Recommitting to Our Mission: Passion and Compassion

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we focused on recommitting ourselves to the mission of developing a passion for God and compassion for people through the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. This mission is not about what we do for God, but about what He has done for us and continues to do through us. As we celebrate the upcoming events of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday, we are reminded of the extraordinary life we have been given through Christ. These events mark the greatest moment in history, the resurrection of Jesus, and we are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors to join in this celebration.

Reflecting on the vision God has given us, we looked at the example of the Apostle Paul, who was transformed by his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul's mission was to turn people from darkness to light, a mission that has been passed down to us. We are called to remember our own encounters with God, renew our purpose as servants and witnesses, and resolve to obey despite obstacles. This mission is not just for pastors or elders but for all of us as a community. We are a team working together to fulfill this mission, and we must be diligent in inviting others to join us.

As we celebrate seven years of God's faithfulness to Heritage Bible Church, we commit to thanking God for His past faithfulness, renewing our commitment to His vision, resolving to be faithful despite obstacles, and inviting others to be part of God's work. We trust that Jesus will lead us boldly into the next season of ministry, where we continue to develop a passion for God and compassion for people through the extraordinary person of Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Encounter with God: Just as Paul had a transformative encounter with Jesus, we are called to remember our own encounters with God. These moments shape our faith and mission, reminding us of the light we are called to bring into the world. Our personal stories of transformation are powerful testimonies that can inspire others to seek God. [51:46]

2. Renewing Our Purpose: God has appointed us as servants and witnesses, not to remain idle but to actively share His love and message. Our purpose is to live out the gospel in our daily lives, through our actions and words, reaching out to those who are spiritually hungry. This is a time of great spiritual hunger, and we must be ready to share the truth with those seeking it. [56:03]

3. Resolving to Obey Despite Obstacles: We will face challenges and resistance as we share the gospel, but we must remain steadfast. Like Paul, who faced arrest and opposition, we are called to persevere and continue sharing God's love, knowing that He equips us for the task. Our obedience, even in the face of obstacles, is a testament to our faith. [59:17]

4. Inviting Others to Join the Mission: Our mission is not just for us but for everyone. We are called to invite others to join us in developing a passion for God and compassion for people. This is a higher purpose that transcends earthly achievements, focusing on the eternal impact of bringing souls into God's family. [01:04:52]

5. Celebrating God's Faithfulness: As we celebrate seven years of God's faithfulness, we are reminded of His guidance and provision. We commit to continuing His work, trusting that He will sustain us in the future. Our journey is a testament to His enduring love and faithfulness, and we dedicate ourselves afresh to His glory. [01:08:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:29] - Testimonies Begin
- [22:33] - Prayer and Worship
- [48:13] - Introduction to the Mission
- [51:46] - Paul's Encounter with God
- [56:03] - Renewing Our Purpose
- [59:17] - Resolving to Obey
- [01:04:52] - Inviting Others to the Mission
- [01:08:54] - Celebrating God's Faithfulness
- [01:12:00] - Benediction and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 26:12-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the mission that Paul was on when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus? How did this encounter change his life? [51:46]

2. In Acts 26, how does Paul describe the vision he received from Jesus, and what was he instructed to do as a result? [51:46]

3. What challenges did Paul face after his conversion, and how did he respond to these obstacles? [59:17]

4. How does Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa illustrate his commitment to his mission despite opposition? [51:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus serve as a model for personal transformation and mission in the Christian life? [51:46]

2. What does it mean to be appointed as a servant and witness, as Paul was, and how can this apply to believers today? [56:03]

3. In what ways does Paul's perseverance in the face of obstacles encourage believers to remain steadfast in their own faith journeys? [59:17]

4. How does inviting others to join the mission of developing a passion for God and compassion for people reflect the heart of the gospel? [01:04:52]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own encounter with God. How has it shaped your faith and mission? Share a specific moment that was transformative for you. [51:46]

2. In what ways can you actively renew your purpose as a servant and witness in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share God's love with someone who is spiritually hungry. [56:03]

3. What are some obstacles you face in sharing the gospel, and how can you resolve to obey God despite these challenges? Consider a practical step you can take to overcome one of these obstacles. [59:17]

4. Who in your life can you invite to join the mission of developing a passion for God and compassion for people? Plan a specific way to reach out to them this week. [01:04:52]

5. As you reflect on God's faithfulness in your life, how can you express gratitude and commit to His vision for the future? Identify one way you can celebrate His faithfulness this week. [01:08:54]

6. How can you contribute to the community at Heritage Bible Church or your local church to help fulfill the mission of developing a passion for God and compassion for people? [01:04:52]

7. Consider the eternal impact of your actions. What is one way you can focus on the eternal significance of your relationships and interactions this week? [01:04:52]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformative Encounters with God
Our encounters with God are pivotal moments that shape our faith and mission. Just as the Apostle Paul was transformed by his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, we too are called to remember our own transformative experiences with God. These moments are not just personal milestones but are powerful testimonies that can inspire others to seek God. They remind us of the light we are called to bring into the world, serving as a beacon of hope and transformation for those around us. Reflecting on these encounters helps us to stay grounded in our faith and committed to our mission. [51:46]

Acts 26:16-18 (ESV): "But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Reflection: Think back to a specific moment when you felt God's presence in a transformative way. How can you share this experience with someone who might be seeking hope or direction today?


Day 2: Living with Purpose
God has appointed us as servants and witnesses, calling us to actively share His love and message. Our purpose is not to remain idle but to live out the gospel in our daily lives, through our actions and words. In a world filled with spiritual hunger, we are tasked with reaching out to those who are seeking truth and meaning. This requires us to be intentional in our interactions, ready to share the hope we have in Christ. By renewing our purpose, we align ourselves with God's vision and become effective instruments of His love and grace. [56:03]

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who is spiritually hungry. What is one practical step you can take this week to share God's love and message with them?


Day 3: Perseverance in Obedience
As we share the gospel, we will inevitably face challenges and resistance. However, like the Apostle Paul, who faced arrest and opposition, we are called to persevere and remain steadfast in our mission. Our obedience, even in the face of obstacles, is a testament to our faith and trust in God's provision. It is through these trials that our faith is strengthened, and our reliance on God deepens. By resolving to obey despite obstacles, we demonstrate our commitment to God's calling and His ability to equip us for the task at hand. [59:17]

2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV): "As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Reflection: What is one obstacle you are currently facing in your spiritual journey? How can you rely on God's strength to persevere and remain obedient to His calling?


Day 4: Inviting Others to the Mission
Our mission is not just for us but for everyone. We are called to invite others to join us in developing a passion for God and compassion for people. This higher purpose transcends earthly achievements, focusing on the eternal impact of bringing souls into God's family. By extending this invitation, we open the door for others to experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. It is a collective effort that requires us to be intentional in our relationships and bold in our invitations. [01:04:52]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: Who is one person you can invite to join you in your spiritual journey this week? How can you extend this invitation in a way that is genuine and welcoming?


Day 5: Celebrating God's Faithfulness
As we celebrate seven years of God's faithfulness, we are reminded of His guidance and provision throughout our journey. This milestone is a testament to His enduring love and faithfulness, encouraging us to continue His work with renewed commitment. By reflecting on His past faithfulness, we gain confidence in His ability to sustain us in the future. Our journey is not just about personal growth but about dedicating ourselves afresh to His glory and purpose. Trusting in Jesus, we boldly step into the next season of ministry, ready to develop a passion for God and compassion for people. [01:08:54]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a specific instance of God's faithfulness in your life. How can this reflection inspire you to trust Him more deeply in the coming days?

Quotes

We celebrate you today. Seven years ago, your people captured your vision for a community of people that became known as Heritage Bible Church. Your vision from the beginning had been for us to develop a passion for God and compassion for people through the extraordinary person of Jesus Christ. [00:28:49]

Since that day, you've shown your grace towards us and your face has been shining on us as we witnessed lives changed through your glorious gospel. People have turned from darkness to light of your son's kingdom. So, Lord, let your church continue to be a place of refuge for the weary, a light for those in darkness. [00:29:36]

We need to remember our encounter with God. Just as Paul drew back and he says, Agrippa, let me tell you what happened and he brings back from history what happened to him on that day in Damascus and how the Lord shone to him and gave him a vision and said I'm going to send you not only to the Jews, but I'm going to send you to the Gentiles. [00:53:58]

The second thing that Paul teaches us in this great passage, I wish we had more time to talk about it, is not only remembering our vision, but he is renewing our purpose. Jesus told Paul that he was appointed as a servant and a witness. [00:54:59]

God brought us into the family of God, not so that we could sit around for the sweet by and by, but to become servants and witnesses to his lovely message, the gospel of Jesus Christ. That doesn't mean we have to become evangelists or Billy Graham's, but you know what? Between your lifestyle and a certain word here or there, can send a tremendous message to those who are hurting. [00:55:18]

We are at a point right now where people are hungry for truth. And I think it's because for a while there, the culture and the world have been dishing out nothing but darkness and still does. And people are hungry and thirsty for the truth. Now more than ever, is a time for us to say, Lord, open the doors. [00:56:03]

We want to resolve our obedience despite the obstacles. Now here's the sticking point. I don't think any of us have ever been arrested for our testimony. Matter of fact, I would put money on, well, I would not be a betting person, but if I were a betting person, I would put money on the table that says, you have never been arrested. [00:57:43]

But we need to renew our commitment and resolve to obey, despite the obstacles. And there will be obstacles. Whether it's obstacles from other people going, I don't want to hear that. That's your truth. I have my truth. Okay, that's fine. Move on to the next person. [00:59:17]

God has given us this vision for this church and he will equip us and provide for us the tools and the resources we need to fulfill it. Now are we ever going to fulfill it in our lifetime? No, that's why the mission is there. It's for us to aim at knowing that in our lifetime in anyone's lifetime we will never be able to fulfill that but we keep moving forward to it. [01:01:50]

We need to be diligent in inviting others to join the mission. What higher purpose is there beloved show me a higher purpose on earth than developing a passion for God and compassion for people show it to me and I'll blow it away with our mission because what we're dealing with are the eternality of souls. [01:04:52]

It is about bringing as many people as we can into the family of God to develop a passion for God and compassion for people. So as we conclude today, we are celebrating seven years of God's faithfulness. Let us commit to four things. To continually thank God for his faithfulness in the past. [01:05:51]

Father, on this special occasion, we gather as your people reflecting on your faithfulness throughout the years from the first days of this church to this very moment you've been a firm foundation our source of strength in our guiding light every step we've taken every prayer we've lifted every soul that has come to know you has been by your grace and power. [01:06:57]

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Transcript
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