Prayers for Peace and Support for Global Missions
Summary
In my sermon, I began with a prayer for our world, particularly for the crises in Morocco and Libya. I prayed for the world community to provide relief and for rulers and authorities to exercise their power with compassion and justice. I also prayed for peace in war-torn countries and for solutions to be found through dialogue and respect for human life and dignity. I prayed for a renewal of faith in Jesus in Australia and for our friends and neighbors to explore who Jesus is and put their trust in him. I prayed for our nation as we prepare for a referendum, for calm and respectful debate, and for an outcome that honors God. I prayed for our church as we seek to be followers of Jesus in 2023, for families to make us their spiritual home, and for our children's teachers and leaders.
I also spoke about Life Connection, our mission focus for term three. Life Connection is an organization that supports pastors in the poorest countries and areas of the world. These pastors often become the centers of their villages, serving as magistrates, policemen, counselors, and spiritual guides. I shared that 100% of what we give goes directly to the pastors, and that our church sponsors 23 pastors around the world. I also mentioned upcoming mission trips and the opportunity to partner with a pastor. I also discussed our initiative to spruce up the kids' hall in our church, to make it a welcoming space for children during prayers.
Key Takeaways:
- We should pray for peace and justice in our world, and for leaders to exercise their power with compassion and responsibility. ([29:10])
- It's important to renew our faith in Jesus and encourage others to explore who Jesus is and put their trust in him. ([29:50])
- Supporting organizations like Life Connection can make a significant difference in the lives of pastors in the poorest areas of the world. ([31:02])
- We should strive to make our churches welcoming and comfortable spaces for all members, including children. ([33:44])
- Participating in mission trips and partnering with pastors in need can be a life-changing experience. ([33:02])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 25:40 [34:22]
2. James 2:14-17 [32:25]
3. 1 Peter 3:15 [29:50]
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 25:40, who is Jesus referring to when He says "the least of these"?
2. What does James 2:14-17 suggest about the relationship between faith and works?
3. According to 1 Peter 3:15, what should be our attitude when asked about our faith?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Matthew 25:40 relate to the concept of serving others, especially those in need?
2. How does James 2:14-17 challenge our understanding of faith as merely a personal belief?
3. What does 1 Peter 3:15 imply about the role of Christians in sharing the gospel?
Application Questions:
1. How can you practically serve "the least of these" in your community this week, as suggested in Matthew 25:40?
2. Reflecting on James 2:14-17, can you identify an area in your life where your faith needs to be accompanied by action? What steps can you take to address this?
3. Considering 1 Peter 3:15, who is someone in your life that you can share your faith with? How can you prepare yourself to do this in a respectful and gentle manner?
Devotional
Day 1: Praying for Global Compassion and Justice
We are called to intercede for our world, praying for countries in crisis and for leaders to rule with compassion and justice. We must pray for peace, for an end to violence, and for solutions that uphold human dignity. We are also called to pray for a renewal of faith in Jesus across the globe. [29:10]
Isaiah 58:6-7 - "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
Reflection: How can you actively pray for global issues and injustices this week?
Day 2: Being Ready to Share Our Faith
We are urged to be ready to share the reason for our hope in Jesus. This involves not only understanding our faith but also being able to articulate it to others in a way that is inviting and compelling. [29:50]
1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life could you share your faith with this week? How can you prepare for this conversation?
Day 3: Building a Spiritual Home
We are encouraged to make our church a spiritual home for families. This involves creating a welcoming, nurturing environment where people of all ages can grow in their faith. [30:26]
Psalm 84:1-2 - "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a spiritual home for others?
Day 4: Supporting Pastors in Need
We are called to support pastors in the poorest countries, recognizing their vital role as spiritual guides and community leaders. This support can take many forms, from financial assistance to prayer. [31:46]
Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you support pastors or other spiritual leaders in your community or around the world?
Day 5: Serving Our Local Community
We are encouraged to serve our local community, whether through practical tasks like painting and cleaning, or through more relational forms of service. This is a tangible way of demonstrating God's love to those around us. [34:22]
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: What practical ways can you serve your local community this week?
Quotes
1. "We pray that your will will be done on Earth that we as a world Community will provide a relief needed to help people in their suffering and we pray that rules and authorities everywhere will rule with compassion Justice and will exercise their Authority wisely and responsibly." - 29:10
2. "We pray for us in Australia to have a renewal of faith in Jesus. We pray that you'll call our friends and our neighbors by your Holy Spirit to explore who Jesus is and to put their trust in him." - 29:50
3. "We pray for our church as we seek to be Jesus followers in 2023. Help us to understand what it means to be a community of Believers in our time and our place." - 30:26
4. "We pray for each of the pastors that is supported by life connection as they prepare for their Church Gatherings over this weekend across the world. We pray for faithful preaching and service." - 31:02
5. "Life connection is an organization that supports Pastors in the poorest countries and poorest areas of those countries in the world. What these pastors end up doing is becoming centers of their little Villages they become the magistrate, the policeman, the counselor and of course the spiritual guide and leader." - 32:25
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