Title of Message: Because He Lives We Must Go
Sermon Notes:
1 – The Resurrection Was Always Part of God’s Plan
2 – The Risen Lord Gave a Clear Command
3 – Every Church Member Has a Role in Missions
4 – Why We Must Care Right Now
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Definition of Missionary:
“A person who, in response to God’s call and gifting, leaves his/her comfort zone and crosses cultural, geographic, or other barriers to proclaim the Gospel and live out a Christian witness in obedience to the Great Commission.” – North American Missionary Board
Digging Deeper:
1. Read John 1:1-5, 14, Philippians 2:5-11. From the definition of a missionary given above, would you say that Jesus is a missionary? Why or why not?
2. Read John 8:12, Matthew 5:13-14. How would you describe Jesus’ mission on earth to another person? How does Jesus’ mission affect our mission on earth? How have you seen this played out in other’s lives as well as your life, as of late?
3. Read Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 10:13-15, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Peter 3:15. Why do you think Jesus commanded us to share the gospel instead of just suggesting it? How do these verses show that sharing the gospel is an important responsibility of all believers—not just pastors or missionaries?
4. Read Acts 13:1-5. The church in Antioch decided to send out Barnabas and Paul as Missionaries. How did the church arrive at that decision? What was the responsibility of the church? What was the responsibility of the missionaries (Paul and Barnabas)? What was the result of this decision? How does this decision relate with Christ’s command in Matthew 28:18-20? How can we follow their example today?
5. Read 2 Timothy 1:7-8. Have you ever had an opportunity to share the gospel but didn’t? What held you back? What makes it hard for you to share your faith? (Fear? Not knowing what to say? Afraid of rejection? Too busy? etc.) What do you think will happen to the world if Christians stopped sharing the gospel?
6. From last Sunday’s message, what do you think is the biggest challenge missionaries are facing in today’s world?
Prayer:
1. Who is one person in your life that you can pray for and share Jesus with this week?
2. Pray this week for our missionaries that they would have a fresh filling of the power of the Holy Spirit to continue to do what they do.