Faith and Mission: Transforming Lives Through Unity

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared the profound journey of faith and mission that Sharon and I have been on, particularly focusing on our work with the Kuvale and Himba tribes in Angola. This mission, which began 12 years ago, has been a testament to the power of the five-fold ministry and the miraculous outcomes that occur when we operate in unity. Our journey into these remote areas, devoid of modern conveniences, was not just a physical expedition but a spiritual one, where we witnessed the transformative power of the gospel. The Kuvale and Himba tribes, despite having no written language or prior knowledge of God, responded to the message of Christ with overwhelming joy and acceptance, demonstrating that the gospel transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.

This mission is a reminder of the importance of faith, not just as a belief but as a powerful force that changes destinies. Faith is the key to accessing the inheritance that God has for us, and it is through faith that we can live above sin and walk in the fullness of God's promises. The early church understood this, and their doctrine was centered on righteousness by faith, grace, and redemption. These doctrines declare the completeness and holiness of our lives in Christ, urging us to live not by our works but by faith in the finished work of Jesus.

As we navigate our own lives, we are called to embrace this first-century gospel, which is not about our experiences or struggles but about the victory and identity we have in Christ. This faith is not passive; it is active and transformative, impacting not only our lives but the lives of those around us. We are invited to live in this reality, to be a blessing to others, and to walk in the power and authority that comes from being children of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of the five-fold ministry lies in its unity and diversity, bringing together apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to create a dynamic and effective team. This unity is like a "secret sauce" that leads to miracles and growth, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in ministry. [45:31]

- Faith is the only participation we can have in the work of redemption. It is not based on feelings or experiences but on the legal transaction that Jesus accomplished through His atonement. This faith allows us to access the inheritance and promises of God, transforming our lives and enabling us to live above sin. [01:13:03]

- The apostolic doctrines of righteousness, grace, and redemption emphasize the fullness and completeness of our lives in Christ. These doctrines declare that we are irreproachable, guiltless, and justified, urging us to live by faith and not by our works. This understanding changes our identity and empowers us to walk in victory. [01:17:21]

- The early church's message was one of completeness and fullness, focusing on the finished work of Christ rather than personal struggles or experiences. This perspective encourages us to look to Jesus and His declaration over us, rather than our circumstances, to overcome trials and live in the reality of our identity in Him. [01:24:09]

- Our faith in Christ is not just for personal benefit but is meant to bless others. As we walk in faith, we become conduits of God's blessing, impacting those around us and demonstrating the power of the gospel. This faith is not dependent on our abilities but on our reliance on God, allowing His power to work through us. [01:22:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:31] - Introduction to the Mission
[48:14] - Journey to the Tribes
[50:08] - The Power of the Gospel
[52:15] - Invitation to the Kingdom
[54:55] - Divine Appointments
[56:03] - Global Impact and Challenges
[57:24] - Faith and Global Events
[59:30] - Shared Faith and Responsibility
[01:00:37] - Personal Testimony of Faith
[01:03:01] - The First Century Gospel
[01:07:55] - Apostolic Doctrine of Righteousness
[01:13:03] - Faith as a Legal Transaction
[01:17:21] - Power and Redemption
[01:22:05] - Living in Faith and Blessing
[01:31:25] - Closing Prayer and Declaration

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:15-19 - This passage emphasizes faith in the Lord Jesus and the inheritance we have in Him, which aligns with the sermon’s focus on faith as a legal transaction and the completeness of our identity in Christ.
2. Mark 5:25-34 - The story of the woman with the issue of blood highlights the power of faith, which was a central theme in the sermon.
3. Romans 1:16-17 - This passage speaks to the righteousness that comes by faith, a key doctrine discussed in the sermon.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the five-fold ministry in the mission to the Kuvale and Himba tribes, and how did it contribute to the success of the mission? [45:31]
2. How did the Kuvale and Himba tribes respond to the gospel message, and what does this reveal about the power of the gospel? [50:08]
3. What role did faith play in the transformation of the Kuvale and Himba tribes, according to the sermon? [52:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and the inheritance we have in Christ? [01:16:11]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of faith as a legal transaction, and why is this important for understanding our identity in Christ? [01:13:03]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early church's understanding of righteousness by faith differs from modern interpretations? [01:07:55]
3. How does the sermon explain the transformative power of faith in overcoming personal struggles and living in the fullness of God's promises? [01:24:09]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of unity and diversity in the five-fold ministry, and how does this relate to the effectiveness of the church's mission? [45:31]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of faith in your life. How did it change your perspective or situation? [01:03:01]
2. The sermon emphasizes living by faith rather than by works. How can you apply this principle in your daily life, especially in areas where you tend to rely on your own efforts? [01:17:21]
3. Consider the unity and diversity within your own church community. How can you contribute to fostering a collaborative environment that mirrors the five-fold ministry? [45:31]
4. The sermon discusses the completeness and fullness of our identity in Christ. What steps can you take to embrace this identity more fully in your personal and spiritual life? [01:24:09]
5. How can you actively demonstrate the transformative power of faith to those around you, becoming a conduit of God's blessing as described in the sermon? [01:22:05]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with guilt or shame. How can the understanding of righteousness by faith help you overcome these feelings? [01:19:10]
7. The sermon challenges us to live above sin through the power of faith. What practical changes can you make to align your life with this teaching? [01:18:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity: The Secret Sauce of Ministry
The power of the five-fold ministry lies in its unity and diversity, bringing together apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to create a dynamic and effective team. This unity is like a "secret sauce" that leads to miracles and growth, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in ministry. The five-fold ministry is not just a structure but a living organism that thrives on the unique gifts and callings of each member. When these roles work in harmony, they reflect the fullness of Christ's ministry on earth, enabling the church to reach its full potential. This collaborative approach is essential for the church to effectively engage with the world and fulfill its mission. [45:31]

Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: Consider the unique gifts God has given you. How can you use them in collaboration with others to serve your community and church more effectively?

Day 2: Faith as a Legal Transaction
Faith is the only participation we can have in the work of redemption. It is not based on feelings or experiences but on the legal transaction that Jesus accomplished through His atonement. This faith allows us to access the inheritance and promises of God, transforming our lives and enabling us to live above sin. Understanding faith as a legal transaction shifts our perspective from a subjective experience to an objective reality. It is a firm foundation that assures us of our standing before God, independent of our emotions or circumstances. This assurance empowers us to live confidently in the promises of God, knowing that our redemption is secure. [01:13:03]

Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to trust God's promises. How can you remind yourself of the legal certainty of your faith in Christ today?

Day 3: The Fullness of Life in Christ
The apostolic doctrines of righteousness, grace, and redemption emphasize the fullness and completeness of our lives in Christ. These doctrines declare that we are irreproachable, guiltless, and justified, urging us to live by faith and not by our works. This understanding changes our identity and empowers us to walk in victory. Embracing these truths allows us to live in the freedom and joy that come from knowing we are fully accepted and loved by God. It shifts our focus from striving to rest, from earning to receiving, and from fear to faith. [01:17:21]

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself striving to earn God's approval? How can you rest in the completeness of your identity in Christ today?

Day 4: Living in the Reality of Our Identity
The early church's message was one of completeness and fullness, focusing on the finished work of Christ rather than personal struggles or experiences. This perspective encourages us to look to Jesus and His declaration over us, rather than our circumstances, to overcome trials and live in the reality of our identity in Him. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of the victory He has already won for us, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. This shift in focus transforms our approach to life's difficulties, allowing us to live from a place of victory rather than defeat. [01:24:09]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What current challenge are you facing that you need to view through the lens of your identity in Christ? How can focusing on Jesus change your perspective today?

Day 5: Faith as a Conduit of Blessing
Our faith in Christ is not just for personal benefit but is meant to bless others. As we walk in faith, we become conduits of God's blessing, impacting those around us and demonstrating the power of the gospel. This faith is not dependent on our abilities but on our reliance on God, allowing His power to work through us. By living out our faith, we become vessels of God's love and grace, bringing hope and transformation to our communities. This outward focus shifts our perspective from self-centeredness to service, from receiving to giving, and from isolation to community. [01:22:05]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs encouragement or support. How can you be a conduit of God's blessing to them today?

Quotes

"You wonder like when you preach the word to them and they receive Christ, will it be the same way that we receive Christ in the West? Will it, will it appear the same? Will there be the same joy? Will there be the same revelation? You know, as you, as you communicate Jesus, you don't know because they've, they have no concepts of, of, of God. Or his son." [00:46:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Out of all of your appointments I've ever sent you on in your life, this is the most important. You know, we've had some great appointments. We've met with some of the greatest leaders in this world and pinched ourselves that we would be there. And stood on some of the biggest platforms that man would esteem big. And God says to me, this is my biggest appointment for you. This is the greatest one that I can give you. And it truly was." [00:54:55] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Follow him and let him take you where he wants you to go. And that will be the right. That will be the right place for you. And the team, the missionaries, they do. They trust and they follow and then they end up there. They pay the price, but it's great. And our testimonies are coming in from all around the world." [00:55:58] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Your faith is what changes your destiny. And it affects everything. And I wanna share on this because people will look at our stories in Overland Missions and they will say, wow, that's amazing. You must have a real anointing for missions. God must have a real call on your life. And they assume these things. There's only one thing that the believer can participate in, in redemption. It's faith. You can't save yourself." [01:02:36] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Being authentic as a believer is the most important thing for me. It must be authentic. It must be original. I don't want to be religious and just follow the 15th century Reformation stories, and the stories of the origins in Catholicism. And here we are. Some iteration, some multiple iteration of the Christian life that's come through 2,000 years of church history. Can I just go back to the original, down to the early church, down to the apostles, down to the original culture." [01:03:55] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Our messaging as a church has to be right. And I want to start this morning in Mark chapter five. I'm going to push through quite a bunch of scriptures because I want to set a messaging straight and so that you can be edified this morning and calibrated back into the original which produces every side effect of victory in your life." [01:05:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Faith in the Lord Jesus, the side effect is love for all the saints. You won't start loving the church until you understand the legal side of redemption. If you love the church just because they are nice people, you're gonna get hurt again, let me just tell you. Because people are not always nice and nobody ever agrees with you." [01:14:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Faith changes everything. Faith in the finesse, in the finished work and the acquisition of God in Christ Jesus changes everything. You may be sick this morning. That sickness has no right upon your body. It has no right to dwell in you. You may come in with pancreatic cancer, some allergies, some immune deficiencies, some diagnosis that doctors have given you. It has landed on your body, but it was put on the body of Jesus Christ, so that you could walk in wholeness and health in this life. And that faith is gonna heal you this morning." [01:31:25] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?