Embracing Our Role in the Global Church
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. It's good to be back home and see your faces. Thank you, Pastor Michael, for your excellent message last week about our identity as a faith family within the local church. Today, I want to build on that and talk about what it means to be the global church. The church is like an iPhone; it has so many features that we often don't utilize. Many people attend church on Sunday and then disappear until the next Sunday. While there's value in attending, the church is meant to be more than that. It's a living organism that thrives on partnership, growth, and mutual support.
In the Old Testament, the temple was the house of the Lord, but in the New Testament, because of Jesus, we are the church. The term "ekklesia" means a local assembly of called-out ones. Every local church worldwide is part of the global church. In heaven, there are no denominations or divided churches. We must see our local church through the lens of the global church. This perspective helps us understand that we are part of a larger family, and we must support each other.
We often think that our mission is our job, but our job is just a means to fulfill our mission. Everything we have, whether we think we've earned it or not, is not ours. It's given to us to be used for God's mission. If we are faithful with little, God will give us more. Our motivation should not be to stay safe or keep our stuff but to declare God's good news boldly, even in the face of opposition.
Paul's letters to the Thessalonians remind us that our visit to them was not a failure, even though it looked like one. Our motivation can't be to be known or successful by worldly standards. The right methods involve being sent and approved by God. We must remember that our efforts should not be man-made but God-inspired. Jesus came in humility, washing feet and serving others, which is counter to our culture's values.
We are all missionaries, called to give up everything for God's mission. This doesn't always mean literally giving up everything but surrendering our rights to it. Whether it's our house, car, money, or time, it all belongs to God. We must be willing to use it for His purposes. The global church mindset helps us understand that we are part of a larger mission, and we must be willing to go where God sends us.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus says we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, and we will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This is not just for pastors or evangelists but for all of us. The Holy Spirit moves us into Christ-likeness, and if we are truly following Jesus, we will go where He goes. This involves giving, serving, and being part of a global mission.
Paul also reminds us to thank God in every circumstance, follow the examples of those who follow Christ, and endure hardship while trusting God. These principles help us navigate the increasingly difficult times we may face. Our mission is not about us but about Jesus. We make sacrifices to go to places and offer help, sometimes just a cup of cold water in Jesus' name.
Our church is partnering with an organization to provide medical supplies to Ukraine. This is an example of putting our faith into action. Regardless of political views, we are called to love and support those in need. As we take communion, let's remember Jesus' sacrifice and be motivated to follow His example.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church as a Living Organism: The church is not just a place to attend on Sundays; it's a living organism that thrives on partnership, growth, and mutual support. We must engage fully to experience its full benefits. This means being involved beyond just Sunday services, participating in the life of the church, and supporting one another. [35:42]
2. Global Church Perspective: We must see our local church through the lens of the global church. Every local church worldwide is part of the larger body of Christ. This perspective helps us understand that we are part of a larger family, and we must support each other. In heaven, there are no denominations or divided churches. [37:48]
3. Mission Over Comfort: Our mission is not our job; our job is a means to fulfill our mission. Everything we have is given to us to be used for God's mission. If we are faithful with little, God will give us more. Our motivation should be to declare God's good news boldly, even in the face of opposition. [53:52]
4. Right Methods and Humility: The right methods involve being sent and approved by God. Our efforts should be God-inspired, not man-made. Jesus modeled humility by washing feet and serving others, which is counter to our culture's values. We must follow His example in our mission work. [59:59]
5. Enduring Hardship with Trust: Paul reminds us to thank God in every circumstance, follow the examples of those who follow Christ, and endure hardship while trusting God. These principles help us navigate difficult times. Our mission is about Jesus, not us, and we must be willing to make sacrifices for His sake. [01:14:19]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:00] - Introduction and Acknowledgment
[35:02] - The Church as a Living Organism
[37:06] - Old Testament vs. New Testament Church
[37:48] - Global Church Perspective
[39:49] - Full Benefit of Being the Church
[46:57] - Mission Over Comfort
[53:52] - Faithfulness and Mission
[55:25] - Right Motivation and Methods
[59:59] - Humility and Service
[01:03:01] - Global Mission and Evangelism
[01:06:06] - Personal Testimony and Purpose
[01:09:11] - Dependence on Jesus
[01:12:56] - Thanking God in Every Circumstance
[01:14:19] - Enduring Hardship with Trust
[01:19:06] - Partnership with Ukraine
[01:20:22] - Communion and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
3. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - "You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 1:8, what will believers receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what will they become as a result?
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples, and what assurance does He provide them?
3. Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, what challenges did Paul and his companions face, and how did they respond to these challenges?
4. In the sermon, how is the church compared to an iPhone, and what does this analogy suggest about our engagement with the church? ([35:02])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of receiving power from the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 influence the way believers should approach their mission?
2. What does Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 imply about the scope and nature of the church's mission?
3. Considering Paul's experience in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, what can we learn about the relationship between suffering and the proclamation of the gospel?
4. The sermon mentions that our job is a means to fulfill our mission. How does this perspective change the way we view our daily work and responsibilities? ([53:52])
### Application Questions
1. Acts 1:8 speaks about being witnesses to the ends of the earth. How can you personally contribute to this mission in your local context?
2. Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:18-20. What practical steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone from a different cultural background?
3. Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2, how can you find courage to share the gospel even when facing opposition or discomfort?
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing our local church through the lens of the global church. How can you foster a global church mindset in your daily life? ([37:48])
5. The sermon discusses the idea of mission over comfort. What is one area of your life where you can prioritize God's mission over your personal comfort? ([53:52])
6. How can you model humility and service in your interactions with others, following Jesus' example of washing feet? ([59:59])
7. The sermon encourages us to thank God in every circumstance. What is one challenging situation you are currently facing, and how can you practice gratitude in the midst of it? ([01:14:19])
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Living Organism
The church is not just a place to attend on Sundays; it's a living organism that thrives on partnership, growth, and mutual support. We must engage fully to experience its full benefits. This means being involved beyond just Sunday services, participating in the life of the church, and supporting one another. The church, like an iPhone with many features, has so much potential that we often don't utilize. By being active participants, we can experience the full benefits of being part of this living organism. This involves more than just attending services; it means being involved in the community, supporting one another, and growing together in faith. [35:42]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the life of your church beyond Sunday services this week? What steps can you take to support and grow with your church community?
Day 2: Global Church Perspective
We must see our local church through the lens of the global church. Every local church worldwide is part of the larger body of Christ. This perspective helps us understand that we are part of a larger family, and we must support each other. In heaven, there are no denominations or divided churches. By adopting a global church perspective, we recognize that our local church is part of a much larger family. This understanding encourages us to support and pray for other churches and believers around the world, knowing that we are all united in Christ. [37:48]
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
Reflection: How can you support the global church this week? Consider praying for a specific country or missionary, or learning about the needs of believers in different parts of the world.
Day 3: Mission Over Comfort
Our mission is not our job; our job is a means to fulfill our mission. Everything we have is given to us to be used for God's mission. If we are faithful with little, God will give us more. Our motivation should be to declare God's good news boldly, even in the face of opposition. Our mission is to spread the gospel and serve others, not to seek comfort or accumulate possessions. By focusing on our mission, we align our lives with God's purposes and find true fulfillment. [53:52]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What is one way you can prioritize God's mission over your own comfort this week? How can you use your resources to serve others and share the gospel?
Day 4: Right Methods and Humility
The right methods involve being sent and approved by God. Our efforts should be God-inspired, not man-made. Jesus modeled humility by washing feet and serving others, which is counter to our culture's values. We must follow His example in our mission work. True mission work is not about seeking recognition or success by worldly standards but about serving others with humility and love, just as Jesus did. [59:59]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your daily interactions this week? What is one specific way you can serve someone else, following Jesus' example of humility?
Day 5: Enduring Hardship with Trust
Paul reminds us to thank God in every circumstance, follow the examples of those who follow Christ, and endure hardship while trusting God. These principles help us navigate difficult times. Our mission is about Jesus, not us, and we must be willing to make sacrifices for His sake. By trusting God and enduring hardships, we grow in faith and become more effective in our mission. [01:14:19]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What is a current hardship you are facing? How can you trust God and find joy in this situation, knowing that it can strengthen your faith and character?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Stop thinking God that when you received this message from us, you didn't think of our words as mere human ideas. In other words, you knew the Holy Spirit in you, let you know that he's going to change your life. We're just telling you that he's changed our lives and he can change your life. And we're going to partner with you to help other people experience this transformation, this life change that only comes from Jesus." [01:09:11]
2. "So you just knew that, that's what he says. You knew that when we're bringing you the right message because it changed your life. If you're looking at me as one of your pastors, or do you look at anybody else, as somebody else, someone who's going to change your life, then you have become dependent on them. Trust me, remember your own humanity. Unless you think too highly of yourself, remember you. You know the putz that's in there. Do you know what I'm saying? Like you know that man or that woman that's there that you try to sometimes dress up, you try to fix, you try to correct, you know what I mean?" [01:09:51]
3. "So remember, everyone else is the exact same way. Desperate. for Jesus. Never look at another human being and say, they've got it. They do not have it. They do not have it. They're a mess. Are you a mess? Yes. They are too. Don't look at the outside. Remember, where God is like, I'm going to choose my next king, and well, here's all the guys. No, that's not the one. What about him? That's David. He's a nobody. God's like, yeah, that's your problem. You look at the outside. I'll look at the inside." [01:10:15]
4. "When I was in the Philippines, God gave me this phrase, and I've shared it before over the years here, but if you haven't heard it before, I just, I had to write it down as fast as I could. So Mark and Lisa have been in the Philippines. It's just such a beautiful people, beautiful place. And they love Jesus, and they don't have very much, but they're amazing. And I just was looking out, and trying to understand my own purpose. I was having one of those moments that I was sharing with you guys earlier, where I was like, because I was leaving, some stuff was going on at my church, that I was gonna be coming home and not have a church." [01:06:06]
5. "So I'm in the Philippines, knowing that when I get home, I don't have, okay, you can ask me about that later, but I just was broken. And I was like, what's the, I don't understand. So I'm preaching at a pastor's conference, feeling like the biggest loser, like I have no credibility. Why am I even here? Send me home. You know that kind of feeling? And the Lord just revealed something huge to me, and I had to write it down real fast. And it was two separate things. The first one was that my purpose was to do whatever, it's by all means necessary, to bring the way, the truth, and the life to all who are wayward, misled, and dying." [01:06:40]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So you just knew that, that's what he says. You knew that when we're bringing you the right message because it changed your life. If you're looking at me as one of your pastors, or do you look at anybody else, as somebody else, someone who's going to change your life, then you have become dependent on them. Trust me, remember your own humanity. Unless you think too highly of yourself, remember you. You know the putz that's in there. Do you know what I'm saying? Like you know that man or that woman that's there that you try to sometimes dress up, you try to fix, you try to correct, you know what I mean?" [01:09:51]
2. "So remember, everyone else is the exact same way. Desperate. for Jesus. Never look at another human being and say, they've got it. They do not have it. They do not have it. They're a mess. Are you a mess? Yes. They are too. Don't look at the outside. Remember, where God is like, I'm going to choose my next king, and well, here's all the guys. No, that's not the one. What about him? That's David. He's a nobody. God's like, yeah, that's your problem. You look at the outside. I'll look at the inside. And so, for us to remember, that's all it looks like. as missionaries, that we need to be with each other to encourage each other, that iron sharpening iron, because what we're really doing is we're pointing people to Jesus. This is who fixes us. This is who helps us. This is who changes our lives. This is who gives us encouragement and hope when we feel like we're utter failures. This is the one. But not you and me. We are not the cure." [01:10:15]
3. "In fact, you can't fix anything. You know this? You can't fix anything. At best, you can rig it. You know what I mean? Where it's all like this, that, and it's all like, yep, it looks good because I'm telling you right now with enough duct tape and bailing wire, you already know. I'm like, I'm a guy for bro. I can do anything. I can do anything. Now, someone came in and said, is that up to code? I'm like, oh, I don't know code. I just know that currently, if you don't touch it, it's standing. So we should be fine. And that's how most Christians live their lives is it's fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. How are you feeling? Don't ask me stupid questions. I'm fine. I'm good. Don't touch me. Don't talk to me. My face hurts from smiling and pretending everything is okay." [01:11:37]
4. "So you just knew that, that's what he says. You knew that when we're bringing you the right message because it changed your life. If you're looking at me as one of your pastors, or do you look at anybody else, as somebody else, someone who's going to change your life, then you have become dependent on them. Trust me, remember your own humanity. Unless you think too highly of yourself, remember you. You know the putz that's in there. Do you know what I'm saying? Like you know that man or that woman that's there that you try to sometimes dress up, you try to fix, you try to correct, you know what I mean?" [01:09:51]
5. "So remember, everyone else is the exact same way. Desperate. for Jesus. Never look at another human being and say, they've got it. They do not have it. They do not have it. They're a mess. Are you a mess? Yes. They are too. Don't look at the outside. Remember, where God is like, I'm going to choose my next king, and well, here's all the guys. No, that's not the one. What about him? That's David. He's a nobody. God's like, yeah, that's your problem. You look at the outside. I'll look at the inside. And so, for us to remember, that's all it looks like. as missionaries, that we need to be with each other to encourage each other, that iron sharpening iron, because what we're really doing is we're pointing people to Jesus. This is who fixes us. This is who helps us. This is who changes our lives. This is who gives us encouragement and hope when we feel like we're utter failures. This is the one. But not you and me. We are not the cure." [01:10:15]
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