Embracing New Beginnings: Trusting Jesus in Community

Every one of us has a past, and often, we carry the weight of our mistakes and shortcomings. Yet, just as the characters in Mission Impossible are offered a new life and a second chance, so too does Jesus offer us a do-over—a new beginning through faith in Him. The journey of following Jesus is not about having a perfect record or knowing everything; it’s about making the choice to trust Him, even when it feels impossible. This is not the finish line, but the starting point of a life filled with purpose, challenge, and adventure.

Jesus calls us into His “Great Mission”—to go and make disciples, to share His love, and to build His kingdom. This calling can feel overwhelming, even impossible, especially when we feel unqualified or ill-equipped. But Jesus never sends us alone. He promises His presence through the Holy Spirit and invites us to take steps of faith, not in isolation, but in community with others. The story of the 72 unnamed followers in Luke 10 reminds us that God uses ordinary people—those who may feel like the “B team”—to do extraordinary things when they simply trust and obey.

The Christian life is not meant to be lived as a sponge, endlessly absorbing knowledge but never pouring out. True growth comes through action—by stepping out, serving, sharing, and applying what we know, even if our faith feels small or childlike. When we go, we grow. As we pour out, God fills us again, creating a cycle of learning, serving, and deepening faith. The joy Jesus feels over us is not based on our achievements, but on our willingness to trust Him and take the next step, no matter how small.

Imagine a life where you are not just absorbing, but actively sharing and living out your faith. This is the life Jesus calls us to—a life of adventure, growth, and impact, not just for those we know, but for those we may never meet. The mission is not impossible, because with God, all things are possible. The only question is: will you take the next step?

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Invitation Is for Everyone, Regardless of Their Past No matter what your history looks like, Jesus offers you a new beginning. Like the members of the Impossible Mission Force, we are given a choice: remain stuck in the prisons of our past, or step into the new life Jesus offers. Our worthiness is not based on our record, but on His love and sacrifice for us. The invitation is to trust that His grace is greater than our failures. [28:54]
• 2. The Mission of Jesus Is Both Personal and Communal Following Jesus is a personal decision, but it was never meant to be a private journey. Jesus sends His followers out two by two, emphasizing the importance of community and partnership. We need each other for encouragement, accountability, and support as we step into the mission He’s given us. Isolation leads to stagnation, but community leads to growth and courage. [37:22]
• 3. Growth Comes Through Action, Not Just Absorption It’s easy to become a “sponge,” always learning but never applying. True spiritual growth happens when we take what we know and put it into practice—serving, sharing, and stepping out in faith. When we pour out, God refills us, and our hunger for deeper knowledge becomes more meaningful and relevant to where He’s calling us. Stagnation is overcome by obedience in action. [54:23]
• 4. Childlike Faith Unlocks Kingdom Adventure Jesus celebrates those who approach Him with simple, childlike faith, not those who have all the answers. The 72 unnamed followers experienced miracles and joy not because of their expertise, but because they trusted and obeyed. The adventure of faith is available to anyone willing to take the next step, regardless of how much they know. God delights in our willingness, not our credentials. [46:21]
• 5. Our Excuses Are Dismantled by God’s Power and Presence We often feel unqualified—too inexperienced, too ignorant, too broken. Yet, Jesus dismantles every excuse by promising His presence and empowering us through His Spirit. The mission may feel impossible, but nothing is impossible with God. Our responsibility is not to have it all together, but to trust Him enough to take the next step, knowing He will meet us there. [50:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:15] - Introduction to “At the Movies” Series
• [03:40] - Mission Impossible: The Power of a Second Chance
• [07:55] - The Choice: Jesus Offers a New Life
• [12:30] - Faith’s Starting Line, Not the Finish
• [15:45] - The Great Mission: Jesus’ Call to Go
• [19:10] - “As You Go”: Everyday Mission
• [22:50] - Apprenticeship with Jesus: Growing Step by Step
• [27:30] - The Story of the 72: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission
• [34:05] - Luke’s Eyewitness Account
• [37:22] - Sent Two by Two: The Power of Community
• [41:08] - Facing Rejection: It’s Not About You
• [43:36] - The Real Miracle: What God Does In You
• [46:21] - Jesus’ Joy Over Our Faith
• [50:20] - The Sponge vs. The Super Soaker: Absorbing vs. Pouring Out
• [54:23] - Growth Through Action
• [56:08] - The Cycle of Learning and Serving
• [58:45] - Imagine the Impact: Living the Adventure
• [59:57] - Prayer and Closing

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) — > Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 10:1-21 (NIV) — > (Read especially verses 1-3, 17-21)
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> After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves...”
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> The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
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> He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
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> At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”

Observation Questions

1. In Luke 10, how does Jesus send out the seventy-two followers? What instructions does he give them about how to go and what to bring?
2. According to Matthew 28, what are the main things Jesus commands his followers to do as part of the “Great Commission”?
3. When the seventy-two return, what is their emotional response, and what do they report to Jesus?
4. What is Jesus’ reaction to the seventy-two’s report, and what does he say is the most important thing for them to celebrate?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to send the seventy-two out in pairs instead of alone? What does this say about the importance of community in following Jesus?
2. Jesus tells the seventy-two not to take extra supplies or money. What might be the reason for this instruction, and how could it relate to trusting God?
3. When Jesus says, “rejoice that your names are written in heaven,” what is he trying to teach his followers about the source of their joy and identity?
4. The sermon compares being a “sponge” (just absorbing) to being a “super soaker” (pouring out). What are the dangers of only absorbing spiritual knowledge without acting on it?

Application Questions

1. The sermon says that Jesus’ invitation is for everyone, no matter their past. Is there something in your past that makes you feel unqualified or hesitant to step into what God is calling you to? How can you remind yourself that your worth is based on Jesus’ love, not your record?
2. Jesus sent the seventy-two out two by two, not alone. Who is someone in your life you can partner with for encouragement and accountability as you try to live out your faith? What would it look like to intentionally support each other this week?
3. The sermon challenges us not to be “sponges” who just soak up knowledge, but to take action. What is one specific way you can “pour out” this week—by serving, sharing your faith, or helping someone in need?
4. Jesus celebrates childlike faith, not expertise. Is there an area where you feel like you don’t know enough to serve or share? What is one small step you can take anyway, trusting that God can use your willingness?
5. The sermon says our excuses are dismantled by God’s power and presence. What is one excuse you often use to avoid stepping out in faith? How can you remind yourself that God promises to be with you?
6. Imagine your life as a “super soaker” instead of a “sponge.” How might your family, workplace, or neighborhood look different if you were actively sharing and living out your faith? What’s one area you want to see change?
7. The “Great Mission” is for those we hold close and those we may never meet. Who is one person you know who needs to experience Jesus’ love? What is a practical way you can reach out to them this week?