A church that is becoming a reflection of Revelation 7:9-10 aims to grow externally through missional engagement. We are looking at missional church planting (e.g., missional communities, people moving into targeted communities), missional multisite, and increased opportunities for field-based community work (e.g., Bread of healing, Neighborhood Learning Center).
Jesus summarized the church’s mission in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Sermon Outline
“There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9)
Becoming 7 (Revelation 7:9-10)
The Movement of Mission (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:46-49)
- Called to life in Jesus
- Called to power in the Holy Spirit
- Called to witness in word and deed
- Called to the other – the nations
Four Tensions
- The inward / outward life of the church
- The church focused on Jesus / the church focused on others
- The power of God / the work of the church
- The church at peace with God / the church at odds with the world
Becoming 7 on Mission
- Our goals at Eastbrook
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you felt most energized in your life with God? What was going on and what led you to that place?
- This week we continue our series “Becoming 7” by looking at what it means to become “7” on outreach. We will turn to the Book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. As you begin your study, ask God to speak to you through His word. Then, whether you are with a group or on your own, read Luke 24:46-49 and Acts 1:1-11 aloud.
- Background: The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts fit together as a two-part work by Luke, an early Christian and a physician, writing the first century. The Gospel of Luke focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus, moving from Galilee to Jerusalem. The book of Acts continues the story after Jesus’ resurrection, following the work of God through the church, moving from Jerusalem to the nations (and Rome, specifically).
- As Luke recounts the events after the resurrection, he tells of Jesus’ activities until the time He returns to the Father. What is Jesus doing and for how long is He doing these things (vv. 1-3)?
- Looking at verses 4 and 5, what does Jesus ask of the disciples? Why do you think Jesus is making this sort of request of the disciples? What other options might they have considered?
- The Holy Spirit is the personal presence of God in the life of every person who reaches out to God through Jesus Christ by faith. What do you think it means for us to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives?
- The disciples ask a question in verse 6 that Jesus redirects in verse 7. What was the disciples’ concern and what is Jesus’ teaching on this point?
- Acts 1:8 is a pivotal verse in this chapter and the history of God’s people. How would you outline what Jesus is calling these apostles to in this verse?
- Compare the words of Acts 1:8 to the teaching of Jesus in Luke 24:46-49, which is often called Luke’s “Great Commission.” How do they fit together?
- The book of Acts traces the early believers as they live out what Jesus calls them to do here in Acts 1:8, witnessing to Him from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. This is a universal call for the good news about Jesus to go out to all people, high and low, rich and poor, near and far. If this is our calling, how are you living out this calling right now? What are some ways you think you could live the calling out more fully in your everyday life?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study about being called by God as His witnesses? How will that shape your life in the coming week? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.