Local Witnesses, Global Mission: Empowered to Share
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound responsibility and privilege we have as followers of Christ to be His witnesses in the world. We are reminded that while our vision is global, our actions must begin locally. God has placed us where we are for a reason, and it is here that we must start our mission. The Great Commission calls us to spread the gospel to all corners of the earth, but it begins with our immediate surroundings. We are not held accountable for the places we have not been, but for the places we are.
The apostles' question to Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel was a valid one, yet Jesus redirected their focus to the task at hand: being witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. This empowerment is not just for the apostles or the evangelists of old but for each of us today. We are equipped with the Holy Spirit to share the gospel, and God will never give us a task without also providing the means to accomplish it.
The story of Dawn Webster, who overcame immense physical limitations to achieve her goals, serves as an inspiring reminder that what seems impossible is possible with determination and God's help. Similarly, the task of reaching billions with the gospel may seem daunting, but God has equipped us with everything we need to fulfill our part in this mission.
We are called to be witnesses, not just in word but in action, through various approaches that suit our unique gifts and circumstances. Whether through direct conversation, intellectual discourse, personal testimony, or acts of service, we are to share the gospel in ways that resonate with those around us. Our work, whether in the church or in our secular vocations, is a service to Christ and a means of proclaiming the gospel.
As we reflect on our role in God's mission, we are challenged to identify those in our lives who need to hear the gospel and to pray for opportunities and boldness to share it with them. The task may seem impossible, but with God, all things are possible.
Key Takeaways:
- Local Responsibility, Global Vision: We are called to think globally but act locally. Our mission begins where we are, and God holds us accountable for our actions in our immediate surroundings. This local action is the foundation for global impact. [42:27]
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit: God equips us with the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. This empowerment is not limited to pastors or evangelists but is available to every believer. We have the power to fulfill our part in the Great Commission. [44:48]
- Diverse Approaches to Evangelism: Sharing the gospel can take many forms, from direct conversation to acts of service. Understanding our unique gifts and approaches allows us to effectively communicate the gospel in ways that resonate with others. [51:30]
- Work as Worship: Our secular vocations are not separate from our spiritual lives. All work is for Christ, and the way we conduct ourselves in our jobs can be a powerful testimony of the gospel. [01:04:06]
- Urgency in Sharing the Gospel: We must feel a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with those around us. Identifying individuals in our lives who need to hear the message and praying for opportunities to share it is crucial. [01:16:32]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[42:27] - Local Responsibility, Global Vision
[44:48] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[47:23] - The Seemingly Impossible Task
[49:46] - Equipped for the Mission
[51:30] - Diverse Approaches to Evangelism
[53:11] - The Role of Testimony
[55:14] - Urgency in Evangelism
[56:06] - Intellectual and Testimonial Approaches
[57:03] - The Power of Personal Testimony
[01:00:10] - The Plan for Missions
[01:04:06] - Work as Worship
[01:06:39] - Quality in Our Work
[01:07:47] - The Impact of Local Actions
[01:16:32] - Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 1:6-8
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Observation Questions:
1. What question did the apostles ask Jesus in Acts 1:6, and why was it significant? [42:27]
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the power given by the Holy Spirit? [49:46]
3. How does the story of Dawn Webster illustrate the theme of overcoming seemingly impossible tasks? [44:48]
4. What are some of the diverse approaches to evangelism mentioned in the sermon? [53:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' response to the apostles' question in Acts 1:7-8 shift their focus from earthly concerns to spiritual responsibilities? [42:27]
2. In what ways does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit equip believers to fulfill the Great Commission today? [49:46]
3. How can the story of Dawn Webster inspire believers to overcome their own limitations in sharing the gospel? [44:48]
4. What might be the significance of using diverse approaches to evangelism, and how can this be applied in different contexts? [53:11]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your local community. Who are the individuals in your immediate surroundings that need to hear the gospel, and how can you begin to reach out to them? [01:16:32]
2. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to be a witness for Christ? [49:46]
3. Think about a personal challenge or limitation you face in sharing your faith. How can the story of Dawn Webster motivate you to push past these barriers? [44:48]
4. Identify your unique gifts and circumstances. How can you use them to share the gospel in a way that resonates with those around you? [53:11]
5. How can you integrate your faith into your secular vocation, viewing your work as a form of worship and a testimony of the gospel? [01:04:06]
6. What steps can you take to cultivate a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel with those who have not yet heard it? [01:16:32]
7. Reflect on the different approaches to evangelism discussed in the sermon. Which approach resonates most with you, and how can you begin to implement it in your interactions with others? [53:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Local Action, Global Impact
In the journey of faith, believers are called to have a global vision while starting their mission locally. This means recognizing that God has placed each person in their specific community for a purpose. The Great Commission is a call to spread the gospel to all nations, but it begins with the immediate surroundings. Believers are not held accountable for places they have not been, but for the places they are. By focusing on local actions, individuals lay the foundation for a broader global impact. This approach emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small things, trusting that God will use these efforts to reach the world. [42:27]
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 immediate community needs to hear the gospel, and what specific action can you take this week to share it with them?
Day 2: Spirit-Empowered Witness
Every believer is equipped with the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Christ. This empowerment is not reserved for pastors or evangelists but is available to all who follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit provides the strength, wisdom, and courage needed to share the gospel effectively. This divine empowerment ensures that believers are never alone in their mission. God does not give a task without also providing the means to accomplish it. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can confidently fulfill their part in the Great Commission, knowing that they have the power to make a difference. [44:48]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power to be an effective witness for Christ?
Day 3: Unique Approaches to Evangelism
Sharing the gospel is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each believer has unique gifts and circumstances that shape how they can effectively communicate the message of Christ. Whether through direct conversation, intellectual discourse, personal testimony, or acts of service, there are diverse ways to evangelize. Understanding one's strengths and the needs of those around them allows for a more personalized and impactful approach. This diversity in evangelism ensures that the gospel can resonate with a wide range of people, meeting them where they are and speaking to their hearts. [51:30]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you possess that can be used to share the gospel in a way that resonates with those around you?
Day 4: Work as a Form of Worship
The integration of faith and work is a powerful testimony of the gospel. Believers are called to view their secular vocations as a form of worship, serving Christ through their daily tasks. This perspective transforms ordinary work into an opportunity to glorify God and witness to others. By conducting themselves with integrity, excellence, and love, believers can demonstrate the values of the kingdom of God in their workplaces. This approach not only honors God but also opens doors for conversations about faith, as others witness the difference Christ makes in a believer's life. [01:04:06]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you intentionally integrate your faith into your work this week, viewing your job as an opportunity to worship and witness for Christ?
Day 5: Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
There is an urgency in the call to share the gospel with those around us. Believers are challenged to identify individuals in their lives who need to hear the message of Christ and to pray for opportunities and boldness to share it. The task of reaching billions with the gospel may seem daunting, but with God, all things are possible. This sense of urgency compels believers to act, trusting that God will use their efforts to bring others to faith. By prioritizing evangelism and seeking divine guidance, believers can make a significant impact in the lives of those they encounter. [01:16:32]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you feel a sense of urgency to share the gospel with, and what steps can you take today to begin that conversation?
Quotes
"There are things that are important to know. And as a church and as a pastor, I'm called to preach the whole counsel of God. And all scripture is given for our prophet. And Jesus said to teach all things whatsoever. I have. I have commanded you. But there are some things that we are not intended to know and are not the priority for us to focus so much attention on." [00:42:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God will never give us a task or a command that he will not also give us what we need to accomplish that task. So while I sit back and say, man, this sounds like this is a big task, think about what it was for these 12 in a time where there was no mass communication, no high-speed travel, no... high-pressure fundraising to raise the funds for this mission." [00:48:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God tells them, Jesus tells them, take the gospel to every creature throughout the world, to the father's points of the world. So we can look at it and we can say it's impossible and we can back up and just sit back and, well, I can't be a part of that. I don't know how. I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do." [00:49:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God gives us exactly what our purpose is. What is our purpose? He says in verse 8, after you receive the Holy Spirit and the power that comes with Him, you shall be witnesses. This word for a witness, a witness is someone who has seen something and can say something about it." [00:50:23] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"None of us deserve the gospel. That's why it's grace. So if we want to pick people and say, well, they're not worthy of the gospel, then who are we to be worthy? We're not worthy of the gospel either. And so this is truth that we know. We are to be witnesses." [00:52:48] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"May the Holy Spirit move us to be willing to speak to them. This is a matter of urgency. There's the intellectual approach. Paul uses this in Acts chapter 17 when he stands at Mars Hill. And he's speaking to all the intellectuals, the Greeks, the philosophers." [00:55:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Everything, whether therefore you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. So our service for him makes what we do here matter there. Can it have that long lasting impact? Sure it can. I was thinking this morning when I was preparing to come to church, I was thinking about Acts chapter 19, where Paul comes to the city of Ephesus." [01:07:21] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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