Transformative Mission: Embracing the Incarnation of Christ

The sermon series "Mission from the Manger" explores the Beatitudes from Matthew chapter five in the context of Jesus' last words through the lens of his birth. The speaker emphasizes the incarnation of God at Christmas, when God became flesh and sent his son as the second person of the triune Godhead, an unimaginable event of God becoming human and lying in a feeding trough.

The speaker reflects on the potential of individuals, which is greater than physical strength, and the mission from the manger to see others become followers of Jesus. The importance of preparing oneself before communion is discussed, with a focus on the themes of Jesus' death showing God's heart, granting forgiveness of sins, and the Holy Spirit helping others receive forgiveness. The congregation is asked to reflect on these themes before participating in communion, highlighting Jesus' commitment to the mission and the real power and authority behind it.

God makes his appeal through believers to reconcile people to himself, and through a meaningful relationship with Jesus, individuals can find forgiveness and peace with God. The sermon explores discipleship, emphasizing followership and intentionally learning to become like someone else. Discipleship with Jesus involves a transformation from within, as individuals behold the glory of the Lord and are gradually transformed into his image.

The speaker acknowledges church activities such as Operation Christmas Child and a drive-by raking activity as ways to show care for the community. The upcoming Christmas Eve services are announced, with an encouragement to invite others to attend. The manger represents a transformative mission, suggesting that humans can be transformed into God likeness through faith in Jesus. The sermon introduces Jesus' last words after his resurrection to understand his first coming and guide believers until his second coming.

Disciples are responsible for making disciples themselves, and the speaker shares that transformation of people from other nations is a reflection of the glory of God. The power and authority of Jesus can be seen through the lives of believers as they lead others to establish a love relationship with Jesus and make disciples of their own.

The speaker introduces Chris and Shana McCurian, who participated in Financial Peace University (FPU), emphasizing the importance of being cheerful givers and good stewards. The McCurians discuss an exercise where they were given money to give away, reflecting God's blessings.

The significance of the Last Supper and the symbolism of the bread and cup are reflected upon, with the congregation encouraged to partake in communion and be reminded of the taste of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes viewing everything as belonging to God, which would change how we approach our possessions and resources. A story about a couple who doubled the amount given to them to give away is shared, and plans for the church to go through a financial program together are announced.

The speaker discusses stewardship and handling material blessings from God, sharing the story of the widow in the Gospel of Mark who gave out of her poverty. The authority of Jesus is emphasized, with the upcoming sermons focusing on different aspects of the Great Commission. The importance of beholding Jesus and becoming like him from the inside out is highlighted, with an invitation to accept Jesus as the one who offers forgiveness and peace with God.

The speaker reflects on the effort and work required in wooing someone and entering into a meaningful relationship, drawing a parallel to Jesus' commitment to pursuing and wooing humanity. Jesus embraced the limitations of humanity and restrained his divine authority, entrusting his disciples with continuing his mission. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about wooing his now wife, emphasizing the relational and intimate nature of wooing.

The speaker invites the audience to witness the unimaginable feat of the incarnation of God during Christmas, comparing it to being invited to see something incredible. The speaker reflects on the unimaginable nature of Christmas and the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the momentous event and the unusual circumstances surrounding his birth.

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) — > "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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.'"

2. Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
> "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

3. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV)
> "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

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Observation Questions

1. What does Jesus claim about his authority in Matthew 28:18?
2. According to Philippians 2:5-8, how did Jesus demonstrate humility and obedience?
3. In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, what happens when one turns to the Lord and beholds His glory?
4. What are the key components of the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20? [01:05:29]

Interpretation Questions

1. How does Jesus' claim of having "all authority in heaven and on earth" impact the way believers should view their mission? [01:05:29]
2. What does it mean for believers to be transformed "from one degree of glory to another" as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18?
3. How does the concept of Jesus emptying himself and taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7) challenge common perceptions of power and authority?
4. In what ways does the Great Commission reflect the heart of Jesus' mission from the manger to the cross? [01:06:57]

Application Questions

1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus, with all authority, chose to woo humanity through relational and intimate means rather than coercion. How can you apply this approach in your relationships and evangelism efforts? [01:10:09]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of viewing all possessions and resources as belonging to God. How would this perspective change the way you handle your finances and material blessings? [31:54]
3. Jesus' mission involves making disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [01:22:25]
4. The sermon highlighted the significance of internal transformation in discipleship. What specific steps can you take to behold the glory of the Lord more consistently in your daily life? [01:17:53]
5. Reflect on the story of the widow's offering in Mark. How can you practice radical generosity in your current financial situation, regardless of how much or little you have? [33:12]
6. The speaker shared a personal anecdote about wooing his now wife, emphasizing the relational nature of wooing. Think of a relationship in your life that needs nurturing. What specific actions can you take to invest in that relationship this week? [01:10:09]
7. The sermon discussed the unimaginable nature of the incarnation and the manger scene. How can you keep the wonder and significance of Christmas alive in your heart and actions throughout the season? [01:00:50]