Embracing Our Mission: Building God's Family Together
Summary
God's grand design for history is centered around gathering a family that will love and live with Him forever. This divine plan is the very reason for the creation of the universe, humanity, and each one of us. Our existence is not a mere accident but a purposeful act of God who desires a relationship with us. The most significant contribution we can make in this life is to help others determine their eternal destiny, as this is the only endeavor that will outlast our earthly existence. The Bible commands us to make disciples of all nations, a mission that extends to each of us personally. This call to action is not limited to a select few but is a directive for all believers to engage in.
We are called to be missionaries in our own contexts, whether that be on our campuses, in our workplaces, or within our neighborhoods. Sharing the good news of God's love, forgiveness, peace, and purpose is a responsibility we all share. By doing so, we enable others to experience the transformative power of God's love in their lives. This mission is not just about spreading a message but about inviting others into a life-changing relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's desire for a family is the foundation of creation. Our existence is a testament to His longing for a relationship with us, and understanding this can transform how we view our purpose in life. We are not here by chance but by divine intention. [00:10]
2. The call to make disciples is a personal mandate for every believer. It is not reserved for a select few but is a mission for all who follow Christ. This call challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those around us. [00:31]
3. Our mission field is wherever we are placed, be it in school, work, or our neighborhoods. We are called to be missionaries in our everyday lives, sharing the good news with those we encounter. This perspective shifts our daily interactions into opportunities for ministry. [00:51]
4. Sharing the gospel is about more than words; it's about inviting others to experience God's love, forgiveness, peace, and purpose. Our lives should reflect these truths, drawing others to the transformative power of a relationship with God. [01:02]
5. The eternal impact of helping others determine their destiny is the most significant contribution we can make. This mission outlasts our earthly existence and aligns us with God's eternal plan. It is a privilege and responsibility to participate in this divine work. [00:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - God's Plan for Creation
[00:31] - The Call to Make Disciples
[00:51] - Being Missionaries in Our Context
[01:02] - Sharing the Good News
[01:15] - Experiencing God's Love and Purpose
[01:30] - The Eternal Impact of Our Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."
2. Acts 1:8 - "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."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the primary reason for the creation of the universe and humanity? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of believers in making disciples? [00:31]
3. What are some of the contexts mentioned in the sermon where we are called to be missionaries? [00:51]
4. What are the key elements of the good news that we are encouraged to share with others? [01:02]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding God's desire for a family change the way believers view their purpose in life? [00:10]
2. In what ways does the call to make disciples challenge believers to step out of their comfort zones? [00:31]
3. How can believers identify their personal mission fields in their everyday lives? [00:51]
4. What does it mean to invite others into a life-changing relationship with God, beyond just sharing words? [01:02]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your purpose in life. How does the idea that you are part of God's grand design for a family impact your perspective? [00:10]
2. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to step out of your comfort zone to make disciples. What practical steps can you take to engage with those around you? [00:31]
3. Think about your daily interactions at work, school, or in your neighborhood. How can you transform these interactions into opportunities for ministry? [00:51]
4. Consider someone in your life who may not know about God's love and forgiveness. How can you share the good news with them in a way that invites them into a deeper relationship with God? [01:02]
5. What specific actions can you take this week to reflect God's love, forgiveness, peace, and purpose in your life, drawing others to Him? [01:02]
6. How can you ensure that your efforts to help others determine their eternal destiny align with God's eternal plan? [00:31]
7. What is one practical way you can participate in God's mission to gather a family that will love and live with Him forever? [00:10]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Intentional Design for Relationship
God's grand design for history is centered around gathering a family that will love and live with Him forever. This divine plan is the very reason for the creation of the universe, humanity, and each one of us. Our existence is not a mere accident but a purposeful act of God who desires a relationship with us. Understanding this can transform how we view our purpose in life. We are not here by chance but by divine intention. Recognizing that we are part of God's intentional design can bring a profound sense of belonging and purpose to our lives. [00:10]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing you are intentionally created by God change the way you view your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 2: The Universal Call to Discipleship
The call to make disciples is a personal mandate for every believer. It is not reserved for a select few but is a mission for all who follow Christ. This call challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those around us. It is a directive that requires action and intentionality, urging us to share the transformative message of Christ with others. By embracing this call, we align ourselves with God's purpose and participate in His grand design for humanity. [00:31]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific step you can take this week to engage with someone in your life about the message of Christ?
Day 3: Mission in Everyday Contexts
Our mission field is wherever we are placed, be it in school, work, or our neighborhoods. We are called to be missionaries in our everyday lives, sharing the good news with those we encounter. This perspective shifts our daily interactions into opportunities for ministry. By viewing our surroundings as a mission field, we can find purpose and meaning in our everyday activities, seeing them as opportunities to reflect God's love and truth. [00:51]
"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally create opportunities to share God's love in your current environment, whether at work, school, or in your neighborhood?
Day 4: Inviting Others into God's Love
Sharing the gospel is about more than words; it's about inviting others to experience God's love, forgiveness, peace, and purpose. Our lives should reflect these truths, drawing others to the transformative power of a relationship with God. By living out the gospel, we become a testament to God's love and grace, encouraging others to seek a deeper relationship with Him. This mission is not just about spreading a message but about inviting others into a life-changing relationship with God. [01:02]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can your actions today reflect God's love and invite others to experience His transformative power?
Day 5: The Eternal Impact of Our Mission
The eternal impact of helping others determine their destiny is the most significant contribution we can make. This mission outlasts our earthly existence and aligns us with God's eternal plan. It is a privilege and responsibility to participate in this divine work. By focusing on the eternal significance of our actions, we can find motivation and purpose in our mission to share the gospel and make disciples. [00:31]
"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize actions today that have eternal significance, and what steps can you take to align your life with God's eternal plan?
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