Transforming Lives Through Jesus: Our Mission Forward
Summary
### Summary
Today, we focused on the importance of speaking the name of Jesus and the mission of our church, Boulder Mountain Community Church. We began by encouraging those who haven't publicly declared their faith through baptism to take that step today. We also celebrated the testimonies of our youth who attended camp, made possible by the generous giving of our congregation. This generosity is a testament to the movement God is stirring in the next generation.
We revisited our mission, rooted in Matthew 28:19-20, to make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just about gaining knowledge but transforming that knowledge into action. We emphasized that making disciples is a lifelong, often messy process that requires relationships and time. We also discussed the importance of reaching "them"—those who do not yet know Jesus. Our focus should not be inward but outward, always thinking about who is not yet part of our community.
We shared the story of Saul, who became Paul, to illustrate the transformative power of Jesus and the importance of being adaptable to reach different people. Paul’s dedication to spreading the gospel, even after 14 years of preparation, serves as an inspiration for us to be patient and persistent in our mission.
Looking ahead, we outlined a vision for the next three years, which includes baptizing 150 people, planting a new church, establishing a training ground for future ministry leaders, and building a new facility to better serve our community. This vision is about being proactive and intentional in our efforts to reach more people for Jesus.
We concluded by inviting everyone to write down the name of one person they will commit to praying for, someone they hope will come to know Jesus. This act symbolizes our collective commitment to our mission and vision. We then moved into a time of baptism, celebrating those who have decided to publicly declare their faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Generosity: Your giving has eternal impact. Because of your generosity, students who might never have had the chance to attend camp are now experiencing life-changing encounters with Jesus. This is a reminder that our resources can be used to further God's kingdom in ways we might never see directly. [17:40]
2. The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship: Making disciples is not a quick process; it’s a lifelong journey that involves building relationships and investing time. Jesus spent 30 years preparing for three years of ministry, and Paul took 14 years before his first missionary journey. This teaches us the value of patience and persistence in our spiritual walk. [20:42]
3. Reaching "Them": Our mission is to reach those who do not yet know Jesus. This requires us to look beyond our own needs and preferences and focus on the lost. Every day, we should be thinking about who in our lives needs to hear the good news of Jesus. [23:47]
4. Adaptability in Ministry: Paul’s willingness to become "all things to all people" shows the importance of adaptability in ministry. Whether he was known as Saul or Paul, his focus was on reaching people for Jesus. We too must be willing to adapt and change to effectively share the gospel. [29:13]
5. Vision and Planning: Having a clear vision and plan is crucial for the growth and impact of our church. Over the next three years, we aim to baptize 150 people, plant a new church, establish a training ground for ministry leaders, and build a new facility. This vision requires collective effort and trust in God’s provision. [30:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:48] - Invitation to Baptism
[17:40] - Youth Camp Testimonies
[19:03] - Mission of the Church
[20:42] - Lifelong Discipleship
[22:22] - Importance of "Them"
[23:47] - Reaching the Lost
[25:46] - Story of Saul/Paul
[27:24] - Paul's First Convert
[29:13] - Adaptability in Ministry
[30:48] - Vision for the Next Three Years
[32:07] - Baptism Goal
[33:30] - Church Planting
[34:54] - Training Future Leaders
[36:16] - New Facility Plans
[37:36] - Call to Action
[39:03] - Embracing Change
[40:29] - Story of Eric Lidell
[42:02] - Writing Down a Name
[43:27] - Song Lyrics Reflection
[45:03] - Final Prayer and Baptism
[47:23] - Testimony of Anthony
[49:30] - Baptism Celebration
[55:30] - Writing Names on the Board
[01:02:59] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
[01:04:34] - Online Service Invitation
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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
2. Acts 9:1-19: The conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus.
3. 1 Corinthians 9:22: "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the mission of Boulder Mountain Community Church as described in the sermon? [19:03]
2. How long did Paul prepare before starting his missionary journeys, and what does this teach us about the process of discipleship? [20:42]
3. What are the four specific goals outlined for the church over the next three years? [30:48]
4. Who was Paul’s first convert, and what significance did this event have on his ministry? [27:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is generosity emphasized as having an eternal impact in the sermon? How does this relate to the testimonies shared by the youth? [17:40]
2. How does the story of Saul’s conversion illustrate the transformative power of Jesus? What can we learn from Paul’s adaptability in ministry? [25:46]
3. What does it mean to make disciples as a lifelong journey, and why is patience and persistence important in this process? [20:42]
4. How does the church’s vision for the next three years reflect its commitment to reaching "them"—those who do not yet know Jesus? [30:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own generosity. How can you use your resources to further God's kingdom, even in ways you might not see directly? [17:40]
2. Think about someone in your life who does not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to reach out to them and share the good news? [23:47]
3. Making disciples is described as a messy and lifelong process. How can you invest more time and build deeper relationships to help others grow in their faith? [20:42]
4. Paul was willing to become "all things to all people" to share the gospel. What changes or adaptations can you make in your approach to ministry to be more effective in reaching others? [29:13]
5. The church has a vision to baptize 150 people, plant a new church, establish a training ground for ministry leaders, and build a new facility. How can you personally contribute to this vision through prayer, service, or giving? [30:48]
6. The sermon encourages writing down the name of one person to pray for. Who is the one person you will commit to praying for, and how will you keep this commitment visible in your daily life? [43:27]
7. Reflect on the story of Eric Lidell and his dedication to his mission. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to fulfill your mission in your community? [40:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Impact of Generosity
Generosity is more than just giving money; it is an investment in eternity. When we give, we enable others to experience life-changing encounters with Jesus. This is evident in the testimonies of the youth who attended camp, made possible by the congregation's generous giving. Their experiences are a testament to the movement God is stirring in the next generation. Your resources, when given with a heart for God's kingdom, can have far-reaching impacts that you may never see directly. This is a powerful reminder that our giving is not in vain but is used by God to further His kingdom in ways beyond our understanding. [17:40]
2 Corinthians 9:11-12 (ESV): "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God."
Reflection: Think of a time when your generosity made a difference in someone's life. How can you be more intentional in using your resources to further God's kingdom this week?
Day 2: The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship
Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to building relationships. It is not a quick process but one that involves investing time and effort into the lives of others. Jesus spent 30 years preparing for three years of ministry, and Paul took 14 years before embarking on his first missionary journey. This teaches us the value of patience and persistence in our spiritual walk. Making disciples is often messy and requires us to be deeply involved in the lives of others, helping them grow in their faith over time. [20:42]
Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invest in spiritually? How can you commit to walking alongside them in their journey of faith, even when it gets messy?
Day 3: Reaching Those Who Do Not Yet Know Jesus
Our mission as a church is to reach those who do not yet know Jesus. This requires us to look beyond our own needs and preferences and focus on the lost. Every day, we should be thinking about who in our lives needs to hear the good news of Jesus. This outward focus is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and expanding God's kingdom. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and be intentional in sharing our faith with others. [23:47]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you intentionally share the gospel with them this week?
Day 4: Adaptability in Ministry
Paul's willingness to become "all things to all people" shows the importance of adaptability in ministry. Whether he was known as Saul or Paul, his focus was on reaching people for Jesus. This adaptability allowed him to connect with different groups of people and effectively share the gospel. We too must be willing to adapt and change to effectively share the gospel. This may mean stepping out of our comfort zones, learning new ways to communicate, or being open to different methods of ministry. [29:13]
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more adaptable in your approach to sharing the gospel? How can you better connect with those who are different from you?
Day 5: Vision and Planning for the Future
Having a clear vision and plan is crucial for the growth and impact of our church. Over the next three years, we aim to baptize 150 people, plant a new church, establish a training ground for ministry leaders, and build a new facility. This vision requires collective effort and trust in God’s provision. It challenges us to be proactive and intentional in our efforts to reach more people for Jesus. By setting specific goals and working together as a community, we can make a significant impact for God's kingdom. [30:48]
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV): "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Reflection: What role can you play in helping to achieve the church's vision for the next three years? How can you commit your efforts to the Lord and trust in His provision?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I just want to say as your pastor I'm really proud of you thank you God's doing a work because there is there is a movement happening the next generation right Christianity is only one generation away from extinction and we're going to be able to send and as we pass on the good news to the next generation I'm really excited I'm proud thank you it takes a lot of courage to come up here and share all right most of you didn't do that today and so those students who shared I'm really proud of you thank you way to go I'm excited for what God's going to do in and through you as you head to school and now your school is your mission field as you reach your your peers for Jesus" [17:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I am willing to become all things to all people. If, if it is needed for my name to be Saul, I'll be Saul. I'll be Saul. I'll be Saul. I'll be Saul. I'll be Saul. I'll be Saul. If it's to be Paul, Paul, Saul, he does. He says, I will do whatever it takes to reach people for Jesus. Boulder Mountain, that would be my challenge to us as a church that we'd be doing anything and everything short of sin, anything and everything to reach people for Jesus. What does that look like in your life? What are you willing to do? What are you willing to sacrifice? What are you willing to give up in order so that them might come to know Jesus?" [29:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "My prayer, my goal is not that they come to know Jesus at Boulder Mountain. My prayer in my heart is they come to know Jesus. If that's a church down the street, if that's another church on Ellsworth, if that's another Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church, I will praise God just as much as it would be if it was here. We are on the same team with every other Bible-believing, gospel-preaching church in the area. There are a lot of people who don't know Jesus, and I am so excited to go on this journey with you over the next three years to see what God has for us." [45:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "On the crowded streets, all the people that I see, I want them to know that Jesus, the Jesus that I know. If I'm the closest thing to a Bible that they read, let the words they read be what you wrote. Father, help me to go. I'll be a garden in Manhattan. That's the name of the song. A garden in Manhattan. I'll be a river where it's dry. We know about that, right? When my friends can't find the road, I'll be a roadside welcome sign. I'll be sunshine in Seattle, be a cool breeze in July. I'll be a light in the darkness. I'll be a garden, a garden in Manhattan." [43:27] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I just want to repeat what Isaac said earlier in service, that today's a day to shout. All through the Psalms, we're told to shout and make noise. And I want to give you permission to do that in the room today. Cheer, clap. Yes, yes, you can do that." [11:48] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We make disciples making disciples takes time we live in an instant society instant culture everything is at this two-week class six-week class eight-week class no making a disciple is lifelong and it is messy Jesus's ministry spent 30 years Jesus spends 30 years preparing for three years of ministry Paul comes to meet Jesus and I remember as a kid I grew up in church and the back of my Bible had all these cool maps I love maps I love geography and so I would trace all these maps his before he takes his first missionary journey it's 14 years he doesn't meet Jesus and then go get on a boat and starts going on mission trips 14 years of preparation and study and prayer" [20:42] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every day I wake up, I have one person I automatically think about pretty naturally. Do you know who that is? It's me. Nobody needs to tell Kyle what I like, what my preferences are, what I prefer and want, and I think about me all day long. I'm pretty good about thinking about me. A lot of churches are the same way. We do a pretty good job thinking about us. What programs we want, what messages we want, oh, what songs we like. Am I getting personal now? Them. We have a lot of preferences. Corporately here today. That's okay. But who we need to think about intentionally every week. Ministry leaders, you're thinking about this all the time. Who's not here? Who are my family members who don't know Jesus? Who is my neighbor who doesn't know Jesus? Who lives on my block? Who do I work with who does not know Jesus?" [23:47] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul wrote most of the New Testament. It took him 14 years before he had his first convert. Who's his first convert? There's a man named Sergius Paulus. He's a pro-council of the Roman government. He's high up. He meets him. And at the time that he meets him, Sergius Paulus in Acts chapter 13, he's also there's a magician there and they're both competing for the soul of Sergius Paulus. Paul is pointing them to Jesus. And this magician, Bar-Jesus, is pointing him in a different direction. Isn't that true? Every person, every person is being competed for by ideas of culture, depending on whichever way the wind is blowing. That is Paul's first convert is Sergius Paulus. comes to know Jesus." [27:24] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The facilities that we've had here have served us for 40 years. If you're a guest with us, or maybe you've started attending here recently, there's a house just directly south of us here. That house was donated when the church got started, and we have configured that house in every possible way to do what we need done to reach kids. Right now it's a children's ministry building, but that will not last long. This room has served us well. We've gone to, we went to two services last year. We'll go to two services next week. If you come August 4th, we'll have a nine o'clock and a 10 30 a.m. service. But the time to plan for a new building is not when you need the new building, it's years before, right?" [34:54] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Olympics launched this past week. You've heard some discussions and you've seen that the news a hundred years ago, 1924, there was a man who won a gold medal for England. It was in Paris, 1924, Paris Olympics. His name was Eric Lidell. He was actually the first person born in China to ever win a medal, was a missionary. And he won a gold medal in track immediately after the Olympics. There's a whole book called Chariots of Fire in a movie. You can further context if you want to look into that. But what impresses me the most about Eric Lidell in his testimony is after the Olympics, he goes back to the mission field in China, where he was raised, where his parents were. Why did he go there? Because Matthew 28 says, says, as you go, go and make disciples of all nations. So he goes back to China and he teaches in a school until the Japanese invade his territory. And he's put into an internment prison camp where he dies at the age of 45. He gave his life, a gold Olympic gold medalist. the end of his life, the reward that he got was not a gold medal. That was not the most precious possession. That Eric had at the moment is that it was the possession that Jesus gave him, the inheritance that Jesus gave him. His rewards were great and heavy. He died at age 45, World War II prison camp. What's God calling you to do? It may not be to go to China. But what does it look like for you to reach them in your community?" [40:29] (115 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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