Living on Mission: Embracing Christ's Call

Devotional

Day 1: Sent on Mission: Jesus Commissions Every Believer

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, who were hiding in fear and confusion, and immediately spoke peace over them. He then declared that just as the Father had sent Him, He was now sending them. This was not a gentle suggestion but a clear commissioning: every follower of Jesus is called to participate in His mission. The presence of the Holy Spirit is given as both blessing and empowerment for this task. No matter your background or how unprepared you may feel, Jesus’ first word to you is peace, and His next is purpose—He sends you into the world to continue His work. [09:19]

John 20:19-23 (ESV)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Reflection: Where in your daily life do you sense Jesus sending you on mission, and how can you intentionally step into that calling today?

Day 2: Faithful Stewardship: The Expectation of Active Participation

Jesus taught that those who are truly converted to His cause will be found working when He returns. In the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants, He makes it clear that blessing comes to those who are actively engaged in His mission, not just those who believe. There is a real expectation that we not only receive salvation but also participate in the work of the kingdom—serving, loving, and sharing the good news. The difference between being blessed and missing out is not belief alone, but being all in for the cause of Christ, living with intention and purpose every day. [12:05]

Luke 12:42-48 (ESV)
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

Reflection: What is one specific way you can move from passive belief to active participation in Christ’s mission this week?

Day 3: Daily Surrender: Taking Up Your Cross and Following Jesus

Jesus calls every disciple to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. This is not a one-time decision but a daily act of surrender, where we lay down our own desires, fears, and reputations for the sake of Christ. The battle is not just about sharing the gospel, but about how we live every aspect of our lives—overcoming fear, resisting apathy, and being willing to be misunderstood or even rejected for the sake of the kingdom. True discipleship means living for Jesus every day, not just fitting Him into our schedules. [26:20]

Luke 9:23-26 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your own will and take up your cross today?

Day 4: Fruitful Multiplication: Living and Sharing the Gospel Together

The early church modeled what it means to be fruitful and multiply disciples—not just by preaching, but by doing life together, inviting others in, and doing good works daily. Their intentionality in living out the gospel, sharing resources, and practicing hospitality led to God adding to their number daily. The call is not just to believe, but to actively invite others into the life of the kingdom, to model Christ’s love, and to do good works that glorify God. When we live this way, we become part of God’s plan to transform lives and communities. [42:48]

Acts 2:40-47 (ESV)
And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: Who can you intentionally invite into your life or community this week to experience the love and life of Jesus?

Day 5: Obedience and Dominion: Bringing Every Area Under Christ’s Rule

The mission of Christ is not just about personal salvation, but about bringing every area of our lives—and our world—under the authority and rule of Jesus. We are called to subdue all things in obedience to Christ, teaching and living out His commands, and holding ourselves and others to the standard of the coming kingdom. This means refusing to settle for cultural Christianity or mere religious activity, but going all in as kingdom people, living for God’s glory in every sphere. When we do this, we prepare ourselves and others for life in God’s eternal kingdom and experience the fullness of His blessing. [44:36]

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 area of your life or influence that you need to intentionally bring under the authority of Jesus today?

Sermon Summary

Being converted to the cause of Christ means more than simply believing in Jesus or attending church; it means being so gripped by the mission of Jesus that it becomes the central passion and orientation of our lives. Just as we naturally talk about the things we love—our favorite sports teams, products, or hobbies—so too should our love for Christ overflow into our conversations and actions. Jesus came on a mission from the Father: to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, to seek and save the lost, and to invite us into that same mission. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, not to comfort them with platitudes, but to commission them: “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” He breathed on them, imparting the Holy Spirit, and sent them out with authority and purpose.

This mission is not reserved for a select few or for “professional” Christians; it is the calling of every believer. The parable of the faithful steward in Luke 12 reminds us that Jesus expects His followers to be found working, engaged in His mission when He returns. There is a real expectation that we not only receive the blessings of the kingdom but also labor to extend them to others. The story of Grandma Grace, a 70-year-old widow who discipled thousands from her farmhouse, demonstrates that God can use anyone, anywhere, who is willing to say “yes” to His call.

The difference between a vacation and a mission is intention. Wherever we are—at work, at home, in our communities—we are called to live with the intention of advancing the kingdom of God. This requires daily surrender, taking up our cross, and refusing to settle for a faith that only seeks to be fed but never feeds others. The early church modeled this: they preached the gospel, lived in community, did good works, and multiplied disciples. The result was that God added to their number daily.

To live on mission, we must first receive God’s blessing—His presence and power through the Holy Spirit. Then, we are to be fruitful and multiply disciples, inviting others into the life of the kingdom. Finally, we are to subdue all things in obedience to Christ, bringing every area of our lives under His rule. This is not about religious activity or striving in our own strength, but about living intentionally for Jesus, empowered by His Spirit, and trusting Him for the increase. The question remains: Who will go? Who will say, “Here am I, send me”? The invitation is open, and the blessing is promised to those who answer the call.

Key Takeaways

1. Passion for Christ naturally leads to proclamation. Just as we can’t help but share about things we love, a heart truly converted to Christ will overflow with the desire to share the good news. Evangelism is not a burdensome duty but the joyful outflow of a life transformed by Jesus. If Christ is truly central, He will be the subject of our conversations and the motivation behind our actions. [03:34]
2. The mission of Jesus is the mission of every believer. Jesus did not simply comfort His disciples after the resurrection; He commissioned them, breathing His Spirit and sending them out. Our purpose is not to merely survive or be blessed, but to be active participants in God’s redemptive work, wherever we are. The expectation is that we are found working, not waiting, when He returns. [10:45]
3. God uses ordinary people who are willing to say “yes.” The story of Grandma Grace shows that age, location, or lack of platform are no barriers to being used by God. What matters is intention and obedience—being available and willing to act on the opportunities God provides. One act of faithfulness can multiply far beyond what we imagine, impacting lives and generations. [20:15]
4. Daily surrender is essential for kingdom living. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, not just to fit Him into our schedules or seek His blessings. True discipleship means dying to self, overcoming fear and apathy, and living every day with the intention of advancing His kingdom. The cross not only frees us from fear of others’ opinions but also empowers us to love and warn others of the coming judgment. [26:20]
5. The mission is empowered by God’s presence, not our ability. Jesus promises His presence and power as we go on mission, but this is a conditional promise—His power is experienced as we step out in obedience. We are not responsible for the results, only for sowing and watering the seed. As we receive His blessing, live intentionally, and bring every area of life under His rule, God will bring the increase and add to His family. [40:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:12] - The Nature of Passion and Evangelism
[05:13] - Jesus’ Mission and the Message of the Kingdom
[06:54] - Preparing for the Coming Kingdom
[07:35] - The Disciples’ Fear and Jesus’ Commission
[10:45] - The Expectation of Mission
[12:05] - The Stakes of Commitment
[18:37] - The Story of Grandma Grace
[22:09] - The Cost of True Discipleship
[26:20] - Daily Surrender and Overcoming Fear
[30:34] - The Cross and the Power to Witness
[33:08] - Excuses and the Call to Mission
[35:10] - The Great Commission and Kingdom Mandate
[37:35] - Receiving God’s Blessing and Presence
[41:14] - Multiplying Disciples and Community
[44:36] - Subduing All Things in Obedience
[47:54] - The Danger of Shallow Christianity
[49:06] - The Urgency of the Mission
[50:27] - Living as Kingdom People
[52:45] - Gathering or Scattering: The Test of Our Lives
[53:52] - Living on Mission Wherever You Are
[55:48] - The Call: Who Will Go?
[57:17] - Prayer for Empowerment and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 20:19-23 (ESV) — > On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Luke 12:42-48 (ESV) — > And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

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.”

Observation Questions

In John 20:21, what does Jesus say to His disciples after His resurrection, and what does He do immediately after?
According to Luke 12:42-48, what is the difference between the servant who is found working when the master returns and the one who is not?
In Matthew 28:18-20, what are the three main actions Jesus commands His followers to do as part of the Great Commission?
According to the sermon, what was the first thing Jesus did when He appeared to the disciples after the resurrection? [[09:19]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus immediately commissioned His disciples after the resurrection instead of simply comforting them? What does this reveal about His priorities for His followers? [[09:19]]
The parable in Luke 12 shows two types of servants. What does this teach about Jesus’ expectations for those who follow Him? How does this relate to being “converted to the cause of Christ”? [[12:05]]
The story of Grandma Grace was shared in the sermon. What does her story illustrate about who God can use and what it means to live on mission? [[20:15]]
The sermon says, “The difference between a vacation and a mission is intention.” How does this idea challenge the way we approach our daily lives? [[20:15]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “Passion for Christ naturally leads to proclamation.” What are some things you talk about easily and often? Is Jesus one of them? If not, what holds you back from sharing about Him in your daily conversations? [[03:34]]
Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” Where has God “sent” you right now (work, home, school, neighborhood)? What would it look like to live with a sense of mission in that place this week? [[09:19]]
Grandma Grace started discipling thousands from her farmhouse at age 70. What is one area of your life where you have felt “disqualified” or “too ordinary” to be used by God? How might God want to use you right where you are? [[20:15]]
The sermon challenged us to “take up our cross daily.” What is one specific way you can surrender your plans, comfort, or fears to Jesus this week? [[26:20]]
The early church “preached the gospel, lived in community, did good works, and multiplied disciples.” Which of these do you find most challenging? What is one step you could take to grow in that area? [[41:14]]
The sermon said, “The mission is empowered by God’s presence, not our ability.” Is there a step of faith you feel God is asking you to take, but you feel unqualified or afraid? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s power instead of your own strength? [[40:44]]
At the end of the sermon, the question was asked: “Who will go? Who will say, ‘Here am I, send me’?” What is your honest answer to this question right now? What would it look like for you to say “yes” to God’s call this week? [[55:48]]

Sermon Clips

Can I ask you a question what is the difference between a vacation and a mission you know the difference is intention i can go to brazil and visit brazil or i can go to brazil with the intention of bringing the gospel one beat one is a vacation the other is a mission trip amen i can go on my job to go do my work i can go on my job understanding i'm on mission and i'm looking for an opportunity to do good and share the gospel with somebody what's the difference intention that's all it is. [00:22:00] (34 seconds) #IntentionDefinesMission

We can't allow the fear that we're going to be judged by society as a radical stop us from entering his mission field. The cross kills fear. This is why Jesus said the way we're going to do this is going to take up our cross. Why? Because if I'm dead, you can't bother me. Right? If I'm dead to your opinion, guess what? It don't matter. You can kick a dead body and it don't kick back, does it? You can talk behind the back of a dead body. What does that dead body do? Nothing. So if I take up my cross, dead. I've been crucified to the world and the world to me. And I live my life now for Christ who loved me and gave himself for me. Amen? [00:30:34] (40 seconds) #CrossConquersFear

The cross reminds us of the power of God over sin and death. It reminds us that salvation is available. We just sang about it. It reminds us that God has done good things, that God has saved and God does save and God will save and God does heal and will heal and God will deliver just like he has delivered. The cross constantly reminds us that Jesus wins, that God triumphs, that the king is coming, that he's sitting on his throne and the kingdom is every moment advancing. And soon it's going to dominate everything. [00:32:07] (33 seconds) #VictoryInTheCross

You're not responsible for who gets saved. You're not responsible for how people respond. You're responsible for telling people the good news that God has come. The good news that their sins can be forgiven. The good news that when they walk with God, they discover a kingdom full of peace and joy and righteousness. Full of justice and grace and mercy. But to do that, we need help. And where does that help come from? It comes from the Lord. It comes through the Holy Spirit. So listen, I'm not telling you to do something that you can't do, but I'm telling you you can't do it in your own strength. And this is what Jesus said, receive my blessing. And if we receive his blessing, we can be successful. [00:39:01] (44 seconds) #GoAndReceivePresence

Can I submit to you that maybe the reason why you don't experience the power of God and the joy of God and the peace of God and the victory of God in your life is because you haven't gone yet. This is a conditional promise. And we hate those. But this is a conditional promise. As you go and go on mission, then I will be with you. If we don't go, does he need to be with us? I mean, we need him, but does he need us? When he was talking to those disciples and they ate the bread, he said, come with me. And what'd they do? They went the other way. Did they get the benefit of his presence? Who got the benefit of his presence? Those that remained and those that went with him. [00:40:33] (48 seconds) #IntentionalDailyWitness

This message says obey christ live right do what he called you to do don't be a cultural christian don't be a religious person be a kingdom person go all in with god and you know what we're like my life is too full it's too busy to live for god that way i just want to add god i just want to be blessed i just want to be told how good i am and how perfect i am and how god has a good plan for my life and you know what you're great god loves you he died for you you're wonderful you're made in the image and likeness of god and yes god works everything together for your good and yes god has good plans for you but none of those things will be realized if you don't get this part right if you don't tear your cross and follow him you don't get it and we want you to have it but we're afraid to tell you because you might get mad and walk away it might be too hard jesus said carry your cross what is that that's dying die to yourself die to your will die to your way follow jesus and if i say that too loud you're like pastor's mean he's religious he's ah But this is what Jesus said. [00:46:53] (64 seconds) #AbundantLifeForAll

If I'm mad at anything, I'm mad that we're not living in the abundant life that Jesus died for us to live. If I'm mad at anything, I'm mad that more people are not experiencing the love of God. If I'm mad at anything, I'm mad that there are people right around us in the community right next to us, down the street, up in Woodbridge, down in Stafford, down in French, all around us that don't know that God forgives sins, that don't understand that there is forgiveness and grace and mercy at the cross. And if we don't tell them who will, and listen, we may say, I'm just one person. Grandma Grace was one person, 70 years old, living in a farmhouse. And she discipled over 10 ,000 people by herself. Like, as a pen pal. [00:49:10] (58 seconds) #OnePersonCanMultiply

If you are with Jesus, you are drawing people into the kingdom. You are bringing people to God. If you are not with Jesus, you're living your life and you're preaching a message that drives people away from Jesus and away from the kingdom of God. So when you look at your life, are you repelling people or are you drawing people? [00:53:00] (21 seconds) #DrawNotRepel

And when we do this, I'm telling you, we'll be so blessed and so excited because people will be saved, miracles will be happened. We'll experience community and connection and power, and God will add to our number daily. We'll experience that. But not only that, we will see God at changing people's lives and changing our community. And ultimately, we'll stand before those people, with those people in heaven. And I believe all 10 ,000 of those people are going to say to Grandma Grace one day, oh, thank God for you. And I believe there's going to be tens of thousands of people that are going to look to you, look to me and say, oh, thank God for you. Because we chose to join the cause of Christ. Amen? [00:54:51] (42 seconds) #BlessedByFaithfulWitness

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