Empowered to Share: Our Divine Commission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Limitless Church! Today, we gathered with great expectation, bringing all our weekly burdens to Jesus and shouting His name over every aspect of our lives. We welcomed our first-time visitors, emphasizing that their presence here is no accident but a divine appointment. We celebrated the generosity of our church community, which has enabled us to complete significant projects like our new roof. We also highlighted upcoming events, including the National Day of Praise and Worship and the Limitless Deep Dive, designed to deepen our community and faith.
We continued our series, "Limitless Edition," focusing on what it means to be a believer at Limitless Church. We recapped the previous weeks: taking ownership of our faith, the importance of being in the room, giving generously, and serving passionately. Today, we added the final pillar: being sent to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. We explored Mark 16:14-15, where Jesus commissions His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel. This is not just a suggestion but a divine mandate.
We discussed the importance of evangelism, defined as the visible and verbal declaration of Jesus' death and resurrection with the goal of converting the hearer to faith. We acknowledged the excuses we often make, such as not knowing enough or fearing rejection, and dismantled them with practical advice. We emphasized that our personal testimonies are powerful tools for evangelism. We also provided a simple ABC method for leading someone to Christ: Admit, Believe, and Confess.
We concluded by challenging everyone to think of one person who needs to hear the gospel and to pray for them. We symbolically brought these names to the cross, praying for their salvation. We were reminded that we are the church, uniquely positioned to share the gospel in our daily lives. The question remains: Will we go and fulfill our divine commission?
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Gathering in Expectation: When we come together in the room with a collective expectation, something unique happens. The presence of God meets us at our point of expectation, shifting our lives and circumstances. This gathering is not just a routine but a powerful encounter with God. [31:33]
2. Generosity Fuels God's Work: Our church's generosity has enabled us to complete significant projects, like our new roof. This generosity is a testament to our faith and trust in God to use our resources to fulfill His will and build His kingdom. It's a reminder that our giving is a seed that God multiplies for His glory. [35:25]
3. Evangelism is a Divine Mandate: Jesus' command to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. We are uniquely positioned to share the gospel in our families, workplaces, and communities. Our personal testimonies are powerful tools that can lead others to Christ. [47:59]
4. Overcoming Excuses in Evangelism: Common excuses like not knowing enough or fearing rejection can hinder us from sharing the gospel. However, our personal stories and a simple ABC method (Admit, Believe, Confess) can effectively lead someone to Christ. We are already equipped to share the gospel; we just need to be bold and take action. [55:54]
5. The Urgency of the Gospel: People are dying every day without knowing Jesus. We cannot let excuses stand in the way of sharing the gospel. The world spends billions pushing messages of death, while we have the message of life. We must be relentless in our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ. [01:01:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:33] - Welcoming First-Time Visitors
[32:50] - Connection Card Instructions
[34:04] - Transition to Giving
[35:25] - Celebrating Generosity
[36:42] - Ways to Give
[38:23] - National Day of Praise and Worship
[39:43] - Limitless Deep Dive
[41:01] - Praise and Worship Celebration
[42:33] - Introduction to Limitless Edition Series
[44:13] - Recap of Previous Weeks
[47:59] - Final Pillar: Sent to Proclaim the Gospel
[50:22] - Definition of Evangelism
[55:54] - Overcoming Excuses in Evangelism
[01:01:27] - The Urgency of the Gospel
[01:09:05] - ABC Method for Leading Someone to Christ
[01:20:05] - The Divine Commission
[01:23:04] - Practical Steps for Evangelism
[01:28:38] - Bringing Names to the Cross
[01:35:41] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:38:55] - Invitation for Salvation, Recommitment, and Prayer
[01:41:01] - Closing Remarks and Baptism Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 16:14-15: "Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"
2. 1 Peter 2:9: "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."
3. Romans 10:14-15: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His disciples in Mark 16:14-15? How does this relate to the concept of being "sent" as discussed in the sermon? [47:59]
2. According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are believers called to proclaim, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on evangelism? [52:39]
3. In Romans 10:14-15, what sequence of actions is described for someone to come to faith, and how does this passage support the sermon’s message about the urgency of sharing the gospel? [01:20:05]
4. What practical method did the pastor suggest for leading someone to Christ, and what does each step (A, B, C) stand for? [01:07:32]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the command to "go into all the world and proclaim the gospel" in Mark 16:14-15 considered a divine mandate rather than a suggestion? How does this affect the way believers should approach evangelism? [47:59]
2. How does 1 Peter 2:9’s description of believers as a "chosen race" and "royal priesthood" empower them to share the gospel? What responsibilities come with this identity? [52:39]
3. Romans 10:14-15 outlines a process for evangelism. What challenges might believers face in each step of this process, and how can they overcome them? [01:20:05]
4. The pastor mentioned common excuses for not evangelizing, such as fear of rejection or not knowing enough. How do these excuses compare to the urgency and responsibility highlighted in the sermon? [55:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the command in Mark 16:14-15. How can you personally respond to this mandate in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to share the gospel with someone? [47:59]
2. Considering 1 Peter 2:9, how can you live out your identity as a "chosen race" and "royal priesthood" in your workplace or community? What actions can you take to proclaim God’s excellencies? [52:39]
3. Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the need for preachers to be sent. How can you support or participate in sending others to share the gospel? Are there local or global missions you can get involved with? [01:20:05]
4. The pastor challenged the congregation to think of one person who needs to hear the gospel and to pray for them. Who is that person for you, and how will you approach sharing the gospel with them? [01:23:04]
5. The sermon discussed overcoming excuses in evangelism. What is one excuse you have used in the past, and how can you address it moving forward? What practical steps can you take to be more confident in sharing your faith? [55:54]
6. The ABC method (Admit, Believe, Confess) was presented as a simple way to lead someone to Christ. How comfortable are you with using this method, and what can you do to become more familiar with it? [01:07:32]
7. The pastor emphasized the urgency of the gospel, stating that people are dying every day without knowing Jesus. How does this urgency impact your perspective on evangelism? What immediate actions can you take to share the message of Jesus with those around you? [01:01:27]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Gathering in Expectation
When believers come together with a collective expectation, something unique and powerful happens. The presence of God meets them at their point of expectation, shifting lives and circumstances. This gathering is not just a routine but a powerful encounter with God. When we gather with the anticipation that God will move, we create an atmosphere where miracles can happen, hearts can be transformed, and burdens can be lifted. This is why it is essential to come to church not just out of habit but with a heart full of expectation, ready to experience God's presence in a profound way. [31:33]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: When you come to church, do you come with a heart full of expectation? How can you prepare yourself to encounter God in a powerful way the next time you gather with other believers?
Day 2: Generosity Fuels God's Work
Generosity is a testament to our faith and trust in God to use our resources to fulfill His will and build His kingdom. The generosity of a church community can enable significant projects and initiatives that further God's work. When we give, we plant seeds that God multiplies for His glory. This act of giving is not just about financial contributions but also about offering our time, talents, and resources to support the mission of the church. Our generosity reflects our commitment to God's work and our belief that He can do immeasurably more with what we offer. [35:25]
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more generous with your time, talents, and resources to support God's work? How can you trust God to multiply what you give for His glory?
Day 3: Evangelism is a Divine Mandate
Jesus' command to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. As believers, we are uniquely positioned to share the gospel in our families, workplaces, and communities. Our personal testimonies are powerful tools that can lead others to Christ. Evangelism is about the visible and verbal declaration of Jesus' death and resurrection with the goal of converting the hearer to faith. It is our responsibility to share this good news, knowing that we are fulfilling a divine commission given by Jesus Himself. [47:59]
Mark 16:15 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you take a step today to share your personal testimony or the good news of Jesus with them?
Day 4: Overcoming Excuses in Evangelism
Common excuses like not knowing enough or fearing rejection can hinder us from sharing the gospel. However, our personal stories and a simple ABC method (Admit, Believe, Confess) can effectively lead someone to Christ. We are already equipped to share the gospel; we just need to be bold and take action. Overcoming these excuses requires us to trust in God's power and guidance, knowing that He will give us the words to say and the courage to speak. By relying on our personal testimonies and the simplicity of the gospel message, we can confidently share our faith with others. [55:54]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: What excuses have you made for not sharing the gospel? How can you overcome these excuses and take a bold step to share your faith with someone today?
Day 5: The Urgency of the Gospel
People are dying every day without knowing Jesus. We cannot let excuses stand in the way of sharing the gospel. The world spends billions pushing messages of death, while we have the message of life. We must be relentless in our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The urgency of the gospel compels us to act now, knowing that every moment counts. We have the responsibility to share the message of salvation with those around us, understanding that their eternal destiny may depend on it. [01:01:27]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: Who is one person you know who needs to hear the gospel? How can you make it a priority to share the message of Jesus with them today, understanding the urgency of their need for salvation?
Quotes
1. "We believe that God has been working on your heart, that he has been working in your conversation, that he has even so much as worked your schedule to make sure that you were here for service this morning. We believe that there is something significant that God wants to do in your life, and that is why you're here today. And honestly, here at Limitless, we're just excited to be a part of that process." [31:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we get together in expectation of what God is going to do, when we bring all of the things that happen in the week, all the things that's happened in the upcoming week and we say, you know what, we're going to give it to Jesus and we get to scream Jesus over our friends, over our family, Jesus over our situation, Jesus over our finances, Jesus over our health and when we get together in expectation of that God does something amazing." [31:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "My desire is not for you to be a better church attender, okay? My desire is not for you to be a better church attender. My heart is for you to be a better follower of Jesus, okay? And for him to be glorified through your life. The vision of this church, to take the limits off of the way that people see Jesus, faith, and the church." [42:33] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "At Limitless, we believe that we are sent to tell others the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is our final pillar. At Limitless, we believe that we are sent to tell others the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ." [44:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are called higher. We are called higher. We are called to be an example and tell others about the sacrifice of Jesus and about the goodness of God. One of my favorite scriptures, 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 9. It says you are a chosen race. It says you are a royal. It says you are a priesthood, a consecrated nation." [52:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We encountered a love and a grace that transformed us and changed us forever. And now we are called to share that same transformation with others so they have an opportunity to encounter a love and a grace that they've never known. A lot of us, you know, we're like, hey, I made it. I got saved and we're excited. Hey, I got saved. Good. Good. Praise God. Praise God for that. You got saved." [53:44] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The reason that we don't cuss people out when they cut us off on Main Street is because we're trying to be an example. Because it's awkward if you cut somebody out and then you start talking to them about Jesus. The reason that we have peace in the midst of turmoil. The reason that we are not moved when things are going on around us. The reason that we walk in love. The reason that we walk in joy." [50:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We are walking around with life. We are walking around with living water next to people who are starving. And we refuse to give them the water. We have to get rid of the excuses. I got to go. I got to go. Excuses. We have to get rid of the excuses." [01:02:15] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The best evangelism tool that you have at your disposal is you. You are the best tool to lead somebody to Jesus. Your story, the things that God has brought you through. You know how much of a mess you was. Hallelujah. You know. You know. And you also know what God has done for you and how far he's brought you. He's brought you from where you used to be." [01:04:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The gospel is offensive. Preach it anyway. It is actually the offense that makes it the gospel because the world says, you know what? Do whatever you want to do. It don't matter. There's no consequences. Treat people how you want to. But Jesus says, no. He says, you put others before yourself. You treat others as better than you. You serve people. You love one another." [01:13:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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