Embracing New Life: The Mission of Grace
Summary
This morning, we kicked off our “At the Movies” summer series with Mission Impossible, exploring how God’s wisdom can be found even in the stories we see on the big screen. The Mission Impossible films, with their unlikely heroes and impossible missions, mirror the journey many of us face in faith. Just like Ethan Hunt and his team, each of us is offered a choice: to remain in the prisons of our past or to step into a new life, a new identity, and a new mission. Grace, the character from the latest movies, is a powerful example—faced with her own brokenness, she’s given a chance at redemption and a new purpose. This is the same invitation Jesus extends to each of us: to leave behind our old ways and embrace the life He offers, not because of what we’ve done, but because of His love and grace.
But the journey doesn’t end with that choice. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Jesus calls us not only to receive new life but to live it out, to go into the world and make disciples. This can feel overwhelming—like a “mission impossible”—especially when we feel unqualified, inexperienced, or afraid. Yet, Jesus never sends us alone. He promises, “I am with you always.” He equips us as we go, and He delights in using ordinary, unnamed people—just like the 72 He sent out in Luke 10—to do extraordinary things.
Too often, we settle for being spiritual “sponges,” soaking up knowledge and experiences but never pouring out what we’ve received. The way of Jesus is not about hoarding what we know; it’s about sharing it, even if we feel we have little to give. Growth happens not just through learning, but through action—by stepping out, serving, loving, and sharing our faith with others. When we do, we discover the adventure, joy, and transformation that Jesus promised. Our faith comes alive, and we realize that nothing is impossible with God.
So, the challenge is clear: don’t just absorb—go and share. For those you hold close, and for those you may never meet, let your life be a channel of God’s love and truth. As you do, you’ll find that the greatest growth and joy come not from what you keep, but from what you give away.
Key Takeaways
- The Choice of a New Life: Each of us faces a pivotal choice—remain in the comfort and captivity of our old ways, or step into the new life Jesus offers. This new life isn’t earned by our goodness but is a gift of grace, a complete do-over where we are adopted as children of God. The invitation is open to all, regardless of our past, and it’s a choice that changes everything. [20:29]
- The Mission Is for Everyone: Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples” isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite or the most knowledgeable. In Luke 10, He sends out 72 unnamed followers—ordinary people, not just the “core twelve.” This reminds us that God delights in using those who feel unqualified or overlooked, and that every believer is invited into the adventure of sharing His love. [30:41]
- Faith Was Never Meant to Be Private: While our relationship with Jesus is deeply personal, it was never intended to be lived in isolation. Jesus sends His followers out two by two, emphasizing that faith flourishes in community and through shared mission. When we step out together, we find strength, encouragement, and the presence of Christ with us. [35:17]
- Growth Comes Through Action, Not Just Absorption: It’s easy to become a “sponge,” endlessly soaking up knowledge, sermons, and spiritual experiences. But true growth happens when we put what we know into practice—serving, loving, and sharing with others. The adventure and joy of following Jesus are found not in what we keep, but in what we give away. [50:46]
- Nothing Is Impossible with God: When we step out in faith, even with limited knowledge or lingering doubts, God delights in using us. Jesus rejoices not in our accomplishments, but in our willingness to trust and obey, reminding us that the impossible becomes possible when we rely on Him. Our excuses fall away as we realize that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. [46:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Introduction to At the Movies Series
[04:45] - Mission Impossible: The Story and Its Parallels
[10:30] - The Power of Choice: Grace’s Story
[20:29] - The Gospel Invitation: A New Life
[26:42] - The Great Commission: Our Mission
[30:41] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission
[35:17] - Faith in Community: Sent Two by Two
[36:55] - Facing the Impossible: Jesus’ Instructions
[39:23] - Joy in Obedience: The 72 Return
[42:59] - Jesus’ Joy and the Childlike Faith
[44:39] - Blessed Are Those Who Go
[46:17] - No More Excuses: Go with What You Know
[49:20] - The Way of the Sponge vs. The Way of the Super Soaker
[50:46] - Growth Through Action
[55:36] - Why We Go: For Those Close and Far
[57:58] - Closing Challenge and Prayer
[01:04:44] - Dismissal and Next Week’s Preview
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Mission Impossible: The Choice, the Mission, and the Adventure of Faith”
---
### Bible Reading
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) – The Great Commission
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 (ESV) – Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves..."
(The passage continues with Jesus’ instructions and the joyful return of the seventy-two.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In the story from Luke 10, what instructions did Jesus give to the seventy-two when he sent them out? What were they told to bring, and how were they sent?
([35:17])
2. According to Matthew 28, what are the specific things Jesus commands his followers to do as part of the Great Commission?
([26:42])
3. When the seventy-two returned from their mission, what was their emotional response, and what did they report back to Jesus?
([39:23])
4. In the sermon, what was the difference between living as a “sponge” and living as a “super soaker”?
([49:20])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to send out seventy-two unnamed, ordinary followers instead of just relying on the twelve disciples? What does this say about who is called to participate in God’s mission?
([30:41])
2. The sermon mentioned that faith was never meant to be private, but lived out in community. Why might Jesus have sent the seventy-two out in pairs, and how does this shape our understanding of following Jesus today?
([35:17])
3. The seventy-two returned with joy after their mission. What does this suggest about the relationship between stepping out in faith and experiencing joy or growth in our spiritual lives?
([39:23])
4. The sermon used the illustration of a sponge versus a super soaker. What are the dangers of only “absorbing” spiritual knowledge without putting it into action?
([49:20])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about the pivotal choice each of us faces: to stay in the “prison” of our old ways or to step into the new life Jesus offers. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck in old patterns? What would it look like to accept Jesus’ invitation to a new start in that area?
([20:29])
2. Jesus’ mission is for everyone, not just the “spiritually elite.” Do you ever feel unqualified or overlooked when it comes to sharing your faith or serving others? What is one step you could take this week to move past that feeling and participate in God’s mission?
([30:41])
3. The sermon challenged us not to be “spiritual sponges” but to pour out what we’ve received. What is one thing you’ve learned or experienced in your faith that you could share with someone else this week? Who might that person be?
([49:20])
4. Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” How does remembering this promise change the way you approach situations that feel like a “mission impossible” in your life?
([26:42])
5. The seventy-two were sent out two by two. Who is someone you could partner with for encouragement, accountability, or to serve together? How could you take a step toward community this month?
([35:17])
6. The sermon said, “Growth happens through action, not just absorption.” What is one practical way you can put your faith into action this week—at home, at work, or in your neighborhood?
([50:46])
7. The Mission Impossible team’s motto was “for those we hold close and for those we’ll never meet.” Who are the people in your life—close or far—who need to experience God’s love through you? What is one thing you can do for them this week?
([55:36])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to step out in faith, to share what they’ve received, and to trust that nothing is impossible with God.
Devotional
Day 1: The Choice of New Life in Christ
Every person is offered a choice: to remain in the patterns and prisons of their past or to accept the new and better life that Jesus offers, a life marked by grace, forgiveness, and a new identity as a child of God. This choice is not based on our worthiness or our past mistakes, but on the love and sacrifice of Jesus, who laid down His life so that we could be adopted into God’s family and experience a complete do-over. No matter your doubts or questions, Jesus invites you to step into this new life, trusting that His love is greater than anything you’ve done or left undone. [24:30]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Reflection: Is there a part of your past that you feel disqualifies you from God’s love? What would it look like to accept Jesus’ invitation to a new life today, trusting that His grace is enough for you?
Day 2: The Great Commission—Our Shared Mission
Jesus calls every follower—not just the “spiritual elite”—to participate in His mission of making disciples, baptizing, and teaching others about Him. This commission is not reserved for those who feel especially gifted or ready; it is for all who have chosen to follow Jesus. As you go about your daily life—at home, at work, in your neighborhood—Jesus promises to be with you always, empowering you to share His love and truth with others, even when it feels impossible or intimidating. [27:10]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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: Where in your everyday life do you sense Jesus inviting you to share His love or story with someone? What is one step you can take this week to respond to that invitation?
Day 3: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
Jesus sent out seventy-two unnamed followers—ordinary people, not just the twelve apostles—on a mission that seemed impossible, reminding us that no one is too insignificant or inexperienced to be used by God. He sent them out in pairs, emphasizing that faith is meant to be lived in community, and assured them that even when they faced challenges or rejection, He was with them and working through them. Their obedience and willingness to go, even with limited knowledge or experience, resulted in joy and spiritual growth as they saw God move in powerful ways. [35:17]
Luke 10:1-3, 17-20 (ESV)
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves... The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Reflection: What is one area where you feel “too ordinary” or unqualified to serve God? How might God be inviting you to step out in faith and trust Him to work through you?
Day 4: Growth Comes Through Action, Not Just Absorption
The way of Jesus is not about endlessly absorbing knowledge like a sponge, but about putting what we know into practice—sharing, serving, and loving others. True spiritual growth and adventure happen when we take what we’ve learned, however little or much, and begin to act on it, allowing God to use us to make a difference in the lives of those around us. When we move from passive learning to active living, our faith comes alive, and we experience the joy and vitality that Jesus promises. [50:46]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: What is one truth or lesson from Jesus that you’ve been holding onto but haven’t yet put into action? What specific step can you take today to live it out?
Day 5: Nothing Is Impossible with God
No matter how daunting the mission or how limited our abilities, nothing is impossible with God when we trust Him and step out in faith. Jesus delights in using those who feel childlike or inexperienced, and He finds joy when we simply take what we know and put it into practice. Our excuses and feelings of inadequacy do not disqualify us; instead, God invites us to participate in His story, promising that as we go, He will provide, empower, and grow us in ways we never imagined. [46:17]
Luke 18:27 (ESV)
But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel something is “mission impossible”? How can you invite God into that situation and take a step of faith, believing that nothing is impossible with Him?
Quotes
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