Living Missionally: Embracing God's Call Everywhere

 

Summary

This morning, we gathered to worship and remember the foundation of our faith—Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that we could be redeemed and restored to relationship with God. Communion served as a powerful reminder of this sacrifice, centering our hearts on the grace and salvation we have received. As we reflected on the unity that Christ brings, we also celebrated the ways God is at work both in our midst and around the world.

We heard stories from our recent mission trip to Latvia, where a team from our church served at an orphan camp. These experiences highlighted a profound truth: God is the same everywhere, working in lives across the globe just as He does here. Missions is not just about traveling to distant lands; it’s about being available and obedient to God’s call wherever we are. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 reminds us that Jesus calls all of us to “go”—not just to faraway places, but also to our own neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.

God’s mission has no boundaries. We are called to be His witnesses at home, in our communities, and to the ends of the earth. This calling is not limited to a select few; every believer is invited to participate. We are Christ’s hands and feet, representing Him in our daily interactions. Many people may never step into a church, but they will encounter Christ through us—through our kindness, our prayers, and our willingness to serve.

Living missionally is not about grand gestures or special events; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of availability and obedience. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, praying for someone in need, or simply showing up in moments of brokenness, God uses our ordinary lives to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The key is to say “yes” to God’s call, trusting that He equips those He calls.

As we prayed for the Uruguay team preparing to leave, we were reminded that every act of obedience—whether across the world or across the street—plants seeds that God will grow. We are not just saved from something; we are saved for something. Each of us carries the mission of Christ wherever we go, called to reflect His love and truth in every place and season.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Mission Is Everywhere, Not Just Elsewhere
The call to be a missionary is not limited by geography. Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” applies to our homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces just as much as it does to distant nations. Our mission field begins with those closest to us—our families, coworkers, and neighbors—reminding us that God’s heart is for the whole world, starting right where we are. [59:54]

- We Are Christ’s Hands, Feet, and Heart in the World
Each believer is a vital part of the body of Christ, uniquely positioned to represent Him in daily life. Our actions, words, and compassion are often the only glimpse of Jesus that others will see. By serving, speaking truth, and showing love, we embody the gospel in tangible ways, making the invisible God visible to those around us. [01:04:09]

- Mission Is a Lifestyle, Not an Event
Living missionally is not about waiting for special trips or church programs; it’s about being available to God in the ordinary moments of life. Simple acts of kindness, genuine prayers, and presence in times of need are powerful ways God works through us. We don’t need to be perfect—just willing to let God use us as we are. [01:05:54]

- Obedience Is More Important Than Ability
God does not require us to be fully equipped before He calls us; rather, He equips those who respond with a willing heart. Saying “yes” to God’s prompting—whether it leads us across the street or across the world—opens the door for Him to work through us. Our obedience, not our qualifications, is what God desires. [01:07:07]

- We Are Saved for a Purpose Beyond Ourselves
Salvation is not just about being rescued from sin; it’s about being commissioned for God’s mission. Each of us is called to carry the message and love of Christ into every sphere of life. Our lives are meant to bear fruit as we step into the unique mission God has for us, trusting that He will use our obedience to impact others for eternity. [01:08:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Worship
[02:15] - Prayer and Praise
[05:10] - Communion Introduction
[07:45] - Communion Reflection and Prayer
[15:27] - Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[17:46] - Mission Trip Introduction
[20:00] - Latvia Team Reflections
[27:30] - The Heart of Missions
[32:10] - God’s Mission Has No Boundaries
[38:00] - Being Christ’s Hands and Feet
[44:30] - Mission as a Lifestyle
[50:00] - Saying Yes to God’s Call
[57:00] - Saved for a Purpose
[01:08:13] - Prayer for Uruguay Team
[01:11:08] - Closing Worship and Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living on Mission—Everywhere, Every Day

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### Bible Reading

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.”

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.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
> Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 28:19, what does Jesus command his followers to do, and who is included in this command?
2. According to Acts 1:8, where are believers called to be witnesses, and what does this say about the scope of God’s mission?
3. The sermon mentioned that “being a missionary isn’t just about where you go, it’s about who you are, wherever you are.” What examples were given of everyday places where we can live out our faith? [[59:54]]
4. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, what does it mean for each person to be a part of the body of Christ? How did the sermon describe our role as Christ’s hands and feet? [[01:04:09]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is often seen as a call to overseas missions. How does the sermon challenge or expand that understanding? [[59:54]]
2. Acts 1:8 lists Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. What might these places represent in our own lives today? [[59:54]]
3. The sermon said, “Many people may never step into a church, but they will encounter Christ through us.” What are some ways our daily actions can make Jesus visible to others? [[01:04:09]]
4. The pastor said, “God doesn’t call the equipped, but he equips the called.” What does this mean for people who feel unqualified or nervous about sharing their faith? [[01:07:07]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that our mission field starts with those closest to us—family, coworkers, neighbors. Who in your everyday life might God be calling you to reach out to this week? What is one step you could take? [[59:54]]
2. Think about a recent ordinary moment (at work, school, or in your neighborhood). How could you have been more available or obedient to God’s prompting in that situation? [[01:05:54]]
3. The pastor shared stories from the Latvia mission trip, but also reminded us that “missions is not just about traveling to distant lands.” What are some practical ways you can live missionally right where you are? [[59:54]]
4. “We are Christ’s hands, feet, and heart in the world.” Is there someone in your life right now who needs to experience Christ’s love through your kindness, prayer, or presence? What will you do for them this week? [[01:04:09]]
5. The sermon said, “Obedience is more important than ability.” Is there something you sense God is asking you to do, but you feel unqualified? What would it look like to say “yes” anyway? [[01:07:07]]
6. The pastor prayed, “We are not just saved from something; we are saved for something.” What do you think God has saved you for? How can you step into that purpose more intentionally? [[01:08:13]]
7. The Uruguay team was prayed for as they prepared to go. How can you support others in their mission—whether through prayer, encouragement, or practical help? Is there a specific person or team you can commit to supporting this month? [[01:08:13]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another to be available and obedient to God’s call, wherever He leads this week. Pray for courage to say “yes” and for God to use your ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes.

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission: Called to Go and Make Disciples
Jesus calls every believer to actively make disciples wherever they are, not just in distant lands. The call to missions is not reserved for a select few who travel overseas; it is a command for all followers of Christ to live missionally in their everyday lives. Whether across the ocean or across the street, each person is invited to participate in God's redemptive work by sharing the good news and making disciples. This means being intentional in relationships, looking for opportunities to share Christ's love, and recognizing that the mission field begins right where you are. [59:54]

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: Who is one person in your daily life—at home, work, or school—whom you can intentionally encourage or share your faith with this week?


Day 2: God’s Mission Has No Boundaries
God’s heart is for the whole world, and His mission extends from our homes to the ends of the earth. The call to be a witness for Christ is not limited by geography, culture, or comfort zones. Each believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a light in their family, neighborhood, community, and even to people who may be difficult to love. God’s mission is inclusive, inviting us to see every interaction as an opportunity to reflect His love and truth, whether it’s with a family member, a coworker, or a stranger at the store. [01:02:51]

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: Where is your “Jerusalem” today, and how can you be a witness for Christ in that specific place or relationship?


Day 3: We Are Christ’s Hands and Feet
Every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ, called to represent Jesus through their actions, words, and compassion. Being Christ’s hands and feet means serving others, showing kindness, and sharing the good news in practical ways. Many people may never enter a church building, but they will encounter Christ through the lives of His followers. Each act of service, word of encouragement, and moment of compassion is a way to bring the presence of Jesus into the world around us. [01:04:09]

1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve or show compassion to someone in your community this week, being Christ’s hands and feet to them?


Day 4: Mission Is a Lifestyle, Not an Event
Living missionally is not about a single trip or special event, but about embodying Christ’s love and truth in the ordinary moments of life. Every conversation, act of kindness, and prayer can be a part of God’s mission. You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers; you just need to be available and willing to let God use you. By doing everything in the name of Jesus, even the simplest actions can have eternal impact. [01:05:54]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: Think of a routine part of your day—how can you intentionally invite God to use you in that moment for His mission?


Day 5: Saying Yes to God’s Call
God equips those He calls, and He desires a willing heart more than perfect ability. Saying “yes” to God’s call—whether it’s to serve at home, in your neighborhood, or across the world—opens the door for Him to work through you in ways you may never expect. Obedience is the key; you are not just saved from something, but saved for something. Your willingness to step out in faith can plant seeds that bear fruit for God’s kingdom. [01:07:07]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God prompting you to say “yes” today, and what step of obedience can you take in response?

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