Embracing Unity and Mission in Christ's Love

Devotional

Day 1: Christ’s Sacrifice Unites Us with God

Through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus, every barrier that once separated us from God has been removed. No matter our past, our failures, or the distractions that threaten to divide us from the holiness of God, Christ’s work on the cross stands as the ultimate act of love and reconciliation. As we remember His sacrifice, we are invited to lay down all that divides us and to step boldly into the presence of God, knowing that nothing can keep us from His love. [41:40]

Romans 5:8-11 (ESV)
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Reflection: What is one barrier or distraction in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus today, trusting that His sacrifice has already made a way for you to draw near to God?

Day 2: The Power of Communion—Remembering Christ’s Love

When we take communion, we are not just participating in a ritual; we are remembering the depth of Christ’s love and the personal nature of His sacrifice. Jesus, knowing the weight of the world and the cost He would bear, still chose to go to the cross with each of us on His heart. As we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are reminded that His body was broken and His blood was shed so that we could be made whole and united with God, free from the sin and division that once held us back. [42:41]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Reflection: As you remember Christ’s sacrifice in communion, what specific area of brokenness or sin do you need to bring to Him for healing and forgiveness today?

Day 3: Every Act of Service Matters in God’s Mission

God does not ask us to do everything, but He does call us to offer what we have—no matter how small it may seem. When we bring our “little bit” and join it with the offerings of others, God multiplies it to make a real difference in the world. Whether it’s serving on a mission trip, giving to support global missions, or simply being a friend to someone in need, every act of obedience is significant in God’s eyes and advances His kingdom. [01:17:23]

Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"

Reflection: What is one small act of service or generosity you can offer today, trusting that God will use it to make a difference?

Day 4: Responding to God’s Call—Saying Yes to Mission

God calls each of us to be His hands and feet, both in our local communities and around the world. The invitation is not just to give, but to go, to serve, and to be ready to respond as He leads. Sometimes this means stepping out of our comfort zones, overcoming excuses, and trusting that God will equip us for whatever He asks. When we say yes to God’s call, we become part of His redemptive work in the world, bringing hope and the good news of Jesus to those who need it most. [01:18:22]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Reflection: Where is God prompting you to step out in faith and serve—whether locally or globally—and what is one step you can take this week to say “yes” to His call?

Day 5: Faith Promise—Trusting God with Our Commitments

Making a faith promise is more than a financial decision; it is a spiritual covenant between you and God. It is an act of trust, believing that God will provide as you commit to supporting His mission in the world. Each promise, no matter the size, is a step of faith that enables the gospel to reach places and people you may never meet. As you prayerfully consider your commitment, remember that God honors every act of faith and uses it to advance His kingdom far beyond what you could imagine. [01:12:04]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: As you consider your faith promise, what fears or hesitations do you need to surrender to God, trusting Him to provide as you step out in faith?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, the unity of His people, and the call to participate in His mission both near and far. We began by welcoming one another in the love of Christ, reminding ourselves that every person present is a gift and a part of God’s family. There was a special invitation to join in the joy of baptisms later in the day, a visible sign of new life and commitment to Jesus. Looking ahead, we anticipate a unique outdoor worship service and community picnic, encouraging everyone to invite friends and neighbors to experience the warmth and fellowship of our church.

A significant portion of our time was devoted to sharing about the recent mission trip to Guatemala. The team recounted stories of hard work—moving stone, clearing land, and helping to build a new roof for a seminary that has been a beacon of hope for over a century. Beyond the physical labor, the team engaged in evangelism, distributed food and hygiene supplies, and built relationships that transcended language barriers. These experiences highlighted the beauty of God’s global church and the power of serving together, even when we feel inadequate or stretched beyond our comfort zones.

As we moved into communion, we reflected on the ultimate act of unity and sacrifice: Christ’s body broken and His blood shed for us. No matter what divides us—language, culture, or personal struggles—Jesus has removed every barrier through the cross. Communion became a moment to remember that we are invited into God’s presence, not by our own merit, but by His grace and love.

The call to mission was extended to everyone, not just those who travel abroad. Through the World Evangelism Fund and Faith Promise giving, each person has the opportunity to participate in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Even small acts of generosity, when combined with others, become a powerful force for God’s kingdom. The challenge is to listen for God’s call—whether to go, to give, or to serve right where we are—and to respond with a willing heart.

Key Takeaways

1. Unity in Christ breaks down every barrier. Whether it’s language, culture, or personal history, the love of Jesus unites us as one family. Communion is a powerful reminder that Christ’s sacrifice has made a way for all to come near, and we are called to extend that same welcome to others. [40:16]
2. Mission is both local and global, and everyone has a part to play. The work in Guatemala was a tangible example of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. But the call to mission is not limited to those who travel; it is a daily invitation to serve, give, and love wherever God places us. [19:00]
3. Small acts of faithfulness, when combined, have a multiplying effect. God does not require us to do everything, but He asks us to offer what we have. When each person brings their “little bit,” God weaves it together into something that can change lives and communities. [77:23]
4. Generosity is a spiritual discipline that shapes our hearts and advances God’s kingdom. Faith Promise giving is not about obligation, but about trusting God to provide and using our resources to reach those who may never hear the gospel otherwise. Every gift, no matter the size, is an act of worship and partnership in God’s mission. [68:43]
5. Responding to God’s call requires both courage and surrender. It is easy to make commitments in moments of inspiration, but true transformation happens when we allow God to remind us of our promises and empower us to follow through. As we say “yes” to God—whether in giving, going, or serving—we become part of His ongoing story of redemption in the world. [78:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Connection Card & Giving
[03:45] - Upcoming Baptisms
[05:30] - Next Sunday’s Outdoor Service & Picnic
[08:10] - Invitation to Invite Others
[12:45] - Baptism Celebration Details
[14:00] - Guatemala Mission Team Introduction
[16:41] - Seminary Building Project
[19:00] - Evangelism & Community Outreach
[21:30] - Stories from the Mission Trip
[23:06] - Communion Preparation
[40:16] - The Meaning of Communion
[41:40] - The Bread: Christ’s Body
[42:41] - The Cup: Christ’s Blood
[43:42] - Missional Calling & World Evangelism Fund
[68:43] - Faith Promise Giving Explained
[72:04] - Responding in Worship & Commitment
[77:23] - The Power of Small Acts
[78:22] - Prayer & Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV) — > But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 2:13-16, what has Jesus done to remove barriers between people and God?
What are some of the ways the Guatemala mission team served and connected with people, even when language was a barrier? [[16:41]]
In Matthew 28:18-20, what does Jesus command his followers to do?
How did the church celebrate unity and new life during the service? [[12:45]]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus “has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility”? How does this affect relationships within the church?
The sermon described communion as a reminder that “Christ’s sacrifice has made a way for all to come near.” What does this mean for people who feel like outsiders? [[40:16]]
The mission trip involved both physical work and building relationships. Why might both be important in God’s mission? [[19:00]]
The pastor said, “God doesn’t ask for everything. He asks us for something.” How does this idea challenge or encourage you when it comes to giving or serving? [[01:17:23]]

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that unity in Christ breaks down every barrier. Is there a barrier—like language, culture, or personal history—that you feel keeps you from connecting with others in the church? What is one step you could take to reach across that barrier this week? [[40:16]]
The Guatemala team served in ways that stretched them beyond their comfort zones. Can you think of a time when you felt inadequate or stretched while serving? How did God meet you in that moment? [[16:41]]
Baptism was celebrated as a sign of new life and commitment to Jesus. If you have been baptized, what does that commitment mean to you today? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have? [[12:45]]
The church is planning an outdoor service and picnic to invite friends and neighbors. Who is one person you could invite to experience the warmth and fellowship of the church? What might hold you back from inviting them? [[08:10]]
The sermon talked about “small acts of faithfulness” having a multiplying effect. What is one small act—of generosity, service, or kindness—you could offer this week? How might God use it? [[01:17:23]]
Faith Promise giving was described as an act of trust and worship, not obligation. How do you decide what and how much to give? Is there a way you sense God inviting you to trust Him more with your resources? [[01:08:43]]
Responding to God’s call requires both courage and surrender. Is there an area where you sense God calling you to “go, give, or serve” right now? What would it look like to say “yes” to God in that area? [[01:18:22]]

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