Seeking the Lost: Embracing Our Mission in Christ
Summary
Today, we gathered to explore the profound mission that Jesus has entrusted to us, focusing on the themes of seeking, saving, and bearing witness to the Kingdom of God. We began by acknowledging that we are all in need of healing, and Jesus has come to heal us. This healing is not just for us to keep but to share with others, as we are called to carry out His mission with patience and love. We reflected on the analogy of the Kingdom of God being more like Normandy than Hiroshima, emphasizing that God's victory is assured, but He allows time for everyone, including us, to embrace His Kingdom and abandon our own ([40:58]).
We delved into the story of the lost coin from Luke 15, where Jesus teaches us about the importance of seeking out those who are lost. The woman who lost one of her ten coins turned her house upside down to find it, illustrating that the lost are still valuable and worth seeking. This story reminds us that our mission is not just to wait for people to come to us but to actively seek out those who are hurting and lost ([43:10]).
We discussed the necessity of feeling the truth of our story in our bones and living it out authentically. Our mission is to join God in the renewal of all things, and this involves demonstrating and announcing the good news. We are called to be fishers of men, inviting people into the flow of our lives and getting them caught up in our love and generosity. Jesus' method of seeking and saving the lost was through simple acts of eating and drinking, showing hospitality, and building relationships ([52:18]).
We also touched on the cultural shame that sometimes accompanies being a follower of Jesus. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2 remind us that our faith should not rest on human wisdom but on God's power. We are called to bear witness to another world, demonstrating and announcing the Kingdom of God through our actions and words. This involves being bold and unashamed of the gospel, even in a culture that may not always be receptive ([22:11]).
Finally, we emphasized the importance of being people who weep and grieve for the lost and hurting. Jesus had a visceral emotional reaction when He saw the crowds, and we are called to have the same heart. Our mission is to love our neighbors deeply, to demonstrate the Kingdom of God through our actions, and to announce the good news with boldness and compassion. We are not called to convict people of their sins—that is the Holy Spirit's job—but to bear witness to what God has done in our lives and to invite others to experience His love and grace ([57:54]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of the Lost: The story of the lost coin in Luke 15 teaches us that those who are lost are still valuable and worth seeking. Just as the woman turned her house upside down to find her lost coin, we are called to actively seek out those who are hurting and lost. This mission requires us to go beyond the walls of the church and engage with the world around us, demonstrating the love and patience that God has shown us. [43:10]
2. Authentic Living and Mission: Our mission is to join God in the renewal of all things, and this involves living out the truth of our story authentically. We are called to demonstrate and announce the good news, inviting people into the flow of our lives and getting them caught up in our love and generosity. This authentic living is not about having all the answers but about being genuine in our faith and relationships. [52:18]
3. Overcoming Cultural Shame: In a culture that may sometimes shame us for our faith, we are reminded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 that our faith should rest on God's power, not human wisdom. We are called to be bold and unashamed of the gospel, bearing witness to the Kingdom of God through our actions and words. This boldness involves being open about our faith and inviting others to experience the love and grace of Jesus. [22:11]
4. The Heart of Jesus: Jesus had a visceral emotional reaction when He saw the crowds, and we are called to have the same heart. We must weep and grieve for the lost and hurting, caring deeply enough to walk with people through their journeys. This compassion drives us to demonstrate the Kingdom of God through our actions and to announce the good news with boldness and love. [57:54]
5. Bearing Witness: Our role is to bear witness to what God has done in our lives, not to convict people of their sins—that is the Holy Spirit's job. We are called to share our experiences and the transformation we have undergone, inviting others to see the beauty of the Kingdom of God. This involves both demonstrating the love of God through our actions and announcing the good news with our words. [32:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:17] - Openness and the Way of Jesus
[03:42] - Following Jesus in Four Directions
[10:42] - Marriage Advice and Anniversaries
[12:02] - Demonstration of the Spirit's Power
[13:29] - Reflections on Israel and Political Allegiances
[17:57] - Heaven's Exiles and Political Distractions
[22:11] - Cultural Shame and Bearing Witness
[24:41] - Demonstrate and Announce
[27:09] - The Blind Man's Healing
[32:03] - The Power of Personal Testimony
[37:35] - Jesus and Zacchaeus: Seeking the Lost
[40:29] - Jesus Came for the Sick
[43:10] - The Story of the Lost Coin
[46:03] - The Secular Story vs. The Gospel
[52:18] - Authentic Living and Mission
[57:54] - Weeping for the Lost
[01:03:12] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 15:8-10 (NIV)
> “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
2. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV)
> “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
3. Matthew 9:36 (NIV)
> “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), what actions does the woman take to find her lost coin, and what is her reaction upon finding it?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, how does Paul describe his approach to preaching the gospel in Corinth? What does he emphasize as the foundation of faith?
3. What is Jesus' emotional response when he sees the crowds in Matthew 9:36, and how does this reflect his heart for the lost and hurting? [59:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the woman in Luke 15:8-10 go to such lengths to find her lost coin? What does this parable teach us about the value of those who are lost? [43:10]
2. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul contrasts human wisdom with the power of God. How does this distinction help us understand the source of true faith and the role of the Holy Spirit in our mission? [22:11]
3. Reflecting on Matthew 9:36, how does Jesus' compassion for the crowds challenge us to respond to the lost and hurting in our own communities? [57:54]
#### Application Questions
1. The woman in the parable of the lost coin actively seeks out what is lost. How can you actively seek out those who are hurting and lost in your own life? What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone in need? [43:10]
2. Paul emphasizes that our faith should rest on God's power, not human wisdom. Are there areas in your life where you rely more on your own understanding than on God's power? How can you shift your focus to trust more in God's power? [22:11]
3. Jesus had a visceral emotional reaction when he saw the crowds. When was the last time you felt deep compassion for someone who is lost or hurting? How can you cultivate a heart that weeps and grieves for the lost, as Jesus did? [57:54]
4. The sermon mentioned the cultural shame that sometimes accompanies being a follower of Jesus. Have you ever felt ashamed or hesitant to share your faith? What steps can you take to be bolder and more unashamed of the gospel in your daily life? [22:11]
5. The mission of Jesus involves both seeking and saving the lost. How can you balance demonstrating the love of God through your actions with announcing the good news through your words? Can you think of a specific person you can share your story with this week? [39:34]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of authentic living and mission. How can you live out the truth of your story more authentically in your relationships and daily interactions? What changes can you make to ensure your life reflects the love and generosity of Jesus? [52:18]
7. Reflect on the idea that we are called to bear witness to what God has done in our lives. What is one specific testimony or experience of God's work in your life that you can share with someone this week? How can sharing this story help others see the beauty of the Kingdom of God? [32:46]
Devotional
Day 1: The Value of the Lost
The story of the lost coin in Luke 15 teaches us that those who are lost are still valuable and worth seeking. Just as the woman turned her house upside down to find her lost coin, we are called to actively seek out those who are hurting and lost. This mission requires us to go beyond the walls of the church and engage with the world around us, demonstrating the love and patience that God has shown us. Our efforts should reflect the same urgency and dedication as the woman who searched for her lost coin, understanding that every person is precious in God's eyes. [43:10]
Luke 15:8-10 (ESV): "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems lost or distant from God. How can you actively seek them out and show them God's love and patience today?
Day 2: Authentic Living and Mission
Our mission is to join God in the renewal of all things, and this involves living out the truth of our story authentically. We are called to demonstrate and announce the good news, inviting people into the flow of our lives and getting them caught up in our love and generosity. This authentic living is not about having all the answers but about being genuine in our faith and relationships. By living authentically, we create opportunities for others to see the transformative power of God's love in our lives and be drawn to it. [52:18]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more authentic in your relationships and daily interactions? How can you share your life and faith more openly with those around you?
Day 3: Overcoming Cultural Shame
In a culture that may sometimes shame us for our faith, we are reminded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2 that our faith should rest on God's power, not human wisdom. We are called to be bold and unashamed of the gospel, bearing witness to the Kingdom of God through our actions and words. This boldness involves being open about our faith and inviting others to experience the love and grace of Jesus. It requires us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition or ridicule, trusting that God's power will sustain us. [22:11]
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV): "And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you rely on God's power to be bold and unashamed in similar situations in the future?
Day 4: The Heart of Jesus
Jesus had a visceral emotional reaction when He saw the crowds, and we are called to have the same heart. We must weep and grieve for the lost and hurting, caring deeply enough to walk with people through their journeys. This compassion drives us to demonstrate the Kingdom of God through our actions and to announce the good news with boldness and love. By embodying the heart of Jesus, we can make a profound impact on those around us, showing them the depth of God's love and compassion. [57:54]
Matthew 9:36 (ESV): "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
Reflection: Who in your life is hurting or in need of compassion? How can you show them the love and care of Jesus today?
Day 5: Bearing Witness
Our role is to bear witness to what God has done in our lives, not to convict people of their sins—that is the Holy Spirit's job. We are called to share our experiences and the transformation we have undergone, inviting others to see the beauty of the Kingdom of God. This involves both demonstrating the love of God through our actions and announcing the good news with our words. By sharing our personal testimonies, we can inspire others to seek the same transformative relationship with God. [32:46]
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: Reflect on a specific moment when you experienced God's transformative power in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs to hear it today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "People are valuable. And if we're going to be a church that leans in to the mission of Jesus, it's not just going to be, you know, come and see, it's going to be about going out and finding, having eyes to see what God is doing. All. All around us. I think a lot of us, if we're not careful, we will only preach one part of Jesus's mission, which is he came to save the lost, but he came to seek them out." [44:29]
2. "We are connected with people all I think we think of fishers of men sometimes it's like a fly fisherman or something the context he speaks us into are these nets cast nets invite people into the flow of your life and they will get relationally caught up in your love this is why hospitality and bearing witness to Jesus why generosity and bearing witness to the kingdom of God are intricately entwined." [55:53]
3. "I always joke one of the most radical things that you can do when you go to work on Monday is tell people what you did this weekend what'd you do this weekend funny how we'll name everything but go to church we'll just like slip in it but then it's not just like go to church it's like oh yeah I went to church today man I met the living God all right maybe you don't want to be worried with that but like but maybe you do." [57:20]
4. "We must be a church that bears witness to the prince of peace. Amen? And we must seek opportunities to provide for those that are hurting on all sides of the conflict. And we must engage thoughtfully in the complexities about what's going on. And resist the temptation to simply take talking points of the particular algorithm or political stream that's being pumped into our feeds at any given moment. Amen? We must be people of justice. We are to love mercy. We are to walk humbly. And to do justice. And so we must think well about that." [16:18]
5. "We want to be here for whatever God wants to do. And we do this by becoming a family that is following the path of Jesus. And we follow that path in four directions. Upwards, we're learning together to be with Jesus. Inwards, we're learning to become like him. And growing in like him. Outward, we're doing what he did. And withward, we do that together in community. And we believe, again, that when we do that, we become people who are walking by faith. Are known by love and are a voice of hope for our world." [03:42]
### Quotes for Members
1. "It is my favorite thing to talk about because I always after listening for a while just simply suggest to them if they're a follower of Jesus that I actually already know fully and without a doubt what you're supposed to be about today joining God in the renewal of all things that's a mission we are called to follow Jesus we're never called to be leaders we're called to follow him and we follow his mission and it's there where all of our callings where all of our gifts where all of the opportunities begin to just like well up and begin to make sense in the world that God has dropped us into." [52:18]
2. "We are called to bear witness to another world. Another world is possible. Another way is possible. We say this often. The United States will not be here forever. Just like Rome wasn't around forever. Just like Babylon wasn't around forever. We look at the scriptures and we see these empires that were around for a couple hundred years and fall. And it is the way of Jesus that continues to thrive. And in fact, it is in moments of confusion and complexity where the church doesn't reach for political power. But lets it go for the sake of loving its neighbor and embodying a new way. To say the way that we get something matters as much as the thing we get. The way that we get something is as important as the way it comes to us." [20:21]
3. "We must not be beholden to one particular political ideology. We must stand above it. And we must ask the bigger question. Not what will this just simply do for American politics. But what will this do to the body of Christ. Our allegiance is there. Thanks. I don't like doing this stuff. This is what shrinks your church, not grows it. I don't like saying this stuff. But we have to be faithful. It was Carl Bart or Dr. King. It's attributed to six different people. You have a newspaper in one hand and a Bible in the other. Right. If Jesus is Lord of all, then he's Lord of all. And so sometimes we have to wade into these murky waters." [19:46]
4. "We are to love mercy. We are to walk humbly. And to do justice. And so we must think well about that. Okay. Number two. Trump. Feeling good? It's that name in church, right? What would shock and drive you? And to be clear, we are all sick. Some of us just don't know it yet. All right. If we're not careful, we'll even turn this verse into an us against them thing. The church, N.T. Wright says, is not supposed to be a society of perfect people doing great work. It is a society of forgiven sinners, repaying their unpayable debt of love by working for Jesus's kingdom in every way they can, knowing themselves to be unworthy of the task." [40:58]
5. "We have these practices in the outward direction. Like serving the poor. And the hurting. Around hospitality and generosity. Hospitality and generosity. And implicit for me in those is like proclaiming Jesus. But I realize actually naming it is really important for our moment. Because I think there's a lot of cultural shame around being a Christian. Does anyone feel that? There's some cultural shame about being a follower of Jesus. Depending at least on your algorithm and where you're living and who you're rolling with at least." [22:11]
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