Embracing Our Call: Outward Focus in Sharing Faith
Summary
Today, the focus is on the calling and privilege of sharing the gospel—moving from a church culture that looks inward to one that intentionally reaches outward. The heart of this calling is rooted in Jesus’ “famous last words” in Acts 1:8, where He commissions His followers to be witnesses in their own communities and to the ends of the earth. This is not a task reserved for a select few, but a command and invitation for every believer. The “prayer, care, share” rhythm is not just a slogan, but a practical strategy for living out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in daily life.
The challenge is clear: if we have received the blessing of God, why would we withhold it from others? Every person has a story, and most of us came to faith because someone took the time to share with us. The statistics are striking—people are more open than ever to conversations about faith, especially when approached with genuine care and relationship. The Holy Spirit empowers us, giving us the boldness and words we need, even when we feel inadequate or afraid. Our responsibility is not to have all the answers, but to be obedient and available, trusting God to work through our weakness.
Sharing our faith is not optional; it is a direct command from Jesus. To ignore it is to miss the very purpose for which we are called. The gospel is both inclusive—meant for everyone—and individual, requiring each of us to respond and to share personally. Our mission field begins in our own homes and neighborhoods and extends outward. The urgency is underscored by the reality that Jesus is coming back, and eternity is at stake for those around us.
As a church, we are stepping into a new season of outreach and compassion, exemplified by the launch of the Jenny Isaacs Community Care Center. This center will combine practical help with gospel hope, providing a tangible way to care for our community and open doors for spiritual conversations. The invitation is for everyone to participate—praying, caring, sharing, and giving—so that together we can see lives transformed and God’s glory made known.
Key Takeaways
- The Church’s Mission Is Outward, Not Inward
It is easy to become comfortable focusing on our own needs and community, but Jesus calls us to look outward, intentionally seeking those who do not yet know Him. The “prayer, care, share” approach is a practical way to break out of an insular mindset and engage our neighbors with the love and truth of Christ. This outward focus is essential for fulfilling our calling as witnesses in the world. [45:32]
- The Power to Share Comes from the Holy Spirit
Boldness in sharing our faith does not come from personality or training, but from the indwelling Holy Spirit. God does not ask us to rely on our own strength or eloquence; He promises to empower us with “dynamite” power to be His witnesses. Our role is to trust the Spirit, open our mouths, and let God work through our obedience—even when we feel weak or afraid. [54:29]
- Obedience to the Great Commission Is Non-Negotiable
Sharing the gospel is not a suggestion or a task for a select few; it is a direct command from Jesus to every believer. To neglect this calling is to disobey God and to miss the joy of participating in His redemptive work. Even when we don’t have all the answers, our willingness to start the conversation and trust God with the results is what He asks of us. [51:48]
- The Gospel Is Both Inclusive and Personal
Jesus died for everyone, making the gospel radically inclusive, but each person must respond individually. Our stories of coming to faith are unique, and God uses personal relationships—parents, friends, neighbors—to draw people to Himself. Remembering how someone shared with us should motivate us to do the same for others, knowing that eternity hangs in the balance. [01:05:01]
- Urgency and Hope: Jesus Is Coming Back
The reality of Christ’s return gives urgency to our mission. If we truly believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, we cannot remain silent while those around us face eternity without Him. Our hope is not just in what God has done, but in what He will do as we step out in faith, trusting Him to use our church to reach our community and beyond. [01:07:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Prayer, Care, Share: The Vision for Outreach
[03:30] - Friend Day and Practical Application
[06:10] - Moving from Inward to Outward Focus
[09:00] - Becoming Fishers of Men: Getting “Wet”
[12:00] - Acts 1:8 and the Last Words of Jesus
[15:00] - The Great Commandment and Great Commission
[18:00] - The Necessity of Evangelism
[21:00] - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Witnessing
[24:00] - Overcoming Fear and Trusting God
[27:00] - The Openness of People to Spiritual Conversations
[30:00] - Where and How to Share Your Faith
[33:00] - The Inclusive and Personal Nature of the Gospel
[36:00] - The Urgency of Christ’s Return
[39:00] - The Story Behind the Community Care Center
[44:00] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[47:00] - Announcement: Jenny Isaacs Community Care Center
[52:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Famous Last Words of Christ: Initiating God’s Plan for His Church”
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### Bible Reading
Acts 1:8-11 (ESV)
> 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
> 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
> 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
> 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 1:8, what does Jesus say will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples? What is the purpose of this power?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between an inward-focused church and an outward-focused church? ([45:32])
3. What are the practical steps the pastor gives for living out the “prayer, care, share” strategy? ([54:04])
4. How does the sermon describe the mission field for each believer? Where does it start? ([01:05:01])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus connect the coming of the Holy Spirit with being His witnesses? What does this suggest about our ability to share the gospel on our own? ([54:29])
2. The pastor says that sharing our faith is not optional but a direct command from Jesus. What are the implications for believers who choose not to share? ([51:48])
3. The sermon mentions that the gospel is both inclusive and personal. How does this shape the way we approach people who are different from us or have different backgrounds? ([01:05:01])
4. The urgency of sharing the gospel is tied to the return of Jesus. How does believing that Jesus is coming back affect the way we live and share our faith? ([01:07:16])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared that most of us came to faith because someone took the time to share with us. Who was that person for you, and how did their willingness to share impact your life? ([01:05:01])
2. The “prayer, care, share” rhythm is meant to be practical. Which of these three steps do you find most challenging, and why? What is one specific way you can take a step forward this week? ([54:04])
3. The sermon says that boldness comes from the Holy Spirit, not from our own personality or training. When have you felt afraid or inadequate to share your faith? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit in those moments? ([54:29])
4. The pastor mentioned that people are more open than ever to spiritual conversations, especially when approached with genuine care. Who in your life might be open to a conversation about faith if you reached out with care? ([58:38])
5. The message challenges us not to withhold the blessing of God from others. Is there someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or family that you have avoided reaching out to? What is one thing you can do this week to move toward them? ([47:23])
6. The launch of the Jenny Isaacs Community Care Center is a way for the church to combine practical help with gospel hope. How might you personally get involved—through praying, caring, sharing, or giving? ([01:17:47])
7. The pastor said, “Our mission field begins in our own homes and neighborhoods and extends outward.” What is one practical step you can take this month to be more intentional about sharing your faith where you live? ([01:05:01])
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Close in prayer, asking God for boldness, compassion, and opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with those around you.
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Share
God does not ask us to share the gospel in our own strength; instead, He promises us the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden and equip us. This power is not just for worship or personal comfort, but for the very purpose of being Christ’s witnesses in our neighborhoods and beyond. Even when we feel inadequate or fearful, the Spirit within us is able to overcome our weaknesses and use our words—however imperfect—to draw others to Jesus. Trusting the Holy Spirit means stepping out in faith, opening our mouths, and letting God work through us to reach those who are hungry for hope. [54:29]
Acts 1:8-11 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Reflection: What is one fear or excuse that keeps you from sharing your faith, and how can you specifically ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome it today?
Day 2: Sharing the Gospel Is a Command, Not an Option
Jesus’ call to be His witnesses is not a suggestion but a direct command for every believer. To withhold the message of salvation is not only disobedience but a failure to trust the Spirit who empowers us. The early disciples risked everything, even their lives, to make Christ known, and we stand on their shoulders today. Our faith is meant to be lived out boldly, not kept private or silent. If we truly believe in the urgency and truth of the gospel, we cannot justify keeping it to ourselves. [57:16]
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: Who is one person God has placed in your life that you have hesitated to share your faith with, and what step of obedience can you take toward them this week?
Day 3: The Mission Field Starts at Home and Extends Everywhere
The call to share Christ begins right where we are—our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities—and extends to the ends of the earth. The gospel is both inclusive, offered to all, and individual, requiring each person to respond. Every believer has a unique story of how they came to know Jesus, and God uses these stories to reach others. Our “Jerusalem” is our immediate context, but we are also called to cross cultural and geographical boundaries, living out a lifestyle of witness wherever we go. [01:06:32]
Mark 16:15 (ESV)
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"
Reflection: Where is your “Jerusalem”—the place God is calling you to start sharing your faith—and what is one intentional action you can take there this week?
Day 4: The Urgency of Christ’s Return
Jesus’ ascension and promised return give urgency to our mission. If we truly believe that Christ is coming back and that eternity is at stake, we cannot remain silent. The reality of His return should drive us to reach as many people as possible, not out of fear, but out of love and a desire for others to experience redemption. We are called to live with anticipation, making the most of every opportunity to invite others into God’s family before it’s too late. [01:07:16]
Luke 24:47-49 (ESV)
"and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Reflection: If you knew Jesus was returning soon, who would you urgently want to share the gospel with, and how can you begin that conversation today?
Day 5: Prayer, Care, Share—Living Out God’s Love
The heart of our calling is to pray for those who don’t know Christ, care for them in tangible ways, and share the story of how Jesus has changed our lives. This is not just a church program but a lifestyle that reflects God’s love and compassion to a hurting world. When we intentionally build relationships, serve others, and open our lives, we become conduits of God’s grace. The impact of a church that lives out “prayer, care, share” can transform families, neighborhoods, and entire communities for God’s glory. [01:32:58]
John 20:21 (ESV)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"
Reflection: Who is someone you can pray for, care for, and share your story with this week, and what is one practical step you will take to begin?
Quotes
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