Missions Sunday
After a taking time to explore the future hope of the New Creation, we’re turning to ask the question now - how can people turn to Jesus and inherit this great and glorious future hope if no one tells them about it now? So Evangelism and Reconciliation must be our focus now. Our future hope should motivate our present ministry. Let’s listen together to what God is already doing in spreading the Good News and prayerfully participate in sharing the good news where God is giving us each an opportunity.
Anchor Texts:
Romans 10:5-17 NET - This is a portion of a very complex passage - focus on what is simple and move to the more complex.
Matthew 28:18-20 NET - The Great Commission
Romans 12:9-20 NET - A description of the missional shape of life we are all called to, everyday.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NIV - The Ministry of Reconciliation
Questions to Ponder:
But first, a useful tool:
Perhaps you’ve heard of the BLESS acronym. It’s a helpful way to get you thinking about what the Mission of God looks like.
B- Begin with Prayer - Pray for specific people
L - Listen to their story
E - Eat with them
S - Serve (Sharing life means helping someone and letting them help you.)
S- Share - An open hearted person wants to hear from you to, so once you have listened to them, be prepared to share your story of reconciliation with God.
Have you even been involved in missions in any way? Take a few moments and think about the obvious ways, but also try to reflect on some of the less obvious ways God has given you a mission to share the good news and the ministry of reconciliation.
In light of Romans 12:9-20, what opportunities for missions has God given you recently to live out one of these facets of ministry?
What is the difference between “evangelizing someone” and doing the “ministry of reconciliation?” Is one better than the other? How do they weave together?
How did you “hear the gospel”? If you grew up in a church setting, who were instrumental people and what made them significant to your story of faith?
Spend time praying for the Mission of God on a local, national, and global level.
The Theme for Kids:
Here’s a fun new story about the beginning of the Mission of God through the church.
The Theme in Song:
Here’s a song to get us thinking about what it makes to actively take part in God’s Mission to the world!