Stepping into the Unknown: Faith and Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound theme of stepping into the unknown with faith and trust in God. We began by praying for our beloved children's minister, Elizabeth O'Brien, who recently suffered a serious injury. This set the tone for our discussion on the uncertainties and challenges we face in life. We reflected on the importance of waiting on God, as exemplified by Jesus' command to His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit. This waiting period, though often difficult, is spiritually formative and prepares us for the greater works God has planned.
We delved into the concept of the unknown, drawing parallels between the apostles' mission to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth and our own journeys into unfamiliar territories. The early Christians faced real fears and dangers, yet they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome these challenges. Similarly, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip us with the power and courage needed to face the unknown.
Our Mission Sunday highlighted the ongoing work of our church in supporting missions both locally and globally. Crystal Aguirre, head of the missions committee, shared her experiences and the church's long-standing commitment to spreading the gospel. We discussed the importance of financial support and active participation in these missions, emphasizing that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
We also heard from Kevin Huddleston, who shared inspiring stories of individuals who have ventured into the unknown and returned transformed. This serves as a reminder that when we allow God to lead us into uncharted territories, we come back changed, with a deeper faith and a renewed sense of purpose.
As we concluded, we prepared for a special missions collection, encouraging everyone to participate in this act of giving. We prayed for God's guidance and provision, trusting that He will continue to use us as instruments of His love and grace in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Spiritual Formation in Waiting: Waiting on God, though challenging, is a crucial part of our spiritual growth. Just as Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too must learn to trust God's timing. This period of waiting refines our faith and prepares us for the greater works He has planned. [41:18]
2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our fears and step into the unknown. The early Christians faced real dangers, yet they were emboldened by the Spirit to spread the gospel. We are called to trust in this same power as we navigate our own uncertainties. [44:02]
3. Facing the Unknown with Faith: Venturing into the unknown can be daunting, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened. By trusting God and stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to transformative experiences that deepen our relationship with Him. [45:36]
4. The Importance of Mission Work: Supporting missions is a vital part of our Christian walk. Whether through financial contributions or active participation, every effort helps spread the gospel and make a difference in the lives of others. Our church's long-standing commitment to missions serves as an inspiration for us to get involved. [50:37]
5. Transformation Through Service: Those who venture into the unknown and serve others often return transformed. Their experiences deepen their faith and renew their sense of purpose. This transformation is a testament to the power of stepping out in faith and allowing God to lead us into new and challenging territories. [46:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:23] - Prayer for Elizabeth O'Brien
[40:21] - Introduction to Mission Sunday
[41:18] - The Spiritual Formation in Waiting
[42:13] - Jesus' Command to Wait
[43:09] - New Grounds for Believing
[44:02] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[45:00] - Facing the Unknown
[46:07] - Supporting Missions
[46:31] - Transformation Through Service
[50:37] - Long-standing Commitment to Missions
[52:39] - Funding Mission Work
[54:23] - Ways to Get Involved
[55:41] - Prayer for the Missions Team
[56:40] - Kevin Huddleston's Testimony
[01:17:02] - Special Missions Collection
[01:19:16] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) - "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"
2. Acts 1:8 (NIV) - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
3. John 11:15 (NIV) - "And for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His apostles before His ascension, and what were they instructed to wait for? ([42:13])
2. How did the early Christians' understanding of the "ends of the earth" differ from our modern understanding? ([44:28])
3. What was the significance of Jesus waiting before going to Lazarus, according to John 11:15? ([43:31])
4. How does the Holy Spirit empower believers according to Acts 1:8? ([44:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission? ([42:13])
2. How might the early Christians' fears of the unknown be similar to the fears we face today when stepping into unfamiliar situations? ([45:00])
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit provide "new grounds for believing" as mentioned in John 11:15? ([43:31])
4. How does the concept of waiting on God challenge our modern-day expectations of immediate results and instant gratification? ([41:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait on God for something important. How did that period of waiting impact your faith and spiritual growth? ([41:18])
2. What are some unknown territories or challenges you are currently facing? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for courage and guidance in these situations? ([45:00])
3. How can you actively support mission work in your community or globally? What steps can you take to get involved, either financially or through service? ([50:37])
4. Think of a person or group who has ventured into the unknown and returned transformed. How can their experiences inspire you to step out in faith? ([46:31])
5. How can you cultivate a mindset of trust and patience while waiting on God's timing in your life? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith during these periods? ([42:13])
6. Identify one specific way you can contribute to your church's mission efforts this month. How can you make a tangible difference, no matter how small? ([54:23])
7. Reflect on the story of Elizabeth O'Brien and her injury. How can you show support and love to those in your church community who are going through difficult times? ([39:23])
Devotional
Day 1: The Spiritual Formation in Waiting
Waiting on God, though challenging, is a crucial part of our spiritual growth. Just as Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, we too must learn to trust God's timing. This period of waiting refines our faith and prepares us for the greater works He has planned. It is in these moments of waiting that we learn patience, deepen our trust in God, and develop a more intimate relationship with Him.
In our fast-paced world, waiting can feel like a waste of time, but in God's economy, it is a time of preparation and growth. As we wait, we are being shaped and molded into the people God wants us to be. This waiting period is not passive but active, filled with prayer, reflection, and a deepening of our faith. Trust that God is at work even when we cannot see it, and that His timing is perfect. [41:18]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Think of a time when you had to wait on God. How did that period of waiting shape your faith and relationship with Him? What can you do today to embrace waiting as a time of spiritual growth?
Day 2: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our fears and step into the unknown. The early Christians faced real dangers, yet they were emboldened by the Spirit to spread the gospel. We are called to trust in this same power as we navigate our own uncertainties. The Holy Spirit equips us with the courage, wisdom, and strength needed to face the challenges before us.
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are not acting out of our own strength but out of the power that God provides. This divine empowerment enables us to do things we never thought possible and to face situations that would otherwise paralyze us with fear. Trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance and allow Him to lead you into new and uncharted territories. [44:02]
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: In what areas of your life do you need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you in these areas today?
Day 3: Facing the Unknown with Faith
Venturing into the unknown can be daunting, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened. By trusting God and stepping out in faith, we open ourselves to transformative experiences that deepen our relationship with Him. The early Christians' mission to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth serves as a powerful example of stepping into the unknown with faith.
When we face the unknown, we are forced to rely on God in ways we might not otherwise. This reliance builds our faith and trust in Him, as we see His faithfulness and provision in new and unexpected ways. Embrace the unknown as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to experience His power and presence in your life. [45:36]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What unknowns are you currently facing in your life? How can you step out in faith and trust God in these areas today?
Day 4: The Importance of Mission Work
Supporting missions is a vital part of our Christian walk. Whether through financial contributions or active participation, every effort helps spread the gospel and make a difference in the lives of others. Our church's long-standing commitment to missions serves as an inspiration for us to get involved. Mission work is not just for a select few but is a calling for all believers to participate in.
By supporting missions, we are partnering with God in His work of redemption and transformation in the world. This support can take many forms, from financial contributions to prayer, to actively participating in mission trips. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the spread of the gospel and the transformation of lives. [50:37]
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: How can you support mission work in your community and globally? What specific steps can you take today to get involved in spreading the gospel?
Day 5: Transformation Through Service
Those who venture into the unknown and serve others often return transformed. Their experiences deepen their faith and renew their sense of purpose. This transformation is a testament to the power of stepping out in faith and allowing God to lead us into new and challenging territories. Serving others not only impacts those we serve but also changes us in profound ways.
When we serve, we are following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. This act of service draws us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His. It also opens our eyes to the needs of others and helps us to see the world through God's perspective. Embrace opportunities to serve and allow God to transform you through these experiences. [46:31]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to serve others. How did this experience impact your faith and sense of purpose? How can you seek out more opportunities to serve and be transformed by God?
Quotes
1. "So it's Mission Sunday we've been waiting for this Sunday for quite a while and you know, there's something very spiritually formational about waiting something happens in the middle of the waiting it's not something we really want to do fact, I think one of the things I hated to hear as a kid and I say it a lot now is wait and see or we'll see or just wait a little bit oh, I hated that when I was a kid but whenever you look at the very first thing Jesus kind of commanded his apostles as he's about to ascend if you remember he resurrected and then for 40 days he spent time with his people and he taught them and he was kind of eating with them and showing them some things and teaching but then he said hey, I want you to go back and I want you to wait I want you to wait you know, he spent 40 days and then he said do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my father promised which you have heard me speak about for John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit so the very first command to his people it seems at least one of them was to wait to wait for the gift that the father had promised." [41:18] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see this gift comes with power the gift of the Holy Spirit comes with responsibility this is what he says a little bit later in Acts he says you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth now back then the ends of the earth was a frightening mystery I know some of us have it all figured out now but back then it was a very dangerous thing to think about going to the ends of the earth because at that point the earth was flat some of you may say what do you mean at that point still flat it was very scary to think I could go to the ends of the earth because they thought at one point the ends of the earth was a big waterfall there were dragons and sea monsters things that did not want you to go any further." [44:02] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gift that God has given us through the Holy Spirit would empower his people to overcome their fear of the unknown because that's really what this means it's this idea of the unknown what waits for us out there at the end of the known world and you could maybe make that into yourself what exists at the end of the known world to me how far is it going to go? how far have we been? what do we not know? what is unknown to us? what he's saying is that you will have power to go to the places that you know well Judea, Jerusalem into those places that are hostile Samaria and into the places that are completely unknown so today we prepare to participate in and give to a ministry that is supporting witnesses in both the familiar and in the unknown." [45:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think this is inspirational to me because because I think God is still in the business of raising people up who have a desire to be an explorer to be a missionary to be someone who goes and is willing to to face the unknown now I don't know if Atlanta is the ends of the earth but it's pretty close but what I do know is that there was something unknown there and Harold and Karen they came back Kevin whoever and all those people they came back changed and look at what God has done it has literally changed the face of San Angelo what's next? who's next?" [01:17:21] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are simply a through way right? for the blessings of God to the people of the world and we're gonna do that and as we take this collection up we're gonna hear a song from the embers which is one that Harold was on was on for a while for so many years David Hedick Monty Mahon and yes Crowder James Crowder man that was so good so we're gonna hear from this in just a moment but as we as we prepare this I'm gonna I'm gonna say a prayer over over this this moment there are several ways to give y'all if you wanna give in the offering plate please do if you wanna do it online that would be wonderful if it's a one time gift wonderful if you wanna give throughout the year there's options for that too you know we're not pushy we just we just believe everyone should participate and that we're going to because this is just who you are we're partnering with God in this global enterprise that is continuing to change the world so thank you for doing this with us." [01:18:28] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Heavenly Father we are so thankful for you thank you for for giving us people who inspire and Lord I know that there are people in this room even right now who are feeling this urge that they need to do something more they may not be able they may not understand what or why but I pray right now that you would surround them with a guide who can help them as they journey into the unknown Lord we are your people help us to trust you help us to be good at letting go and help us to be good at giving you the glory and honor for everything that is and that will come in Jesus name Amen." [01:19:16] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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