A Church on Mission

INTRODUCTION

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History and Hollywood have given us some of the greatest missions of all time. I’m sure the “greatest” missions are up for debate but there are many to choose from on a list.

· History: Space & Military

· Hollywood: IMF – Ethan Hunt: “Your mission, if you choose to accept it…”

The church has been given the greatest mission on the planet—a divine mission given to us from Jesus—it’s what we’re called to do as a church. Our mission should “we choose to accept it” has been given to us by Jesus. Often churches lose sight of their mission.

· Provide social gatherings for fellowship

· Meet needs in the community – care for the poor

· Teach my kids the Bible

· Sing songs – worship God

Need

It’s easy for our mission to get fuzzy – in the midst of all the busyness and business of life our mission can become blurry – the mission can become very unclear over time. Every year I’m supposed to get an eye exam to check up on my vision. I hate eye exams more than I hate dental exams. I get anxious. I don’t like sitting in the chair and being quizzed on what letters I can see on an eye chart – most of them are blurry – and when it comes time to put corrective lenses to correct my vision I’m freeze on the questions “Is #1 clearer or #2?” “#3 or #4? – I don’t know!. I’m way over due for an eye exam and a new prescription (Ask my wife – she’s getting scared of my driving and I’m a good driver!) Seeing clearly is important in life. Our individual eyesight is important. We need to see clearly as a church as well – we need to see our mission clearly - Over time things can get out of focus for us – what God has called to do as a church gets really “fuzzy” – and the mission God has given to us as a church can become very blurry.

Today is a “check-up” to ensure that we’re seeing our mission clearly. What has God called us to do as a church? (Answer) We considered this question back in March and we consider this question again today – What has God called us to do as a church? It has not changed, it will not change, so we must have regular check-ups to make sure we have clarity about our mission.

Preview

If you have your Bible, and I hope you do, please go to . -28 . Every time you get an eye exam you come back to the same test – the eye chart – in the same way if we’re going to get clarity about mission we come back to the same text. . reveals our divine mission. (Read)

I) THE CLARITY OF OUR DIVINE MISSION ()

In Mathew 28:16-20 our divine mission is crystal clear – “we’re called to make disciples of all nations” - this is what we’re called to do as a church – we’re called to make disciples of all nations. We must be a church that is constantly “on mission.” Today we’re gain renewed clarity about our disciple-making mission (see it clearly) and then celebrate our disciple-making mission (celebrate it personally) as we get an update from the Scott family who are worshipping with us this morning. The Scott’s serve with Cadence International – sharing the gospel and their lives with military families in locations around the world! Let’s walk through “The Great Commission” together again so that we see our mission clearly. I want to make two simple declarations about our disciple-making mission.

1) Our disciple-making mission is not optional! (28:18-20)

Number One, “our disciple-making mission is not optional.” Our disciple-making mission is not optional. It’s been said that “The Great Commission” has become “The Great Omission” in many churches. May that never be true of us as a church. Making disciples of all nations is not optional – this is not “The Great Suggestion” – this is not simply a good idea but rather God’s imperative from our Master Jesus who has “divine authority.” Did you catch the preface to Jesus’ declaration? – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (28:18) – the Father has given Jesus supreme, ruling authority so we must listen and obey Him.

A Mandate – “make disciples of all nations”

The One who has divine authority – Jesus – He laid down the mandate to His disciples in the first century and it continues to be the mandate to us as His disciples in the 21st century. We’re called to “make disciples of all nations” (28:19). The call to “make disciples” is the main verb in His authoritative mandate. The mandate to “make disciples” is the Greek word “matheteuo” which speaks of helping someone to become a learner/follower of Jesus. Those who are “followers” of Jesus are to be engaged in the work of urging others to become followers of Jesus. This divine mission of making disciples is global. Jesus called the disciples to make disciples “of all nations” – it’s not limited to the Jews but should include reaching out to people of every ethnicity (language & cultures) – so our lives must be about helping people all over the world come to know Jesus by faith and follow Him all the days of their lives.

A Method/Means – “going, baptizing, and teaching”

The Mandate includes a Method. The call to “make disciples” is surrounded by three imperative participles of “going, baptizing, and teaching.”

· Going - First, we find the word "go" preceding the command to make disciples. The placement of “go” before “make disciples” means that it carries the same imperative force - “going” is part of the command to make disciples.” The "going" tends to be thought of as a part of a call to be a missionary, literally traveling (going) to another country to help others know Jesus, and while that’s the call for some this call to “go” literally means “to be on your way” or “as you are going” through the normal routine of your life “make disciples of all nations.” Jesus calls you to live your life on mission – to make disciples as you are going from here to there in your life, to make disciples wherever you.

· Baptizing - Secondly, disciple-making is also highlighted by “baptizing” those who put their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. The disciples would "go" and share the good news, people would come to faith in Jesus, and then be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism would symbolize the cleansing of of sin through Jesus' finished work on the cross, symbolize a convert’s dying to self and being raised to new life in Jesus, as well as a marking their public declaration of their allegiance to Him. Baptism by water symbolizes both purification (cleansing of sin through Jesus' sacrificial death), identification with Him, and initiation into the fellowship of other followers of Jesus. There were very few unbaptized converts (disciples) in the first century. We baptize believers in Jesus - it's a part of our discipleship mission - we share the good news of Jesus, those who put their trust in Him are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

· Teaching - Third, making disciples involves "teaching." The term teaching refers to formal and informal instruction - it could include a classroom but is not limited to a classroom. The teaching implies learning - teaching that results in learning - helping someone know and obey the teachings of Jesus. Note that teaching isn't limited to learning information but rather transformation of one's life. Making disciples through "teaching" will certainly involve gaining knowledge of what Jesus taught but the teaching includes the application of that knowledge that produces obedience. We can learn about Jesus' teachings but never observe (obey) them. You can know your bible front to back and back to front - you can be versed in the teachings of Jesus found in Scripture - but if you never obey what He teaches you'll never be His disciple.

Our disciple-making mission is not optional! Jesus’ authoritative call for us to “make disciples of all nations” has serious implications for our lives as a church. We are commanded by Jesus, to help people of every race in this country and around the world to become a learner/follower of Jesus Christ. There are no excuses that exempt us from this divine imperative. We must make disciples of all nations – helping others put their faith in Jesus so they will experience the hope of life in Him so they too will make disciples – and being transformed from the inside out to be HIs people and live the life of a disciple. We see this transformation take place in the lives of the early Christians (disciples). Turn to the book of Acts (Read ). In the book of Acts we see men and women who became followers of Jesus whose lives were marked by worship, growth, love, and sharing (). Therefore our mission statement reflects this call to make disciples whose lives are marked by these commitments.

· Mission Statement

We must be a church on mission. We must embrace the call to develop dedicated followers of Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God. We must be living out these commitments in our own lives as disciples and helping others do the same. Our disciple-making mission is not optional!

2) Our disciple-making mission is possible! (28:20)

Secondly, our disciple-mission is possible. Our disciple-making mission is possible because of Jesus’ promise – “I am with you to the very end of the age” (28:20) – what an incredible assurance as we strive to be a church on mission.

The reality of Jesus’ abiding presence opens and closes Matthew’s gospel – in the opening chapter of Matthew’s gospel an angel revealed that Jesus’ birth would mark the arrival of Immanuel which means “God with us”(1:23) – and here at the end of the book we find Jesus reassuring His disciples with the promise “I am with you until the end of the age” (28:20). Consider the amazing promise that concludes Matthew’s gospel. Our disciple-making mission is possible because Jesus is with us each step of the way. Jesus’ presence through the Holy Spirit will empower us to make disciples of all nations. We are not alone. Jesus is “with us” until He returns to renew and restore all things. We’re going to face much difficulty, pain, defeat, hardship, discouragement, frustration, and opposition in our disciple-making mission but it will be accomplished because Jesus is with us! Jesus promised to build His church and He is with us and He is working in and through us – encouraging, equipping, and empowering us for the mission through the Holy Spirit. We must press on to be a church on mission – making disciples of all nations emboldened and empowered by the promise of Jesus presence – assured that our mission is possible through His abiding presence.

II) THE CELEBRATION OF OUR DISCIPLE-MAKING MISSION

Today I want to celebrate our disciple-making mission in a unique way. We have the privilege of partnering with 16 missionary families and organizations who are an extension of our disciple-making mission. Our disciple-making mission is local (here at home) and global (all nations). Our partnership with missionaries enables us to be a part of seeing disciple made around the world for His glory!

We have one of those special missionary families with us today – the Scott’s. I’d like to invite the Scott’s up so you can get to know them better (face with a name). Dana and I have a personal connection with the Scott’s. Paula and I were classmates at Morrill High School – we were in the same class – Paul knows stories about me that go back before I knew Jesus so she can tell you how the gospel can change a man. Paula and Dana were also roommates in college for a time – and after I graduated from broadcasting school I lived with Rick in Colorado for a time before getting hired at KCMI. We’re blessed to be a part of their lives past and present. I know Rick & Paula developed many deep relationships when they attended here before going overseas to work with Cadence. As partners through our prayer and financial support the Scott’s disciple-making ministry with Cadence International is an extension of our disciple-making mission. Therefore it’s a great joy to welcome them back to MBC – as they give us an update about God’s work in them and through them through Cadence – as they come to share how they are growing as followers of Jesus (disciples) and making disciples through their ministry to military families stated abroad. I’m excited to have them share this morning and when they are done I’ll come back up to pray for them and wrap up our time together with a final challenge about being a church on mission.

· Scotts Update/Sharing

Thanks for sharing your lives and stories with us. We value our partnership with you, we are committed to praying for you, supporting you, and encouraging you in your ministry of making disciples, for your work is a living illustration of living out the Great Commission as you are disciples who are making disciples for His glory. I know Rick and Paul would love to have more prayer partners and financial supporters as they prepare to depart for Spain. Please pray about partnering with them in their work. If you’re interested in hearing more about their ministry and get to know them more, you’re invited to our house tonight at 6:30 p.m. Thanks again for sharing. What a joy to partner with them in making disciples of Jesus.

And even as they have shared their personal testimony of being-disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus through Cadence—what about YOU? What about you? Let’s get personal and to the heart of every individual in this room this morning.

1) Are you a disciple of Jesus? – Have you put your trust in Him as your Savior & Lord and are living the transformed life of a disciple?

GRAPHIC - We see the life of a disciple who makes disciples depicted in this picture. Let’s walk through this life of a disciple based on ( and ) to discover your next step(s). It’s not linear – one to the next – ongoing life of all four commitments.

Starting Point: Faith—you put your trust in Jesus as your Savior & Lord being transformed by His grace. Perhaps this is your next step this morning? – Trusting in Jesus by faith – acknowledging your sinner and believing that His sacrificial death on the Cross pays for your sins in full so that you can be reconciled to the Father – and experience the hope of life in Him. (Good person, religious but no relationship). Put your faith in Him

· Worship: Living a life of worship – worshipping God corporately and in our daily life (Worship is much more than Sunday morning church, singings songs—it’s making much about Him every day of your life – living your life for HIs glory & honor by putting Him first!

· Grow: Growing in your knowledge, understanding, and obedience to God’s Word and growing closer to the Lord each day. We must always be striving to grow in the Word and our walk with God. We have many growth opportunities this fall—new classes, Bible studies, and small groups for all ages! Is that your next step?

· Love: Loving one another and loving our neighbor (community) We’ve made this a major focus over the last six months. We need to be in community, doing life together, fellowshipping together so that our love for one another will deepen. Is this your next step? Get connected in community—don’t just slip in and out.

· Share: Sharing our time, treasures, and talents to serve God and sharing the good news with others so they can trust in Jesus and begin living the life of a disciple. Is this your next step? You must be equipped to share – using your talents, time, and treasures to serve God – and begin sharing your faith to help others become disciples who worship, grow, love and share all for the glory of God.

Are you disciple who has been transformed by God’s grace and living the life of a disciple—what’s your next step personally. The elders, deacons, and ministry team leaders would love to help you take your next step—if you have questions about putting your faith in Jesus or how to live the life of a disciple please let us know. We must be a church on Mission – a church that makes disciples who make disciples – people who are living the life of a disciples and helping others worship, grow, and love and share.

You don’t have to “go” to Spain as a missionary to make disciples. Every Christian is a minister and every Christian is a missionary. Every disciple of Jesus is called to make disciples of Jesus. I want us to zero in on the “go” or “going” aspect of the Great Commission this morning. The Scotts’ are “going” to Spain to make disciples of Jesus. We are going to scatter each week to make disciples in Scottsbluff, Gering, Bayard, Mitchell, Morrill, Bridgeport, and beyond.

Jesus wants you to make disciples wherever you go in your daily walk of life. You can make disciples as you go to work, go to school, go to the grocery store, go to the football game, go to the baby shower, go to the park, go to a family dinner, go to the lake, go to the golf course – be a disciple who helps others become a disciple of Jesus wherever you go. Make disciples as you are going through life as a parent, sibling, grandparent, cousin, friend, student, co-worker, or boss. We must be sharing our lives and the good news of life in Jesus with others in our community. In John’s gospel Jesus declared “Just as the Father sent me, so I send you” ( & ). Just as the Father sent Jesus to earth to be on mission (the Cross), Jesus sends us out His disciples to be on mission - making disciples of all nations!

CONCLUSION

History and Hollywood have given us great missions. God’s Word highlights the two greatest missions for all eternity—the mission of God to save sinful humanity through Jesus – and the churches mission to “make disciples of all nations.

1) Our disciple-making mission isn’t optional

We must be a church “on mission.” Our disciple-making mission isn’t optional. Jesus has given us an authoritative call to “make disciples of all nations.” We have a disciple-making mission to accomplish for God’s glory. We must be a church committed to developing dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God.

2) Our disciple-making mission is possible

The promise of Jesus’ presence will empower, equip, and embolden us to fulfill our disciple-making mission. Jesus is with us – strengthening and sustaining us each step of the way.

May we be found faithful to be a church on mission – developing dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God.- Let’s pray.