We Are Called To Go

Sunday, January 26, 2025

INTRO

In the month of January, we are reflecting on important take-away’s and themes in the book of Acts, with each lesson written by a different teacher from one of our house churches. This lesson was written by Sherry Richards.

The book of Acts is the story of the early church obeying Jesus’ command to “go into all the world and preach the gospel.” In this lesson, we will explore this command. We will be challenged to take the Good News to those around us.

READ

Question to consider as we read:

How can we put Jesus’ command into practice in our modern lives?

Matthew 28:16–20 CSB

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

EXAMINE

What the first disciples did and what we must do

#1 | The disciples went where Jesus had directed them

We see this throughout the gospels and the book of Acts

Matthew 28:16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them

Acts 13:47 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

The Apostles were obedient to the command to spread the Gospel near and far

Peter fearlessly preached the Gospel, particularly to the Jewish community, emphasizing repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:14-40; Gal 2:7-9)

Philip actively engaged in spreading Christianity beyond cultural boundaries

His efforts in Samaria were marked by powerful preaching and miraculous deeds, drawing many to the message of Christ (Acts 8:5-7)

Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) was the senior leader on the first missionary journey from Antioch

He co-founded the church in Antioch with Paul (Acts 11:23–26)

Barnabas and Paul went on many missionary journeys together, traveling through Cyprus and modern-day Turkey

Paul underwent a transformation after encountering Jesus. He embarked on numerous missionary journeys, tirelessly spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ across the Mediterranean region

His unwavering dedication and passion for sharing the Gospel led to the establishment of several churches and communities

#2 | Jesus tells us to “GO”

The “Great Commission” which was first given to the Apostles, has now been handed down to us

Matthew 28:19 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations...”

Matthew 24:14 “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." - Hudson Taylor (1832-1905 - Missionary in China for 54 years)

REFLECT

Let’s take a moment to pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight and draw our attention to what He wants us to see and understand today

APPLY

Explore and apply the passage with these questions:

[Allow the conversation to go where people take it - we want people to feel the liberty to explore the topics of the passage that stand out to them. Select the questions from below that you think are right for the conversation, or add your own. Questions should be focused, yet open-ended. Wherever the conversation goes, help your group “land the plane” on the core idea of the lesson when you wrap up.]

How can you follow the Holy Spirit and be a witness for Jesus?

Acts 1:8; Acts 4:29-31; Acts 7:54-55

How can you be like Barnabas and encourage others?

Acts 4:36-37; Acts 9:26-27

Where we want to “land the plane”

Throughout the book of Acts, the Apostles demonstrated what it looks like to partner with God through prayer and obey the command to “go.” As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of prayer and people of action. So you must shift your mindset and take time to pray, asking God to reveal the mission-field He is calling you to.

Application question for the Week

[Encourage people to provide an answer now, if they are able - to provide an opportunity for accountability and praise reports the following week.]

How will you share the Gospel with those God is calling you to reach?

Our schools, neighborhoods, and homes are mission fields where people need to hear the Gospel. Pray for the Lord to reveal your specific mission field and grant you the boldness and faith to share the Good News.