Empowered Faith: Fulfilling the Great Commission Together
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound themes of faith, missions, and the Great Commission, drawing inspiration from the life of Angus Buchan, a man whose faith in God led to miraculous events, such as abundant harvests during droughts. This serves as a reminder that God can bring forth blessings even in the most challenging circumstances. We are encouraged to pray fervently for God's intervention in our lives and the world around us.
The heart of the message focused on the Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28, where Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. This call to action is not just about addressing physical needs but also spiritual ones. We must balance our efforts to help those in need with sharing the gospel, ensuring that we do not neglect either aspect of our mission. The statistics on Christian giving and evangelism reveal a gap between our potential and our current impact, urging us to strive for greater participation and effectiveness.
Fear often holds us back from fulfilling the Great Commission. Many Christians hesitate to share their faith due to fear of rejection or inadequacy. However, Jesus has given us His authority and the Holy Spirit to empower us. We are called to overcome our fears and step out in faith, trusting that God will be with us.
The message also highlighted the importance of addressing poverty and need, both locally and globally. We are reminded that our treatment of others reflects our relationship with God. The early church's example of sharing resources so that no one was in need challenges us to consider how we can live out this principle today.
Finally, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, using the authority and power given to us to make a difference in the world. Whether through local missions or global outreach, we are urged to act with compassion and boldness, bringing hope and transformation to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith in Action: Angus Buchan's story reminds us that God can bring forth miracles even in the most challenging circumstances. We are encouraged to pray for God's intervention and trust Him to bring blessings out of droughts in our lives. [56:54]
2. Balancing Mission and Evangelism: The Great Commission calls us to address both physical and spiritual needs. We must ensure that our efforts to help those in need are coupled with sharing the gospel, avoiding the extremes of mere philanthropy or neglecting practical needs. [01:00:22]
3. Overcoming Fear: Fear often prevents us from sharing our faith. Jesus has given us His authority and the Holy Spirit to empower us. We are called to overcome our fears and step out in faith, trusting that God will be with us. [01:05:59]
4. Addressing Poverty: Our treatment of those in need reflects our relationship with God. The early church's example of sharing resources challenges us to consider how we can live out this principle today, ensuring that no one is in need among us. [01:28:37]
5. Being Ambassadors for Christ: We are called to be Christ's ambassadors, using the authority and power given to us to make a difference in the world. Whether through local missions or global outreach, we are urged to act with compassion and boldness. [01:12:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Angus Buchan
- [01:30] - Miracles in Drought
- [02:45] - The Great Commission
- [04:00] - Balancing Mission and Evangelism
- [05:30] - Overcoming Fear
- [07:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [08:30] - Addressing Poverty
- [10:00] - Being Ambassadors for Christ
- [11:30] - The Early Church's Example
- [13:00] - Call to Action
- [14:30] - Opportunities for Involvement
- [16:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission
2. Acts 1:8 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
3. 2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ
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#### Observation Questions
1. What miraculous event in Angus Buchan's life was highlighted in the sermon, and how did it demonstrate faith in action? [56:54]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main aspects of the Great Commission that we must balance? [59:00]
3. What statistics were shared about Christians' participation in giving and evangelism, and what do they reveal about the current state of the church? [01:00:22]
4. How does the early church's example of sharing resources challenge us today, according to the sermon? [01:28:37]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Angus Buchan illustrate the concept of "faith in action," and what can it teach us about trusting God in difficult circumstances? [56:54]
2. In what ways does the Great Commission call us to address both physical and spiritual needs, and why is it important to maintain this balance? [59:00]
3. What role does fear play in preventing Christians from fulfilling the Great Commission, and how does the sermon suggest we overcome it? [01:05:59]
4. How does the sermon interpret the authority given to believers in Matthew 28:18-20, and what implications does this have for our role as ambassadors for Christ? [01:12:46]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "drought" in your life. How can Angus Buchan's story inspire you to trust God for a breakthrough in that area? [56:54]
2. Identify a specific way you can balance addressing physical and spiritual needs in your community. What steps can you take this week to act on this balance? [59:00]
3. Fear often holds us back from sharing our faith. What specific fears do you face, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome them? [01:05:59]
4. Consider the early church's example of sharing resources. What practical steps can you take to ensure that no one in your community is in need? [01:28:37]
5. As an ambassador for Christ, how can you use your unique gifts and authority to make a difference in your local or global community? [01:12:46]
6. Think of someone in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, using the authority and power given to you by Christ? [01:12:46]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to action. What is one specific way you can get involved in missions or outreach, either locally or globally, in the coming month? [01:40:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Miracles in the Midst of Drought
Faith in God can lead to miraculous outcomes, even in the most challenging circumstances. Angus Buchan's story serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. Despite facing severe droughts, his unwavering faith resulted in abundant harvests, illustrating that God can bring forth blessings in seemingly impossible situations. This encourages us to pray fervently for God's intervention in our lives and trust Him to bring blessings out of the droughts we face. By placing our faith in action, we open ourselves to witnessing God's miraculous work in our lives. [56:54]
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel like you're in a drought? How can you actively trust God to bring forth blessings in that situation today?
Day 2: Holistic Mission and Evangelism
The Great Commission calls us to address both physical and spiritual needs, ensuring that our mission is holistic. This means balancing our efforts to help those in need with sharing the gospel, avoiding the extremes of mere philanthropy or neglecting practical needs. The statistics on Christian giving and evangelism reveal a gap between our potential and our current impact, urging us to strive for greater participation and effectiveness. By integrating mission and evangelism, we fulfill the call to make disciples of all nations, as outlined in Matthew 28. [01:00:22]
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you balance addressing physical needs and sharing the gospel in your daily interactions? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not neglecting either aspect of your mission?
Day 3: Empowered to Overcome Fear
Fear often prevents us from fulfilling the Great Commission. Many Christians hesitate to share their faith due to fear of rejection or inadequacy. However, Jesus has given us His authority and the Holy Spirit to empower us. We are called to overcome our fears and step out in faith, trusting that God will be with us. By embracing the power of the Holy Spirit, we can confidently share our faith and fulfill our calling as disciples of Christ. [01:05:59]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What specific fear is holding you back from sharing your faith? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome this fear today?
Day 4: Reflecting God's Love Through Addressing Poverty
Our treatment of those in need reflects our relationship with God. The early church's example of sharing resources so that no one was in need challenges us to consider how we can live out this principle today. Addressing poverty and need, both locally and globally, is a tangible expression of God's love and compassion. By sharing our resources and caring for those in need, we demonstrate our commitment to living out the gospel in practical ways. [01:28:37]
"Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise." (Luke 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you share your resources with someone in need today? What practical steps can you take to ensure that no one is in need among you?
Day 5: Ambassadors of Hope and Transformation
We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, using the authority and power given to us to make a difference in the world. Whether through local missions or global outreach, we are urged to act with compassion and boldness, bringing hope and transformation to those around us. As ambassadors, we represent Christ and His kingdom, and our actions should reflect His love and grace. By stepping out in faith and serving others, we fulfill our calling to be agents of change in the world. [01:12:46]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific way can you act as an ambassador for Christ today? How can you bring hope and transformation to someone in your community?
Quotes
"Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [01:02:49] (32 seconds)
"Statistics say that about 56 % of Christians give to those in need and care for those who are in need versus 39 % of non -believers. So it's better, but it's not best. Like, I'm looking for 100 % participation in this. We're supposed to be caring. That is one of the things that we're doing. We're supposed to be caring. That is one of the things that is the most on God's heart." [01:00:08] (22 seconds)
"Fear and guilt will always take us out. The fear of doing things, the fear of helping people, the fear of facing the problem, the fear of talking to people about Jesus, and then when we don't do that, now we feel guilty, and now we're stuck in that guilt, and it's this round and round, until finally you say, I'm going to get off that hamster wheel, and I'm going to choose to step in in faith, even though I don't understand, even though it's overwhelming." [01:22:20] (29 seconds)
"And Jesus, I pray for anyone in this room right now who has not received the baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit who wants it, God, that you right now would rain down the Holy Spirit, that you would fill each one of us, whether for the first time or for the thousandth time, that you would fill us with the power of your Holy Spirit, God, so that we would not be stuck in guilt, that we would not be stuck in fear, we would not be stuck in condemnation, but instead, God, that we would step up as your sons and daughters, recognizing that it is our great honor and privilege to be your ambassador. To be your mouthpiece." [01:44:36] (38 seconds)
"Acts chapter 1, verse 8 says, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. We receive power in order to go be his mouthpiece, and we receive power in order to go be the hands and feet of Jesus, and I love how it says Jerusalem, and then in Judea and Samaria, so it was where they lived, their home." [01:25:28] (38 seconds)
"And then things start to rapidly shift even more than what he could do alone, right? Because he... His spirit now lives in us. It's beautiful math. It's multiplication. That he goes, when I can live in each of you, and you will actually start to listen and actually start to be my mouthpiece, now suddenly there's multiplication. Now suddenly the whole world is shifted upside down." [01:16:48] (30 seconds)
"And I want to say to us this morning, I believe that God is asking for our hearts to shift even more. Because there is a world that is so in need. Looking at the Great Commission, you know, Jesus, the main part that we know is, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to do everything that I have commanded you." [01:08:44] (27 seconds)
"And I think the devil has deceived a lot of Christians into thinking it's all just about our connection with Jesus and how much we read our Bible. But the word should transform us to where now we're not about ourselves, but we're about others. There's a modern paraphrase of a sermon given by John Chrysostom, Saint John Chrysostom. He said this, a person isn't truly rich because they have many possessions, but because they don't need much." [01:34:57] (37 seconds)
"And for those of us who have much, whether it's much money or much time or much knowledge and maturity in the ways of Jesus, we are called to give. to the least of these we are called to be the hands and feet of jesus because it is his body that we are serving john chris austin also spoke he spoke pretty boldly i don't know that i'd want to be in his congregation but he spoke really boldly to the people and he said you come in here in your silk clothing and you're willing to take of the eucharist the body of jesus but you walk outside and you ignore the naked body of jesus and the people who are suffering right outside the door we are called to love every part of the body of jesus you guys okay i'm not it's okay to not be okay it's okay like this should shift our hearts and let our hearts never shift back we're supposed to be people who are constantly looking to our father and going where are you what are you doing and how can i be a blessing to this world we're supposed to be the ones who turn the world upside down there's an organization a missionary advocacy organization called the traveling team and they did a whole bunch of research in order to just try to help inspire people to to end you know global poverty and just look at these faces of people who are in so much need and they said that the collective" [01:36:05] (102 seconds)
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