Missions by Dayle Kinney
Our Mission
John 17:15 says..
“I do not pray that you take them out of the world but that you should keep them from the evil one”
Jesus didn’t take us out of the world ..”As you have sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world”.
Matthew 28:19 – the Great Commission is Jesus’ call for us to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit”.
It is easy to be a Christian until you have to step outside your room, or house...but Jesus prays for his disciples and all those who will believe down through the ages. He sends us into the world!
John 17:21-24 Jesus then prays that we be one.
Unity is not everybody being the same, it is a spiritual unity, a common vision and purpose. To save, disciple, empower, to build His kingdom.
An exciting point in this passage to see is found in John 17:22 “And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one jus as we are one.”
The glory which the Father gave Jesus, Jesus has now given us...what an amazing truth!
The word glory in Greek which is what John was originally written in means....mantle, garment, robe, cloak, splendour, magnificence.
When we receive Jesus in our lives we receive his glory. Thinking about that is a great self-esteem boost!
Jesus has given us his glory that the world might know Him through our words, actions and ministry.
Over the last three weeks we have been sharing on missions, and the potential for us as a church to be involved both corporately and individually in a variety of areas.
A powerful and potential growth area for us is when “we act upon what we believe.”
Mission is not just about sending financial support; it can also be an opportunity to seek God and use our gifts and abilities to serve Him.
God has a plan and purpose for each one of us, and he has already planned in advance good things for us to do. We just have to be listening to him and go when He leads and prompts us. I encourage you each morning to ask “What have you got for me to do today Lord?”
When we seek to do His will and then obey, the Holy Spirit gives us energy and strength no matter our age or situation in life. He will renew our strength” Isaiah 40:31.
Talk About
1. As a group discuss our mission as a church...to save, disciple, empower. What do people understand this to mean? How can you as a group and individuals be involved in carrying out this mission?
2. What areas within the group do people have a heart for?
Thailand – going and giving of their gifts and abilities
Operation Christmas Child
Teen Challenge
Community – reaching unsaved or unconnected to church spouses, family etc
Families – reaching out to new families, helping facilitate playgroups, mum’s groups
Schools programme – ministry into the surrounding primary schools with relevant activities to build connection with the children
Church Plant – planting a service in the Cockburn area.
3. Are there any issues, etc that cause people in your group as individuals to hesitate to get more involved in the mission of the church? When we know that we are supported, especially within our connect groups, it is easier to step out for Jesus.
4. Pray for one another and any needs that may have been discussed in relation especially to question 2 and 3.
Encourage everyone to put their name down at the mission sign up table to be involved or to get more info on Sunday!
Remind about inviting and to be praying for “Be Happy Day” on Sunday the 15th Nov at 9.30 -1pm. Pray for fine weather, people to bring friends, family and for people to connect with church.
Remember - Read through the NT. Prayer Service 6 November
