This past week at our Saturday night service, I preached on the “Meaning of Mission.” From that message I want to make two posts that I hope will work as tools to help you live a life focused on reaching the people around you with the Gospel that can change their life. You know you’re on mission with the Gospel when…
- You see everyone as priceless to God. John 3:16 – There is no person on earth that God did not love enough to send His own Son to die for. The lady across the lane from you in traffic, the dude at the checkout line, that co-worker… all loved by Jesus. Just like you.
- You see the need as urgent. 2 Cor. 6:2 – This message is time-sensitive. While we stand in fear and make excuses, we miss opportunities to be a part of the redemptive work that God desires to do in your circle of influence.
- You see the opportunities everywhere. Matt. 25:34-36 – According to the very words of Jesus, we live for Him when we simply feed people, offer a drink, invite them into our homes, etc. These are things we already do. We just need to stop doing them alone or with other Christians, and start doing them with people that do not already go to church or have a relationship with Christ.
- You see yourself as called and empowered. Phil. 4:13 – You and I were created to be relational. As children of God, the relational inclination we all share is now sanctified to be used for furthering the kingdom of God. Evangelism is not a gift for some and not others. It is a command. You are called to reach people. It is God’s will that you “bear much fruit.” But we do so with the supernatural power of a resurrected Savior working in us, through us, and around us.
- You see the message as life-changing. Rom. 1:16 – The Word of God is not passive. It is active and alive (Heb. 4:12). I cannot change anyone – not even myself, to be entirely honest. The Gospel, however, changes everything. There is nothing that it touches that stays the same. Yes, some people will reject the Gospel. And yet, many such people find their way to Him anyway. I’ve seen it over and over again.
- You see God as active. Matt. 28:20 – Jesus promised to be with us always. God says that His Word never “returns void.” When the Gospel is declared, there is always a return on God’s investment. No, not everyone falls to their knees immediately and cries out to Him. But God always works where the Gospel is being declared.
- You see your church as a united family. 1 Thes. 5:11 – We are not alone in our mission. Not even in the sense that “God is always with us.” We belong to a spiritual family. Together we encourage and strengthen one another. None of us is as strong as all of us. We are better together, and together, we make an exponential impact for the kingdom of God.
Later this week, I’ll share some practical tools for “How To” be on mission with the Gospel. But if you don’t get this right first, then the rest will matter little. Be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs to see the change that the Gospel alone can bring.
Blessings,
John
