Have you ever watched an artist draw a picture? Usually it starts off looking like complete nothingness. Maybe a few lines here and there, but really it doesn't take shape until later on in the process. As you gaze at the finished product, it always amazes me, that this final product began with just a few lines and shaded areas on a piece of paper.
Even though I have no idea what the artist is doing, I know that the artist has an intentional purpose with each stroke of pencil as to what the finished product will be. Every single line, cicle, and angle on that piece of paper has an intentional purpose in the grand scheme of things when it comes to that finished piece of art.
I think for alot of us, we have this piece of paper in front of us called Christianity. What we have been taught is to have faith in Jesus and to trust in Him for our salvation...but now what...? We have this idea that faith is only about after this life is over- a ticket to eternity. So what we end up doing is taking our piece of paper called "Christianity" and we try to protect it from any stains, scratches, or mistakes.
But in the midst of all this, we know in our hearts, there has to be a greater purpose to our faith. Once we put our faith in Jesus, what is next? Do we just try our hardest not to sin? To be good people? Live a safe, controlled life? Or does God have something else in mind for us? Does he have a finished product picture in mind for our pieces of paper that we call "Christianity?"
We saw Sunday night that God does in fact have a mission for us while we walk this earth.
Make disciples.
That is the mission. Become deeper, more devote folllowers of Jesus and help others see the beauty of being a follower of Jesus.
Most of us would say we know that God has some type of mission for us. Some would even know it has something to do with "making disciples." But when it comes to picking up the pencil, what does that actually look like? We saw that God has given us a specific mission...it is clear...it is urgent.
Make disciples.
That is the mission He is extending to us. Do you understand the mission? Will you accept this mission?
Use the questions and scripture passages below as you dig into this "mission" more over this next week. Plan to join us at Matt & Amanda's on Thursday night at 7pm as we will work together through this mission that God has for us!
Note: As you work through these questions, try to keep from looking ahead and asking yourself "What does this look like in my life?" I know we usually encourage you to apply what we learn to your every day life, but this week, try to focus simply understanding the mission God is extending to us.
1. Read Matthew 28:18-20.
- Jesus gives us three things that a disciple-maker does: Go, Baptize (Connect), Teach. GO-live with the intent to help others know Jesus, BAPTIZE- help people the see the importance of being a apart of the church, and TEACH- show others who Jesus is and what it means to be a follower of Him.
- Why do you think Jesus would give us three commands in His mission for us to make disciples?
2. Read Romans 8:29
- Our faith ultimiately isn't just about becomming a Christian, but becoming more like Jesus. Why is this key to remember that God's purpose is for us, and others, to become more like Jesus?
3. We live to fulfill missions everyday in our lives. Big missions...small missions...medium missions. We live with intentional focus to fulfill these missions...pass a test...get into college...make a team.
- How is living our God's mission like these others missions?
- How is it different?
4. Read Acts 1:8.
- How important is the role of the Holy Spirit in us fulfilling this mission?
- Do you understand the role of the Holy Spirit in your faith journey?
5. What fears, questions, confusions do you have as it pertains to this mission? Write these down and bring them Thursday night!
No comments:
Post a Comment