Embracing Our Greater Purpose in Christ's Mission

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that we are made for more than the mundane routines of life. This sense of being destined for greater things resonates deeply within us, as evidenced by the epic tales and stories we cherish. These narratives often depict ordinary individuals who discover a calling beyond their immediate circumstances, much like the biblical figures of Peter, Matthew, and Mary Magdalene, who were invited by Jesus into a life of purpose and transformation.

We delved into the vision Jesus laid out in Acts 1:8, where He calls us to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This vision is not just a historical mandate but a present-day calling for each of us. It challenges us to step beyond our comfort zones and engage with the world around us, sharing the love and message of Christ.

Our church's mission, which we call the God-sized vision, is rooted in this biblical mandate. It is a commitment to invest in kingdom initiatives across these four areas, ensuring that our efforts and resources extend beyond our immediate community. Last year, we collectively contributed over $220,000 to this vision, and this year, we aim to increase that to $250,000. This is not about funding a building or internal programs but about reaching out and making a tangible impact in the world.

We are encouraged to participate in this vision through tithing, which is a biblical principle of returning a portion of what God has given us. By doing so, we not only support the church's mission but also experience God's faithfulness in our own lives. Additionally, we are invited to consider giving above the tithe to further support the God-sized vision, knowing that these contributions have eternal dividends.

As we move forward, let us be motivated by Christ's love, which compels us to live not for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again. This is where true adventure and fulfillment lie—when we align our lives with God's greater purpose and become active participants in His mission to reach the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Calling: We are all made for more than the mundane routines of life. Like Peter, Matthew, and Mary Magdalene, we are invited by Jesus into a life of purpose and transformation. This calling is not just for biblical figures but for each of us today, urging us to step beyond our comfort zones and engage with the world around us. [38:19]

2. Vision Beyond Borders: Jesus' mandate in Acts 1:8 calls us to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This vision challenges us to extend our reach beyond our immediate community, ensuring that our efforts and resources impact the world. It is a call to action that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. [42:18]

3. Participate in the God-sized Vision: Our church's mission is rooted in the biblical mandate to invest in kingdom initiatives across these four areas. By collectively contributing to this vision, we make a tangible impact in the world. This is not about funding internal programs but about reaching out and making a difference. [48:30]

4. The Power of Tithing: Tithing is a biblical principle that invites us to return a portion of what God has given us. By doing so, we support the church's mission and experience God's faithfulness in our own lives. It is an act of obedience and trust that aligns us with God's greater purpose. [55:46]

5. Compelled by Christ's Love: Our motivation as followers of Jesus is the love of Christ, which compels us to live not for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again. This is where true adventure and fulfillment lie—when we align our lives with God's greater purpose and become active participants in His mission to reach the world. [01:08:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Embracing Our Weakness
- [03:00] - Made for More
- [06:00] - Epic Tales and Our Calling
- [10:00] - Biblical Examples of Purpose
- [15:00] - Vision Sunday at Journey
- [20:00] - Acts 1:8 and Our Mission
- [25:00] - Understanding Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
- [30:00] - The God-sized Vision
- [35:00] - Tithing and Trusting God
- [40:00] - Eternal Dividends
- [45:00] - Christ's Love Compels Us
- [50:00] - Participating in the Mission
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 1:8
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Acts 1:8 say about the power of the Holy Spirit and its purpose for believers? How does this relate to the concept of being witnesses in different geographical areas? [42:18]

2. In the sermon, how are the biblical figures of Peter, Matthew, and Mary Magdalene used to illustrate the idea of being "made for more"? [38:19]

3. What is the significance of the "God-sized vision" mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to the church's mission? [52:12]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of tithing in supporting the church's mission and experiencing God's faithfulness? [55:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the call to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth challenge believers to step out of their comfort zones? What might this look like in a modern context? [42:18]

2. The sermon mentions that life becomes more adventurous when we take Jesus seriously. How does aligning one's life with God's greater purpose lead to a sense of adventure and fulfillment? [48:30]

3. In what ways does the love of Christ compel believers to live not for themselves but for Him who died and rose again, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15? [01:08:29]

4. How does the concept of a "God-sized vision" encourage believers to think beyond their immediate community and invest in kingdom initiatives globally? [52:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current routine. In what ways do you feel you are living a life of purpose and transformation, similar to Peter, Matthew, and Mary Magdalene? What steps can you take to embrace your calling more fully? [38:19]

2. Consider the areas of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Which area do you feel most called to impact, and what practical steps can you take to be a witness in that area? [42:18]

3. The sermon encourages tithing as a way to support the church's mission. How do you currently approach tithing, and what changes might you consider to align with the biblical principle of returning a portion of what God has given you? [55:46]

4. Think about a time when you felt compelled by Christ's love to act selflessly. How can you cultivate this motivation in your daily life to live for Him who died and rose again? [01:08:29]

5. The sermon mentions the importance of participating in the "God-sized vision." What specific actions can you take to contribute to this vision, whether through prayer, giving, or serving? [52:12]

6. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about the love of Christ. How can you be a witness to them this week, sharing your personal experience of faith? [45:30]

7. Reflect on the idea that life becomes more exciting when it's not just about oneself. How can you shift your focus from personal concerns to being part of a larger mission? What changes might this require in your priorities or lifestyle? [48:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Divine Calling
We are all called to live beyond the mundane routines of life, much like the biblical figures of Peter, Matthew, and Mary Magdalene, who were invited by Jesus into a life of purpose and transformation. This calling is not just for biblical figures but for each of us today, urging us to step beyond our comfort zones and engage with the world around us. The stories we cherish often depict ordinary individuals who discover a calling beyond their immediate circumstances, resonating with our innate sense of being destined for greater things. Embracing this calling means recognizing that we are made for more and actively seeking to fulfill the purpose God has for us. [38:19]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you take a tangible step towards embracing this calling today?


Day 2: Vision Beyond Borders
Jesus' mandate in Acts 1:8 calls us to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This vision challenges us to extend our reach beyond our immediate community, ensuring that our efforts and resources impact the world. It is a call to action that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, inviting us to participate in a mission that is both local and global. By embracing this vision, we align ourselves with God's heart for the nations and become active participants in His redemptive work across the globe. [42:18]

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: How can you contribute to God's global mission in a practical way this week, whether through prayer, giving, or serving? What steps can you take to broaden your perspective beyond your immediate surroundings?


Day 3: Participate in the God-sized Vision
Our church's mission is rooted in the biblical mandate to invest in kingdom initiatives across these four areas. By collectively contributing to this vision, we make a tangible impact in the world. This is not about funding internal programs but about reaching out and making a difference. The God-sized vision calls us to invest our time, resources, and energy into initiatives that extend beyond our immediate community, ensuring that our efforts have a lasting impact. By participating in this vision, we join a collective effort to bring about transformation and hope in the world. [48:30]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can contribute to the God-sized vision of your church this month? How can you use your unique gifts and resources to make a difference in the world?


Day 4: The Power of Tithing
Tithing is a biblical principle that invites us to return a portion of what God has given us. By doing so, we support the church's mission and experience God's faithfulness in our own lives. It is an act of obedience and trust that aligns us with God's greater purpose. Through tithing, we acknowledge God's provision and express our gratitude by giving back to Him. This practice not only supports the mission of the church but also deepens our faith as we witness God's faithfulness in providing for our needs. [55:46]

Malachi 3:10 (ESV): "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."

Reflection: Reflect on your current approach to tithing. How can you take a step of faith in this area, trusting God to provide for your needs as you give generously?


Day 5: Compelled by Christ's Love
Our motivation as followers of Jesus is the love of Christ, which compels us to live not for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again. This is where true adventure and fulfillment lie—when we align our lives with God's greater purpose and become active participants in His mission to reach the world. Christ's love transforms our hearts and inspires us to live selflessly, seeking to serve others and share the message of hope and redemption. By allowing His love to guide our actions, we find true joy and purpose in living for something greater than ourselves. [01:08:29]

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV): "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Reflection: In what ways can you allow Christ's love to compel you to serve others this week? How can you intentionally align your actions with His greater purpose in your daily life?

Quotes

"I particularly love that line that says in our weakness He is made strong. Now I don't know about you, but I feel weak a lot these days. And I'm grateful that in my weakness that the strength of God is shown and revealed and perfected. So if you're here today and you're going, man, I'm just not feeling like I have the strength today, lean into the strength of the Lord. He sees you. He's with you. He's for you. He's not against you. And He's waiting for you to cry uncle so that He can show His strength and His power. And He will. Do you believe Him? He will." [00:26:28] (46 seconds)


"Today, I love the song that we sang, that second song. I loved all the songs, by the way. But I love the words of that song, Made for More. Because I think deep down inside of us, like there is this sense that we, that you, that I, that we were made for more. Isn't there?" [00:33:17] (18 seconds)


"Think of Matthew, who's sitting behind a tax collector's booth and punching in and punching out. He's hated by everyone because he's sold out. He's sold out to the Roman Empire. Sold out his own people and cheating his own people. And one day, Jesus comes with a twinkle in his eye. He says, Matthew, you were made for more. Why don't you leave all this? Why don't you come and follow me?" [00:36:16] (25 seconds)


"And I think Jesus spells out the more. This is Vision Sunday at Journey. So we like to talk about what we're made for. And this isn't a vision crafted by a pastor or by a church board or by a denomination. This is a vision right out of the mouth of Jesus himself. You see, after Jesus' death and after his resurrection, Jesus continued to appear to his disciples." [00:37:32] (23 seconds)


"Jerusalem is where you live. Jerusalem is where you go to school. Jerusalem is where you work. Jerusalem are the people that you literally, physically rub shoulders with. People that you talk to. That you have conversation with. And Jesus says you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. So that you can be witnesses to them. To the people right around you." [00:42:45] (23 seconds)


"Judea would be, I mean, certainly not the state up north, but it could be Indiana. It could be Pennsylvania. Honestly, Judea could be the United States. People who are like me, but they're further from me. Right? And so, how do I be a witness to people who are like me, but I may not rub shoulders with me because there is a physical distance, a geographical distance between us." [00:45:47] (27 seconds)


"And this has become the vision of Journey Church. Our vision is not about a building. Never has been. A building is just a facilitation of the vision. Helps us to facilitate it. Helps us to have a place that we can gather. Our vision has never been about a building. Our vision is about how do we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to all four of these places. Not one or the other. Not either or. But all of the above." [00:51:04] (30 seconds)


"So the first thing that you can do is simply obey the Lord in tithing. If you haven't started tithing, can I just encourage you? This is a great time to just test the Lord in this. You know, Scripture tells us that we are not to put the Lord our God to the test, except for in one area. The prophet Malachi said, test the Lord when it comes to the tithe." [00:56:02] (20 seconds)


"For Christ's love compels us. Because we are convinced that one died for all. Who is that? Who is the one who died for all? Jesus, right? We are convinced that one died for all. Jesus. And therefore, all died. Now he's talking about that we will die physically and then be with him. But also die to ourselves. We died to the flesh. We died to the old man." [01:08:29] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?