September 23, 2018

How Church? : Confidence for the Misson
September 23, 2018
Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

When you’re asked to do a task you’re hesitant about, what is normally your first response: “I have too many things on my mind”; “I am not good enough”; or “I am too busy”? How can these be excuses you use because you really don’t wish to do the job or activity?

We’ve been in a series looking at God’s ordained Church, and at His desire to see us change our world through our commitment to Him as we serve in and through a local body of believers. The past two weeks we looked at “How” to carry out that commission. Today we are looking at hindrances we use as excuses to keep from fulfilling the command Jesus gave us.

Focal Passage: Acts 1:4-8.

 

 

 

Discuss:

The Mission Statement for Thomas Road

  • What is the Mission Statement of Thomas Road?
  • How are you helping carry this out?
  • Our church has six values we adhere to in order to accomplish the Mission Statement: A Commitment to Scripture; A Culture of Prayer; A Lifestyle of worship; Being Connected to Community; A Heart for Serving; and A Passion for Sharing. Can you give one-word answers illustrating what would help achieve each of these values?

Confidence for the Mission

  • Read Acts 1:4-8. Why is this passage so important to believers?
  • What three things did Jesus tell the disciples to do in verse 4a?
  • Who is to Tell their story? How can you Grow as a believer? Where are we to be Sent?

 

HINDRANCES TO OBEDIENCE

Distractions

  • What are some distractions that we allow Satan to use to keep us from fulfilling God’s calling?
  • What is the difference between distractions and necessary obligations?
  • Why is it wrong to let entertainment or activity take the place of doing what God has called us to do?
  • How can we be intentional about being “about our Father’s business”?

Not Good enough

  • Read verses 4b-5. What were His followers to wait on?
  • When did we have a “Day of Pentecost” in our lives?
  • Read 1 Cor. 3:16. As we are a vessel in which the Holy Spirit dwells, what kind of power is filling us? Does that mean the story of the change in our life is worth telling others about? How does God equip those He calls?

Too Busy

  • Everyone seems to be juggling outrageous schedules. What are some ways in which we can slip a word of testimony into various situations during our day?
  • How long does it take to plant a seed? What would happen if someone wanted to ask you more about Jesus; would you plead a packed schedule?
  • Read Mark 16:15-16. Why is it so urgent that you take every opportunity to share the good news of the gospel?

 

 

 

Close:

When you closely examine the values of our church, you will see that they build upon each other, just like building blocks on a foundation. How many people do you know who never open a Bible? Statistics show the average Christian spends very little time reading God’s Word, which means most find God through the witness of someone. Hearing the foundational truths that Jesus is the Son of God who came to this earth to die for the sins of the world, was buried, raised again the third day, and paid the sin-debt for any who would receive His free gift of salvation is good news. The Word of God is the cornerstone for a belief in Jesus Christ. When that reality sends shards of light throughout the mind, a Culture of Prayer is the next inevitable step, as the sinner can’t wait to begin a conversation with this wonderful God who paid for their salvation. Constant communion, person to Person, is food to the spirit just as eating is food to the body. Next comes a desire for an immediate Lifestyle of Worship, never able to fill up the reservoir of singing “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD God Almighty!” Being Connected to Community is a step easy to take as you become aware how many of those you love are lost, and gradually—or quickly—you cultivate a Heart for Serving. Your Passion to Share what Christ has done for you becomes a boundless flow of gratitude that you want to see others enjoy. Values? Yes. Invaluable for a life of joy.

Key Verse: Acts 1:8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.