Embracing God's Mission: Listening and Adapting in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel Message Is Unchanging

The gospel message is the foundation of our faith and the mission of the church; it does not shift with changing times, cultures, or circumstances. No matter how much the world around us changes, the truth that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again remains the same. This unchanging message is what unites all believers and is the core of what we proclaim and live out. We are called to remember, cherish, and share this gospel, resisting any temptation to alter or dilute it for the sake of convenience or relevance. The gospel is our unchanging possession, entrusted to us by God, and it is the power of salvation for all who believe. [28:16]

1 Corinthians 15:1-5 (ESV)
"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to adjust or soften the gospel message in your conversations or actions? How can you recommit today to holding fast to the unchanging truth of Christ’s death and resurrection?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit Directs the Mission

The Holy Spirit is the true leader and director of God’s mission in the world and in the church. Just as a crew chief guides a race car driver, the Spirit guides us, giving direction, empowerment, and wisdom for every step of the mission. Our role is to stay tuned to His frequency, listening for His voice in worship, prayer, service, and the Word. The mission is not driven by our own plans or preferences, but by the Spirit’s leading, and we must be ready to follow wherever He directs, trusting that He knows what is best for the advancement of God’s kingdom. [31:18]

Acts 2:4 (ESV)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Reflection: How can you intentionally make space today to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life and ministry, rather than relying solely on your own plans?

Day 3: Rethinking the “Who” of the Mission

God often calls us to expand our vision of who is included in His mission, opening our eyes to people and groups we may have overlooked or even avoided. In the early church, this meant moving beyond the familiar boundaries of Jewish culture to embrace Gentiles as fellow recipients of the gospel. God may be prompting us to see those around us—neighbors, coworkers, or even strangers—as beloved by Him and in need of the good news. We are challenged to pray for and reach out to those we have not truly “seen” before, trusting that God’s love knows no boundaries. [41:42]

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV)
"So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

Reflection: Who in your daily life have you overlooked as a potential recipient of God’s love and the gospel? What is one step you can take today to see and engage them with Christ’s compassion?

Day 4: Rethinking the “Where” of the Mission

The “where” of God’s mission is not static; God often leads His people to new places—sometimes physical, sometimes digital—where the gospel can take root and flourish. The book of Acts traces the movement of the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world, and today, God continues to open new “wheres,” including online spaces and shifting communities. What may seem like closed doors or failed plans can actually be God’s way of redirecting us to new opportunities for ministry. We are called to be open and responsive to where God is leading, even if it looks different from what we expected. [46:28]

Acts 16:6-10 (ESV)
"And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

Reflection: Is there a new “where”—a place, community, or digital space—where God might be calling you to serve or share the gospel? What would it look like to take a first step in that direction?

Day 5: God Uses Hard Times to Advance His Mission

God often advances His mission in ways that surprise us, especially through hard times, challenges, and even suffering. Throughout Acts, persecution, setbacks, and difficulties became the very soil in which the gospel grew and spread. When our plans are disrupted or we face trials, it is not a sign that God’s mission has failed; rather, it may be the means by which He is working out His greater purpose. We are invited to trust God’s wisdom and sovereignty, recognizing that He is at work even in the midst of hardship, and to remain faithful and open to how He might use our struggles for His glory. [55:03]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: Think of a current or recent hardship in your life. How might God be using this difficult season to open new doors for His mission or to shape your witness for Christ?

Sermon Summary

When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we are swept up into God’s grand purpose, leaving behind our own small ambitions to participate in something far greater—His mission in the world. Our lives, and the life of the church, are not about God serving us, but about us existing for Him, to bring Him honor and glory. The book of Acts powerfully illustrates this truth, showing how the early church was propelled by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world. This same Spirit-driven mission continues today, and we are called to expect and participate in the ongoing expansion of God’s kingdom.

There are two foundational aspects of this mission that never change. First, the gospel message itself is unchangeable. No matter how much our circumstances, methods, or cultures shift, the core truth that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again remains the bedrock of our faith. Second, the Holy Spirit is always the one who leads and directs the mission. Just as a crew chief guides a race car driver, the Spirit guides us, and we must be tuned to His frequency, listening for His direction in all things.

Yet, within these unchangeable truths, God often calls us to rethink certain aspects of our mission. Sometimes, He opens our eyes to new people—the “who”—that we may have overlooked or never considered as objects of His love. The early church had to grapple with the radical idea that the gospel was not just for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. God may also call us to rethink the “where” of our mission, as He did with Paul and his companions, redirecting them to unexpected places and even using modern technology to redefine where people are found today. Finally, we must be open to rethinking the “how” of our mission. God often uses hard times—persecution, setbacks, and suffering—as the very soil in which the gospel grows most powerfully.

In all of this, the key is to listen to God. Strategies and programs have their place, but the heart of effective mission is a posture of listening—through worship, prayer, service, and the Word—so that we can follow the Spirit’s leading. Our challenge is to remain open, attentive, and obedient as God reshapes the mission in ways we may not expect, trusting that He knows best and will accomplish His purposes through us.

Key Takeaways

1. We Exist for God’s Mission, Not Our Own True faith in Christ reorients our lives away from self-centered purposes and toward God’s greater mission. Our existence is not about what God can do for us, but about how we can honor Him and participate in His redemptive work in the world. This shift in perspective is foundational for both individual believers and the church as a whole. [24:08]
2. The Gospel and the Spirit’s Leadership Are Non-Negotiable While methods and circumstances may change, the gospel message and the leadership of the Holy Spirit are unchangeable. The gospel—Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—is the core truth entrusted to us, and the Spirit is the one who directs every step of the mission. We must hold fast to these anchors, even as we adapt in other areas. [28:16]
3. God Expands Our Vision of “Who” Needs the Gospel God often challenges our assumptions about who is included in His mission. Just as the early church had to embrace Gentiles as fellow heirs of salvation, we too must be open to seeing and loving those we may have previously overlooked or excluded. The Spirit may bring new people into our focus, calling us to pray for and reach out to them with Christ’s love. [34:23]
4. The “Where” of Mission Is Always Evolving God’s mission is not confined to familiar places or traditional boundaries. He may redirect us to new locations, whether physical or digital, and use unexpected circumstances to open new fields for ministry. What may seem like setbacks or closed doors can actually be God’s way of guiding us to the next place He wants the gospel to take root. [45:18]
5. God Often Uses Hard Times to Advance His Mission Contrary to our expectations, God frequently uses suffering, opposition, and apparent failures as the means to spread the gospel and grow His church. These hard times are not outside of His control; rather, they are often the very tools He uses to accomplish His purposes. Our role is to trust Him and remain faithful, even when the path is difficult or unclear.

** [53:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Our Purpose: Existing for God
[03:45] - The Book of Acts: A Mission Narrative
[07:30] - The Church Belongs to God
[10:55] - The Unchanging Gospel
[14:08] - The Holy Spirit: Director of the Mission
[17:30] - Rethinking the “Who” of Mission
[21:23] - Breaking Down Barriers: Jews and Gentiles
[25:10] - The Jerusalem Council and New Believers
[28:45] - Rethinking the “Where” of Mission
[32:10] - God’s Redirection: Paul’s Journeys
[36:00] - The Digital Mission Field
[39:00] - Rethinking the “How” of Mission
[43:20] - God Uses Hard Times for Growth
[47:00] - Listening to God’s Spirit
[49:00] - Closing Prayer and Commitment

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV) — > So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV)
> Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

3. Acts 16:6-10 (ESV)
> And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Observation Questions

In Acts 10, what did Peter learn about who could receive the gospel, and how did God show him this?
According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, what are the unchangeable core truths of the gospel message?
In Acts 16, what did the Holy Spirit do when Paul and his companions tried to go to certain places, and how did God redirect them?
The sermon mentioned that the early church had to rethink who was included in God’s mission. What were some of the barriers or assumptions they had to overcome? [[34:23]]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important that the gospel message itself never changes, even when our methods or circumstances do? [[28:16]]
What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be the “crew chief” of our mission, and how might that change the way we make decisions as individuals or as a church? [[31:18]]
The early church was surprised that Gentiles were included in God’s plan. What does this teach us about our own assumptions regarding who God might want to reach through us? [[38:44]]
How can hard times, setbacks, or suffering actually become the “soil” where the gospel grows, according to the examples given in Acts and the sermon? [[53:14]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “We exist for God’s mission, not our own.” In what areas of your life do you find yourself more focused on your own ambitions than on God’s purpose? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[24:08]]
The gospel and the Spirit’s leadership are “non-negotiable.” Are there ways you have been tempted to change or soften the core message of the gospel to fit in or avoid discomfort? How can you hold fast to the truth? [[28:16]]
Think about your daily routines and relationships. Who might be a “new who” in your life—someone you’ve overlooked or never considered as someone God wants to reach? What is one step you could take to see and love them as God does? [[41:42]]
The “where” of mission is always evolving. With so much of life happening online, how might God be calling you to see digital spaces as part of your mission field? Is there a specific online group or platform where you could be more intentional about sharing Christ? [[49:46]]
Reflect on a recent setback, disappointment, or “closed door” in your life. How might God be using that situation to redirect you or open up a new opportunity for His mission? [[46:28]]
The sermon challenged us to “listen to God” through worship, prayer, service, and the Word. Which of these do you find most difficult, and what is one practical way you can grow in listening to the Spirit’s direction this week? [[58:47]]
When have you seen God use a hard time in your life to grow your faith or open a door for the gospel? How can you encourage others who are going through something similar right now? [[53:14]]

Sermon Clips

``When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we begin to realize that God doesn't actually exist for us. It's quite the opposite. We actually exist for God. We exist to bring him honor, to bring him glory. We exist to be a part of his purpose, and when we come into his family through faith in Jesus Christ, we are swept up into his grand purpose for this world, so that we leave behind our own petty purposes and personal preferences, and we put our priorities in God and what he's moving forward in doing. [00:22:20] (42 seconds) #ExistForGodPurpose

So when it comes to the mission of God, there are two things that are not changeable at all. The gospel itself and the fact that the Holy Spirit, as our God, leads us forward in the mission. We don't rethink those things. [00:33:15] (16 seconds) #UnchangingGospelAndSpirit

So there are people, and there are groups of people that we've never really seen before. We might have seen them physically, but maybe we've never really seen them with the eyes of faith, never really prayed for them, never really paid much attention to them as objects of God's love, and as those whom Jesus died for. Be open then to the possibility, church, that God will lead you to rethink the who that you're ministering to. [00:42:16] (36 seconds) #SeeWithFaithNewPeople

The point being, what seemed here like failed ministry attempts by Paul, the apostle, and his companions in Asia, in Bithynia, like, these are failures. We were all planning to go here. Our strategic plan was leading us right there. And God said, no, you're not going there. Didn't give any other direction at that point. What seemed like failures, what seemed like lost opportunities for them, what seemed like misdirection even, or a mistake in ministry, or even a waste of time, what seemed like all of that was not all of that. In fact, it was the very means God used to redirect the where of the mission. [00:46:36] (53 seconds) #FailuresRedirectMission

Through much of the book of Acts, we see God using hard times as the rich soil for gospel growth and expansion. This is one of those things that's just the upside down nature of the kingdom of God. He uses the hard times. [00:54:35] (17 seconds) #MissionBeyondControl

Hard times are hard. Why are they hard? Because we don't control them, and we find ourselves in simply in places where things have swirled around us that are outside of our control, many times outside of our making, and that's the point. That's the point I want to make about the how of mission, the how of effective mission will not be managed by you, and it will not be managed by your own time frame. It's managed by God through his Holy Spirit. [00:56:57] (36 seconds) #RethinkByListeningToGod

Strategies, plannings, programs, they all have their place, but my challenge to you is this. Given these three re-thinkable things, what were they? Who, the where, the how? Given these things, how do we go about rethinking them? How do we actually do that? How do we discern that? I'm going to propose to you something that is profoundly simple, and it is very simply, we learn to listen to God. [00:58:03] (36 seconds)

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