Empowered to Share: God's Mission in Our Lives
Summary
Today, we reflected on the incredible privilege and responsibility we have to participate in God’s mission to seek and save the lost, both near and far. Drawing from personal experiences in Bible translation among the Zapotec people of southern Mexico, we saw how God multiplies even our smallest offerings—like five loaves and two fish—when we offer them in faith. The ongoing translation work is a testament to the perseverance and faithfulness required to bring the Word of God to communities who have faced spiritual and social opposition, yet continue to hunger for the Scriptures in their own language.
We also considered the growing opportunities right here in our own neighborhoods, especially in multicultural cities like Toronto, where thousands speak languages other than English or French. The call to make disciples of all nations is not reserved for those who travel overseas; it is for each of us, wherever we are. Welcoming newcomers, befriending those from different backgrounds, and showing Christ’s hospitality in everyday interactions are practical ways to live out this calling.
A key practice we explored is “story weaving”—the art of listening deeply to others’ stories, sharing our own journey with Jesus, and connecting these stories to Scripture in a way that is timely and relevant. This approach is neither formulaic nor intimidating, but rather a flexible, Spirit-led way to bring Jesus into our daily conversations. Through a demonstration, we saw how a simple workplace conversation can become a space for spiritual connection and transformation.
Jesus modeled radical hospitality, reaching out to those on the margins—outsiders, foreigners, and even those considered enemies. His ministry reminds us that God’s heart is for all nations, and that healing, salvation, and welcome are extended to everyone, regardless of background. We are invited to join in this mission through prayer, giving, and practical involvement—whether by using apps to pray for our neighbors, supporting ministries financially, or participating in training like Story Weavers, Kairos, or Empowered to Influence.
Ultimately, the invitation is to see ourselves as workers in God’s harvest field, empowered by the Spirit to make disciples who make disciples, wherever God has placed us. May we listen well, love deeply, and courageously share the hope of Christ in word and deed.
Key Takeaways
- God Multiplies Our Small Offerings
When we bring what little we have—our time, gifts, or resources—God is able to multiply them far beyond what we could imagine. The ongoing Bible translation work among the Zapotec people began with a small, faithful team, yet it continues to impact thousands. Our willingness to offer what we have, even if it feels insignificant, is what God uses to bring His Word and love to those who need it most. [48:37]
- Welcoming Mindset as Missional Living
Hospitality is more than inviting people into our homes; it is a posture of welcome in every interaction, especially with those who are different from us. In a city filled with newcomers and diverse languages, a welcoming attitude opens doors for friendship, trust, and ultimately, the sharing of the gospel. This mindset reflects the heart of Christ, who welcomed outsiders and made space for all at His table. [59:53]
- Story Weaving: Connecting Lives to Scripture
Story weaving is a practical and Spirit-led way to bring Jesus into everyday conversations. By listening to others’ stories, sharing our own, and connecting these to relevant passages of Scripture, we create space for genuine spiritual dialogue. This approach moves us beyond rigid formulas and helps us meet people where they are, making the gospel accessible and personal. [01:01:36]
- The Universal Call to Make Disciples
The Great Commission is not a special assignment for a select few, but a call for every believer. Each of us, regardless of our vocation or background, is sent to make disciples—across the street or around the world. Embracing our role as part of the priesthood of all believers means using our unique gifts and spheres of influence to participate in God’s redemptive work. [01:03:39]
- Practical Steps to Engage in God’s Mission
There are tangible ways to join in God’s mission: praying for specific people and people groups using tools like Pray for Seven or Pray for the Nations, giving to support workers and ministries, and participating in training like Story Weavers, Kairos, or Empowered to Influence. These steps help us move from intention to action, equipping us to be effective witnesses and disciple-makers in our communities and beyond. [01:23:02]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[07:29] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[48:37] - Bible Translation in Southern Mexico
[55:16] - New Translation Projects in North America
[59:53] - Welcoming Mindset and Diaspora Ministry
[01:01:36] - Story Weaving: Sharing Faith in Conversation
[01:03:39] - The Universal Call to Make Disciples
[01:05:25] - Practical Demonstration: Faith Conversations at Work
[01:07:29] - Encouragement to Love More and More
[01:10:14] - Sharing Personal Testimony
[01:12:40] - Sharing the Story of Zacchaeus
[01:17:37] - Reflecting on Jesus’ Welcoming Nature
[01:20:34] - Jesus’ Ministry to Outsiders
[01:23:02] - Practical Tools: Apps and Prayer Initiatives
[01:24:44] - Giving and Supporting Local Ministries
[01:27:08] - Story Weavers and Global Impact
[01:28:57] - Training Opportunities: Kairos and Empowered to Influence
[01:31:15] - Closing Invitation and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
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.”
Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)
> He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 10:2-3 (ESV)
> And he said to them, “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. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), what actions did Jesus take to show hospitality and welcome to someone considered an outsider?
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific instructions Jesus gives to his followers regarding making disciples?
3. The sermon described the ongoing Bible translation work among the Zapotec people. What challenges did the translators face, and what kept them going? [[48:37]]
4. What is the “story weaving” approach described in the sermon, and how does it differ from more formulaic ways of sharing faith? [[01:01:36]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to stay at Zacchaeus’ house, even though it caused others to grumble? What does this reveal about Jesus’ priorities? [[01:12:40]]
2. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is often seen as a call for missionaries. According to the sermon, how is this command meant for every believer, not just a select few? [[01:03:39]]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of a “welcoming mindset” as part of missional living. How might this mindset change the way we interact with people from different backgrounds in our daily lives? [[59:53]]
4. The “story weaving” method involves listening to others’ stories and connecting them to Scripture. Why might this approach be more effective in today’s multicultural and diverse settings? [[01:01:36]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon shared how God multiplies even our smallest offerings, like time or resources, when we offer them in faith. What is one “small” thing you could offer to God this week, trusting Him to use it? [[48:37]]
2. Think about your neighborhood, workplace, or school. Who is someone from a different background or culture that you could intentionally welcome or befriend this month? What practical step could you take to show Christ’s hospitality? [[59:53]]
3. Have you ever felt intimidated or unsure about sharing your faith? How might the “story weaving” approach help you feel more comfortable starting spiritual conversations? [[01:01:36]]
4. Jesus reached out to people on the margins—outsiders, foreigners, and even enemies. Is there someone in your life who feels like an outsider? What would it look like to extend Jesus’ welcome to them? [[01:20:34]]
5. The sermon mentioned using tools like prayer apps or supporting ministries as practical ways to join God’s mission. Which of these steps could you try this week—praying for a specific person, giving, or signing up for a training? [[01:23:02]]
6. The speaker shared a personal story of being an outsider and how meeting Jesus changed their response to difficult situations. Can you think of a time when your faith changed how you responded to a challenge? How could you share that story with someone else? [[01:10:14]]
7. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples “as we go.” What is one way you can be more intentional about making disciples in your everyday routines—at home, at work, or in your community? [[01:03:39]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission: Every Believer is Sent
Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” is not reserved for a select few, but is a call for every follower of Christ, wherever they are. This commission invites each person to use their unique gifts and spheres of influence—whether across the street or around the world—to share the love and message of Jesus. The promise that Jesus is with us “to the very end of the age” assures us that we are never alone in this mission. Obedience to this call transforms ordinary moments and relationships into opportunities for God’s kingdom to grow, reminding us that disciple-making is a daily, intentional part of our lives. [01:01:36]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: Who is one person in your daily life—at work, in your neighborhood, or elsewhere—whom you sense God prompting you to reach out to with intentional love or a spiritual conversation this week?
Day 2: Jesus Welcomes the Outcast
Jesus models radical hospitality by seeking out and welcoming those who are marginalized, misunderstood, or rejected by society. The story of Zacchaeus shows how Jesus not only notices the outsider but invites himself into their life, offering acceptance and transformation. This kind of welcome is not passive; it is active, personal, and transformative, breaking down barriers and restoring dignity. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody this same welcoming spirit, seeing people as God sees them and extending grace to those who may feel far from God or community. [01:17:37]
Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)
He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Reflection: Who in your life or community might feel like an outsider, and what is one practical way you can extend a personal welcome or invitation to them this week?
Day 3: God’s Heart for All Nations
From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus made it clear that God’s love and healing are for all people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or status. By highlighting stories like the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian, Jesus challenged cultural boundaries and demonstrated that God’s grace reaches beyond the familiar and comfortable. This inclusive vision calls us to broaden our own perspective, to pray for, befriend, and serve those from every nation and language, both near and far, as a reflection of God’s global heart. [01:20:34]
Luke 4:25-27 (ESV)
But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to learn about, pray for, or connect with someone from a different culture or background in your city?
Day 4: Story-Weaving: Sharing Faith Through Listening and Connection
Sharing the gospel is not about following a rigid formula, but about listening deeply to others’ stories, connecting authentically, and weaving in God’s story in a way that is timely and relevant. By practicing “story weaving,” you can meet people where they are, honor their experiences, and share your testimony and scripture in a way that resonates with their hopes and struggles. This approach makes spiritual conversations natural and relational, empowering you to be a bridge between God’s love and the real needs of those around you. [01:10:14]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV)
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where someone shared a struggle or hope—how could you have gently woven in a part of your faith story or a scripture that speaks to their situation?
Day 5: Praying and Partnering for the Harvest
The call to make disciples includes praying for God to send workers into the harvest and being willing to be part of the answer to that prayer. Whether through prayer, giving, or direct involvement, every believer can play a role in reaching those who have not yet heard or understood the gospel—locally and globally. By intentionally praying for specific people and people groups, supporting ministries, and seeking ways to serve, you join in God’s mission to seek and save the lost, trusting that your small acts of faithfulness can have a multiplied impact. [01:23:02]
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 are seven people or one unreached people group you can commit to pray for daily this week, and how might you take a step to support or encourage someone serving among them?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 09, 2022. Do you have any questions about it?