Jesus shape your prayers and priorities today, and what is one step you can take to participate in God’s global mission?
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