Embracing Our Legacy: A Call to Mission
Summary
Belonging is a powerful word. It speaks to legacy, mission, and the deep assurance that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. Just as the Star Trek universe is built on the legacy of those who have gone before, so too do we stand on the shoulders of faithful men and women who have shaped our church and our mission. Our calling is not just to exist, but to boldly step into the world around us, carrying the love of Jesus and the hope of the gospel.
We celebrate our belonging to the Wesleyan Methodist holiness tradition—a tradition rooted in the transformative experience of John Wesley, who, after years of doubt, felt his heart “strangely warmed” and received the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. This assurance propelled him into a mission to spread scriptural holiness, not just as a theological idea, but as a lived reality: loving God and loving our neighbour. Wesley’s vision was practical and inclusive, reaching beyond the walls of the church to the poor, the marginalized, and those ignored by society. His legacy is not just a denomination, but a movement of people transformed by God’s love and called to transform the world.
Our roots as a missionary church in Aotearoa New Zealand are equally significant. The early Wesleyan missionaries did not simply preach and leave; they lived among Māori, learned the language, translated the Bible, and equipped local leaders. Their mission was contextual, recognizing the unique needs and cultures of the people they served. Today, our context has changed—New Zealand is a multicultural nation with diverse needs and opportunities. To be faithful to our calling, we must be contextually engaged, understanding our communities, their challenges, and how best to show God’s love in practical ways.
This is why we are exploring new initiatives, such as partnering with organizations to offer digital and financial literacy courses. These are not just programs—they are opportunities to empower our neighbours, restore dignity, and demonstrate the transforming love of Christ in tangible ways. When we love our actual neighbours, when we “move into the neighbourhood” as Jesus did, we become part of God’s ongoing mission. Our legacy is not just in our history, but in how we respond to God’s call today. May we each boldly go—not just where no one has gone before, but where God is calling us now.
Key Takeaways
- Legacy Inspires Mission
We are part of a living legacy, built on the faith and courage of those who have gone before us. Their stories remind us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Our sense of belonging is not just about heritage, but about stepping into the mission God has for us today, confident that he will empower us as he did them. [21:08]
- Assurance Fuels Transformation
John Wesley’s experience of assurance—his heart “strangely warmed”—was not just a personal comfort, but the catalyst for a movement. True assurance in Christ leads to a life of boldness and transformation, both for ourselves and for those we serve. When we know we are loved and saved, we are freed to love and serve others with authenticity and passion. [23:59]
- Contextual Engagement is Essential
Mission is not one-size-fits-all. The early missionaries in New Zealand understood the importance of living among the people, learning their language, and respecting their culture. Today, we are called to understand our own communities—their needs, cultures, and challenges—so that we can share the gospel in ways that are meaningful and relevant. [45:32]
- Love is Demonstrated in Practical Ways
Loving our neighbour is not an abstract command; it is lived out in practical acts of service and compassion. Whether it’s helping someone gain digital skills, manage their finances, or simply being present in their lives, these acts open doors for the gospel. People are more open to the message of Christ when they know we genuinely care about them. [52:54]
- Our Mission is Ongoing and Personal
The call to “boldly go” is not just for the church as a whole, but for each of us individually. We are invited to consider how we will add to the legacy of faith, how we will spread scriptural holiness in our own spheres of influence. God’s mission continues through us, as we step out in faith, love our neighbours, and trust that he is with us every step of the way. [58:42]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:58] - Star Trek and the Power of Legacy
[20:00] - Why Star Trek Endures
[21:08] - Drawing Parallels: Our Mission and Legacy
[22:02] - Celebrating Our Wesleyan Methodist Roots
[23:15] - John Wesley’s Heartwarming Experience
[25:03] - The Mission of Scriptural Holiness
[26:26] - Wesley’s Vision for the Church
[28:07] - Love God, Love Neighbour: The Core of Holiness
[31:25] - Quiz: Our Missionary Heritage in New Zealand
[39:49] - Early Missionary Approaches
[44:16] - The Importance of Contextual Mission
[46:23] - Knowing and Loving Our Community
[51:10] - New Initiatives: Digital and Financial Literacy
[54:24] - What Celebrating Belonging Means
[58:06] - Our Legacy, Our Mission, Our Future
[58:42] - The Call to Boldly Go
[01:00:10] - Closing Reflections and Prayer
[01:09:21] - Final Blessing and Grace
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Celebrating Belonging and Mission
---
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:14 (The Message)
> “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood.”
2. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
> “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
> “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 1:14, what does it mean that “the Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood”? How did the sermon connect this verse to the way Jesus lived among people? [[48:02]]
2. According to the sermon, what was the “heartwarming experience” that John Wesley had, and how did it change his life and mission? [[23:15]]
3. What practical needs in the community did the early Wesleyan missionaries address when they first came to Aotearoa New Zealand? [[39:49]]
4. The sermon mentioned new initiatives like digital and financial literacy courses. What is the purpose behind these programs, according to the message? [[52:54]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that assurance in Christ, like John Wesley’s “strangely warmed” heart, leads to transformation and boldness. Why is assurance so important for living out our faith and serving others? [[23:59]]
2. The early missionaries didn’t just preach and leave—they lived among Māori, learned the language, and respected the culture. What does this teach us about how we should approach mission and outreach today? [[39:49]]
3. The phrase “moved into the neighbourhood” was used to describe Jesus’ approach. What might it look like for us to “move into the neighbourhood” in our own context? [[48:02]]
4. The sermon highlights that loving our neighbour is shown in practical ways, not just words. Why do you think practical acts of service are so effective in sharing the gospel? [[52:54]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The message talked about standing on the legacy of those who have gone before us. Who are some people in your own faith journey whose legacy inspires you? How can you build on their example this week? [[21:08]]
2. John Wesley’s assurance of salvation led him to a life of mission. Do you feel confident in your own assurance in Christ? If not, what steps could you take to seek that assurance? If yes, how does it motivate you to serve others? [[23:59]]
3. The early missionaries learned the language and culture of the people they served. What is one practical way you could better understand or connect with someone from a different background in your community? [[39:49]]
4. The church is exploring digital and financial literacy courses to meet real needs. Is there a skill or resource you have that could help empower someone in your neighbourhood? What would it look like to offer that help? [[52:54]]
5. “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood.” What is one step you could take this month to be more present and engaged in your local community, just as Jesus was? [[48:02]]
6. The sermon challenges us to “boldly go” where God is calling us now. Is there a specific area or group of people you sense God nudging you towards? What might be holding you back, and how can you take a step of faith? [[58:42]]
7. Loving our actual neighbours means understanding their needs. Who is one neighbour (literal or figurative) you could reach out to this week? What is one practical thing you could do to show them God’s love? [[47:09]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help you boldly step into the mission He has for you, loving your neighbours in practical ways and building on the legacy of faith you’ve received.
Devotional
Day 1: The Assurance of Salvation Through Faith in Christ
John Wesley’s experience at Aldersgate reminds us that assurance of salvation is not just for a select few, but is available to all who trust in Christ alone. This assurance is a gift from God, bringing peace and confidence that our sins are forgiven and that we are truly saved. It is not based on our works or background, but on a personal faith in Jesus, which transforms doubt into certainty and empowers us to step boldly into the mission God has for us. [23:15]
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe that God’s forgiveness truly applies to you? Ask God today to give you the assurance of His grace and salvation.
Day 2: Love God and Love Your Neighbour
At the heart of scriptural holiness are the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves. This love is not just a feeling but is shown in practical action, following the example of Jesus in our daily lives. When we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and act accordingly, we become agents of transformation, allowing God’s love to flow through us to those around us, making holiness a lived reality. [28:07]
Matthew 22:37-39
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Reflection: Who is one neighbour—literal or figurative—that you can show Christ’s love to in a tangible way this week?
Day 3: Moving Into the Neighbourhood—Being Present in Our Community
Just as Jesus, the Word, became flesh and moved into the neighbourhood, we are called to be present and engaged in the communities where God has placed us. This means more than just living in a place; it means understanding the people, their needs, and their stories, and seeking ways to serve and love them as Christ did. By being fully present, we reflect God’s heart and open doors for genuine relationships and gospel impact. [49:00]
John 1:14 (The Message)
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to better know or serve someone in your local community?
Day 4: Doing Good to All People—Practical Acts of Love
We are called to seize every opportunity to do good to all people, showing God’s love in practical, real-world ways. Whether it’s helping someone gain new skills, supporting a neighbour in need, or simply offering kindness, these acts of service are powerful expressions of the gospel. When we care for others, we not only meet their needs but also demonstrate the reality of God’s love, making hearts more open to the message of Christ. [54:24]
Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Reflection: What is one practical act of kindness you can do today for someone outside your immediate circle?
Day 5: Boldly Stepping Into God’s Mission
We are part of a rich legacy, called to boldly step into the world around us—not with fear or pride, but with the love and hope of Jesus. Each of us has a role in God’s ongoing mission, building on the foundation of those who have gone before. By embracing our calling, we add to the legacy of faith, spreading scriptural holiness and transforming lives and communities for Christ. [58:42]
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Reflection: Where is God calling you to step out in faith, and what would it look like for you to respond with courage and trust today?
Quotes
We're saying we're called on a mission to spread the good news that by believing in Jesus they can be saved and know the truth of the words of Paul in Romans 6 23 for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. [00:29:12] (21 seconds)
I love how the message puts it in John 1, 14. The word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood. That's your memory verse for today. So say it with me. The word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood. [00:48:21] (19 seconds)
And so following the second greatest commandment, love your neighbour as yourself, we love our actual neighbours. It's actually easy to go, yeah, our neighbours, they're all the people out there. But actually we are also called to love the people who are literally right next door to us, or two doors away. The people who live down the street, who go to the local school, right across the next door boundary, who shop at the same supermarkets as us, no matter where they are. And loving them means understanding what they need and how we can help. [00:47:43] (38 seconds)
It's one way that we can live out galatians 6 10 therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people it's one way we can love our neighbors one way we can show the people of this community that we care about them one way that you can show the people of your community that you care about them and when people know that we care about them they'll be more open to hear about how much god loves them and wants a relationship with them it's like the old saying goes people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. [00:56:28] (37 seconds)
And so I leave you with this. What does it look like for you to follow in the footsteps of John Wesley? In the footsteps of those early missionaries and all who have gone before. How will you add to the legacy that they have left us? How will you spread scriptural holiness over the land? Whatever the answer is for you. May we each boldly go. Not just where no one has gone before. But where God is calling us today. [00:58:20] (32 seconds)
Rooted in history, stretching back over 200 years here in New Zealand. A history of missionaries who saw the potential for every person and every culture to be redeemed and transformed. And we each have a goal. To boldly step into the world around us. Not with fear or pride, but with the love of Jesus and the hope of the gospel. [00:57:37] (29 seconds)
We're saying we're called on a mission to spread that good news that people can be saved and know they are saved I don't know about you but I think that's quite an incredible mission and what a legacy to be part of a legacy that gives us confidence that when we are called we can do it because just as he empowered John Wesley to spread his message so too God will empower each and every one of us and that's something to celebrate. [00:29:33] (30 seconds)
As the people of God who call this church our church home, we are called to reach our communities for Christ, no matter where they are. We are called to transform lives in our communities so that homes in our communities are transformed so that those very communities are transformed by the very gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ. [00:50:38] (21 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?