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Good Charlotte? Yes, please!. Bought all their CDs Learned to play all their songs on guitar Started wearing their t-shirts Went to see them in concert Told everybody he met about them. When you’re passionate…. Obtain everything you can from them Learn all you can about them
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Good Charlotte? Yes, please! • Bought all their CDs • Learned to play all their songs on guitar • Started wearing their t-shirts • Went to see them in concert • Told everybody he met about them When you’re passionate… • Obtain everything you can from them • Learn all you can about them • Advertise for them through your lifestyle • Go where you feel closest to them • Tell everybody you meet about them
Three Dimensions to the Christian Life Confession Experience Mission
We are all missionaries. …but where, to whom, and how?
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Whatever Jesus calls you to do, He will also show you how.
Mission Lessons from Jesus Jesus’ Purpose Jesus’ Method Jesus’ Power What it Means for Us
Jesus’ Purpose Jesus came to reveal to us the way to Heaven and equip us to spread that message.
Jesus’ Purpose Jesus came… To those in need (Matthew 9) Showing how to have abundant life now (John 10) Eternal life later (John 3), and To commission others to carry on that message after He leaves (Matthew 28).
“As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” John 20:21
Jesus’ Method Jesus entered and learned firsthand about a sinful culture Jesus did not condone sin, nor did He sin Himself Every word and action directed people toward the Father
ABC: Always Be Closing Begin with the end in mind.
Preach the Gospel at all times. And, if necessary, use words. St. Francis of Assisi
Jesus’ Method Jesus entered and learned firsthand about a sinful culture Jesus did not condone sin, nor did He sin Himself Every word and action directed people toward God.
Jesus’ Power He was constantly in prayer with the Father
Jesus… • Prayed before He was baptized • Prayed before His miracles • Prayed in appreciation • Prayed throughout His teachings • Frequently sought out opportunities for solitude and prayer • Taught and modeled how to pray
Jesus’ Power He was constantly in prayer with the Father He was continually immersed in the Word
Jesus’ Power He was constantly in prayer with the Father He was continually immersed in the Word He was filled with the Holy Spirit
The general impression is that the work of the Holy Spirit begins when the work of the Mediator on earth is finished, as though until that time the Holy Spirit celebrated His divine day of rest. Yet the Scripture teaches again and again that Christ performed His mediatorial work controlled and impelledby the Holy Spirit. Andrew Kuyper
Jesus… • Was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1-2) • Was a resting place of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3) • Was full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4) • Was led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4) • Came in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4) • Rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (Luke 15)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor … liberty to the captives … sight to the blind … set free those who are oppressed … and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Isaiah 61 “Today, this has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4
“Not only is Jesus their Savior because of who He was and because of His own complete obedience to the Father’s will, but He is the supreme example for them of what is possible in a human life because of His dependence upon the Spirit of God.” Gerald Hawthorne The Presence & Power
What We Can Learn We are always witnessing Go to people Enter culture like Jesus did: filled with the Holy Spirit, in constant prayer to the Father, saturated with the truth of Scripture, humble in approach, loving in truth, and serving in deeds.
What We Can Learn We are always witnessing Go to people Enter culture like Jesus did: filled with the Holy Spirit, in constant prayer to the Father, saturated with the truth of Scripture, humble in approach, loving in truth, and serving in deeds.
Three Questions • Am I taking my mission seriously? • How intentional am I about seeking out unbelievers to befriend and witness to? • Am I remaining in prayer, in the Word, and in the Spirit?