Rethinking Church: Living Out Our Gospel Mission

 

Summary

In a world where nearly three billion people have little to no access to the gospel, and where many churches face decline and struggle to engage new generations, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the essence of the church. We must ask ourselves: What is the church? What is most important about it? To address these questions, we need to rethink the church, mission, and what it means to follow Jesus, all according to God's Word. This reflection is not just about understanding but also about action—examining our hearts and lives to ensure we are truly following Jesus as He has called us to, conducting church as He has instructed, and engaging in mission as He has commissioned us.

On October 12th, at McClain Bible Church, there will be an opportunity to delve into these questions with Francis Chan and Andrew Scott from Operation Mobilization. Together, we will open the Bible and explore these themes, seeking to align our understanding and actions with God's Word. This is a call to examine our personal and collective journeys in faith, ensuring that our lives and churches reflect the mission and teachings of Jesus. It's a chance to renew our commitment to living out our faith authentically and effectively in a world that desperately needs the hope and truth of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Rethinking the Church: The church is not just a building or a gathering; it is a living body of believers called to reflect Christ in the world. We must evaluate whether our churches are truly embodying the teachings and mission of Jesus, focusing on His priorities rather than our own traditions or preferences. [00:19]

2. Mission According to God's Word: Our mission is not defined by cultural trends or personal ambitions but by the clear commission given by Jesus. We are called to make disciples of all nations, which requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who have not heard the gospel. [00:38]

3. Following Jesus Authentically: Following Jesus means more than just attending church services; it involves a daily commitment to live out His teachings in every aspect of our lives. We must examine whether our actions, decisions, and priorities align with His call to love, serve, and share the gospel. [00:55]

4. Examining Our Hearts: Self-reflection is crucial in our spiritual journey. We need to regularly assess our hearts and motives, ensuring that our faith is genuine and that we are not merely going through the motions of religious activity without true devotion to Christ. [01:11]

5. Living on Mission: Being on mission is not optional for believers; it is a fundamental aspect of our identity in Christ. We are commissioned to be His ambassadors, sharing His love and truth with a world in need. This requires courage, sacrifice, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. [01:28]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - The Global Gospel Challenge
[00:38] - Rethinking Church and Mission
[00:55] - Following Jesus According to God's Word
[01:11] - Invitation to Reflect and Examine
[01:28] - Living Out Our Commission

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."
2. Acts 1:8 - "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."
3. Ephesians 4:15-16 - "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges churches face today in reaching new generations with the gospel? [00:19]
2. How does the sermon describe the church's mission according to God's Word? [00:38]
3. What specific actions are believers encouraged to take in order to follow Jesus authentically? [00:55]
4. What role does self-reflection play in our spiritual journey, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:11]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the idea of rethinking the church's mission today? [00:38]
2. In what ways might Acts 1:8 challenge believers to step out of their comfort zones to reach those who have not heard the gospel? [01:28]
3. How can Ephesians 4:15-16 help us understand the importance of unity and growth within the church body?
4. What does it mean to examine our hearts and motives in the context of living out our faith authentically? [01:11]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of what the church is. How does it align with the description given in the sermon? [00:19]
2. Identify one tradition or preference in your church that might be hindering its mission. How can you address this issue constructively? [00:38]
3. Consider your daily life. Are there areas where your actions and decisions do not align with Jesus' teachings? What changes can you make to better reflect His call? [00:55]
4. How often do you take time for self-reflection in your spiritual journey? What steps can you take to ensure your faith is genuine and not just routine? [01:11]
5. Think of a person or group in your community who has not heard the gospel. What specific actions can you take to share Jesus' love and truth with them this week? [01:28]
6. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to guide you in living out your mission as a believer? [01:28]
7. What is one practical way you can contribute to the unity and growth of your church community, as described in Ephesians 4:15-16?

Devotional

Day 1: The Church as a Living Body of Believers
The church is not merely a physical structure or a weekly gathering; it is a dynamic and living body of believers called to reflect Christ in the world. This means that the church's identity and purpose are deeply rooted in embodying the teachings and mission of Jesus. It requires a shift from focusing on traditions or personal preferences to prioritizing the values and commands of Christ. Churches must evaluate whether they are truly living out the mission of Jesus, ensuring that their actions and priorities align with His teachings. This reflection calls for a commitment to authenticity and a willingness to adapt to better serve the mission of Christ. [00:19]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: Consider how your church community reflects the teachings and mission of Jesus. What is one tradition or preference that might need reevaluation to better align with Christ's priorities?


Day 2: Mission Defined by Jesus' Commission
Our mission as believers is not shaped by cultural trends or personal ambitions but by the clear commission given by Jesus. We are called to make disciples of all nations, which requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. This mission involves reaching those who have not heard the gospel and sharing the hope and truth of Jesus with them. It is a call to action that demands courage and a deep reliance on God's guidance. As believers, we must be willing to embrace this mission wholeheartedly, understanding that it is central to our identity in Christ. [00:38]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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: Identify one person or group in your community who has not heard the gospel. What steps can you take this week to intentionally reach out and share the love of Christ with them?


Day 3: Authentic Discipleship in Daily Life
Following Jesus authentically means more than just attending church services; it involves a daily commitment to live out His teachings in every aspect of our lives. This requires examining whether our actions, decisions, and priorities align with His call to love, serve, and share the gospel. Authentic discipleship is about integrating faith into every part of life, ensuring that our relationship with Jesus influences how we interact with others and make choices. It is a call to live with integrity and purpose, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. [00:55]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routines and interactions. What is one specific area where you can more fully integrate Jesus' teachings into your life this week?


Day 4: The Importance of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. It involves regularly assessing our hearts and motives to ensure that our faith is genuine and that we are not merely going through the motions of religious activity. This process requires honesty and humility, as we seek to align our lives with the teachings of Christ. By examining our hearts, we can identify areas where we may be falling short and seek God's guidance to grow in faith and devotion. It is an opportunity to renew our commitment to living out our faith with sincerity and purpose. [01:11]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Reflection: Take time today to pray and ask God to reveal any areas in your heart that need transformation. What is one specific step you can take to address this area and grow in your faith?


Day 5: Living Out Our Commission
Being on mission is not optional for believers; it is a fundamental aspect of our identity in Christ. We are commissioned to be His ambassadors, sharing His love and truth with a world in need. This requires courage, sacrifice, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Living out our commission involves actively seeking opportunities to share the gospel and serve others, even when it is challenging. It is a call to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our lives can make a difference in the world for the glory of God. [01:28]

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Reflect on your role as an ambassador for Christ. What is one specific way you can step out in faith this week to share the gospel or serve someone in need?

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