Living a Life on Mission: Everyone's Call

Devotional

Day 1: The Greatest Love—Laying Down Our Lives for Others

True love is demonstrated through self-sacrifice, as Jesus laid down His life for us and calls us to do the same for others. This kind of love is not just a feeling but an action, a willingness to put others before ourselves, to serve, and to give even when it costs us something. As we remember those who have given their lives for our freedoms, we are also reminded that our lives as followers of Christ are to be marked by courage, selflessness, and a readiness to lay down our own desires for the sake of others. May we never forget the power of sacrificial love and strive to live it out daily. [07:40]

John 15:13 (ESV)
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience sacrificial love from you today, and what is one specific way you can lay down your own comfort or preferences to serve them?

Day 2: The Great Commission—Living on Mission Everywhere

Jesus commands every believer to go and make disciples, reminding us that living on mission is not reserved for a select few but is the calling of all who follow Him. This mission is not limited by age, stage of life, or location; it is a daily invitation to represent Christ in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and to the ends of the earth. We are carriers of His kingdom, called to reflect His character and goodness wherever we go, knowing that He is with us always. The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a command to live intentionally, sharing the hope and love of Jesus with everyone we encounter. [17:44]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: What is one intentional step you can take today to share the love of Jesus with someone in your everyday life?

Day 3: Beautiful Feet—The Call to Carry Good News

God calls us not to carry burdens but to carry the good news of the gospel, and He declares beautiful the feet of those who bring this message to others. The world is full of people who have not yet heard or believed, and it is through our willingness to be sent, to speak, and to act that others can come to know Jesus. Whether we are planting seeds, watering, or harvesting, every part of the process matters, and our intentionality in living out the gospel can bring encouragement and transformation to entire communities. Let us embrace the privilege of being messengers of hope, knowing that our obedience can change lives for eternity. [29:31]

Romans 10:13-15 (ESV)
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' 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: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus, and how can you intentionally reach out to them this week?

Day 4: Living a Missional Lifestyle—Letting Your Life Speak

A missional life is not about perfection but about posture—living with such intentionality, justice, and blessing that others notice the difference Christ makes in you. Like Solomon, whose wisdom and relationship with God drew the attention of the Queen of Sheba, our lives should proclaim God's greatness before we ever speak a word. Every one of us is leading someone, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, and the question is: are we leading them toward Christ? Let your actions, attitudes, and choices reflect the light and love of Jesus so powerfully that others are drawn to Him through you. [36:32]

1 Kings 10:1-9 (ESV)
"Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. And she said to the king, 'The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where your actions could more clearly reflect Christ to those around you, and how can you take a step to change that today?

Day 5: Sent Because We Were Sought—Sharing the Gospel Out of Gratitude

We are not just called into God’s mission; we are the very people He came to rescue, and it is out of this gratitude that we are sent to share His story with others. Jesus demonstrated His love for us by dying while we were still sinners, offering us forgiveness, freedom, and purpose—not because we earned it, but because He paid the price. Our response to this incredible grace is to say yes to His call, to stop assuming someone else will go, and to take up the responsibility of making Jesus known both locally and globally. Remember, you are not just saved—you are sent. [45:02]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Reflection: How does remembering that Jesus sought you out and saved you motivate you to share His love with someone who feels far from God today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to honor the One who is worthy of all our praise and to reflect on the true meaning of living a life on mission. As we remembered the sacrifices made by so many for our freedoms, we were reminded that our calling as followers of Christ is not just to enjoy these freedoms, but to live courageously and selflessly, reflecting the heart of Jesus in all we do. The call to mission is not reserved for a select few or for a certain age group; it is a command for every believer, regardless of stage or season of life. From the youngest to the oldest, each of us is called to carry the good news of Jesus to the last, the least, and the lost.

We explored the Great Commission, recognizing that God’s heart has always been missional—from His covenant with Abraham to the sending of Jesus and now to us. Our lives are meant to be lived outwardly, not retreating from the world but representing Christ in every sphere, whether that’s across the street or across the globe. The testimonies shared from recent mission trips reminded us that intentionality is key; mission is not accidental but purposeful, and every act of service, every word spoken, can be a seed planted for the Kingdom.

Living missionally means our lives should proclaim God’s greatness even before our words do. People notice when we carry the good news, just as the Queen of Sheba noticed something different in Solomon. Our posture, not our perfection, is what God uses to draw others to Himself. Jesus is our ultimate example—He laid down His power, lived in humility, and invited others in. He didn’t just talk about God’s mission; He embodied it and entrusted it to us.

The mission field is both local and global. We are called to love our neighbors, to see divine appointments in our daily routines, and to support, pray, equip, and even go when God calls. But we must not neglect the mission at home while dreaming of distant lands. The responsibility to share Jesus belongs to those who say yes, who stop assuming someone else will do it, and who are willing to be sent.

Ultimately, we are reminded that we were once the lost ones Christ came to rescue. The gospel is not about our worthiness but about His love and sacrifice. Our response is to surrender, to receive His forgiveness, and to step into the mission He has for us—making Jesus known, both near and far, until every heart has heard.

Key Takeaways

1. The Call to Mission Is for Everyone God’s mission is not limited by age, background, or circumstance. Every believer, from the youngest to the oldest, is called to live on mission, carrying the good news of Jesus to those around them. There is no retirement from the Great Commission; obedience is a lifelong journey, and each season brings new opportunities to reflect Christ’s love. [17:44]
2. Intentionality Is Essential in Living Missionally Mission is not something that happens by accident. Just as the team in the Philippines went with a plan and purpose, so too must we approach our daily lives with intentionality—seeking out opportunities, preparing our hearts, and being sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. Without intention, our efforts can be aimless, but with it, we become effective carriers of God’s love and truth. [29:31]
3. Our Lives Should Proclaim God’s Greatness Before Our Words The story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba illustrates that a life lived in alignment with God’s purposes draws others to Him. When we embody justice, wisdom, and blessing, people notice the difference. Our actions and character should be a megaphone for God’s glory, making the gospel attractive and credible even before we speak. [36:32]
4. The Mission Field Is Both Local and Global Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations, but that begins with loving our neighbor and recognizing divine appointments in our everyday lives. We are to support, pray, equip, and sometimes go to the ends of the earth, but we must not neglect those God has placed right in front of us. True obedience means being willing to serve wherever He leads, whether across the street or across the globe. [40:18]
5. We Are Sent Because We Were First Sought Our motivation for mission is rooted in the gospel itself: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We are not just called to the mission of God; we are the recipients of His rescue. This humbling truth fuels our passion to share Jesus, knowing that the same grace that found us is available to all who will receive it. [45:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[03:00] - Honoring Sacrifice and Memorial Reflection
[06:45] - Greeting and Community Connection
[08:30] - Reading John 15:13 and Memorial Weekend Meaning
[12:00] - Prayer for Families and Our Gathering
[14:30] - Series Recap: Kings of Israel and Mission
[17:44] - The Universal Call to Mission
[20:10] - The Great Commission: Matthew 28
[22:30] - God’s Missional Heart from Genesis to Revelation
[25:00] - Missions: The Why, What, and How
[29:31] - Testimonies from the Philippines Mission Trip
[32:00] - Intentionality in Missions
[36:32] - Living a Life That Proclaims God’s Greatness
[40:18] - Local and Global Mission Fields
[43:42] - The Challenge to Go and Live Sent
[45:02] - The Gospel: We Are Sent Because We Were Sought
[47:45] - Closing Prayer and Worship Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20** (The Great Commission) <br>Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”<br><br>- **Romans 10:13-15 — For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

- 1 Kings 10:1-9 (The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon)
[Paraphrased in the sermon: The Queen of Sheba noticed something different in Solomon’s life and praised God because of it.]

Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His followers?
According to Romans 10:13-15, what is the process by which someone comes to faith in Jesus?
What did the Queen of Sheba notice about Solomon that made her praise God? (1 Kings 10:1-9; see also [36:32])
In the sermon, what examples were given of living on mission both locally and globally? ([40:18])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus made the Great Commission a command for all believers, not just a select few? ([17:44])
What does it mean for our lives to “proclaim God’s greatness before our words do”? How might this look in everyday life? ([36:32])
The sermon said, “Mission is not accidental but purposeful.” Why is intentionality so important in living out God’s mission? ([29:31])
How does remembering that “we were once the lost ones Christ came to rescue” shape our motivation for sharing the gospel? ([45:02])

Application Questions

The sermon said, “There is no retirement from the Great Commission.” What are some ways you can live on mission in your current season of life, whether you’re young, raising a family, or retired? ([17:44])
Think about your daily routines—work, school, neighborhood, errands. Where might God be giving you “divine appointments” to share His love? Can you recall a recent moment that might have been one? ([40:18])
The Queen of Sheba noticed something different in Solomon’s life. What is one area of your life where you want your actions to speak louder than your words about God’s greatness? ([36:32])
The sermon challenged us not to “raise your hand for missions in another country if you won’t open your mouth for Jesus in your own community.” Is there someone nearby (neighbor, coworker, friend) you feel prompted to reach out to? What’s a first step you could take this week? ([43:42])
The mission field is both local and global. What is one practical way you can support global missions (prayer, giving, encouragement, going) and one way you can be more intentional locally? ([40:18])
The sermon said, “Mission is not something that happens by accident.” What is one intentional step you can take this week to live missionally? (For example: praying for an opportunity, preparing your testimony, serving someone in need.) ([29:31])
Remembering that “we are sent because we were first sought,” how does this truth help you overcome fear or hesitation in sharing your faith? ([45:02])

Sermon Clips

Kings were all called with a purpose. They were called with a purpose not just to lead their people but to carry God's mission. That was the ultimate call of these kings was to display his character and his purposes to his people. Some did, some didn't. When they allowed outside influences in, they lost sight of what that mission was. And I think that can happen in our life as well. [00:18:25] (22 seconds)

If you have said yes to Jesus, you have given your life to him, you are now a child of God, a follower of Christ, called to live on mission, to reflect his character, his goodness, his glory to everyone around you. That is our call. There is no age requirement for obedience. There is no retirement from the great commission. [00:19:08] (21 seconds)

From Genesis to Revelation, beginning to end, God's heart has always been missional. Our calling isn't to retreat from the world, but it is to represent Christ in it. From the neighborhood coffee shop to the ends of the earth. We are to represent Jesus. We are carriers of his kingdom everywhere that we go. [00:20:08] (22 seconds)

God's plan was to bless all. This was his mission. It was the foundation of God's covenant with Abraham was missional. It was to go out. It was about expansion. All of the families of earth will be blessed. This was a divine strategy that God was weaving into the story. This is a God who moves outward. This is a God who loves people. [00:28:26] (26 seconds)

Somebody took notice because of the life that somebody was living. This is what a missional lifestyle is supposed to look like. It looks like carrying justice and wisdom and blessing so profound that people around you can't help but notice that there is a difference. [00:35:49] (21 seconds)

We are to live missionally. We are to live our life with intentionality. And so does our lifestyle proclaim God's greatness before our words ever do? Are people seeing the things that we are professing? [00:36:10] (16 seconds)

A missional life is about posture. It's not about perfection. It is being intentional. We are called to reflect God's character. We're called to reflect His goodness, His glory, and to shine His light outward. [00:36:49] (20 seconds)

How encouraged Rachel was to get to hear the stories of these young ladies who have been through unimaginable things, but yet to see the hope that they hold on to. How powerful is that for us to be able to see and to understand the goodness of God despite any circumstance or situation. [00:40:18] (20 seconds)

He had power, but He didn't exploit it. He laid it down. He lived in humility. He didn't isolate. He invited others to come. He lived in community. He didn't hoard righteousness. He gave it away. He was selfless. He didn't just talk about God's mission. He embodied it. He entrusted it to us. He lived intentionally. And we are called to live in the same way. [00:41:41] (26 seconds)

It's not about being good enough. It's not about having all your ducks in a row. It is about a God who came to earth, who came to rescue a broken world, that he took on flesh, that Jesus lived a sinless life, that he died a sinner's death in your place and in my place, that he rose in power so that we could live in freedom, offering us salvation, offering us forgiveness and purpose, not because any of us have earned it, but because he paid for it, because he gave his life for you and for me. [00:46:57] (44 seconds)

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