Embracing Risk: The Church's Call to Action
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of the church being a risk-taking entity, helping those who are lost find Jesus and encounter Him. I highlighted the mission of evangelism and discipleship, stating that we are the hope for the world and we cannot be a church that is afraid of the darkness or the big, scary world. I used the parable of the talents from Matthew 25 to illustrate the concept of risk-taking, explaining how the business owner in the story trusted his servants with his resources, which determined the status of his kingdom.
I also discussed the need for the church to make more space for people who are not yet part of the church, especially young families. I pointed out that our kids ministry is running out of space, which means we can never fill the room with young families that need to know the gospel. I emphasized that local families are under attack and we have to make room for the kids and the families that are not here yet. I concluded by encouraging the congregation to respond to Matthew 25 and ask themselves what type of servant they want to be to King Jesus.
Key takeaways:
- The church is called to be a risk-taking entity, not just a caretaking one. This involves stepping out in faith and doing things that are different to reach out to those who do not know Jesus yet. #!!25:47!!#
- The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 serves as a reminder that we are entrusted with resources and it is our responsibility to use them wisely for the expansion of God's kingdom. #!!27:45!!#
- There is a pressing need to make more space in the church, especially in the kids ministry, to accommodate young families and help them know the gospel. #!!47:34!!#
- Local families are under attack and the church has a crucial role in providing a safe space for them to grow in faith and raise their families. #!!48:05!!#
- Each member of the congregation is encouraged to reflect on their role as a servant to King Jesus and make a commitment to serve Him faithfully. #!!01:02:06!!#
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission, which encourages believers to spread the gospel and make disciples. [49:33]
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 28:19-20, what are the specific instructions given by Jesus to his disciples?
2. How does this passage emphasize the importance of community and fellowship in the church?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "make disciples of all nations" as instructed in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. How can the concept of fellowship and community as seen in this passage be applied in a church setting?
Application Questions:
1. How can you personally contribute to the Great Commission in your daily life?
2. Can you think of a specific way you can foster a sense of community and fellowship within your church or small group?
3. What is one way you can invite someone to join your church or small group this week?
4. How can you use your personal interests or talents to serve others and create a sense of community in your church?
5. Can you think of a specific group or individual in your community who could benefit from the fellowship and support of your church or small group?
Devotional
Day 1: Every Number is a Person
Every digit in the numbers we celebrate as a church represents a person that Jesus cares about, a life that Jesus wants to change or is changing. It's a story of redemption and hope, and how God wants to change everything for that person. We must remember this as we strive to grow and serve our community. [46:33]
Bible Passage: Luke 15:7 - "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to the growth and service of your church community?
Day 2: Making Space for the Unseen
Even when we see empty spaces in our church, we must remember that there are many who are not yet part of our community. We need to make room for them, especially for the young families and children who are under attack from the enemy. [46:59]
Bible Passage: Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Reflection: What can you do to make your church more welcoming and accommodating for newcomers?
Day 3: The Call to Risk-Taking
As a church, we are called to take risks and step out in faith. We must be willing to do things differently and take on new challenges in order to grow and serve our community effectively. [48:38]
Bible Passage: Matthew 14:29 - "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus."
Reflection: What is one risk you feel God is calling you to take in your personal faith journey or in your service to the church?
Day 4: The Power of Invitation
We are called to invite others to experience the love and hope that Jesus offers. Whether it's inviting them to church events or simply sharing our faith, we have the opportunity to help others escape the despair of this world and find eternal life in Christ. [08:41]
Bible Passage: John 1:45-46 - "Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' 'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Nathanael asked. 'Come and see,' said Philip."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can invite to experience the love and hope of Jesus?
Day 5: The Joy of Celebration
Celebrating what God has done in our church is a special occasion. It's a time to reflect on the miracles God has performed, the lives He has changed, and the growth He has brought about. It's a time to be humbled, excited, and grateful for God's work in our community. [01:10]
Bible Passage: Psalm 126:3 - "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
Reflection: What is one thing you can celebrate about what God has done in your church community?
Quotes
1. "Wilson Avenue is people. The church is people. And what are we doing? We're helping other people who are lost find Jesus. That's evangelism. It's right there in a mission to help people find. We're to be a risk-taking church to help those who don't know Jesus yet have an encounter with Jesus." - 25:06
2. "Every digit in those numbers for every one is a person that Jesus cares about is a life that Jesus wants to change or is changing. It's a story to be authored about Redemption and hope and how God wants to change everything for that person." - 46:33
3. "We want people to escape hell. We want people to experience Jesus and the hope and the love that he has for them. Groups are how you become friends with people. If this room is a room full of strangers to you, do something about it. Join a group and start to build some friendships here." - 09:13
4. "We started hosting camp for free. We've done two summer camps where we just loaded up with kiddos where they get saved, they become friends and now they're joining our church. That's why we're doing all these things. That's why we're stepping on faith and taking risks." - 39:55
5. "We started opening up the doors and living open-handed with our property why because we were hoping that we could build a bridge to people who are not here yet and there are people who come to our church now who didn't come to our church because of sports leagues because we started allowing them to do life here on the property." - 41:33
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