Empowered to Reach the Nations with the Gospel

Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the profound theme of our gathering: the world and its nations. We are here because we believe in the authority of God's Word, and we seek to understand our role in His global mission. Tonight, we delve into the heart of missions, exploring the call to reach the nations with the Gospel. This is not just a task for a select few but a divine mandate for all believers. We are reminded of the compassion of Jesus, who went through towns and villages, moved by the plight of the people, and called for workers to be sent into the harvest field.

The challenge before us is immense, yet it is not insurmountable. We are called to be witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. This call is not limited to those who feel like leaders; it is for everyone who follows Christ. We must embrace the hard truths of the Gospel, not just the comforting parts, and be willing to engage with the suffering and the lost.

Our mission is to preach where Christ is not known, to build on new foundations, and to reach the unreached. This is a call to action, a call to prayer, and a call to commitment. We must pray for workers, support missions, and consider our own role in God's global plan. Whether we are called to stay and build on existing foundations or to go to the regions beyond, we must be faithful to the call.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The authority of God's Word is central to our lives and missions. We must allow it to guide us as we engage with the world and its challenges, seeking to bring the light of the Gospel to all nations. [02:45]
• 2. Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless calls us to action. We are to pray for workers and be willing to be sent into the harvest field, recognizing the urgency of the mission. [10:15]
• 3. The call to be witnesses is for all believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are to reach our local communities and the ends of the earth, embracing the full scope of the Great Commission. [14:36]
• 4. Building on new foundations is a biblical mandate. While some are called to strengthen existing churches, others are called to pioneer new works where Christ is not known. Both are essential to the growth of the Church. [16:00]
• 5. The global mission requires a commitment to prayer, learning, and action. We must engage with people of different backgrounds, support missions, and consider our own calling in God's plan. [13:26]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:17] - Opening Prayer
• [03:18] - Book Recommendations
• [05:23] - Leadership in God's Work
• [06:52] - Embracing the Hard Truths
• [09:24] - Jesus' Compassion and Call
• [10:30] - Personal Testimony
• [12:06] - Reaching Diverse Communities
• [13:43] - Praying for Workers
• [14:36] - The Great Commission
• [16:00] - Building on New Foundations
• [17:50] - Engaging with Missionary Work
• [20:01] - The Call to the Nations
• [22:19] - The Great Commission Revisited
• [25:01] - The Top Ten Unreached Nations

1. Matthew 9:35-38
2. Acts 1:8
3. Romans 15:20

1. In Matthew 9:35-38, what actions did Jesus take as He went through the towns and villages? How did He respond to the crowds He encountered? [09:44]
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is promised to believers when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what are they called to do as a result? [14:16]
3. Romans 15:20 mentions Paul's ambition in his ministry. What was his specific goal, and how does it relate to the concept of building on new foundations? [16:00]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of reaching the unreached and building on new foundations. What examples were given to illustrate this call to action? [16:46]

1. How does Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless in Matthew 9:35-38 challenge believers to engage with the suffering and the lost in their own communities? [09:58]
2. Acts 1:8 speaks of being witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. How can this progression be understood in the context of a believer's personal mission field? [14:36]
3. Romans 15:20 highlights Paul's desire to preach where Christ is not known. What might this look like in today's context, and how can believers discern if they are called to such a mission? [16:00]
4. The sermon mentioned the need for both building on existing foundations and pioneering new works. How can a church balance these two aspects of mission work effectively? [17:04]

1. Reflect on Jesus' compassion in Matthew 9:35-38. How can you cultivate a similar compassion for those around you who are harassed and helpless? What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone in need? [09:58]
2. Acts 1:8 calls believers to be witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. Identify one area in your local community where you can be a witness for Christ. What specific action will you take to engage with this area? [14:36]
3. Consider the call to build on new foundations as mentioned in Romans 15:20. Is there a group or community in your area that remains unreached by the Gospel? How can you or your small group begin to engage with them? [16:00]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer in missions. How can you incorporate regular prayer for workers and unreached nations into your daily routine? What resources or tools might help you stay committed to this practice? [13:43]
5. Reflect on the idea of being part of God's global mission. What is one way you can support missions, either locally or globally, through your time, resources, or skills? [20:01]
6. The sermon mentioned the need to embrace the hard truths of the Gospel. What is one challenging aspect of the Gospel that you find difficult to accept or share? How can you seek understanding and courage in this area? [06:52]
7. Identify a personal role you might play in God's global plan. Whether it's through prayer, financial support, or direct involvement, what is one step you can take this month to align with this calling? [20:54]