SouthPort Church Online Together - Sunday October 26th, 2025 - Missions Sunday

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission—Our Call to Go and Make Disciples

Jesus commands every believer to go into the world and make disciples, not as a suggestion but as a mission that defines the purpose of the church. This calling is not reserved for a select few but is a charge for all who follow Christ, inviting us to step out in faith and share the hope of the gospel with those around us. Even when we feel inadequate or unsure, God promises to equip us and go with us as we obey His command. The mission is not meant to be done alone; together, as the body of Christ, we are empowered to reach our community and the world with the life-changing message of Jesus. [01:20:25]

Matthew 28:19 (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."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life right now who needs to hear the hope of Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to intentionally share your faith with them?

Day 2: The Power and Purpose of Gathering as the Church

Gathering together as believers is not just a routine or tradition; it is a powerful act that brings encouragement, unity, and spiritual strength. When the church comes together, we move from being spectators to participants, supporting one another, developing our gifts, and experiencing the presence and miracles of God. The early church understood the importance of meeting together, and through their unity, lives were transformed and needs were met. Your presence matters—not just for you, but for the whole body, as we spur one another on in love and good works. [01:23:29]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you intentionally encourage or support someone in your church community this week, either through a word, a prayer, or an act of service?

Day 3: Devotion, Fellowship, and the Work of the Spirit

The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread, creating a community where the Holy Spirit moved powerfully and lives were changed. This devotion was not passive; it was an active commitment to grow together, to pray, and to seek God’s presence. When we gather in unity and expectation, the Spirit empowers us, brings fresh joy and passion, and equips us to make a difference beyond the church walls. God desires to pour out His Spirit on us today, awakening dry places and calling us to deeper relationship and mission. [01:23:43]

Acts 2:42 (ESV)
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Reflection: What is one way you can deepen your devotion to God and your connection with fellow believers this week—perhaps by joining a small group, sharing a meal, or praying with someone?

Day 4: Flourishing Where God Has Planted You

God has placed you exactly where you are on purpose, and He desires for you to grow, flourish, and make a difference right where you’ve been planted. Instead of seeking a different place or making excuses for lack of growth, God calls you to invest in your current community, to read His Word, to pray, and to respond to His stirring in your life. When you step out in faith and answer God’s call, He unlocks new blessings, fresh joy, and a greater sense of purpose, using the body of Christ to strengthen and encourage you. [01:29:49]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been resisting where God has placed you, and how can you choose to invest and grow in that place this week?

Day 5: Creating a Safe and Welcoming Community for the Next Generation

The church is called to be the safest and most welcoming place for children, youth, and all who enter, providing a community where everyone is supported, valued, and encouraged to grow in faith. Your presence and involvement matter deeply, especially for the younger generation who face unique challenges and need to see a church that is alive, full, and caring. Even small acts—like showing up, offering a kind word, or serving in children’s ministry—can plant seeds of faith and make a lasting impact. Let us be a church that embodies the love and hospitality of Christ to all generations. [01:41:47]

Mark 10:14-16 (ESV)
"But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can help make your church a more welcoming and supportive place for children or youth this week?

Sermon Summary

God is alive and present, reigning in power and glory, and nothing is beyond His reach. In moments when our spirits feel dry or lifeless, God invites us to rise again through the power of Jesus. He is able to restore, heal, and fill us afresh with His Spirit, no matter how far we feel from Him. We are called to surrender our inadequacies and draw on His strength, finding hope and meaning in Him alone. As we gather, we are not here for a spectacle or routine, but to encounter the living God, to be transformed, and to support one another as a family of faith.

Our mission is clear: Jesus commands us to go and make disciples, to share the hope of the gospel with our community and beyond. This calling is not reserved for a select few, nor is it meant to be carried out in isolation. The church is not a show to attend, but a living body where each member is vital, where gifts are developed, and where lives are changed. When we gather, we declare to the world that our faith matters, and we create a space where miracles, encouragement, and transformation can happen.

Practical steps are being taken to ensure our church is a safe and welcoming place, especially for our children and youth. We are intentional about blessing and supporting the next generation, recognizing the unique challenges they face and the importance of a vibrant, intergenerational community. Our outreach efforts, such as partnerships with local ministries and the soup kitchen, are tangible expressions of our commitment to serve and reach those around us.

God is stirring hearts, calling individuals to step out in faith and use their gifts for His kingdom. Growth happens when we respond to His call, trust Him to do more than we can imagine, and allow ourselves to be planted and flourish where He has placed us. The Spirit empowers us not just to attend church, but to be the church—living out the gospel in practical ways, supporting one another, and reaching our community with the love and power of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Power to Revive and Restore No matter how dry or lifeless we may feel, God’s power is able to bring us back to life. He specializes in restoring what seems dead, both in our spirits and in our circumstances. When we surrender our inadequacies and invite His Spirit, He breathes new life and hope into us, reminding us that nothing is beyond His reach. [38:27]
2. The Church as a Living Family, Not a Show Gathering as believers is not about performance or routine, but about being a family where faith is strengthened and lives are transformed. The church is a place where we move from being spectators to participants, supporting one another and growing together in Christ. This shared life is essential for spiritual growth and for demonstrating God’s love to the world. [83:13]
3. The Great Commission: A Call for Every Believer Jesus’ command to go and make disciples is not a suggestion or a task for a select few, but a mission for every follower of Christ. Sharing the gospel is often intimidating, but God provides the strength, resources, and community we need to step out in faith. Our effectiveness is not measured by knowledge alone, but by our willingness to obey and trust God to work through us. [78:40]
4. The Importance of Being Planted and Flourishing Where God Has Placed You It’s easy to look for new environments or make excuses for lack of growth, but God calls us to flourish right where He has planted us. Growth comes from engaging with His Word, prayer, and the community He’s given us. When we stop seeking escape and start seeking God’s presence, we discover the blessings and purpose He has for us in our current season. [89:22]
5. Investing in the Next Generation and Creating a Safe Community Our children and youth need to see a church that is alive, supportive, and safe. Every generation has a vital role in building a community where young people are encouraged, protected, and inspired to follow Jesus. Even small acts of presence and kindness can plant seeds of faith that will grow and bear fruit for years to come. [101:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:42] - Praise and Declaration of God’s Power
[38:27] - Invitation for Spiritual and Physical Healing
[39:28] - Prayer for Restoration and Surrender
[41:54] - Announcements and Presence of Jesus
[46:21] - Christmas Calendar and Event Registration
[48:13] - Remembrance Day Service Details
[52:38] - Offering and Giving
[54:56] - Children’s Ministry and Safety Changes
[56:05] - Blessing and Dismissal of Children
[58:29] - Mission and Outreach Focus
[66:49] - Community Partnerships: Youth for Christ
[77:13] - ShareWord Global and Bible Distribution
[78:40] - The Great Commission and Evangelism
[83:13] - The Church as Family and the Power of Gathering
[85:15] - Call for Spiritual Renewal
[87:04] - Testimony and Stepping Out in Faith
[89:22] - Flourishing Where God Has Planted You
[101:09] - Investing in the Next Generation
[104:14] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) — > And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Ezekiel 37:4-6 (ESV) — > Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His followers before He leaves them?
According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do when they gather together?
In Ezekiel 37:4-6, what does God promise to do for the dry bones, and what is the result?
The sermon described the church as a “living family” rather than a show or performance. What are some ways the church is meant to function as a family, based on the sermon? [[01:23:13]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes “all authority” before giving the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20? How might this affect the way believers approach sharing their faith?
The sermon mentioned that many people feel inadequate or unworthy to serve or share the gospel. What does it mean to “surrender our inadequacies and draw on His strength”? [[38:27]]
Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about not neglecting to meet together. According to the sermon, what are some consequences when believers stop gathering regularly? [[01:23:13]]
The image of dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37) was used in the sermon to describe spiritual dryness. What does it look like for God to “breathe new life” into someone today? [[38:27]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “God is able to restore, heal, and fill us afresh with His Spirit, no matter how far we feel from Him.” Is there an area in your life right now that feels dry or lifeless? What would it look like to invite God to restore that area? [[38:27]]
The church is described as a place where “we move from being spectators to participants.” In what ways have you been a spectator in your faith, and what is one step you could take to become more of a participant in the life of the church? [[01:23:13]]
Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” is for every believer, not just a select few. Who is one person in your life you could intentionally reach out to or encourage in their faith this week? What might that look like? [[01:18:40]]
The sermon challenged us to “flourish where God has planted you” instead of looking for a new environment. Are there excuses or distractions that have kept you from growing where you are? What is one practical way you can engage more deeply with God and your church community this month? [[01:29:22]]
The church is making intentional changes to be a safe and welcoming place for children and youth. How can you personally contribute to making the church a safer and more encouraging place for the next generation? [[01:41:09]]
The sermon highlighted the importance of supporting one another as a family of faith. Is there someone in the church family you could encourage or support this week? How will you do it? [[01:23:13]]
The Spirit empowers us “not just to attend church, but to be the church.” What is one practical way you can live out the gospel in your daily life this week—at home, at work, or in your neighborhood? [[01:26:42]]

Sermon Clips

But the Great Commission, Matthew 28, 19, the Great Commission, this isn't a suggestion. This is a command. It's a mission, and Jesus calls each one of us to live out our lives by faith, going and making disciples. But that mission was never meant to be done alone. [01:20:09] (28 seconds) #GreatCommissionCommand

See, one of the problems that I think we face today in our North American culture particularly is we have inundated ourselves with all kinds of resources, Bible studies, seminars. I mean, you can spend your entire life going to Bible studies all day long and still not lead anyone to Jesus. And I say this bluntly. What is the point of all of it if it's not helping you bring people to relationship with Jesus Christ? [01:22:12] (29 seconds) #FaithInActionOverStudy

What we need is more people sharing their faith in practical ways. I would be bold enough to say that we need less Bible studies. Ooh, that got your attention. And more evangelism. Going out into the world and actually living the gospel as Jesus has commanded us to do. [01:22:41] (24 seconds) #ChurchFamilyTransforms

So when we gather as a body of Christ, we move away from being spectators to something called participants. Church isn't about lights, stages, performances. It's about people meeting Jesus, being discipled and growing together in faith. So I encourage you today in Jesus' name to be the church. To go and be the church. Not just go to church, but be the church. Go where He sends you. [01:26:10] (49 seconds) #FaithUnlocksBlessings

Friends, Soggy Shores needs to see demonstrations of the power of God. And he wants to do it through his local church. He wants to. And so I encourage you this morning to step out. You belong exactly where He has planted you. Stop trying to find a different pot to put yourself in, to replant it. He's right where He puts you. He puts you right where you are on purpose. [01:29:05] (31 seconds) #EncounterNotExcuses

``You say, well, Pastor, I need new friends. I need, I'm not connecting with the preacher. I need a different kind of preacher. No, you don't. You need an encounter with the living God. You need to start reading your Bible. You need to start praying. You need to start growing in the pot that God has planted you in. And stop making excuses for why you're not growing. [01:29:37] (23 seconds) #RallyingForKingdom

I'm not here just to, we're not here just to gather just out of routine. We're here to experience the powerful, life-changing presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit. That's why we're here, to pray with one another. [01:43:00] (19 seconds) #BestDecisionsInLife

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