Introduction
What a joy it is to gather and reflect on the powerful message shared today. The sermon emphasized the importance of aligning ourselves with God's mission, focusing on the kingdom, depending on the Holy Spirit, witnessing to the world, and cultivating a heart of prayer. This summary aims to encapsulate the essence of the sermon, making it easy to understand and apply to our daily lives.
The Decline of the Church: A Wake-Up Call
The story of Blockbuster's rise and fall serves as a poignant metaphor for the church in America. Just as Blockbuster failed to adapt and eventually became a relic of the past, the church risks the same fate if it does not realign with God's mission. With 3.2 billion people worldwide lacking access to the gospel and 87% of people in metro Phoenix not having a relationship with Jesus, the urgency is clear.
Are We Aligned with God's Mission?
Understanding God's Mission
God's mission is expansive and demands alignment. It requires individuals and churches to focus on kingdom priorities. Jesus' last call to the disciples in Acts 1:8 was to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This call is not just about the growth of the church but the expansion of God's kingdom through the church.
Focusing on the Kingdom
The Kingdom Over the Church
Jesus spoke more about the kingdom than the church. The end goal is not the growth of our local churches but the vision in Revelation 5:9, where people from every tribe, language, tongue, and nation worship Jesus. The church is the tool God uses to expand His kingdom, and our focus should be on sharing the gospel and making disciples.
Depending on the Holy Spirit
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus instructed His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit before embarking on their mission. This waiting signifies the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit's power rather than our own strength. Acts 1:8 emphasizes that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, enabling us to be effective witnesses.
Witnessing to the World
Our Mission Field
Jesus' command to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth is a call to action. We are sent into the world to reveal God and bring reconciliation between God and man. This mission is not just for distant lands but starts in our own communities.
Cultivating a Heart of Prayer
The Importance of Prayer
The early church devoted themselves to prayer, staying close to God and aligning their hearts with His mission. Prayer is essential for aligning ourselves with God's mission and should be a communal activity. When we pray together, God works in powerful ways.
Life Application
Aligning with God's Mission
To align ourselves with God's mission, we need to make four key shifts:
From Knowledge to Obedience: Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
From Self-Reliance to Spirit Dependence: We must rely on the Holy Spirit rather than our own strength.
From Being Saved to Being Sent: Recognize that we are sent on a mission to share the gospel.
From Productivity to Prayer: Focus more on prayer than on merely being productive.
Questions for Reflection
Am I focusing on the kingdom of God in my daily life?
How often do I rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength?
Am I actively witnessing to those around me?
How can I cultivate a heart of prayer in my personal and communal life?
Conclusion
Aligning with God's mission is not just a call to action but a call to transformation. By focusing on the kingdom, depending on the Holy Spirit, witnessing to the world, and cultivating a heart of prayer, we can be effective instruments in God's redemptive plan. This week, challenge yourself to make these shifts and see how God works through you to expand His kingdom. Let us pray and commit to aligning ourselves with God's mission. Amen.
Comments