Week 9 - Day 3
THE STORY
Mission
MISSION PARTNERS
As we saw yesterday, our Chief Partner in witnessing is the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit filled Jesus for His Mission, so too the Holy Spirit fills us for our Mission. The Holy Spirit isn’t supposed to be our only partner in being witnesses for Jesus, however.
Mark 6:6-7 (NLT)
Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.
Luke 10:1 (NLT)
The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.
Why do you think that Jesus sent His disciples out on their Mission in pairs (two by two)?
On the day that Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit from heaven on the church, we read …
Acts 2:38-47 (NIV)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
How is the Christian community itself a witness to the reality of our salvation (Rescue) in Jesus Christ?
What did that witness look like in the Early Church?
What were the results?
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Being a follower of Jesus is a team sport! That’s why you are in a group with a coach and some fellow travelers. Solo Christians are vulnerable Christians.
How can your group help you in your walk with Jesus and witness for Jesus?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
In light of what you have discovered through the Bible readings and your personal reflections, how will you respond? Finish this sentence: I will …