Glorifying God Through Worship, Love, and Mission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to be back in Milwaukee, my hometown, and to share what God is doing in Southern Europe. My wife and I have deep roots in this church, and we are grateful for your support over the years. Currently, we serve as area directors for Southern Europe, overseeing missionaries in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. Our mission is to plant churches, teach, evangelize, and minister to diverse communities, including migrants and Muslims.
We are driven by the staggering reality that out of 8 billion people on Earth, 3.5 billion have not heard the gospel, and 2 billion have no access to it. This urgency compels us to continue our work. I shared a testimony of a Nigerian girl who escaped human trafficking and found Christ in Sicily, and another of a Spanish woman named Maria who was miraculously healed of kidney disease after we prayed for her.
Turning to Scripture, we focused on 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, where Paul urges us to do everything for the glory of God. We are created for His glory, and our lives should reflect that. I shared a personal story about making a banjo with my father to illustrate that God created us with a purpose, just as I made the banjo to play it.
We bring glory to God in three main ways: living a lifestyle of worship, becoming Christ-like, and genuinely loving people while sharing the gospel. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily lifestyle. David exemplified this by praising God in all circumstances. Following Christ's example means living a life that others can emulate, thereby drawing them to God. Lastly, loving people and sharing the gospel is not optional; it's our mission. I shared a story about explaining the gospel to a Japanese man in a museum in Stockholm, emphasizing that God will use us if we are willing.
In conclusion, loving others and sharing the gospel is integral to our identity as Christians. God calls us to be faithful, regardless of the size or cost of our assignment. Let's commit to glorifying God in all we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living a Lifestyle of Worship: Worship is not confined to church services but is a daily practice. David's life exemplifies this as he praised God in both good and bad times. Worship enriches our lives and brings us closer to God, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for divine connection. [01:16:10]
2. Becoming Christ-like: Following Jesus' example is crucial for our spiritual growth. As we imitate Christ, we bring glory to God, help others, and draw people to Jesus. This involves walking in obedience to His commands and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in living a life that reflects Jesus' love and compassion. [01:23:27]
3. Genuinely Loving People: Loving others and sharing the gospel is not optional; it's a core part of our Christian identity. This love should be evident in our actions and words, even towards those who may not love us back. Our mission is to be vessels of God's love, reaching out to those in need and sharing the transformative power of the gospel. [01:26:52]
4. The Urgency of the Gospel: With 3.5 billion people yet to hear the gospel, our mission is urgent. We must be proactive in sharing the message of Christ, understanding that many have no access to the gospel. This urgency should drive us to pray, support missions, and personally engage in evangelism. [58:15]
5. Faithfulness in Small Assignments: God values our faithfulness, regardless of the size or visibility of our tasks. Whether our assignment seems small or the results appear meager, our commitment to God's call brings Him glory. We should focus on being faithful stewards of the opportunities God gives us, trusting that He will use our efforts for His purposes. [01:37:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[55:03] - Personal Connection to Milwaukee
[55:52] - Mission Work in Southern Europe
[57:22] - Testimonies of Healing and Salvation
[01:06:47] - Prayer Needs for Missionaries
[01:07:24] - Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
[01:09:05] - The Importance of Glorifying God
[01:16:10] - Living a Lifestyle of Worship
[01:20:43] - Becoming Christ-like
[01:26:52] - Loving People and Sharing the Gospel
[01:32:25] - Story from Stockholm, Sweden
[01:37:30] - Faithfulness in Small Assignments
[01:38:11] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
2. Isaiah 43:7
3. Psalm 34:1-3
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31, what should be the motivation behind everything we do? ([01:08:19])
2. How does Isaiah 43:7 describe the purpose for which God created us? ([01:11:14])
3. What example does David set in Psalm 34 about worshiping God in all circumstances? ([01:17:51])
4. What were some of the testimonies shared in the sermon that illustrate God's power and love? ([01:00:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "do everything for the glory of God" in practical terms? How can this principle be applied in daily life? ([01:08:19])
2. How does understanding that we are created for God's glory (Isaiah 43:7) change our perspective on our daily activities and decisions? ([01:11:14])
3. In what ways can living a lifestyle of worship, as exemplified by David, transform our relationship with God and others? ([01:17:51])
4. How can the testimonies of healing and salvation shared in the sermon inspire us to be more proactive in sharing the gospel? ([01:00:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate a lifestyle of worship into your everyday activities, not just on Sundays? ([01:16:10])
2. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you consider how it would bring glory to God? How can you ensure future decisions align with this principle? ([01:08:19])
3. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to be Christ-like. What steps can you take this week to follow Jesus' example more closely? ([01:23:27])
4. Consider someone in your life who does not know the gospel. What is one specific action you can take this week to share God's love with them? ([01:26:52])
5. Reflect on a time when you felt your assignment from God was small or insignificant. How can you change your perspective to see it as an opportunity to be faithful and bring glory to God? ([01:37:30])
6. How can you support missionaries and global workers in their efforts to reach the unreached, as discussed in the sermon? ([01:06:47])
7. Think of a person who has hurt you or whom you find difficult to love. What practical steps can you take to show them genuine love and share the gospel with them? ([01:31:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as a Daily Practice
Worship is not confined to church services but is a daily practice. David's life exemplifies this as he praised God in both good and bad times. Worship enriches our lives and brings us closer to God, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for divine connection. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily lifestyle. David exemplified this by praising God in all circumstances. Worship enriches our lives and brings us closer to God, transforming mundane moments into opportunities for divine connection. [01:16:10]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of worship into your daily routine, even in the mundane tasks of life?
Day 2: Emulating Christ in Our Lives
Following Jesus' example is crucial for our spiritual growth. As we imitate Christ, we bring glory to God, help others, and draw people to Jesus. This involves walking in obedience to His commands and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in living a life that reflects Jesus' love and compassion. Becoming Christ-like means living a life that others can emulate, thereby drawing them to God. [01:23:27]
1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV): "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you imitate Christ's love and compassion in your interactions with others today?
Day 3: Loving Others and Sharing the Gospel
Loving others and sharing the gospel is not optional; it's a core part of our Christian identity. This love should be evident in our actions and words, even towards those who may not love us back. Our mission is to be vessels of God's love, reaching out to those in need and sharing the transformative power of the gospel. [01:26:52]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience God's love. How can you show them love and share the gospel with them today?
Day 4: The Urgency of the Gospel
With 3.5 billion people yet to hear the gospel, our mission is urgent. We must be proactive in sharing the message of Christ, understanding that many have no access to the gospel. This urgency should drive us to pray, support missions, and personally engage in evangelism. [58:15]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "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!'"
Reflection: What steps can you take today to support the spread of the gospel, whether through prayer, financial support, or personal evangelism?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Small Assignments
God values our faithfulness, regardless of the size or visibility of our tasks. Whether our assignment seems small or the results appear meager, our commitment to God's call brings Him glory. We should focus on being faithful stewards of the opportunities God gives us, trusting that He will use our efforts for His purposes. [01:37:30]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: Reflect on a small task or responsibility you have been given. How can you approach it with greater faithfulness and dedication, knowing that it brings glory to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We need to stay focused on the mission. And we need to carry out the things that God has called us to do." [55:52] (5 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want to plant churches. We want to see people connected to churches. Communities of faith where they can grow and be discipled. We're teaching and training people all over southern Europe. We're praying for the sick." [57:22] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God made you just the way you are. You're beautiful in God's eyes. You're special in God's eyes. You're not an accident. And God has a purpose for you. And whether you ever thought it before or not, God made you for his glory." [01:15:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Instead of griping and complaining, which is our default by human nature, when things don't go our way, we should thank God in spite of the challenges. We should thank God for the good things he is doing for us. We should decide to praise him. Even when things are not going our way. As long as I'm breathing, I got a reason to praise the Lord." [01:19:51] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Loving people and sharing the gospel is not optional. It's who we are. It's part of your identity as a Christian. And as long as you live on earth, as long as you have breath in your lungs, I can guarantee you that God wants to use you." [01:31:40] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When you follow the example of Jesus Christ, three impressive things are going to take place. First of all, you're going to bring glory to God. And we want to do that. And then you're going to be helpful to others. You're going to be a model that people will follow. But people can say, hey, this guy is pretty incredible. I don't understand everything that's going on in his or her life. But I love the way that person talks. I love the way that person deals with others. I love the way that person honors God." [01:25:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Being a Christian is more than just believing this wonderful body of truth that we call sound doctrine, as vital as that is. Being a Christian is more than claiming to be saved. Being a Christian is more than having a series of powerful experiences. And I've had plenty. Being a Christian means we love people and we share the good news." [01:27:53] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We bring glory to God by living a lifestyle of worship. Jesus said that God is a spirit. And they that worship must worship him in spirit and in truth. Angels and human beings are the only creatures that God created with a capacity to worship the Lord. God doesn't force us to worship him. But to do so. Enriches our lives." [01:16:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We bring glory to God by becoming Christ-like. In other words, we do follow the example of Jesus. I mean that's what Paul's talking about in verse 1 of chapter 11. He says, follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. I have learned that one of the most effective ways we learn is by following the example of others." [01:20:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We bring glory to God by genuinely loving people and sharing the gospel. You know, Jesus' two final commands before he went to heaven were, after the resurrection, he said, go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. And then he also said, tarry in Jerusalem, wait before you do that until you receive power from on high." [01:26:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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