Pastor Joachim spoke about impacting nations. When people think of missions, they will think about how the church can impact the world and what would create a lasting impact?
Pastor Joachim shared from Acts 17: 2 – 3, 5 - 6 (NKJV): Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”
Pastor Joachim asked the congregation if the nations would say the same about us from Acts 17:6 (underlined portion). He shared four pointers on what they did that resulted in people describing them that way. Ps Joachim challenged us to emulate the early Church in this aspect.
#1: They went with the Gospel (Acts 5:42, 16:9 – 10).
Ps Joachim shared that the Church needs to focus on bringing the Gospel far and wide into the nations. The teaching and sharing should center on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are the expression of compassion of Jesus when we preach the Gospel, being always ready to meet the needs of the poor as well as to give with love and without expecting any return.
#2: They focused on and strengthened the local churches (Acts 16:5, 4:23 -24, 31; Matthew 16:18).
“As Christ is the hope of the Church, so the Church is the hope of the world!” – Charles Spurgeon
#3: They moved in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 1:8, 5:12, 5:14-16, 8:7-8, 9:42) (Luke 4:1, 14).
#4: By following the leading of the Holy Spirit and being aware of the kairos moment of God (Acts 16:6-9). What is the kairos moment? It is God's appointed time for something to happen or to be accomplished. It is a window of opportunity for something great to happen.
Ps Joachim shared on upcoming plans in Riverlife Church for Missions and on the areas of needs. He concluded with the quotation below to inspire the congregation to identify with and participate in Missions.
“Brethren, if we will do God's work in God's way at God's time with God's power, we shall have God's blessings...” - Mahesh Chavda
Discussion Questions
1) Think about the first time you heard of the word “Missions”. What was your impression of missions? [5 min]
Leader’s Notes: An icebreaker question for members to share about their first impression of missions. Missions is primarily about impacting the world through the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Members can be encouraged to share examples or illustration of what they think is “Missions.” Leaders should adopt an inclusive approach when discussing the impressions on what constitute “Missions.”
2) Pastor Joachim spoke about Acts 17:6 (NKJV) “But when they did not find them (Paul and Silas), they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Why were the missionaries being described this way and what did they face? Share with reference to the four pointers that Ps Joachim has mentioned. [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: Leaders can guide members to relate how Paul and Silas were described in the Bible – they were perceived by others as bringing about “trouble” to others as they moved in obedience to the Holy Spirit in bringing the gospel to the lost. It is a reminder to the Church to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in bringing the Gospel to the lost. It is also possible that we will face opposition as we obey Him.
3) Pastor Joachim spoke about strengthening the local churches.
a) For those who have gone on mission trips, share your experience and reflection in working with the local church there.
b) How can we be involved in the kairos moment of what God is doing at missions? [10 min]
Leader’s Notes: a) Get members who have gone on mission trips to share about their experiences and reflection on working together with the local church of the country there. We have been privileged to grow up in a country with religious freedom, and have many resources that enable us to be fed. Local churches overseas may not have had the same privileges as us, yet some have more hunger for Christ than we have. They live with what is materially lesser than us and yet seem to have more joy. We learn to be respectful of their culture as they show openness and desire to learn from us. Leaders may also wish to lead the cell to pray for the leaders of the respective churches, that they may walk in the anointing, obedience and in step with the Spirit and the Word.
b) Share briefly about how cells as part of the church can be aware of such moments. How can we as a Church grow spiritually aware of the needs of our country and the nations?
4) Read Matthew 28:16 -20 and meditate on the Great Commission. What is an area or need where you can make a difference and shine for God. [15 min]
Leader’s Notes: This is a response question. Members are to reflect on Matthew 28:16-20 share their thoughts. They can then think through the many different ways they can apply it for this year. These could include practical help to fulfill missions objectives of the church, as shared by Ps Joachim. More importantly, members should pray for compassion in their hearts for the lost and the needy.
