Embracing Our God-Sized Mission: Go, Give, Pray
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound calling of missions and outreach, emphasizing the God-sized vision that God has placed on our hearts. We began by defining missions as a specific task given to us by God, which is to share the message of Jesus Christ with everyone. A missionary is someone who dedicates their life to this task, whether locally or globally. Outreach, on the other hand, is simply the act of reaching out to others, embodying the love and message of Christ in tangible ways.
We revisited the vision cast by Ken earlier this year, based on Acts 1:8, where Jesus commands His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This vision is not just a local endeavor but a global mission that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and reach people who are different from us.
We celebrated the incredible generosity of our congregation, who have given over $110,000 towards this vision since January. This money has supported 31 missionary partners, both locally and globally, and funded various outreach initiatives such as the shoe giveaway, Terra State College breakfast, and the Oak Harbor football go team bags. We also highlighted upcoming events like the ice cream truck outreach at Terra State Community College and the "Light the Night" initiative for Halloween.
We discussed the importance of reaching out to our local community (Jerusalem), our state and country (Judea), and those who are different from us (Samaria). We shared stories of how our support has impacted lives, from the Terra State College baseball team to the inner-city church in Toledo. We also looked at our global impact, including the $20,000 given to missionaries in Alaska and the 40,000 meals packed for Haiti.
Finally, we emphasized the need for everyone to get involved, not just a small percentage of the congregation. The God-sized vision requires all of us to give, pray, and go. We concluded with a prayer, asking God to set our hearts ablaze for His mission and to help us see people through His eyes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Missions and Outreach: Missions involve a specific task given by God to share the message of Jesus Christ, while outreach is the act of reaching out to others. Both are essential components of our Christian walk, calling us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world around us. [42:20]
2. The God-Sized Vision: Based on Acts 1:8, our mission is to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This vision is expansive and requires us to think beyond our immediate surroundings, embracing a global perspective in our outreach efforts. [43:57]
3. Generosity and Impact: The congregation's generosity has enabled significant outreach and support for 31 missionary partners. This includes local initiatives like the shoe giveaway and global efforts like the $20,000 given to missionaries in Alaska. Our giving has a profound impact on lives both near and far. [48:29]
4. Upcoming Outreach Initiatives: We have exciting events planned, such as the ice cream truck outreach at Terra State Community College and the "Light the Night" initiative for Halloween. These events provide opportunities to engage with our community and share the love of Christ in practical ways. [53:57]
5. Call to Action: The God-sized vision requires everyone's involvement. We need to move beyond the 80-20 rule, where 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Instead, we aim for 100% participation, encouraging everyone to give, pray, and go. This collective effort will help us fulfill the mission God has given us. [01:17:05]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [40:10] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
3. [40:45] - Defining Missions and Outreach
4. [41:36] - The Mission of Journey Church
5. [42:20] - What is a Missionary?
6. [43:04] - Vision Casting from Acts 1:8
7. [44:35] - Expanding the Vision: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
8. [46:50] - The $200,000 God-Sized Vision
9. [48:29] - Achievements Since January
10. [50:24] - Local Outreach Initiatives
11. [52:23] - Upcoming Events and Outreach
12. [53:57] - Light the Night Initiative
13. [55:18] - Reaching the Local Neighborhood
14. [57:37] - State and National Outreach
15. [01:01:15] - Reaching Samaria
16. [01:03:08] - Special Needs Outreach
17. [01:06:11] - Liberty Center Needs
18. [01:07:43] - Global Missions and Impact
19. [01:12:32] - Business as Missions
20. [01:15:24] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:8 (NIV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the specific task given to us by God according to the sermon? ([41:36])
2. How did the congregation's generosity impact both local and global missions? Provide specific examples mentioned in the sermon. ([48:29])
3. What upcoming outreach initiatives were highlighted in the sermon? ([53:57])
4. What does the term "God-sized vision" mean in the context of this sermon? ([46:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Acts 1:8 expand the vision of missions beyond just local outreach? What might this mean for our personal involvement in missions? ([43:57])
2. Why is it important for everyone in the congregation to be involved in the God-sized vision, rather than just a small percentage? ([01:17:05])
3. How do the examples of local and global outreach in the sermon illustrate the concept of being witnesses "to the ends of the earth"? ([48:29])
4. What are some challenges you think the disciples might have faced when Jesus commanded them to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth? ([43:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own comfort zones. What steps can you take to step out of them and engage in local outreach? ([41:36])
2. The sermon emphasized the need for 100% participation in the God-sized vision. What specific actions can you take to contribute to this vision, whether through giving, praying, or going? ([01:17:05])
3. Think about the upcoming outreach initiatives like the ice cream truck outreach and "Light the Night." How can you personally get involved in these events? ([53:57])
4. The sermon shared stories of how the congregation's support has impacted lives. Can you think of a time when you were part of a mission or outreach that had a significant impact? How did it affect you and those you served? ([48:29])
5. The concept of a God-sized vision can be overwhelming. How can you break it down into manageable steps to make a difference in your community and beyond? ([46:50])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to get involved in missions and outreach? What are some practical ways to inspire and mobilize them? ([01:17:05])
7. Reflect on Acts 1:8 and its call to be witnesses in various regions. How can you apply this verse to your daily life and interactions with others? ([43:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Mission
Missions involve a specific task given by God to share the message of Jesus Christ, while outreach is the act of reaching out to others. Both are essential components of our Christian walk, calling us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world around us. Missions require a dedicated commitment to spreading the Gospel, whether locally or globally, while outreach involves embodying the love and message of Christ in tangible ways.
Understanding these concepts helps us to see the broader picture of our Christian duty. It’s not just about personal salvation but about being active participants in God’s plan to reach every corner of the earth. This understanding should inspire us to take practical steps in our daily lives to share the love of Christ with those around us. [42:20]
Acts 13:47 (ESV): "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’"
Reflection: Think of one person in your local community who needs to hear the message of Jesus. How can you reach out to them this week in a tangible way?
Day 2: Embracing the God-Sized Vision
Based on Acts 1:8, our mission is to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This vision is expansive and requires us to think beyond our immediate surroundings, embracing a global perspective in our outreach efforts. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people who are different from us, whether culturally, socially, or geographically.
This God-sized vision calls us to be proactive in our faith, seeking opportunities to share the Gospel and serve others in various contexts. It’s a reminder that our mission field is not limited to our local community but extends to the entire world. Embracing this vision means being open to God’s leading and willing to go wherever He calls us. [43:57]
Isaiah 49:6 (ESV): "He says: 'It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take to expand your perspective and engage with people who are different from you? How can you be a witness to the ends of the earth in your daily life?
Day 3: The Power of Generosity
The congregation's generosity has enabled significant outreach and support for 31 missionary partners. This includes local initiatives like the shoe giveaway and global efforts like the $20,000 given to missionaries in Alaska. Our giving has a profound impact on lives both near and far, demonstrating the power of collective effort in advancing God’s kingdom.
Generosity is not just about financial giving but also about offering our time, talents, and resources to support God’s work. It’s a tangible expression of our faith and love for others. When we give generously, we participate in God’s mission and become conduits of His blessings to those in need. [48:29]
2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV): "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Reflection: Reflect on your own giving habits. How can you increase your generosity to support missions and outreach efforts? What specific actions can you take this week to give more of your time, talents, or resources?
Day 4: Engaging in Upcoming Outreach Initiatives
We have exciting events planned, such as the ice cream truck outreach at Terra State Community College and the "Light the Night" initiative for Halloween. These events provide opportunities to engage with our community and share the love of Christ in practical ways. Participating in these initiatives allows us to build relationships and create meaningful connections with those around us.
Outreach initiatives are not just about the events themselves but about the relationships and impact they create. They offer us a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love through our actions. By getting involved, we can make a difference in our community and be a light in the darkness. [53:57]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the upcoming outreach initiatives? What practical steps can you take to engage with your community and share the love of Christ?
Day 5: Answering the Call to Action
The God-sized vision requires everyone's involvement. We need to move beyond the 80-20 rule, where 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Instead, we aim for 100% participation, encouraging everyone to give, pray, and go. This collective effort will help us fulfill the mission God has given us.
Answering this call to action means recognizing that each of us has a role to play in God’s mission. It’s not just about a select few but about the entire body of Christ working together. By committing to give, pray, and go, we can make a significant impact and advance God’s kingdom in powerful ways. [01:17:05]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What specific role can you play in fulfilling the God-sized vision? How can you commit to giving, praying, and going in your daily life to support missions and outreach efforts?
Quotes
1. "We know that we have a mission, we have a mission, we have a mission. We have been charged and commissioned to tell everyone about Jesus. That's the mission, that's missions, got it? And then a missionary is someone, usually it is their full-time occupation. That's all they do. Sometimes God calls them to another place in the world. Sometimes it's right here. I feel like I'm a missionary right now. I'm a comfort zone." [42:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jerusalem, how about we just do my cul-de-sac? Seriously, can you, okay, if Ken and I, if the vision was to reach our entire, our neighborhood, I don't even mean Clyde, I mean, you know, Nathan Drive and the little cul-de-sacs. Like, that would be a big vision for me. But God is like, oh no, you're going everywhere. And that's why we have called it, it's the God-sized vision." [45:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "All of the God-sized vision money, all of it, say all of it. All All of it goes out these doors, across the street and around the world. We don't buy paperclips with it, we don't buy, it goes out these doors. You know, across the street and around the world. Okay, $200,000." [47:45] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your Jerusalem is where God has planted your feet. Okay, all right, stick with me, here we go. What have you done? The shoe giveaway was just a few weeks ago. I wish I knew how many pairs of shoes you gave away, but we didn't keep count. It was a lot. It was a lot of shoes. And you did that. Those shoes weren't donated by an organization. It was you buying a pair and you buying a pair and you buying a pair and bringing them in." [49:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have done that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. If you have committed to give to the God-sized vision, would you keep doing it? Please keep. I know it's a sacrifice. We give. We give above and beyond. Our tithe. And it's a sacrifice, but God is so good. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. God is moving, and you can be a part of it. You already are every time you give." [01:15:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "There is a law called, it's an inadvertent law, called the law of 80-20. Have you ever heard of this law, the law of 80-20? 20% of the people do 80% of the work. You've heard of this? I am part of the music boosters for the Clydes Green Swimming School District, and the law is well and true in action. Is it not? Jamie Moreno, she is on the committee with me. 20%, actually, it's not even 20%. It's probably about 2% are doing 100% of the work." [01:17:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Journey Church, it is a God-sized vision, but my vision is that Journey Church would not be 20% of us doing 80% of the work. It's a God-sized vision that 100% of us would be in the game, come on. Get off the sidelines. Give. Give of your time. Dig deep. You can do this. I need you." [01:18:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Father, thank you so much that you would choose us to be your hands and feet across the street and around the world. What an honor. What an honor it is to be used by you. Holy Spirit, would you set a fire in the people of Journey Church? Set us ablaze for you. Open our eyes to see the people around us as you see them with your heart. Help us to pray and give and go. I know that your kingdom can be expanded. It is all for your glory, your name, your fame, and it's in your name, Jesus. I ask these things. Amen." [01:19:14] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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