Embracing Our Mission: Sharing the Gospel Boldly
Summary
On this beautiful day, we gather as God's people to worship and to prepare for the exciting changes and opportunities ahead. As we look forward to Easter Sunday on April 20th, we will transition to two services to accommodate our growing congregation. This change is a testament to God's grace and the growth He has blessed us with. We invite everyone to participate in this transition by volunteering in areas such as greeting, security, and children's ministry to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.
Our mission extends beyond our local community. We have teams currently serving in the Dominican Republic and soon in India, sharing the gospel and providing medical aid. We pray for their safety and for open hearts to receive the message of Jesus Christ. Our church is committed to being a sending church, reaching not only our community but also the world with the gospel.
Today, we delve into 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, which reminds us of our identity as new creations in Christ and our calling to the ministry of reconciliation. As ambassadors for Christ, we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, urging others to be reconciled to God. This calling compels us to share the gospel, overcoming fear, short-sightedness, and ignorance.
To equip you for this mission, we introduce the "Four Arrows" gospel tool, designed to guide you through gospel conversations. The tool emphasizes four key points: God as Creator, man's sin and separation, the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the necessary response of repentance and belief. This tool serves as a reminder of the truths we need to communicate when sharing the gospel.
We challenge our church to engage in 500 gospel conversations by the end of 2025. By texting "gospel" to our church number each time you share, we can track our progress and encourage one another in this mission. Remember, the gospel is the power of God for salvation, and we are called to share it boldly.
Key Takeaways:
- As new creations in Christ, we are called to view the world through the lens of our new identity, longing for others to be saved through faith in Jesus. This perspective gives us a burden for the lost and a desire to share the gospel. [23:50]
- The ministry of reconciliation is a delightful duty given to us by God. We are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, which is the gospel that saves. Our role as ambassadors for Christ is to carry this message to those who need to be reconciled to God. [59:25]
- Fear, short-sightedness, and ignorance often hinder us from sharing the gospel. By addressing these issues, we can overcome them and fulfill our calling. Ignorance, in particular, can be addressed through education and equipping, as we learn how to have gospel conversations. [01:02:08]
- The "Four Arrows" gospel tool helps us remember the key points to share in a gospel conversation: God as Creator, man's sin and separation, the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the response of repentance and belief. This tool serves as a guide to ensure we communicate the full message of the gospel. [01:13:45]
- We are challenged to engage in 500 gospel conversations by the end of 2025. This challenge encourages us to be proactive in sharing the gospel, knowing that we are equipped with the most powerful message in the world—the power of God for salvation. [01:36:16]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[03:45] - Transition to Two Services
[06:15] - Volunteer Opportunities
[09:00] - Mission Teams in Dominican Republic and India
[12:30] - Prayer for Mission Teams
[17:04] - Attributes of God
[21:07] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
[23:50] - New Creations in Christ
[28:00] - Ministry of Reconciliation
[32:45] - Overcoming Barriers to Sharing the Gospel
[36:30] - Introduction to the Four Arrows Tool
[41:00] - God as Creator and His Character
[46:15] - Man's Sin and Separation
[51:30] - The Gospel: Death and Resurrection
[56:45] - Response: Repent and Believe
[01:02:08] - Equipping for Gospel Conversations
[01:13:45] - Challenge: 500 Gospel Conversations
[01:36:16] - Closing Prayer and Meal Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
- Genesis 1:1
- Exodus 34:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 say about our identity in Christ and our role as ambassadors? How does this passage define the ministry of reconciliation? [23:50]
2. According to the sermon, what are the key components of the "Four Arrows" gospel tool, and how do they help in sharing the gospel? [01:13:45]
3. How does Genesis 1:1 set the foundation for understanding God as Creator in the context of a gospel conversation? [01:02:08]
4. What attributes of God are highlighted in Exodus 34:6-7, and why are they important in a gospel conversation? [01:08:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does viewing ourselves as new creations in Christ change the way we interact with others, especially those who do not yet know Jesus? [23:50]
2. In what ways does the ministry of reconciliation challenge us to step out of our comfort zones? How can we overcome the barriers of fear, short-sightedness, and ignorance? [01:02:08]
3. Why is it crucial to begin a gospel conversation by establishing God as Creator and discussing His character? How does this approach affect the listener's understanding of the gospel? [01:05:30]
4. How does the concept of being ambassadors for Christ influence our daily lives and decisions? What responsibilities come with this role? [59:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current perspective of the world. How can you begin to see others through the lens of being a new creation in Christ, and what practical steps can you take to develop a burden for the lost? [23:50]
2. Consider the "Four Arrows" gospel tool. Which arrow do you feel most confident discussing, and which one do you need to study more? How can you prepare yourself to use this tool effectively in conversations? [01:13:45]
3. Identify a specific fear or barrier that has prevented you from sharing the gospel in the past. What steps can you take this week to address and overcome this obstacle? [01:02:08]
4. Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you initiate a gospel conversation with them, starting with the understanding of God as Creator? What might be a natural way to transition into this topic? [01:05:30]
5. The sermon challenges the church to engage in 500 gospel conversations by the end of 2025. How can you personally contribute to this goal, and who will you share your progress with for accountability? [01:36:16]
6. Reflect on the attributes of God listed in Exodus 34:6-7. Which attribute do you find most challenging to communicate, and how can you practice explaining it in a simple and relatable way? [01:08:20]
7. As an ambassador for Christ, what is one specific action you can take this week to represent Him well in your community or workplace? How will you ensure that your actions align with your message? [59:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Viewing the World Through Our New Identity
As new creations in Christ, believers are called to see the world through the lens of their transformed identity. This perspective instills a deep longing for others to experience salvation through faith in Jesus. It is not merely a passive observation but an active burden for the lost, compelling believers to share the gospel with urgency and compassion. This new identity reshapes priorities and aligns them with God's heart for humanity, urging believers to step out of their comfort zones and engage with those who have yet to know Christ. [23:50]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the transformative power of Christ? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week?
Day 2: Embracing the Ministry of Reconciliation
The ministry of reconciliation is a divine duty entrusted to believers, calling them to be ambassadors for Christ. This role involves carrying the message of reconciliation, which is the gospel that saves, to those who are estranged from God. As ambassadors, believers are not only representatives of Christ but also active participants in His mission to restore broken relationships between God and humanity. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, urging believers to live out the gospel in their daily interactions and to speak boldly about the hope found in Jesus. [59:25]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How can you embody the role of an ambassador for Christ in your workplace or community today?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Sharing the Gospel
Fear, short-sightedness, and ignorance are common barriers that hinder believers from sharing the gospel. These obstacles can be overcome through intentional education and equipping, enabling believers to engage in gospel conversations with confidence. By addressing these issues, believers can fulfill their calling to share the gospel, recognizing that ignorance can be dispelled through learning and preparation. This proactive approach empowers believers to overcome their hesitations and to step out in faith, trusting that God will use their efforts to draw others to Himself. [01:02:08]
Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV): "And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: What specific fear or barrier is holding you back from sharing the gospel? How can you take a step today to address it?
Day 4: Utilizing the "Four Arrows" Gospel Tool
The "Four Arrows" gospel tool is designed to guide believers through gospel conversations, ensuring that they communicate the full message of the gospel. This tool emphasizes four key points: God as Creator, man's sin and separation, the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the necessary response of repentance and belief. By using this tool, believers can confidently share the core truths of the gospel, providing a clear and concise framework for their conversations. This approach not only aids in communication but also serves as a reminder of the essential elements of the gospel message. [01:13:45]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the "Four Arrows" tool into your next gospel conversation? Who can you practice with this week?
Day 5: Engaging in 500 Gospel Conversations
The challenge to engage in 500 gospel conversations by the end of 2025 is an invitation for believers to be proactive in sharing the gospel. This goal encourages believers to recognize the urgency of the gospel message and to take intentional steps to share it with others. By tracking their progress and encouraging one another, believers can foster a community of accountability and support, knowing that they are equipped with the most powerful message in the world—the power of God for salvation. This challenge is not just about numbers but about lives transformed by the gospel. [01:36:16]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to initiate a gospel conversation? How can you encourage others in your church to join this challenge?
Quotes
"From now on, therefore We regard no one according to the flesh Even though we once regarded Christ According to the flesh We regard him thus no longer Therefore, if anyone is in Christ He is a new creation The old has passed away Behold, the new has come 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 We implore you on behalf of Christ Be reconciled to God For our sake He made him to be sin Who knew no sin So that in him We might become The righteousness of God" [00:48:28] (57 seconds)
"While these verses remind us Of the great truth Of what God has done For us through his son At the same time They remind us Of the vocation That he has given to us As his new creations The ministry of reconciliation Entrusted with the message Of reconciliation Father, may we never keep This message to ourselves May we share it Till our dying breath So that countless Can be saved We pray this in Jesus' name Amen" [00:50:26] (44 seconds)
"Over the past few sundays through god's word i've been addressing each of these issues we've addressed fear i've addressed short -sightedness this morning i'm going to address our ignorance this morning i get to do what pastors are called to do according to ephesians 4 11 my job my duty is to equip the saints for the work of ministry according to second corinthians jesus has given to you a ministry that ministry is the ministry of reconciliation he's in trusted you with the message of reconciliation the gospel and if ignorance is the problem this morning i seek to remove that reason i seek to educate you so that you can carry out your new vocation as a new creation in christ" [00:56:11] (54 seconds)
"Now, some of you are like, well, that's pretty obvious. Well, growing up in church, I've been taught through a number of gospel tools, how to have gospel conversations. Over the years, I have taken those tools and really kind of put them in what I would call a gospel tool belt. And so when I'm having conversations with people and I kind of can feel which way the conversation's going, I find myself pulling out different tools like a mechanic would. Wow, I need a Phillips head for this. I need a flat head for this. So I would grab those tools and go, oh, I remember this when I was taught that way. And I like many of the ways that I've walked through over the years. But some of them, what I found as I was being taught was some of them begin with an assumption, an assumption that that person you're talking to believes in God." [01:00:04] (50 seconds)
"Genesis 1 repeats multiple times, and everything he created, God saw that it was good. Genesis 1 and 2 help establish the fact that God created a good world. He created everything. Genesis 1 and 2 make it clear that God created us. Genesis 1, 26 and 27, he created us in his image. And when he created us, we were in a good relationship with him. You take them into Genesis 2, and you're going to see a God talking to a man by the name of Adam, having a conversation with him. It's obvious right there. Look, look at the good relationship that existed between God and man in the garden. They could hang out and talk to one another. There was no separation. There was good relations." [01:04:40] (51 seconds)
"God had a right to tell them what to do, to tell them how to live. And sometimes we look at commands from God as being restrictive. And this might come up in your conversation. Here's a great time to say, God's commands are for our good and for his glory. You don't think they're for our good? He told Adam, if you eat that, you're going to die. Nobody would see that as a bad thing. Well, I'm not going to tell him. Let him eat it and let him die. No. God, being a good God, said, hey, don't eat that. And the day that you do, you will die. This is pointing out the goodness of our God. His commands are for our good. They're for his glory." [01:06:57] (40 seconds)
"Genesis 3 even helps you define what sin is as you talk with that person. If you're not a theologian, you can easily say, God, sin is rebelling against God. Sin is disobeying God. That's exactly what they did. It's a failure to keep the law of God in action or in attitude. You got to talk to people about sin. Genesis 3 will open the door for you to help a person see, how sin has impacted their relationship with God and others. As you talk about Adam and Eve and their relationship between them and God and themselves and all of creation." [01:13:44] (38 seconds)
"Christ died on the cross for our sins in accordance with scriptures. He was buried and on the third day he was raised from the grave in accordance with the scriptures. This is the gospel. If anybody ever asks you what's the gospel, that's the gospel. This other stuff I'm giving you is to help you contextualize and help them understand why this gospel is good news. But this is the gospel. This is what God has done to reconcile people to himself. You need to communicate this message." [01:24:16] (37 seconds)
"Christians we're a new creation in christ we have a desire to see people reconciled to god we've been given the ministry of reconciliation we've been entrusted with the message of reconciliation we're ambassadors for christ who are to carry out our ministry of taking the message to all who need to be reconciled we're new creations with a new vocation" [01:31:32] (24 seconds)
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