Fueling Our Mission: Igniting Faith and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the mission God has given us as a church. Our vision is to be a church that multiplies by planting new churches and making disciples. Whether you are new or have been with us for years, we are all part of this mission. I am grateful for the faithfulness of our church family and the opportunity to be back after a refreshing vacation.
We are starting a new sermon series called "Fuel the Mission," which will explore how we can fuel God's mission personally, financially, and missionally. Using the metaphor of a fire, we discussed how we can ignite and sustain our spiritual fervor. Just as I had to gather materials and light a fire in my backyard, we need to take steps to fuel the mission God has given us.
We looked at the life of Saul, who later became Paul, as an example of someone who fueled the mission of Jesus. Saul's transformation began with a personal encounter with Jesus, which ignited a small flame of faith. He then surrounded himself with other believers, which helped his faith grow. Eventually, Saul became a missionary, spreading the gospel and planting churches.
For us, fueling the mission can start with small steps like attending worship services, Bible studies, and community groups. As our faith grows, we can take more intentional steps like studying the Bible, praying, and inviting accountability into our lives. Ultimately, we are called to go all in, making disciples and possibly even being part of a church plant.
We must recognize that we are already fueling various missions in our lives, whether it's through social media, sports, or other interests. The challenge is to shift our focus and fuel the mission of Jesus. This requires trust and a willingness to let go of control, but the rewards are eternal.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Community: Surrounding ourselves with other believers is crucial for spiritual growth. Just as Saul spent time with the disciples in Damascus, we too need to be in fellowship with others to nurture our faith. This community helps us understand and live out the mission of Jesus. [42:01]
2. Personal Spiritual Disciplines: Developing personal spiritual disciplines like Bible study and prayer is essential for fueling the mission. These practices help us hear from God and grow in our relationship with Him. Inviting accountability can also help us stay committed to these disciplines. [47:21]
3. Going All In: To truly fuel the mission, we must be willing to go all in, surrendering control and trusting God. This might involve making disciples, leading community groups, or even being part of a church plant. The more we invest in God's mission, the more we will see His work in our lives and the lives of others. [52:08]
4. Overcoming Fear and Trusting God: Fear of losing control or being embarrassed can hold us back from fully committing to God's mission. We need to trust that God will meet us in our steps of faith and provide what we need. Reflecting on what scares us about following Jesus can help us address these fears and move forward. [58:26]
5. Evaluating Our Current Missions: We are all already fueling various missions in our lives, whether we realize it or not. It's important to evaluate where we are investing our time and resources and consider how we can redirect them to fuel the mission of Jesus. This shift in focus can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. [01:02:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:11] - Vision of Multiplication
[32:32] - Gratitude for Church Family
[33:39] - Backyard Fire Story
[34:23] - Starting the Fire
[35:24] - Introduction to "Fuel the Mission" Series
[36:24] - Grace and Stewardship
[37:52] - Prayer for Guidance
[38:51] - Saul's Transformation
[40:55] - Saul's First Steps
[42:01] - Importance of Community
[42:55] - Saul's Growth and Influence
[43:47] - Saul's Missionary Journey
[44:54] - Going All In
[45:47] - Nurturing Small Flames
[46:33] - Curiosity and Seeking
[47:21] - Personal Spiritual Disciplines
[48:24] - Accountability
[49:21] - Inviting Accountability
[50:41] - Connecting with Others
[51:23] - Leading and Multiplying Groups
[52:08] - Church Planting Vision
[53:45] - Personal Testimony
[54:33] - Fire Story Conclusion
[55:35] - Realizing the Risks
[56:47] - Fear of Losing Control
[57:25] - Trusting God
[58:26] - Overcoming Fear
[59:42] - Personal Missions
[01:02:45] - Evaluating Our Missions
[01:07:39] - Questions and Next Steps
[01:10:19] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 9:18-19 - "Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus."
2. Acts 11:25-26 - "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
3. Acts 13:2-3 - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event happened to Saul on the road to Damascus, and how did it change his life? ([38:51])
2. How did Saul's time with the disciples in Damascus contribute to his spiritual growth? ([42:01])
3. What role did Barnabas play in Saul's journey to becoming a missionary? ([42:55])
4. What was the significance of the church in Antioch in Saul's ministry? ([43:47])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did Saul's personal encounter with Jesus serve as the initial spark for his mission? ([38:51])
2. Why is community important for spiritual growth, as seen in Saul's time with the disciples in Damascus? ([42:01])
3. What does Saul's journey from a new believer to a missionary teach us about the steps involved in fueling God's mission? ([44:54])
4. How can personal spiritual disciplines like Bible study and prayer help us fuel the mission of Jesus in our own lives? ([47:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. What was your "Damascus road" experience that ignited your faith? How can you build on that initial spark? ([38:51])
2. Are you currently part of a community that helps nurture your faith? If not, what steps can you take to join or form such a community? ([42:01])
3. What personal spiritual disciplines do you practice regularly? How can you improve or add to these practices to better fuel the mission of Jesus? ([47:21])
4. Think about a time when you felt out of control in your faith journey. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([58:26])
5. Evaluate the "missions" you are currently fueling in your life. Are there areas where you can redirect your time and resources to better align with the mission of Jesus? ([01:02:45])
6. What fears or concerns do you have about fully committing to God's mission? How can you address these fears and take a step of faith? ([58:26])
7. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation or invite them to a community group this week? ([46:33])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community
Surrounding ourselves with other believers is crucial for spiritual growth. Just as Saul spent time with the disciples in Damascus, we too need to be in fellowship with others to nurture our faith. This community helps us understand and live out the mission of Jesus. Being part of a community of believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability, which are essential for our spiritual journey.
In a community, we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and grow together in our faith. It is through these relationships that we can better understand God's love and purpose for our lives. By engaging in community activities such as worship services, Bible studies, and small groups, we can strengthen our faith and be better equipped to fuel the mission of Jesus. [42:01]
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: Think of a time when being part of a community of believers helped you grow in your faith. How can you be more intentional about engaging with your church community this week?
Day 2: Cultivating Personal Spiritual Disciplines
Developing personal spiritual disciplines like Bible study and prayer is essential for fueling the mission. These practices help us hear from God and grow in our relationship with Him. Inviting accountability can also help us stay committed to these disciplines. By setting aside time each day to read the Bible and pray, we can deepen our understanding of God's Word and His will for our lives.
Personal spiritual disciplines are the foundation of a strong faith. They provide the fuel we need to stay connected to God and live out His mission. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we can experience spiritual growth and be better equipped to share the gospel with others. [47:21]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to incorporate Bible study and prayer into your daily routine? How can you invite accountability to help you stay committed to these practices?
Day 3: Going All In for God's Mission
To truly fuel the mission, we must be willing to go all in, surrendering control and trusting God. This might involve making disciples, leading community groups, or even being part of a church plant. The more we invest in God's mission, the more we will see His work in our lives and the lives of others. Going all in requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and trust that God will provide what we need.
When we fully commit to God's mission, we open ourselves up to incredible opportunities for growth and impact. By dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His work, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of others and advance the kingdom of God. [52:08]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to go all in? What steps can you take this week to surrender control and trust Him more fully?
Day 4: Overcoming Fear and Trusting God
Fear of losing control or being embarrassed can hold us back from fully committing to God's mission. We need to trust that God will meet us in our steps of faith and provide what we need. Reflecting on what scares us about following Jesus can help us address these fears and move forward. By acknowledging our fears and seeking God's guidance, we can overcome the obstacles that hold us back.
Trusting God requires faith and courage. It means believing that He has a plan for our lives and that He will provide for us, even when we face challenges and uncertainties. By placing our trust in Him, we can experience the peace and confidence that comes from knowing we are in His hands. [58:26]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What fears are holding you back from fully committing to God's mission? How can you trust God to help you overcome these fears and take steps of faith?
Day 5: Evaluating Our Current Missions
We are all already fueling various missions in our lives, whether we realize it or not. It's important to evaluate where we are investing our time and resources and consider how we can redirect them to fuel the mission of Jesus. This shift in focus can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. By examining our priorities and making intentional choices, we can align our lives with God's mission.
Evaluating our current missions involves taking an honest look at how we spend our time, energy, and resources. It means identifying areas where we may be investing in things that do not align with God's purpose for our lives and making changes to prioritize His mission. By doing so, we can experience greater fulfillment and make a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. [01:02:45]
Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: Take a moment to evaluate where you are currently investing your time and resources. How can you redirect your focus to better align with God's mission? What changes can you make this week to prioritize His work in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We all get to be on mission with Jesus to accomplish his kingdom purpose. I'm so thankful that you get to be a part of this today. As we continue on in worship I want you to have that mindset that we are on mission with God today. Let's enter into that even as we continue to worship." [25:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "For some of us, it may feel like we actually don't have really any fire going on in our lives at all. Life might feel kind of cold and like, Lord, where are you? And like, are you even doing anything in my life? For others, it may be that we've got a lighter. We've got something small there. But we need to build on that." [35:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't have to have all the answers already. You don't have to have it all figured out. But maybe with just that little thing that you have. Or maybe, maybe you don't even have that little flame yet. Maybe you're at the point where Saul was before he actually had that encounter with Jesus. And you're not entirely sure of what your purpose is in life." [46:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I firmly believe God talks back to us, y'all. And if we will learn how to get ourselves in that rhythm of having dialogue with the Lord, he will share some things with us. It might even look like inviting other people into like positions of accountability with you." [48:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You do not have to do anything alone. You don't have to do anything by yourself. Most of us have been living lives alone long enough already. That is not how God designed. That is not how God designed for this to work. No, what he desired was that his church would be able to come together to lead people in his mission." [51:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Saul went from just being around disciples that were influencing him. Now he's put himself in a position where he can influence others. Now Barnabas had to go find him and take him there and everything. He didn't just go of his own will. Barnabas had to probably do a little convincing to get him to go." [42:55] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Saul, later again, we know him as Paul, was intentional about fueling the mission in every way that he could. Right where he was in regard to his faith. Early on, all that he had was just simply to believe that this experience happened. And so with the flame that he had, he just put himself around other people who were following Jesus." [44:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Maybe the way that you go all in with God, with Jesus, maybe the way you fuel the mission with nothing held back as you begin to pray about what it would look like for you to be a part of a church plant. For you to be a part of a, of a small group that would actually, start something new somewhere else in order that the culture that we have here would be able to be replicated somewhere else." [53:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think it's important for us to really think about what it is that scares us about following Jesus and really giving everything for him personally, personally. Again, I'm not talking about, I'm not talking about like money. I'm not talking about, you know, quitting your job or whatever like that. Although, I mean, maybe I am." [59:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I refuse to ask too little of you and get it. I refuse to ask anything less than everything because that's what Jesus asked of us. I refuse to ask anything less than everything unto the Lord. Because when we do, oh, my goodness, God has so much for all of us. And God has so much for people who would never be in a room like this, who would never worship in a place like this." [01:06:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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