Embracing Our Mission: Knowing Christ and Making Him Known

Devotional

Day 1: Care About People's Spiritual Condition

As followers of Christ, we are called to look beyond the surface of our community and truly care about the spiritual condition of those around us. It is easy to become comfortable and distracted by the blessings and routines of life, but God desires that we see people as He sees them—lost, searching, and in need of hope. When Paul entered Athens, he was deeply moved by the spiritual emptiness he saw, not just impressed by the city’s beauty or history. In the same way, we are surrounded by people who may not have physical idols, but who are searching for meaning in all the wrong places. Ask God to soften your heart so you can see your neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers as sheep without a shepherd, and let that compassion move you to prayer and action. [38:14]

Acts 17:16-17 (ESV)
"Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life whose spiritual condition you have overlooked or ignored? How can you intentionally pray for them and seek to see them as God does today?

Day 2: Identify and Lay Down Modern Idols

Idolatry is not just an ancient problem; it is alive and well in our modern world, often taking the form of anything we give our love, devotion, and attention to above God. Whether it’s recreation, technology, comfort, or even ourselves, these idols promise fulfillment but leave us empty. Paul recognized the Athenians’ search for meaning through their many idols, and we too must honestly examine our hearts for anything that has taken God’s rightful place. True satisfaction and hope are found only in Christ, not in the distractions or comforts of this world. [44:18]

Exodus 20:3-4 (ESV)
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."

Reflection: What is one thing—activity, possession, or habit—that you tend to put before God? What would it look like to surrender that to Him today?

Day 3: Share the Good News of Jesus and the Resurrection

The heart of our mission is not just to know Christ, but to make Him known by sharing the good news of Jesus and His resurrection. Paul’s message was simple and powerful: Jesus died for our sins and rose again, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe. This is the message that changes lives, not just good morals or self-improvement. Whether you are speaking to someone in church, at work, or in your neighborhood, remember that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. Don’t be afraid to share your story and the hope you have in Christ, trusting that God will use your words to draw others to Himself. [55:33]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Reflection: Who is someone you can share the good news of Jesus with this week, and what is one practical step you can take to start that conversation?

Day 4: Engage Others Through Genuine Conversation

Reaching out to others with the gospel does not require perfect words or a rehearsed script; it begins with genuine conversation and a willingness to listen. Paul reasoned and conversed with people from all walks of life—religious, everyday workers, and philosophers—meeting them where they were and sharing the hope of Christ. You don’t have to be an expert; simply share what Jesus has done in your life and be open to where the conversation leads. Trust that God can use your authenticity and compassion to plant seeds of faith in others. [01:06:43]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
"Walk in wisdom 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."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you sensed someone was searching for hope or meaning. How can you follow up with them and share a piece of your faith story?

Day 5: Pray for a Softened Heart and Boldness

The journey of knowing Christ and making Him known begins and ends with prayer. Ask God to soften your heart so you can see people as He does, and to give you the courage to reach out with the gospel. Pray for opportunities to share, for the wisdom to speak with grace, and for the boldness to step out even when it feels uncomfortable. As you pray, trust that God is already at work in the hearts of those around you, and that He will use your obedience to draw others to Himself. [01:12:46]

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

Reflection: What specific prayer can you pray today for God to soften your heart and give you boldness to reach out to someone who needs to know Him?

Sermon Summary

As we gather to celebrate 15 years as a church family, it’s a moment to reflect on who we are and what we’re called to do. Our journey has been marked by God’s faithfulness—moving from place to place, improvising, working hard, and now, finally, having a building to call home. But with this blessing comes a warning: the danger of becoming comfortable, turning inward, and forgetting our true mission. The building is not the church; we are the church. Our mission remains unchanged: to know Christ and to make Him known.

Looking to Acts 17, we see Paul in Athens, a city filled with idols and people searching for meaning. Paul’s spirit was provoked—not because he was offended, but because he cared deeply about the spiritual condition of those around him. He saw their searching, their devotion to “unknown gods,” and he was moved with compassion. This is the heart we must have: to care about the spiritual state of our neighbors, our city, and even ourselves. Idolatry isn’t just ancient statues; it’s anything we give our devotion to above God—recreation, comfort, our own desires, even good things that become ultimate things.

Paul’s response was not to judge or withdraw, but to engage. He reasoned with people in the synagogue, in the marketplace, and even with philosophers who mocked him. He didn’t rely on clever arguments or programs, but simply shared the good news: Jesus and the resurrection. The gospel is not just for the lost, but for believers too. We need to hear, again and again, that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and offers hope that cannot be shaken.

Our calling is to care about people’s spiritual condition and to make the effort to reach out. This means starting conversations, sharing our own stories of how Christ has changed us, and trusting God to work in hearts. Some will reject, some will reflect, and some will receive—but our job is to be faithful in making Christ known. As we move forward, let’s ask God to soften our hearts, to see people as He sees them, and to use every resource—including our new building—to know Christ and make Him known.

Key Takeaways

1. True church identity is not found in a building, but in a people united by Christ and His mission. Comfort and stability can easily lull us into complacency, but we must remember that our calling is to be a family on mission, not just a group that gathers. The building is a tool, not the goal; our purpose is to know Christ and make Him known wherever we are. [31:17]
2. Idolatry is not just an ancient problem; it’s a present reality in every heart. Anything we look to for comfort, hope, or identity—whether recreation, technology, food, or even ourselves—can become an idol. Recognizing our own idols is the first step toward repentance and deeper dependence on Christ, who alone can satisfy our deepest needs. [43:36]
3. Compassion for the lost must move us beyond indifference or judgment. Paul’s spirit was provoked by the spiritual emptiness he saw, and he responded with urgency and love. If we truly believe in the reality of eternity, we cannot be content to “sleep in the light” while those around us search for hope in empty places. [47:18]
4. The gospel is not just a message for unbelievers, but daily bread for believers. We need to be reminded continually that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and reigns over all things. This good news sustains us in our struggles, lifts our anxieties, and anchors our hope, no matter our circumstances. [62:32]
5. Reaching others with the gospel is less about having perfect words and more about genuine conversation and personal testimony. Paul reasoned and conversed with people from all walks of life, meeting them where they were. Our role is to share what Christ has done in us, trust the Spirit to work, and patiently walk with people as they move from rejection, to reflection, to reception of the truth. [69:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:04] - Opening and Announcements
[28:40] - Prayer for the Community
[29:56] - Gratitude for the Church’s Foundation
[30:49] - Reflecting on 15 Years and Our Mission
[31:17] - The Blessing and Danger of a Building
[32:36] - What is the Church?
[33:11] - Our Mission: To Know Christ and Make Him Known
[35:34] - Paul’s Story: From Persecutor to Preacher
[37:03] - Paul in Athens: A City Full of Idols
[38:14] - Caring About Spiritual Condition
[43:36] - Modern Idolatry in Our Lives
[47:18] - Compassion for the Lost
[49:33] - Personal Testimony: Finding Christ
[55:14] - Making the Effort to Reach Out
[56:59] - The Good News: Jesus and the Resurrection
[62:32] - The Gospel for Believers
[69:21] - Sharing the Gospel Through Conversation
[72:31] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 17:16-21 (ESV) — 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 17:16, what was Paul’s emotional response when he saw the city of Athens full of idols? What does the word “provoked” mean in this context?
Where did Paul choose to engage people in Athens, and who were the different groups he spoke with? (Acts 17:17)
In the sermon, what are some examples of modern-day idols that were mentioned, especially those relevant to our own community? [[43:36]]
What was the main message Paul preached to the people in Athens, according to both the passage and the sermon? [[55:33]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul was so deeply moved by the spiritual state of the people in Athens, rather than just being offended or indifferent? [[38:14]]
The sermon says, “The building is not the church; we are the church.” How does this idea challenge the way we think about our own church community and its mission? [[32:36]]
The pastor shared that idolatry is not just about statues, but anything we give our devotion to above God. How does this broader definition of idolatry affect the way we examine our own lives? [[43:36]]
Paul’s approach was to reason and converse with people from all walks of life, not just preach at them. What does this teach us about how we should share our faith? [[01:09:21]]

Application Questions

The sermon warns about the danger of becoming comfortable and turning inward as a church. In what ways have you seen this happen in your own life or in our church? What practical steps can we take to stay focused on our mission? [[31:17]]
The pastor asked, “What are some of the idols we see in our city?” Take a moment to honestly identify one thing in your own life that might be competing with God for your devotion. What would it look like to surrender that to God this week? [[43:36]]
Paul’s spirit was “provoked” because he cared about the spiritual condition of others. When was the last time you felt a similar concern for someone’s spiritual life? What would it look like to pray for a heart that sees people as God sees them? [[47:18]]
The gospel is described as “daily bread” for believers, not just a message for unbelievers. How can you remind yourself of the gospel in your everyday struggles and anxieties? Is there a specific area where you need to hear the good news again? [[01:02:32]]
The sermon encourages us to start conversations and share our own stories of how Christ has changed us. Who is one person in your life you could reach out to this week? What’s a simple way you could begin a spiritual conversation with them? [[01:09:21]]
The pastor said, “Some will reject, some will reflect, and some will receive.” How do you handle it when someone isn’t interested in hearing about your faith? How can you remain patient and faithful in sharing, even when you don’t see immediate results? [[01:11:36]]
As we celebrate having a building, how can we use this resource as a tool for mission, rather than an end in itself? What are some creative ways our group or church could use our space to know Christ and make Him known? [[32:36]]

Sermon Clips

Anything that you look to for comfort outside of God or above God. We have gods everywhere, false gods everywhere. And while Paul was walking around, it says his spirit was provoked. Why would his spirit be provoked? Why? He's got the right God. What difference does it make how many gods they serve? He doesn't even live there. He just crashed there while he's waiting on a couple other people. He won't be there long. He's leaving soon. Why would his spirit be provoked? Now? That Greek word means, like, to cut alongside. So it's like a jab. Like it cuts close. Man, this gets really under my skin. He's irritated. He's bothered by this. What happens if these people don't know who God is? What happens if these people die only ever knowing about these little false gods? What happens? They go to hell. That's an uncomfortable thing to say, isn't it? I don't want to say that. [00:46:05] (59 seconds) #FalseGodsBother

Does it bother you? As Christians, as people who are followers of Christ. Does it bother you knowing that someday people are going to stand in front of God and they're going to give an account for their lives and if the blood of Christ has not taken away their sin, that they are going to pay the full penalty themselves. [00:47:25] (18 seconds) #EternalAccountability

It's awfully tempting. It can be awfully tempting. As pastor, we want to preach things that number one, speak to you, that help you understand, like make me a part of the. I can see where this has something to do with my life, to connect with people, to want to, you know, say things that they like. What was Paul interested in preaching? Jesus and the resurrection. You remember in First Corinthians, chapter two, I think Paul's talking to this Corinthian church and he says, when I first came to you, I decided to know nothing except Jesus and him crucified. The cross and him crucified. There was one thing on my mind because there's only one thing that can fix this. [00:55:50] (52 seconds) #PreachTheCross

The bad news is that every single one of us has lusted, wanted to commit adultery if we could. We have hated people. All of us have done things that offended God. And God is so utterly holy that he lives in unapproachable light. And one day, you're going to stand in front of him and you're going to give an account for the life that you lived. But now the righteousness of God. This is Romans 3. But now the righteousness of God has been made known apart from the law. The righteousness of God has been made known through Jesus Christ, through his life. He came here and he lived a perfect life. And he got up on that cross. He says, nobody's taken my life. I'm giving it freely. He got up on that cross so that God could pour out all of his wrath. All of the bad news, the result of the bad news, got poured out on him. Did you know that? Did you know that's what Jesus did for us? That he died on a cross? Not just some general thing about Jesus died on a cross, but specifically he had people in mind. He had us in mind as he went to that cross. And he died there, paying for all of our sins. [00:58:10] (81 seconds) #JesusPaidAll

You know what the better news is? He didn't stay dead. Who said that? He rose. He rose. He's not still dead. Paul went around. He's preaching Jesus and the resurrection. If Jesus had gone and just died on the cross, thank you for trying, but you're dead, so there's nothing you can do. He was in there for three days, and then he came out of the grave. And when he spoke to Paul, Paul said, lord, who are you? And he said, I'm Jesus, whom you're persecuting. I am the one who died, and I'm also the one who has risen again. I am the one who has defeated death. So that, as Paul will write later, we can say, where, O death, is your victory and where is your sting? We have good news. [00:59:32] (51 seconds) #VictoryInResurrection

If you're here this morning and you're looking and you're saying, man, I'm not sure exactly what I need, but I'm trying. I have good news. I have good news for you. Jesus Christ died so that you can be forgiven. All you have to do today is repent. All you have to do is come to him and say, lord, Lord, you are the Lord. You're the boss of my life. Whatever you want me to do from now on out, I'm not the idol. I'm not the God. None of these things are my God. You alone will be my God. Jesus says that he will save you. To everyone who asks. He opens, he gives. [01:00:33] (38 seconds) #RepentAndBelieve

``He not only died for your sins, but he also rose. He not only rose, but he's in complete control. He's not only in complete control. He loves you. He not only loves you, but he's coming back and he has a place for you. That's good news. That's the gospel for you today. You say, I'm really struggling, though, and I don't know how I'm going to pay my bills. Does not he say. Does he not say, don't be anxious for anything, but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you? Does he not say that all the things that happen to us, good and bad, they all work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. I want to preach the good news to you today. This is true for you right now. You have a hope that cannot be shaken. That is guaranteed. [01:03:23] (57 seconds) #HopeUnshaken

If you notice that someone around you, you say, man, I'm at work. And I see that this guy, man, he's searching for God. Or maybe he's not. He doesn't know. But he's searching for something. There's an emptiness to him. I'm gonna speak. Oh, but I don't have the right words. What am I gonna say? I need to get Pastor John. He's gonna come to work with me tomorrow. And he's gonna tell my friend all about Jesus. No, it doesn't need to be that. What is it you need to tell him about? I need to tell you about Jesus and the resurrection. I need to tell you that there is a God who reigns right now. He's alive right now, and he can help you. I can tell you how he helped me. Part of my conversation. Man, I remember when I was going through something like that, and this is where my faith kicks in. You know, every day I go out there and I see that thing that needs to be paid for, and I don't have the money to pay for that. This thing around the house, what am I gonna do? Here's what I'm gonna do. God, you know, God, you know, I'm trusting in you to take care of my needs. And you know what happened? God took care of my needs. How did he do that? Because Jesus is alive. He's not just some old dead God. He's alive. He's personal to me. [01:09:29] (69 seconds) #ShareJesusSimply

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