The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) network is preparing to take an even greater role in delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This is clear after the Third Humanitarian Senior Offici…… Source: https://adventist.news/en/news/adra-europe-to-increase-aid-to-ukraine
God’s Mission, My Mission – Lesson 3: God’s Call to Mission | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
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Series GOD’S MISSION, MY MISSION with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 3: God’s Call to Mission |
Memory Text: 1: Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. |
Content: |
3.1 Moving Beyond Our Comfort Zone
The story of the Tower of Babel reminds us how the desire to stay in our comfort zone and surround ourselves only with like-minded individuals can lead to selfish and harmful intentions. The people building the tower had ambitious plans to make a name for themselves, but their lack of trust in God’s promise and their selfish motives ultimately led to their failure. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of examining our intentions and stepping out of our comfort zone to trust in God’s plans and promises.
3.2 Becoming a Blessing to the Whole World
The story of Abraham (formerly Abram) reminds us that God’s instructions often serve as a call to mission. When God called Abraham to leave his land and move to a new land, it was part of God’s plan to use Abraham as a means to fulfill His divine intentions. Abraham obeyed in faith, without knowing exactly how everything would unfold. This willingness to follow God’s call underscores the importance of trusting our faith and being ready to step out of our comfort zone for God’s mission in our lives.
3.3 Abraham’s Call
The story of Abraham’s calling reminds us that the path of faith is not always easy and can be fraught with challenges. Although Abraham obeyed God and moved to the land shown to him, he encountered difficulties and famine. His lack of trust even led to a dishonest act in Egypt. However, Abraham’s story shows that God is patient and remains by our side despite our mistakes and weaknesses when we hold onto faith in Him. This narrative encourages us to maintain our faith amidst difficulties and temptations, as God can still fulfill His plan through us.
3.4 The Early Church and Comfort Zones
The early church was forcefully scattered beyond its comfort zone due to persecution, primarily instigated by Saul. This compelled believers to spread the message of the Gospel to other regions, aligning with Jesus’ original promise in Acts 1:8. Initially, their proclamation was limited to Jewish territories and the Jewish population in other cities. The church had limited perceptions of its mission.
3.5 Starting From Where You Are
The principle Jesus highlights in Acts 1:8 emphasizes the importance of beginning our witness where we are physically located. This means being witnesses in our immediate surroundings, whether it be within our family, community, neighborhood, or workplace. It reminds us that mission extends not only to distant places but also involves crossing cultural boundaries to spread Jesus’ message. These verses encourage us to start in our vicinity and be prepared to go to other areas and reach various social and ethnic groups to share the love and gospel of Jesus.
Isaia 58:8 – Domenica 15 ottobre 2023
“Allora la tua luce irromperà come l'aurora e la tua guarigione germoglierà prontamente, la tua giustizia ti precederà e la gloria del Signore sarà la tua retroguardia.” Isaia 58:8 Meditazione giornaliera Apri la porta del tuo cuore, autori vari, Abigail Grace Miguel. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzkCf7Xu238
3: God’s Call to Mission – Singing with Inspiration
God’s Mission – My Mission” consistently points us to our Gracious God and how He wishes us to portray what He has done for us. In response we will reach out to others:
Hymn 573 – I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord, hence our theme hymn. This is in response to
So Send I You – Hymn 573.
Sabbath afternoon introduces us once again to the fact that
Jesus Calls Us – Hymn 285. May we all listen to
Hark! The Voice Of Jesus Calling – Hymn 359 so the gospel is preached to all the world and the end may come, soon and very soon.
Even though we may be “Moving Beyond Our Comfort Zone” (Sunday) we can take great courage that
God Will Take Care Of You – Hymn 99.
As we “cling to the Lord in faith and submission” (Tuesday), we will find we are happy and blessed:
Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine – Hymn 462.
We leave our “Comfort Zones” and head out to
Tell It To Every Kindred And Nation – Hymn 202 (Wednesday) because of the wonders God gives us to witness:
Lord Who Dost Give To Thy Church – Hymn 346 (verse 4).
The Messenger of the Lord, Ellen G White gives us further thoughts (Friday) encouraging
Come, All Christians Be Committed – Hymn 634 then to
Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ – Hymn 377 so we will then
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378.
So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward so that we and all our friends and neighbors will be rejoicing
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633.
To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/
Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/3-gods-call-to-mission-singing-with-inspiration/
3: God’s Call to Mission – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : God wants us to reach out to the people around us. Jesus’ idea of evangelism would be to start locally then go to Samaria and ultimately to the ends of the world.
A. Have a volunteer read Genesis 11:1-9. Genesis 12:1-3.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
- What were the intentions of the people? What did they want to do and why did God stop them?
- Personal Application Are you a part of a group that is more comfortable among themselves? In what way could you possibly engage with others who are not part of your race or nationality? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your relatives states, “In what ways was God’s call to Abram a call to mission? If God called you to go, how would you respond and why?” How would you respond to your relative?
B. Have a volunteer read Genesis 12:1—13:1.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What things happened to Abram next and what mistakes did Abraham make?
- Personal Application: What lessons can we learn from Abram being in Egypt? Share your thoughts
- Case Study: One of your friends states, “What if God calls us to go somewhere or to someone that it doesn’t seem like we would be able to bless, and certainly we wouldn’t get a blessing out of? How would we know it was a real calling?.” How would you respond to your friend?
C. Have a volunteer read Acts 8:1-4.
- Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What brought about the scattering of believers beyond their comfort zone?
- Personal Application: In what ways could you, daily, express mission in your attitude and behavior? How could you be more mission-minded in your daily tasks? Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Are there any people groups with special needs in your community that the church has not made efforts to reach?” How would you respond to your relative?
D. Have a volunteer read Acts 1:8.
- Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
- What principle did Jesus present5 when doing the work of witnessing to the world?
- Personal Application: How would you define the world mission as you apply it to your own life?. Share your thoughts.
- Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/3-gods-call-to-mission-teaching-plan/
