A movement toward God or stagnant to self? Don’t confuse busy with productive.
We are a sent people
God is a SENDING God
When we answer the call to follow we become a SENT people
We are all CLERGY
We are all MISSIONARIES
Having NO PRIESTLY CASTE is an original idea with Jesus
Some theological perspectives:
Importance of the Trinity: Trinity proves the social nature of God and His desire to be in community. The Sending nature of God is evident in the Father sending the Son, and the Father and the Son sending the Spirit. This should help us understand the importance of how we are to live on mission.
Missio Dei: basic translation to “God at work”. A more in-depth understanding is that God is on mission (missio) everywhere and at all times. We join God in His mission, not by asking him to join ours.
+Incarnation: God showing up in a very specific way/place in humanity and showing himself.
=Witness: the expression of God’s mission and him (specifically) showing up in tangible ways fulfilling that mission
We are a sent people
God is a SENDING God
When we answer the call to follow we become a SENT people
We are all CLERGY
We are all MISSIONARIES
Having NO PRIESTLY CASTE is an original idea with Jesus
“Theology is not the private reserve of theologians. It is not a private affair for professors... Nor is it a private affair for pastors...Theology is a matter for the church. It does not get on well without professors and pastors. But its problem, the purity of the church's service, is put to the whole church. The term laity is one of the worst in the vocabulary of religion and ought to be banished from Christian conversation.” -Karl Barth
“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 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 28:17-20
Discipleship is an essential aspect of the church and an essential component of the co-mission with Christ.
“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Do you hear that? Don’t miss out on your call.
Calling and vocation are synonymous
Both stem from the root word (VOCARE) meaning “to call”
Vocation is not a goal we pursue but a calling we hear
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” Ephesians 4:1
Three primary gift passages:
Two where the gift is external, to us:
1 Corinthians 12- “manifestation gifts”: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, powers, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, tongues
Romans 12- “praxis gifts”: prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leading, mercy.
One where the people are the gift:
Ephesians 4 - “calling gifts”: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and
teacher
A Mega Church is not based on the size of its seating but rather on the amount of its seeding.
First Responders - Part 3
Don’t confuse busy with productive.
September 28, 2022 • Ben Pickthorn • Ephesians 4:1, Matthew 28:17–20, 1 Corinthians 12
First Responders - Part 12
November 30, 2022 • Justin Nichols • John 13:34–35, 1 John 3:18–24, 1 John 4:7–19, Colossians 3:12–14, Ephesians 4:1–3
Called to love people well, particularly in their difficult moments or seasons. From the grand gestures to granular moments redeemed new creations in Christ, we GET to respond and love well by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit reigning in our lives. John 13:34-35 1 John 3:18-24 1 John 4:7-19 Love through presence the day-to-day, face-to-face relationships, and interactions we have with others Colossians 3:12-14 Ephesians 4:1-3 Ephesians 5:1-2 What does it look like to walk in love? -Saving a life -Letting someone stay at your house -Defending someone who's getting picked on/slandered -Giving someone a generous gift (monetary or otherwise) -Asking for forgiveness for something you did or said -Extending forgiveness for something someone else did or said against you -Praying for someone who's going through something -Asking about someone's day or week (and listening to the response) -Being slow to speak and quick to listen to your spouse/s.o./kids/co-workers -Asking God to give you perspective about and patience for someone who's difficult -…and thousands more... We need to be assertive in looking outward-- SEEING people for real-- and extending the compassion and kindness of Jesus to them. We can do this because we've been adopted into the family of our Almighty God, who now indwells us and empowers us with His grace! ...Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Col. 1:27b) Discussion questions: 1) What does loving people well mean to you? 2) What does responding and loving well look like (from the grand to the granular) practically in your life? List things you think of. 3) As responders of love, to whom in your life do you think you could extend more compassion and kindness? 4) Is there anyone you need to forgive?
First Responder - Part 11
November 23, 2022 • Proverbs 31:8–9, 1 Timothy 2:1–4, 1 Corinthians 16:13–14
What does God desire for all men? “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4 (NIV) Do you judge the marginalized or lesser among us? Or do you defend the rights of the poor and needy? “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) Do everything in love “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14 (NIV) Things to ponder? Do I pass judgment on the homeless? Drug addicted? Mentally ill? If so, why? How can I serve the less fortunate in this current season? What would it look like to be courageous and do everything in love?
First Responders - Part 10
November 16, 2022 • Andy Coulombe • Matthew 13:31–32
“God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” - Mother Teresa “Success” through the teachings of Jesus looks like this: We must simply respond to the movement of GodWe must then continue to listen for the Spirit of GodOur motivation must come from a love for God (and therefore others)It must be directed toward the advancement of the Kingdom of God We are all first responders. Anchor Verse: “Here is another illustration Jesus used: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.’” Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT) Questions What does “success” look like in the Kingdom of God? Does having this adjusted outlook of success discourage or encourage you to respond?Where have you seen God moving in simple, yet powerful ways?What simple act of love [for God and others] could you do this month? this week? or even today?