Living Our Purpose: Witnessing and Healing in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound calling that Jesus left for His disciples and, by extension, for us. Reflecting on Acts 1:8, we understand that Jesus did not take His disciples with Him when He ascended to heaven because He had a mission for them—to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This mission is not just for the early disciples but for all believers, calling us to live with purpose and focus on spreading the gospel.
We delved into the story from Acts 3, where Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple gate. This man, born lame, represents many in our world who are spiritually crippled, living without hope or awareness of true healing. Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, did not pass by this man. Instead, they offered him something far greater than silver or gold—they offered him Jesus. This encounter reminds us that while physical healing is significant, spiritual healing is paramount. The church's mission is to address both physical and spiritual needs, using acts of service as opportunities to witness and share the gospel.
We also discussed the distractions that can pull us away from our mission. Just as Peter and John could have been distracted by their own priorities, we too can lose focus. It's crucial to remember our first love, Jesus, and to rekindle the passion and joy we once had in our relationship with Him. This involves repentance and returning to the deeds we did at first, ensuring that our lives reflect the mission we are called to fulfill.
Finally, we are reminded that we are both the beggar and the disciple in this story. We were once lost, but through Jesus, we have been found and healed. Now, as disciples, we are called to share this healing with others, to see the world through God's eyes, and to be His witnesses. Our lives have purpose, and as long as we are alive, we are necessary for God's mission on earth.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Mission of Witnessing: Jesus left His disciples on earth to be His witnesses, a mission that extends to us today. We are called to live with purpose, sharing the gospel and being the light in a world that desperately needs hope. This mission is not just for Sundays but for every day of our lives. [17:07]
2. Spiritual Healing Over Physical Needs: While addressing physical needs is important, the ultimate goal is spiritual healing. The story of the lame man in Acts 3 illustrates that true healing comes from a relationship with Jesus, which surpasses any physical restoration. [34:10]
3. Avoiding Distractions: It's easy to get sidetracked by the world's distractions, losing focus on our mission. We must continually remind ourselves of our first love, Jesus, and return to the passion and deeds we did at first, ensuring our lives reflect our calling. [39:38]
4. Our Dual Role: We are both the beggar and the disciple. We were once lost and in need of healing, and now, as disciples, we are called to share the good news of Jesus with others. This dual role reminds us of our past and our mission to help others find healing in Christ. [41:18]
5. Living with Purpose: As long as we are alive, we have a purpose in God's mission. Our lives are necessary for the progress and joy of others in the faith. We are called to live each day to the fullest, serving God and sharing His love with the world. [45:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:05] - A Call from Elvis's Half-Brother
- [14:19] - Rick's Journey to Faith
- [17:07] - The Mission of Witnessing
- [18:21] - Staying Focused on Our Purpose
- [19:32] - Preparing for the Mission
- [20:53] - The Beautiful Gate
- [21:36] - Peter and John's Encounter
- [22:40] - Avoiding Distractions
- [23:16] - A Missed Opportunity
- [25:45] - The Need for True Healing
- [28:44] - Living Day to Day
- [29:29] - Spiritual Blindness
- [31:02] - The Beggar's Focus
- [34:10] - From Religion to Relationship
- [36:47] - The Purpose of Miracles
- [39:38] - Returning to Our First Love
- [41:18] - Our Dual Role
- [45:51] - Living with Purpose
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 1:8
- Acts 3:1-10
- Philippians 1:21-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What mission did Jesus give to His disciples before ascending to heaven, according to Acts 1:8? How does this mission apply to us today? [17:07]
2. In Acts 3, what was the condition of the man Peter and John encountered at the temple gate, and how did they respond to his need? [20:53]
3. How did Peter and John demonstrate their focus on spiritual healing over physical needs in their encounter with the lame man? [34:10]
4. What distractions did the pastor mention that can pull us away from our mission as witnesses of Jesus? [18:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the lame man in Acts 3 illustrate the importance of spiritual healing over physical healing? What does this tell us about the priorities of the early church? [34:10]
2. The pastor mentioned that we are both the beggar and the disciple in the story. What does this dual role mean for our understanding of our identity and mission as Christians? [41:18]
3. How can the distractions mentioned in the sermon affect our ability to fulfill our mission as witnesses of Jesus? What steps can be taken to avoid these distractions? [18:21]
4. In Philippians 1:21-24, Paul talks about living with purpose. How does this passage relate to the mission of witnessing described in Acts 1:8? [45:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any distractions that are pulling you away from your mission as a witness of Jesus? How can you address these distractions this week? [18:21]
2. The pastor shared a story about missing an opportunity to witness. Have you ever experienced a similar situation? How can you be more prepared to share your faith in the future? [25:45]
3. Consider the dual role of being both the beggar and the disciple. How does this perspective change the way you view your own spiritual journey and your responsibility to others? [41:18]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of returning to our first love, Jesus. What practical steps can you take to rekindle your passion and joy in your relationship with Him? [39:38]
5. Identify one person in your life who is spiritually "lame" or in need of hope. How can you offer them the spiritual healing that comes from a relationship with Jesus this week? [34:10]
6. How can you live with purpose each day, as described in Philippians 1:21-24, and ensure that your life reflects the mission you are called to fulfill? [45:51]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of seeing the world through God's eyes. What is one practical way you can start doing this in your daily interactions? [31:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Living as Witnesses of Christ
Reflecting on Acts 1:8, believers are reminded of the mission Jesus left for His disciples—to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. This mission is not limited to the early disciples but extends to all who follow Christ. It calls for a life of purpose, where sharing the gospel and being a light in a world that needs hope becomes a daily endeavor. This mission is not confined to Sundays or church gatherings but is a continuous call to action in every aspect of life. As believers, embracing this mission means living intentionally, with a focus on spreading the message of Jesus wherever we go. [17:07]
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: Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope in Jesus today, and how can you be a witness to them in a practical way?
Day 2: Prioritizing Spiritual Healing
The story of the lame man in Acts 3 highlights the importance of spiritual healing over physical needs. While addressing physical needs is significant, the ultimate goal is to lead others to a relationship with Jesus, which offers true healing. Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, offered the lame man something far greater than material wealth—they offered him Jesus. This encounter serves as a reminder that the church's mission is to address both physical and spiritual needs, using acts of service as opportunities to witness and share the gospel. [34:10]
Acts 3:6-8 (ESV): "But Peter said, 'I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!' And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong."
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize spiritual healing in your interactions with others, even as you meet their physical needs?
Day 3: Staying Focused on Our Mission
Distractions can easily pull believers away from their mission. Just as Peter and John could have been sidetracked by their own priorities, believers today can lose focus on their calling. It is crucial to remember the first love, Jesus, and to rekindle the passion and joy once had in a relationship with Him. This involves repentance and returning to the deeds done at first, ensuring that lives reflect the mission to which believers are called. Staying focused requires intentionality and a constant reminder of the purpose and calling in Christ. [39:38]
Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV): "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first."
Reflection: What distractions are currently hindering your focus on your mission, and how can you realign your priorities to reflect your love for Jesus?
Day 4: Embracing Our Dual Role
Believers are both the beggar and the disciple in the story of Acts 3. Once lost and in need of healing, they have now been found and healed through Jesus. As disciples, they are called to share this healing with others, to see the world through God's eyes, and to be His witnesses. This dual role serves as a reminder of the past and the mission to help others find healing in Christ. Embracing this role means living with empathy and compassion, understanding the need for both physical and spiritual restoration in the lives of others. [41:18]
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Reflection: How can you use your own story of healing and redemption to encourage and lead others to Christ today?
Day 5: Living with Purpose
As long as believers are alive, they have a purpose in God's mission. Their lives are necessary for the progress and joy of others in the faith. Living with purpose means serving God and sharing His love with the world each day. It involves recognizing the unique role each person plays in God's plan and embracing the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. This purpose-driven life is marked by intentionality, where every action and decision is aligned with the mission to spread the gospel and bring glory to God. [45:51]
Philippians 1:21-24 (ESV): "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live more purposefully in alignment with God's mission for your life?
Quotes
Jesus left them behind so they could be witnesses. He expected them to devote themselves to that mission and make that mission the focus of their lives. And even though it's been 2,000 years ago since Jesus gave this command, he caused us to be just as devoted to that mission as was his first disciples. [00:17:07] (20 seconds)
Our mission is to awaken hearts to Jesus every day. Not just on Sunday, but every day. We are the church, everyone. So it's not just the staff that's the church. We are the church. And no matter the day, again, every day, wherever we go, everywhere, the measurement of a great church is not Sunday, but how we live when we leave the building because we're on a mission. [00:18:21] (33 seconds)
Peter and John didn't make excuses of why they couldn't stop. We're going to go worship God. So, I mean, you'll be here later. We'll catch you the second time around. You ever go into a store where they're ringing a bell? Are they selling stuff? I'll catch you on the way out. I'm going to go out the other door, okay? [00:22:40] (18 seconds)
The difference between religion and Christianity is that religion is man's attempt to try to reach God by doing religious stuff. And you see that a lot, mainly in the cults. Christianity is God coming down to mankind through his son, Jesus Christ. The word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. [00:29:29] (24 seconds)
The mission of the church is to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Peter knew that. That's why he said, in the name of Jesus Christ, let Nazareth rise up and walk. And for the first time, this man couldn't help but leap. He leaped all the way to the church. And I'm sure the priests weren't very happy of him leaping up and down as he's coming into the sanctuary. [00:36:47] (19 seconds)
The world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly pulling you away from Jesus and distracting you from his mission and your purpose for living. And if you're not diligent, you find yourself falling out of love with him. And your love will grow cold. fallen. Look back to that time. [00:39:38] (21 seconds)
We live in the midst of a multitude of people with spiritual blindness. We've had our sins forgiven. But more than that, we've been given a mission to go help forgive the sins of others and pronounce the good news to them. And you know what happens when you do? Well, look what happened to this man. [00:45:51] (18 seconds)
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. If I'm to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet which shall I choose? I don't know. I'm torn between the two. I desire to depart to be with Christ, which is better by far. But it's more necessary for you that I remain in the body. [00:45:51] (23 seconds)
As long as you're alive, you're necessary. You have a purpose to fulfill. A memory verse is from Philippians 1 -21. Say this with me. For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. If you believe this, say it one more time. For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. You're going to live that to the day you die? [00:45:51] (25 seconds)
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