Going: Living Out the Gospel Through Our Testimonies
Summary
In today's message, I focused on the principle of "going" and the importance of not only being the hands and feet of Jesus but also being His mouthpiece. I emphasized that our actions must be paired with the proclamation of the Gospel, sharing the transformative power of Jesus's words and our personal testimonies.
I began by reflecting on the ministry of Camp Driven, which serves as a practical example of applying the word of God in our lives. This ministry helps those with emotional and mental struggles find healing through service and community. I shared how this aligns with our series on the red letters of Jesus, which calls us to move beyond good intentions and put Jesus's words into practice.
Throughout the series, we've explored five main principles distilled from Jesus's teachings: being with Jesus to become like Him, forgiveness, serving, giving, and going. These principles are not just theoretical; they are meant to be lived out in our daily lives.
I then delved into the scriptural basis for the principle of going, examining Jesus's words at the beginning and end of His ministry. Jesus's first words in Matthew 4 announce the opportunity to join His kingdom through repentance. He then calls us to follow Him and be sent out to "fish for people," promising a life of fulfillment and purpose.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 and similar passages in Mark, Luke, John, and Acts underscore the importance of being sent to make disciples and proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Jesus's ministry was about equipping and sending His followers to continue His work.
I addressed the common feeling of inadequacy in sharing the Gospel, reminding us that our personal stories of encountering Jesus are powerful tools for witnessing. By answering three simple questions—what our life was like before Jesus, what happened when we met Him, and how our life is different because of Him—we can share a compelling testimony.
I also touched on the Apostle Paul's approach in Romans, starting with our condition without Jesus to highlight the significance of His gift. Paul's words remind us that we all fall short and are in need of a Savior, but through Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life.
In closing, I encouraged everyone to memorize Romans 6:23, reflect on their personal testimony, and look for opportunities to share their story with others. I prayed for those who wanted to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus and for our church to boldly share the Gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- Our personal testimony is a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel. By reflecting on our life before Jesus, our encounter with Him, and the transformation we've experienced, we can effectively communicate the impact of Christ in our lives. This personal approach can resonate deeply with those who hear it. [01:16:05]
- The principle of going is not just about physical movement but about being sent with a purpose. As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in God's mission, sharing the good news and making disciples wherever we are. This calling is not limited to overseas missions but often begins right in our own communities. [01:03:14]
- The words of Jesus are life-transforming. When we share the Gospel, we are not just conveying information; we are offering the words of life that have the power to change destinies. It's essential to remember that the Gospel is not just good advice—it's the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. [59:25]
- The Great Commission is a mandate, not a suggestion. As disciples, we are instructed to make disciples "as we go," integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives. This means that our witness is not confined to church activities but is a daily lifestyle of pointing others to Jesus. [01:08:18]
- Understanding our need for a Savior is the starting point for sharing the Gospel. By recognizing our own sinfulness and the grace we've received, we can empathize with others and share the hope of redemption through Jesus. This humility and gratitude for God's gift are essential in our witness. [01:19:55]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. Romans 6:23 (NIV): "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV): "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the key components of the Great Commission as described in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. According to Romans 6:23, what are the consequences of sin and the gift of God?
3. In 1 Peter 4:11, what are the two main actions believers are instructed to perform, and how should they perform them?
4. How did the pastor describe the importance of pairing our actions with the proclamation of the Gospel? ([58:11])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus's first words in His ministry were about repentance and joining His kingdom? How does this set the tone for His entire ministry? ([01:01:06])
2. How does understanding our own need for a Savior, as described in Romans 6:23, help us empathize with others and share the Gospel more effectively? ([01:19:55])
3. What does it mean to be "sent with a purpose" in the context of the Great Commission, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? ([01:03:14])
4. How can personal testimonies be powerful tools for witnessing, and what are the three questions we should answer to share our testimony effectively? ([01:16:05])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal testimony. What was your life like before you met Jesus, what happened when you met Him, and how is your life different now? How can you share this story with someone this week? ([01:16:44])
2. The pastor mentioned that the principle of going is not just about physical movement but about being sent with a purpose. How can you integrate your faith into your daily interactions and make disciples in your own community? ([01:03:14])
3. Memorize Romans 6:23. How can this verse help you in sharing the Gospel with others? What specific opportunities can you look for this week to share this message? ([01:25:55])
4. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples "as we go." What are some practical ways you can live out this mandate in your workplace, school, or neighborhood? ([01:08:18])
5. The pastor emphasized the transformative power of Jesus's words. How can you ensure that when you share the Gospel, you are not just conveying information but offering the words of life that have the power to change destinies? ([59:25])
6. Think about a time when you felt inadequate in sharing the Gospel. How can reflecting on your personal testimony and the power of Jesus's words help you overcome this feeling? ([01:16:05])
7. Identify one person in your life who may not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to share your testimony and the Gospel with them? How can you prepare yourself for this conversation? ([01:27:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Testimony: The Power of Personal Story
Our personal testimony is not just a story; it's a testament to the life-changing power of Christ. Reflecting on our life before Jesus, our encounter with Him, and the transformation we've experienced allows us to communicate the profound impact of Christ in our lives. This personal narrative can deeply resonate with those who hear it, as it offers a relatable and tangible example of God's love and redemption. It's important to recognize that everyone's story is unique and that there is no "insignificant" testimony. Each journey with Christ is a powerful narrative that can inspire, encourage, and lead others towards a relationship with God. Sharing one's testimony isn't about boasting of one's achievements but rather about humbly acknowledging the difference Jesus has made in one's life. It's about showing others that they too can experience this transformative relationship. [01:16:05]
1 Peter 3:15-16 (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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
Reflection: How has your life changed since you encountered Jesus, and how can you share this change with someone this week?
Day 2: Sent with Purpose: Beyond Physical Movement
The principle of going is about being sent with a purpose. As followers of Christ, we are called to be active participants in God's mission, sharing the good news and making disciples wherever we are. This calling is not limited to overseas missions but often begins right in our own communities. It's about recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ and to speak life into the lives of others. Being sent means embracing the roles we've been given in our families, workplaces, and social circles to influence and serve as Christ would. It's about living intentionally, with the understanding that our lives are not our own but are meant to be used for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom. [01:03:14]
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: In what ways can you be a witness for Christ in your current environment, and what specific action can you take today to fulfill this role?
Day 3: The Gospel: Words of Life
When sharing the Gospel, we are offering words of life that have the power to change destinies. The Gospel is not just good advice—it's the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It's essential to remember that the message we carry is one of eternal significance, capable of transforming hearts and renewing minds. As we communicate the Gospel, we must do so with the understanding that these are not our words, but the words of Jesus, which carry the weight of truth and the promise of hope. The Gospel is a message of love, sacrifice, and redemption that speaks to the deepest needs of every human being. [59:25]
Colossians 1:5-6 (ESV)
"Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth."
Reflection: What aspect of the Gospel message has personally impacted you the most, and how can you share that aspect with someone this week?
Day 4: The Great Commission: A Mandate for Daily Life
The Great Commission is a mandate, not a suggestion. As disciples, we are instructed to make disciples "as we go," integrating our faith into every aspect of our lives. This means that our witness is not confined to church activities but is a daily lifestyle of pointing others to Jesus. It's about understanding that every moment is an opportunity to disciple, whether through words of encouragement, acts of service, or simply living a life that reflects the character of Christ. The Great Commission calls us to be intentional in our relationships, looking for ways to nurture and grow the faith of those around us. [01:08:18]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from your discipleship, and what is one step you can take this week to invest in their spiritual growth?
Day 5: Recognizing Our Need for a Savior
Understanding our need for a Savior is the starting point for sharing the Gospel. By recognizing our own sinfulness and the grace we've received, we can empathize with others and share the hope of redemption through Jesus. This humility and gratitude for God's gift are essential in our witness. It's about acknowledging that we are all in need of the saving grace of Jesus and that no one is beyond the reach of His love. When we share from a place of understanding and compassion, our message is more likely to be received with open hearts. [01:19:55]
Titus 3:4-5 (ESV)
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,"
Reflection: How does recognizing your own need for Jesus influence the way you interact with others, and how can you demonstrate this understanding in a conversation today?
Quotes
1) "right right now we're starting to connect the dots right your story is power your story is life changing your story will make an incredible difference but you got to tell it you've got to say it you've got to share it you've got to communicate it." [01:24:07]
2) "Church there's a lot here for you today it's simple and yet it's hard right we're we're good at being the hands and feet of Jesus but when it comes to be the mouthpiece Pastor you got it." [01:25:22]
3) "first of all I want you to look at Paul's words of instruction I know it doesn't start out feeling like good news but there's a big holy butt in verse 23 of chapter six right the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus my Lord." [01:25:55]
4) "maybe it's better to boil it down to these three questions right to think about it this way what was my life like before I met Jesus what happened when I met Jesus and how was my life different better because of Jesus." [01:16:44]
5) "God's plan from the very beginning was first and foremost that we would be with him secondly that we would receive his forgiveness and his love and his grace but that we would then be sent that we would go as we serve and as we give." [01:17:26]
6) "Jesus spends his ministry time yes helping people come to know who he is but with the expressed purpose that they would go that they would be sent he equips them throughout their Ministry and he sends them." [01:10:14]
7) "Jesus has called us to go and proclaim the good news and it really is pretty simple think about it this way if you had to give a speech for something right if you're in class and you give given an assignment you have to get a one minute speech right what do you do." [01:11:31]
8) "the enemy will be overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony you understand the the power here we know the blood of the Lamb right we celebrate it this is what church is about we like you go to church and duh right this is all about the blood of Jesus." [01:22:51]
9) "the truth is is Jesus is taking care of it he's already taken care of it but who's going to help them connect the dots who's going to help them come to the place of realizing that their the end of their story doesn't have to be a death sentence the end of the story can be Freedom." [01:21:02]
10) "your story is power and can make all the difference in the world we're going to close in prayer this morning and I want to pray over all of you today and I want to pray specifically for two things first of all I want to pray because I look and in a message like this today." [01:28:32]
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