Empowered to Go: The Church's Mission Unveiled
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and glorify the name of our Lord, recognizing His worth and the power of His presence among us. We sang praises, acknowledging our need for Jesus to move in our lives, our homes, and our hearts. We emphasized the importance of not leaving unchanged, seeking transformation through His Spirit. We also expressed gratitude for His healing blood, grace, and mighty love, which forgives our sins and allows us to freely enter His presence.
We discussed the significance of the church, not as a building but as an assembly of believers called out for God's purpose. Jesus' command to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" was highlighted as the primary mission of the church. This mission involves not just local outreach but a global vision, emphasizing the need to reach every nation, tribe, and tongue with the good news of Jesus Christ.
We explored the analogy of the church's structure to a computer system, with hardware representing our unchanging theology, firmware as our vision, and software as our ministry. Just as software can become buggy and need a reset, our ministry must align with God's blueprint. We are called to preach, teach, and make disciples, ensuring that our actions reflect the purpose Jesus set for His church.
The importance of prayer and fasting was also discussed, as Jesus taught that some things can only be achieved through these spiritual disciplines. We were encouraged to participate in a corporate fast, seeking God's intervention in our lives and the lives of others.
Finally, we were reminded that our success is not measured by numbers but by obedience to God's will. Each of us has a unique field to harvest, and we must support one another in this great task. The call to go, preach, and make disciples is a collective mission, and we must be faithful in fulfilling it.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church as an Assembly of Believers: The church is not merely a building but an assembly of believers called out for God's purpose. This understanding shifts our focus from physical structures to the spiritual mission of gathering and serving as God's representatives on earth. We are called to be the ecclesia, a community set apart to fulfill God's will. [50:07]
2. The Primary Mission: Go and Preach: Jesus' command to "go into all the world and preach the gospel" is the church's primary mission. This involves reaching out beyond our comfort zones, both locally and globally, to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to be proactive in evangelism, understanding that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. [55:06]
3. Prayer and Fasting as Spiritual Disciplines: Jesus taught that some breakthroughs can only be achieved through prayer and fasting. These spiritual disciplines are essential for seeking God's intervention and aligning our hearts with His will. As a church, we are called to fast and pray corporately, believing that God will move powerfully in response to our collective faith. [34:39]
4. Obedience Over Numbers: Success in God's eyes is measured by our obedience to His will, not by the number of people we attract. The church's mission is to faithfully preach the gospel and make disciples, trusting that God will bring the increase. Our focus should be on being faithful stewards of the message entrusted to us. [12:57]
5. Supporting One Another in the Harvest: Each believer has a unique field to harvest, and we must support one another in this task. Just as farmers help each other during harvest time, the church must work together, recognizing that we all have different roles but share the same mission. This unity and mutual support are vital for the church to fulfill its calling effectively. [17:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:32] - Worship and Praise
[10:32] - Prayer for Transformation
[11:42] - Seeking God's Presence
[12:42] - Jesus, Move in Our Lives
[13:39] - Gratitude for Forgiveness
[14:33] - Entering the House of the Holy One
[15:22] - Freely Entering God's Presence
[16:49] - Thanking Jesus for the Cross
[18:44] - Slowing Down for Worship
[19:56] - Jesus, Our All in All
[21:10] - Lifting Up His Name
[22:46] - Greeting and Announcements
[33:16] - Preparing for the Chandler Bible Conference
[34:39] - The Importance of Prayer and Fasting
[36:06] - Encouragement to Fast
[37:24] - Upcoming Events and Outreach
[38:42] - Volunteering for Community Events
[40:01] - Receiving Tithes and Offerings
[42:48] - Gratitude for Generosity
[43:53] - The Importance of Last Words
[44:57] - The Church's Blueprint
[45:50] - Understanding the Church's Structure
[46:33] - Aligning Ministry with God's Vision
[47:25] - Preaching the Gospel
[48:23] - Praying for God's Guidance
[49:08] - The Meaning of Ekklesia
[50:07] - The Church as an Assembly
[51:49] - The Indestructible Church
[53:28] - Called Out for a Higher Purpose
[55:06] - The Mission to Go and Preach
[57:02] - Reaching All Nations
[58:35] - Local and Global Evangelism
[01:00:15] - The Role of the Church in Evangelism
[01:01:56] - The Scope of Our Calling
[01:03:36] - Your Workplace as a Mission Field
[01:05:19] - The Good News of the Gospel
[01:06:59] - Opportunities to Preach
[01:08:24] - Personal Testimonies
[01:09:54] - Commissioning Believers
[01:11:28] - The Harvest is Ready
[01:12:57] - Obedience Over Numbers
[01:14:41] - Empowered for Miracles
[01:16:33] - Different Fields, Same Seed
[01:17:59] - Supporting One Another
[01:19:15] - Making Disciples
[01:20:47] - Embracing New Believers
[01:22:28] - Responding to God's Call
[01:24:07] - The Need for Repentance
[01:25:22] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:26:44] - Finding Your Place in the Church
[01:29:48] - Praying for Empowerment
[01:31:53] - Receiving the Holy Spirit
[01:33:28] - Encouragement for New Believers
[01:34:58] - The Strength of Community
[01:36:06] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 16:15-16: "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'"
2. Matthew 28:19-20: "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. John 4:35: "Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the primary mission Jesus gave to His disciples in Mark 16:15-16?
2. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the two main actions Jesus commands His followers to do?
3. In John 4:35, what does Jesus say about the timing of the harvest and what does this imply about the urgency of the mission?
4. How does the analogy of the church's structure to a computer system help us understand the different aspects of church ministry? [45:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus' command to "go and preach" includes all the world and every creature? How does this shape our understanding of the church's mission? [55:06]
2. What does the practice of prayer and fasting, as mentioned in the sermon, reveal about the spiritual disciplines necessary for the church's mission? [34:39]
3. How does the concept of the church as an "assembly of believers" (ekklesia) challenge the traditional view of the church as merely a building? [50:07]
4. What does it mean for the church to measure success by obedience rather than numbers, and how can this perspective impact our approach to ministry? [12:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of the church's mission. How can you actively participate in "going and preaching" the gospel in your daily life? [55:06]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer and fasting for spiritual breakthroughs. Have you ever participated in a corporate fast? If not, what might be a first step for you to engage in this spiritual discipline? [34:39]
3. How can you shift your focus from viewing the church as a building to seeing it as a community of believers with a shared mission? What practical steps can you take to foster this mindset in your local church? [50:07]
4. Think about a time when you measured success by numbers rather than obedience. How did that affect your actions and mindset? How can you realign your perspective to prioritize obedience to God's will? [12:57]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you can support another believer in their "field of harvest." How can you offer practical help and encouragement to them this week? [17:59]
6. The sermon mentioned that each believer has a unique field to harvest. What is your unique field, and how can you be more intentional about reaching out to those within it? [17:59]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of making disciples into your daily routine? Identify one person you can mentor or disciple and plan a specific action to take this week. [01:19:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Living Assembly
The church is not merely a physical structure but a living assembly of believers called out for God's purpose. This understanding shifts our focus from buildings to the spiritual mission of gathering and serving as God's representatives on earth. The term "ecclesia" refers to a community set apart to fulfill God's will, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective purpose. As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, working together to advance His kingdom and make His love known to the world. This perspective encourages us to see the church as a dynamic, living organism that thrives on the active participation and spiritual growth of its members. [50:07]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the church's mission as a living assembly of believers this week? What specific actions can you take to serve and support your church community?
Day 2: The Mission to Go and Preach
Jesus' command to "go into all the world and preach the gospel" is the church's primary mission. This involves reaching out beyond our comfort zones, both locally and globally, to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to be proactive in evangelism, understanding that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. This mission requires us to be intentional in our efforts to spread the gospel, recognizing that every believer has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. By embracing this mission, we align ourselves with God's heart for the lost and become vessels of His transformative power in the world. [55:06]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you step out of your comfort zone to share the good news of Jesus with them this week?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer and Fasting
Jesus taught that some breakthroughs can only be achieved through prayer and fasting. These spiritual disciplines are essential for seeking God's intervention and aligning our hearts with His will. As a church, we are called to fast and pray corporately, believing that God will move powerfully in response to our collective faith. Prayer and fasting help us to focus on God's presence, seek His guidance, and intercede for others. By dedicating time to these practices, we open ourselves to deeper spiritual growth and greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading. [34:39]
Isaiah 58:6 (ESV): "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?"
Reflection: What specific breakthrough are you seeking in your life or the life of someone else? How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your routine this week to seek God's intervention?
Day 4: Obedience Over Numbers
Success in God's eyes is measured by our obedience to His will, not by the number of people we attract. The church's mission is to faithfully preach the gospel and make disciples, trusting that God will bring the increase. Our focus should be on being faithful stewards of the message entrusted to us, rather than being driven by metrics or popularity. This perspective helps us to remain humble and reliant on God's power, recognizing that true success is found in our faithfulness to His calling. By prioritizing obedience, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience the joy of serving Him wholeheartedly. [12:57]
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: In what areas of your life are you tempted to measure success by worldly standards? How can you shift your focus to prioritize obedience to God's will?
Day 5: Supporting One Another in the Harvest
Each believer has a unique field to harvest, and we must support one another in this task. Just as farmers help each other during harvest time, the church must work together, recognizing that we all have different roles but share the same mission. This unity and mutual support are vital for the church to fulfill its calling effectively. By encouraging and uplifting one another, we create a strong, cohesive community that reflects God's love and advances His kingdom. Supporting each other in our individual callings helps us to achieve greater impact and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose within the church. [17:59]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you support this week? What practical steps can you take to encourage and assist them in their ministry or personal walk with God?
Quotes
1. "We don't want to leave this morning till we're changed. We don't want to leave till we're changed. Here in our hearts, Lord. Lord, have your way. No, we don't want to leave. We don't want to leave till we're changed. Come on, make it the prayer of your heart. Lord, have your way." [11:42] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus, we're alive to glorify your name. Let your spirit rise among us now as we sing. Jesus, move. Oh, yes, we need him to move in this place, Jesus, move. Oh, sing, we don't want to leave this morning till we're changed. We don't want to leave till we're changed. Here in our hearts, Lord. Lord, have your way." [12:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Even when we turn our backs on you, wickedness and lies suppress your truth, even then you showed your love for us, giving up your life. So we thank you. And Jesus, thank you for the cross, for the blood that sets us free, crimson stain of all our sin. Washed away in your mercy." [16:49] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the desert, you're the river, an ever-flowing stream of light. In the battle, you're the victor, we raise your banner. Yes, we do. In the darkness, you're the fire, a holy flame for all. To sing. In my heart, you reign forever. My all, my everything." [19:56] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus said, I will build my church. And if Jesus is the Lord of his church, then that means Jesus is the Lord of his church. Jesus has the authority to tell us what we're supposed to be doing. Is that true? And if we ever are confused about what is the purpose for the church, this scripture, along with some others that we're going to look at today, these are the blueprint for the design of the church." [43:53] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The church is not a building. We have to break our mentality. It's not only the building. Yes, it's a place where we gather for worship, but the true meaning, the biblical meaning of the word church, what Jesus was referring to when he said, I will build my church. I will build my assembly. I will build my congregation. I will build my people who are called out from the world and called together for my purpose." [53:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The primary call is the first word. He told them, go. Everybody say the word, go. Go. But what would we like to do? Stay. We like to be comfortable, right? And so going has the intention of getting up from where you are and going to another place. That can be a physical calling to go. In our fellowship, we believe in sending out couples. That's very difficult. That's expensive. That is not comfortable." [55:06] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The scope of this calling is not just our friends, family. The scope is not just our neighborhood and community. Our scope is the ends of the earth, every nation, tribe, and tongue. There's no room for us to pick and choose our favorite people. There's no room for us to choose which people that are more like us or closer to our skin color or closer to our culture. No, the calling is to all the world." [01:01:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus did not say build a lot of buildings. Jesus did not say start a lot of Christian bands and have a lot of Christian concerts. Jesus did not say decorate your meeting place with inspirational slogans. Jesus didn't. There's a lot of things Jesus did not say, but we know what Jesus did say. He said, go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone." [01:01:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The church is called to supernatural action. God's answer for the lost multitudes is not a slick concert. It's not a smoke machine and moving lights. God's answer to a lost and broken world is preaching. And can I just remind you, preaching is not just for pastors and evangelists. There are some who are gifted for preaching, who have a supernatural gift from God for preaching." [01:05:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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