Empowered Witnesses: Local and Global Mission Commitment
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered to celebrate the Steins and the Justices, two missionary families who have been integral parts of our church community. We praised God for their dedication and the opportunities they have to spread the gospel in Peru and Togo. We also reflected on the significant transition in the ministry of the Holy Spirit from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals for specific tasks, but after Jesus' resurrection, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers to empower them to be witnesses for Christ.
In Acts 1, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would give them the power to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This commission is not just for missionaries abroad but for all of us in our local communities. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, sharing the gospel with those around us.
We also highlighted the various ways our church supports missions, such as the BRICK ministry, which helps with building projects for missionaries. This year, we have been particularly blessed to support the Justices in Togo, helping them build a well for their community. As we send them off, we are reminded of our own responsibility to be missionaries in our local context.
We concluded with a time of prayer for the Steins and the Justices, asking for God's protection, provision, and blessing on their ministries. We also prayed for our church, that we would remain faithful in our support and encouragement of all our missionaries. As we recommit ourselves to being witnesses for Christ, we look forward to the fruit that will come from our collective efforts to spread the gospel.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit's Empowerment: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses for Christ. This empowerment is not just for specific tasks but for our daily lives, enabling us to share the gospel with those around us. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of our mission to spread the good news. [28:00]
2. Local and Global Missions: While supporting missionaries abroad is crucial, we must not neglect our responsibility to be witnesses in our local communities. The Great Commission starts at home, in our Jerusalem, and extends to the ends of the earth. We are accountable for how we share the gospel in our immediate surroundings. [41:06]
3. Practical Support for Missions: Our church's BRICK ministry exemplifies practical support for missions. By using our skills and resources to assist missionaries with building projects, we contribute to the spread of the gospel in tangible ways. This hands-on involvement strengthens our connection to the global mission field. [29:25]
4. The Importance of Community: The relationships we build with missionaries, like the Steins and the Justices, enrich our church community. These connections remind us that we are part of a larger family of believers working together to fulfill God's mission. Supporting each other in prayer and practical ways strengthens our collective witness. [31:39]
5. Personal Accountability: We are personally accountable for our witness. Just as we expect missionaries to actively share the gospel, we must hold ourselves to the same standard. Our daily interactions and lifestyle should reflect our commitment to Christ and His mission. [42:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:44] - The Holy Spirit's Transition
[28:00] - Empowerment for Witnessing
[29:25] - BRICK Ministry and Missions
[31:39] - Celebrating the Justices
[41:06] - Local and Global Missions
[42:37] - Personal Accountability
[44:00] - Prayer and Commitment
[44:52] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:4-8 (ESV)
> "And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instruction did Jesus give to His disciples in Acts 1:4-5?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples?
3. How does the sermon describe the transition of the Holy Spirit's ministry from the Old Testament to the New Testament? [26:44]
4. What are some ways our church supports missions, as mentioned in the sermon? [29:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission? [28:00]
2. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 relate to our daily lives as believers?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of being witnesses in our local communities. How does this align with the Great Commission in Acts 1:8? [41:06]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between practical support for missions and the spread of the gospel? [29:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel. How did that experience impact you and those around you? [28:00]
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of being witnesses in our local communities. What are some specific ways you can share the gospel in your daily life? [41:06]
3. Our church supports missions through practical means like the BRICK ministry. How can you use your skills and resources to support missions, both locally and globally? [29:25]
4. The relationships we build with missionaries enrich our church community. How can you personally support and encourage missionaries, like the Steins and the Justices, in their work? [31:39]
5. The sermon calls us to be personally accountable for our witness. What steps can you take to ensure that your daily interactions and lifestyle reflect your commitment to Christ and His mission? [42:37]
6. Think about the Justices' work in Togo and the well project. How can you get involved in similar projects that meet practical needs while spreading the gospel? [32:37]
7. As we recommit ourselves to being witnesses for Christ, what specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with someone in your local community? [44:00]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Daily Witness
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses for Christ. This empowerment is not just for specific tasks but for our daily lives, enabling us to share the gospel with those around us. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of our mission to spread the good news. [28:00]
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals for specific tasks, such as leading the people of Israel or prophesying. However, after Jesus' resurrection, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers, empowering them to be witnesses for Christ in their daily lives. This shift signifies that every believer now has the power and responsibility to share the gospel, not just those in formal ministry roles. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of our mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in our daily interactions. This means that our words, actions, and attitudes should reflect the love and truth of the gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out this calling, giving us the courage and wisdom to share our faith with those around us. Whether we are at work, school, or in our neighborhoods, we have the opportunity to be a light for Christ, pointing others to Him through our lives.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Think of a specific situation in your daily life where you can be a witness for Christ. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in that situation?
### Day 2: The Great Commission Starts at Home
While supporting missionaries abroad is crucial, we must not neglect our responsibility to be witnesses in our local communities. The Great Commission starts at home, in our Jerusalem, and extends to the ends of the earth. We are accountable for how we share the gospel in our immediate surroundings. [41:06]
The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, calls us to make disciples of all nations. However, this mission begins in our own communities. We are called to be witnesses for Christ in our local context, sharing the gospel with our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. This local mission is just as important as supporting missionaries abroad, as it lays the foundation for a global impact.
Being a witness in our local community means being intentional about building relationships and sharing the love of Christ with those around us. It involves being aware of the needs and opportunities in our immediate surroundings and responding with the gospel. As we faithfully witness in our local context, we contribute to the larger mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Identify one person in your local community who needs to hear the gospel. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them and share the love of Christ?
### Day 3: Practical Support for Missions
Our church's BRICK ministry exemplifies practical support for missions. By using our skills and resources to assist missionaries with building projects, we contribute to the spread of the gospel in tangible ways. This hands-on involvement strengthens our connection to the global mission field. [29:25]
Supporting missions is not limited to financial contributions or prayer, although these are essential. Practical support, such as using our skills and resources to assist missionaries, is another vital aspect of mission work. The BRICK ministry in our church is a prime example of this. By helping with building projects for missionaries, we provide them with the necessary infrastructure to carry out their ministry effectively.
This hands-on involvement not only meets practical needs but also strengthens our connection to the global mission field. It allows us to see firsthand the impact of our support and to build relationships with the missionaries we assist. As we use our skills and resources to support missions, we become active participants in the spread of the gospel.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What skills or resources do you have that could be used to support missions? How can you get involved in practical support for missionaries?
### Day 4: The Importance of Community
The relationships we build with missionaries, like the Steins and the Justices, enrich our church community. These connections remind us that we are part of a larger family of believers working together to fulfill God's mission. Supporting each other in prayer and practical ways strengthens our collective witness. [31:39]
Building relationships with missionaries is an essential aspect of our church community. These connections remind us that we are part of a larger family of believers, all working together to fulfill God's mission. The Steins and the Justices, two missionary families we celebrated, are integral parts of our church community. Their dedication and work in Peru and Togo inspire and challenge us to be faithful in our own witness.
Supporting missionaries through prayer and practical ways strengthens our collective witness. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose as we work together to spread the gospel. These relationships also provide opportunities for mutual encouragement and growth, as we learn from each other's experiences and insights.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you build a stronger relationship with a missionary or missionary family? What practical steps can you take to support and encourage them?
### Day 5: Personal Accountability in Our Witness
We are personally accountable for our witness. Just as we expect missionaries to actively share the gospel, we must hold ourselves to the same standard. Our daily interactions and lifestyle should reflect our commitment to Christ and His mission. [42:37]
As believers, we are personally accountable for our witness. This means that we must actively share the gospel in our daily lives, just as we expect missionaries to do in their contexts. Our words, actions, and attitudes should reflect our commitment to Christ and His mission. This personal accountability challenges us to be intentional about living out our faith and sharing the good news with those around us.
Our daily interactions provide numerous opportunities to be witnesses for Christ. Whether we are at work, school, or in our neighborhoods, we can share the love and truth of the gospel through our words and actions. By holding ourselves to the same standard we expect of missionaries, we contribute to the spread of the gospel and fulfill our calling as witnesses for Christ.
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: Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel in your words and actions? What changes can you make to ensure your lifestyle reflects your commitment to Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "He had told his disciples that he was going to go away and it was needful that he go away and that he was going to send the comforter to come and after his resurrection he had told the disciples that their job was to go and make disciples they were to go and preach the gospel to every creature in the world and disciple them." [26:44] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit has come into our life to give us the power and enable us to be able to be his witnesses here in this life. And he tells us there that we're to be witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth." [28:00] (-28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have been given the commission by God, by the Lord himself, that we're to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. Now we do that in many different ways. One of the big ways that we do it here is we have what we call the brick ministry." [29:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The reality is, we have been commanded to be witnesses of Jesus Christ right where we are. You know, it would be something if we heard back from the justices of four years from now and we said, hey, how many people got saved? Well, none. Well, how many people did you share the gospel with? Well, none." [41:58] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We all have people in our lives and we come across people on a daily basis that we're responsible for to share the gospel. And, you know, as I think about the Steins and the Justices and so many like them, what an encouragement that is to me, but a challenge to be the missionary, to be the witness, the evangelist that I'm supposed to be here and now." [43:41] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "One of the biggest transitions at this time in scripture is the ministry of the holy spirit and so if you don't know in the old testament the holy spirit came upon people for a specific task or purpose but in the end after jesus resurrection he and well during his ministry he had told his disciples that he was going to go away and it was needful that he go away and that he was going to send the comforter to come." [26:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament would come upon people for a specific purpose and tonight I want to remind you for those of us that are Christians the Holy Spirit has come upon us for a specific purpose if you'll notice in that verse what he says you will receive the Holy Ghost and ye shall be what here's what your purpose is you're to be witnesses for me." [28:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We get the wonderful privilege of working with our missionaries. But the primary way that we have an opportunity to take the gospel is through missionaries like the Steins who go to Peru and missionaries that we have dozens of projects and missionaries that we support around the world." [30:37] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes it's easy for us as Christians to send our missions work across the seas and to say, oh yeah, we support the gospel and we support the ministry and because we give money to people that are going overseas and to foreign lands. And we should do that. And we need to do it even more as the gospel needs to go forth." [41:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But the reality is we've been called to be witnesses. We all have people in our lives and we come across people on a daily basis that we're responsible for to share the gospel. And, you know, as I think about the Steins and the Justices and so many like them, what an encouragement that is to me, but a challenge to be the missionary, to be the witness, the evangelist that I'm supposed to be here and now." [43:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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