Embracing the Great Commission with Love and Courage
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound calling to live out the Great Commission with a heart deeply rooted in love and compassion. We are reminded that God has chosen us for this specific moment in time, to be part of a movement that transcends generations. Our faith is not just a personal journey but a collective mission to bring the gospel to those who have yet to hear it. This mission is not about seeking comfort or safety but about stepping into the unknown, driven by a heart that mirrors the love of Christ.
Reflecting on the Apostle Paul's ambition to preach where Christ was not known, we are challenged to adopt a similar mindset. Paul was hindered not by external forces but by his own desire to reach the unreached. This is a call for us to pray, "Hinder me from safe Christianity and send me to where they have not yet heard." This prayer is a declaration of our willingness to go beyond our comfort zones, to places where the gospel is desperately needed.
We also delved into the story of the Moravians, whose commitment to prayer and missions sparked a movement that changed history. Their example teaches us that true revival and transformation come from a heart of unity and relentless prayer. The Moravians' willingness to go anywhere for the sake of the gospel is a testament to the power of a heart fully surrendered to God.
As we look to the future, we must remember that the strategy of the Great Commission is not about numbers or crowds but about the one person in front of us. Jesus demonstrated this by crossing a stormy lake for one demon-possessed man, showing us that no heart is too hard for the love of God. Our mission is to carry this heart into every interaction, every community, and every nation.
In this significant moment, we are called to be a part of something greater than ourselves. We are invited to be pioneers, to put a stake in the ground for the next generation, and to pray for a move of God that will reach the ends of the earth. Let us embrace this calling with faith, knowing that our obedience today will shape the future of the church and the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Call to Unreached Places: Embrace the prayer, "Hinder me from safe Christianity and send me to where they have not yet heard." This is a call to step out of comfort and into the mission field, driven by a heart for those who have never heard the gospel. [01:16:03]
2. The Power of Unity and Prayer: The Moravians' legacy teaches us that unity and relentless prayer can spark movements that change history. Their commitment to prayer and missions is a model for us to follow as we seek revival in our own time. [01:25:23]
3. The Heart of the Great Commission: True transformation comes from a heart deeply connected to Jesus. Our mission is not about numbers but about loving the one in front of us, just as Jesus did when He crossed a stormy lake for one man. [01:45:23]
4. The Importance of Personal Obedience: Our individual obedience can have a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can imagine. Like the Moravians, our willingness to go anywhere for the sake of the gospel can lead to significant impact. [01:48:15]
5. Faith for the Long Haul: Inspired idealism must be grounded in a revelation of Jesus to withstand obstacles. Our faith must be rooted in the Word and empowered by the Spirit to endure and thrive in the mission field. [01:30:22]
YouTube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:09:45] - Partnership and Faith
- [01:10:15] - Honoring Obedience
- [01:10:50] - Multi-Generational Movement
- [01:11:48] - Romans 15: Paul's Calling
- [01:13:02] - Priestly Duty and Proclamation
- [01:14:16] - Paul's Ambition
- [01:16:03] - Hindered by Heart
- [01:19:08] - Heart of the Great Commission
- [01:21:10] - Moravian Movement
- [01:25:23] - 100-Year Prayer Meeting
- [01:28:12] - Strategy vs. Heart
- [01:32:40] - Jesus Calms the Storm
- [01:39:13] - Power and Fear
- [01:45:23] - Heart for the One
- [01:48:15] - Moravian Legacy
- [01:56:12] - Heart of Jesus
- [02:00:09] - Kingdom Starts Small
- [02:02:41] - Sealing the Moment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 15:16-21
2. Mark 4:35-41; Mark 5:1-20
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 15:16-21, what does Paul describe as his priestly duty, and how does he fulfill it? How does this relate to his ambition to preach where Christ was not known? [01:12:51]
2. Reflecting on Mark 4:35-41, what was the disciples' reaction to the storm, and how did Jesus respond to their fear? What does this reveal about their understanding of Jesus' power? [01:32:16]
3. In Mark 5:1-20, what was the significance of Jesus crossing the lake to meet the demon-possessed man, and how did the townspeople react to the miracle? [01:35:02]
4. How did the Moravians' commitment to prayer and missions influence their actions, and what was the outcome of their dedication? [01:25:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Paul's ambition to preach where Christ was not known suggest about the nature of the Great Commission and the challenges it presents? [01:14:16]
2. How does the story of Jesus calming the storm and healing the demon-possessed man illustrate the heart of the Great Commission, focusing on the one rather than the many? [01:45:23]
3. The Moravians' legacy is marked by unity and relentless prayer. How can this model be applied to modern-day missions and personal spiritual growth? [01:25:23]
4. What does the willingness of the Moravians to go anywhere for the sake of the gospel teach us about personal sacrifice and obedience in fulfilling the Great Commission? [01:48:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the prayer, "Hinder me from safe Christianity and send me to where they have not yet heard." What steps can you take to move beyond your comfort zone in sharing the gospel? [01:16:03]
2. How can you cultivate a heart of unity and relentless prayer in your own life, following the example of the Moravians? What practical steps can you take to foster this in your community? [01:25:23]
3. Consider the story of Jesus crossing the lake for one man. How can you apply this principle of focusing on the one in front of you in your daily interactions? [01:45:23]
4. What are some specific ways you can demonstrate personal obedience to God's calling in your life, even if it means making sacrifices? [01:48:15]
5. Inspired idealism must be grounded in a revelation of Jesus to withstand obstacles. How can you ensure your faith is rooted in the Word and empowered by the Spirit to endure challenges? [01:30:22]
6. Identify one person in your life who has not heard the gospel. What is one tangible action you can take this week to share the love of Christ with them? [01:46:13]
7. Reflect on the importance of personal obedience and its potential ripple effect. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace their calling and make an impact? [01:48:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Call to the Unreached
The call to reach the unreached is a profound invitation to step beyond the boundaries of comfort and safety. It is a challenge to pray, "Hinder me from safe Christianity and send me to where they have not yet heard." This prayer is not just a request but a declaration of willingness to venture into the unknown, driven by a heart that mirrors the love of Christ. The Apostle Paul exemplified this ambition, choosing to preach where Christ was not known, not out of obligation but out of a deep desire to reach those who had never heard the gospel. This mindset invites us to consider our own lives and the areas where we might be called to step out in faith. [01:16:03]
Romans 15:20-21 (ESV): "And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.'"
Reflection: Identify a place or community in your life where the gospel is not known. How can you begin to pray for and engage with this community today?
Day 2: Unity and Prayer Ignite Movements
The legacy of the Moravians teaches us that unity and relentless prayer can spark movements that change history. Their commitment to prayer and missions was not just a practice but a lifestyle that fueled a movement of revival and transformation. The Moravians' willingness to go anywhere for the sake of the gospel is a testament to the power of a heart fully surrendered to God. This example challenges us to consider the role of prayer and unity in our own lives and communities. How can we cultivate a similar commitment to prayer and unity that can lead to revival in our time? [01:25:23]
Acts 1:14 (ESV): "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers."
Reflection: Consider your current prayer life and community involvement. What steps can you take to foster greater unity and commitment to prayer within your community?
Day 3: Love the One in Front of You
The heart of the Great Commission is not about numbers or crowds but about loving the one person in front of us. Jesus demonstrated this by crossing a stormy lake for one demon-possessed man, showing us that no heart is too hard for the love of God. Our mission is to carry this heart into every interaction, every community, and every nation. This perspective shifts our focus from grand strategies to personal connections, reminding us that true transformation comes from a heart deeply connected to Jesus. [01:45:23]
Luke 8:39 (ESV): "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to experience the love of Christ. How can you intentionally show them love and share the gospel with them today?
Day 4: The Ripple Effect of Obedience
Our individual obedience can have a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can imagine. Like the Moravians, our willingness to go anywhere for the sake of the gospel can lead to significant impact. This obedience is not just about grand gestures but about daily faithfulness in the small things. As we look to the future, we must remember that our obedience today will shape the future of the church and the world. [01:48:15]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where God is calling you to obedience. What small step can you take today to align with His call?
Day 5: Faith Rooted in Revelation
Inspired idealism must be grounded in a revelation of Jesus to withstand obstacles. Our faith must be rooted in the Word and empowered by the Spirit to endure and thrive in the mission field. This grounding provides the strength and resilience needed to face challenges and continue the mission with joy and perseverance. As we embrace this calling, we are reminded that our faith is not just for the moment but for the long haul, shaping the future of the church and the world. [01:30:22]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Consider your current spiritual practices. How can you deepen your understanding of Jesus and strengthen your faith to endure challenges in your mission field?
Quotes
God raise up of people on earth who would pray hinder me from safe Christianity and send me to where they have not yet heard. Hinder me from just going where everyone else goes and send me to the people and the places that have yet to hear the good news of Jesus. [01:15:56]
The Moravians' legacy teaches us that unity and relentless prayer can spark movements that change history. Their commitment to prayer and missions is a model for us to follow as we seek revival in our own time. They started a 24-hour prayer chain that lasted a hundred years without breaking. [01:25:23]
The strategy can lead us but only the heart can lead to the breakthrough. The strategy can set our vision but only our hearts can bring real change. Only a heart that is deeply moved by Jesus and connected to his heart and to the way that he sees the earth can actually bring real transformation and change. [01:28:56]
Jesus has three and a half years to alter all of human history. He’s got three and a half years to change the course of history. He’s got three and a half years to write the redemptive story as God in human flesh. And you’ve got to know he’s the most strategic and the smartest man who has ever lived. [01:41:25]
The heart of the Great Commission is not about numbers but about loving the one in front of us, just as Jesus did when He crossed a stormy lake for one man. Our mission is to carry this heart into every interaction, every community, and every nation. [01:45:23]
The only way we will see true Great Commission impact is if we recover the heart of the Great Commission, which was not waiting for someone else with a microphone, influence, and a platform to do it, but by realizing that God wants to move through every single one of us. [01:46:40]
The Moravians catalyzed them out of their obedience. They have this famous saying that you've heard that they would sing as they would leave on the ships in this song that the lamb would receive the reward of a suffering was a Moravian song. [01:48:15]
The kingdom always starts small. Why? Because it’s what the Bible says. It’s a mustard seed that grows to a giant tree. It’s a little bit of leaven that scatters through the entire batch of dough. And guys, it’s a hundred and twenty which anyone today would consider a small insignificant church. [02:00:09]
We have to move away from a strategy that thinks the kingdom is about masses, the kingdom is about crowds. I don’t have much influence, nobody really follows me. Friends, that’s not how the kingdom grows. The kingdom grows because we found one person, they encountered Jesus, they found another person who encountered Jesus. [02:02:41]
The strategy of the Great Commission connected to the heart of the Great Commission is the way we will see a true spiritual awakening in America and in the nations of the earth. [02:03:44]
I just want to pray like, man, just like anything that’s in me as a guy from the older generation any way that I can bless you and pass something on. And in fact, it was Micah, you know, the other day that was sharing about commissioning and there being a power in that. [02:06:56]
I bless them in the name of Jesus and I ask that you just pass on so much more of whatever you put in my heart whatever you did as a 14-year-old kid whatever you put in me what you put it in them now so it doesn’t die so they don’t walk away when they get married. [02:09:36]
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