Wk 15 - The Spirit’s Missionary Nature

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Communion Today

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

TODAY: Believers are called to be active participants in God’s mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit for effective ministry in the world.

WHY?… The sending God sends the Son…the sending God and the Son send the Spirit (***God is a missionary***)

Video from Vietnam - Part 1

(5 minutes)

*Pictures*

Call for SVC to “develop missionaries” on Sept. 17, 2024;

Sept. 19th invited to participate in MENACA strategy;

Sept. 21 invited to participate w/ Liberian church; Sept 25 shared with council, elders, and other SVC leaders;

Oct. 5 invited to Vietnam

Video from Vietnam - Part 2 - D.S. Antonio Bridge imagery - partnership with Lotus Proj.

(5 minutes)

Through Jesus’ anointing and the promise of the Spirit, we see a clear call for Christians to engage in mission-driven lives, reflecting God's heart for restoration and empowerment.

Opening Scripture:

Acts 1:7–8 ESV

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

To Be Effective Missionaries Requires:

1. Recognize God’s Timing

Acts 1:7 “7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”

Missions is about divine timing rather than human design

Readiness over personal agenda

Trust in God's sovereignty can encourage by relinquishing control and embrace the Spirit's guidance

Fostering a deeper reliance on Christ's promises

1. Recognize God’s Timing

2. Receive The Spirit’s Empowerment

Acts 1:8 “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

Receiving power from the Holy Spirit, we serve as witnesses worldwide (i.e. to everyone)

Not all may go worldwide, but all are to play a part in witnessing local and sending global

Our mission is a continuation of God’s mission (2 Cor. 1:21)

1. Recognize God’s Timing

2. Receive Spirit’s Empowerment

3. Reflect Jesus’ Mission

Jesus outlines this mission, setting a pattern for believers

Luke 4:18–19“18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.””

2 Corinthians 1:21 “21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,”

The Holy Spirit’s anointing brings freedom, healing, and restoration

Our mission must be a personal alignment with Jesus' transformative mission, the one that led him from Heaven to Earth and to the Cross for our sins

Our mission must be to work together with believers worldwide as the Family of God

Conclusion/Reflection:

Those who feel disempowered, remember that the Holy Spirit is ready to work through you regardless of your past or current situations.

How can we partner with Foursquare Vietnam to see a nation changed?

CT. article with Foursquare Vietnam President on drug rehab changing a nation.

1. Recognize God’s Timing

2. Receive Spirit’s Empowerment

3. Reflect Jesus’ Mission

…COMMUNION

1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Talk It Over

What are the three requirements for being effective missionaries mentioned in the sermon?

According to the sermon, what does it mean to 'Reflect Jesus’ Mission'?

How can believers engage in witnessing locally as well as globally?