New Year, Same Mission: SHARE

February 2, 2025   /   First Baptist Church Elgin

Day 1: The Mission of Jesus

Summary:
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His mission was clear: to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom and provide salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. As His followers, we are called to embrace this same mission.

Read:

  • Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
  • Mark 1:14-15 – “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Background:
In first-century Jewish culture, the expectation of the Messiah was that He would bring political and military deliverance. Instead, Jesus came to bring spiritual salvation. His ministry focused on the marginalized, the sinners, and the outcasts, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Key Words:

  • Seek – To actively pursue and look for the lost.
  • Save – To rescue from sin and eternal separation from God.
  • Repent – To turn away from sin and turn toward God.

Theological Truths:
John Calvin stated, “Since we are favored with the grace of adoption, we must labor zealously in bringing others to the same grace.” Evangelism is a natural outflow of truly understanding God’s saving work.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What does Jesus’ mission tell us about His heart for people?(MULTILINE)
  2. In what ways have you personally experienced the saving power of Jesus?(MULTILINE)
  3. How can you align your daily life with Jesus’ mission?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Write down the name of one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Begin praying for an opportunity to share Christ with them.

Day 2: The Command to Share

Summary:
Jesus not only accomplished salvation, but He also commanded His followers to continue His mission by making disciples of all nations.

Read:

  • Matthew 28:18-20 – “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…”
  • Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses…”

Background:
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus left a final command known as the Great Commission. This was not optional; it was a direct charge for all who follow Him. The early church took this seriously, spreading the gospel despite persecution.

Key Words:

  • Authority – Jesus has sovereign power over heaven and earth.
  • Witness – One who testifies to what they have seen and experienced.
  • Power – The Holy Spirit enables believers to share the gospel boldly.

Theological Truths:
Charles Spurgeon said, “Every Christian here is either a missionary or an impostor.” True discipleship involves sharing the gospel.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How does Jesus’ authority give you confidence in evangelism?(MULTILINE)
  2. What holds you back from being a witness for Christ?(MULTILINE)
  3. How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in sharing the gospel?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Take one practical step today toward sharing your faith—whether it’s initiating a conversation, writing a message, or inviting someone to church.

Day 3: Overcoming Fear in Evangelism

Summary:
Many Christians feel unqualified or fearful when it comes to sharing the gospel, but Jesus has promised His presence and the power of the Holy Spirit to equip us.

Read:

  • Mark 13:11 – “Do not be anxious beforehand what you will say… for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
  • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

Background:
Throughout Scripture, we see God using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Fear is a natural response, but it should never be an excuse to disobey Christ’s command to share the gospel.

Key Words:

  • Fear – A feeling that can hinder obedience.
  • Power – God-given ability to act courageously.
  • Holy Spirit – The One who equips us to speak boldly.

Theological Truths:
John Piper reminds us, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” If our satisfaction is in Christ, we will naturally share Him with others.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What fears do you have about sharing the gospel?(MULTILINE)
  2. How has God helped you overcome fear in other areas of your life?(MULTILINE)
  3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in evangelism?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Memorize 2 Timothy 1:7 and pray for courage to share the gospel with someone this week.

Day 4: The Cost of Disobedience

Summary:
Ignoring Jesus’ command to share the gospel is not neutral—it is disobedience. We either obey or disobey His call to make disciples.

Read:

  • Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.”
  • Ezekiel 3:18 – “If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you do not warn him… his blood I will require at your hand.”

Background:
Jesus warned that many will claim to follow Him but will not truly do His will. Part of following Christ is sharing His heart for the lost.

Key Words:

  • Obedience – Submitting to God’s commands.
  • Discipleship – Helping others follow Jesus.
  • Judgment – There are consequences for ignoring Christ’s call.

Theological Truths:
Martin Luther stated, “A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.” True faith leads to action.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How do you view evangelism—as optional or essential?(MULTILINE)
  2. What happens when we neglect our responsibility to share Christ?(MULTILINE)
  3. In what ways can you grow in obedience to Jesus’ command?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Commit to initiating at least one gospel conversation this week.

Day 5: Living on Mission

Summary:
Living on mission means making evangelism a part of our everyday lives, not just an occasional activity.

Read:

  • Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…”
  • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Background:
Evangelism is not limited to church services or special events. It happens in our homes, workplaces, and communities as we live out our faith.

Key Words:

  • Wisdom – Using discernment in gospel conversations.
  • Gracious – Speaking with kindness and love.
  • Prepared – Ready to share our faith at any moment.

Theological Truths:
J.I. Packer wrote, “Evangelism is just preaching the gospel—sharing the good news.” It should be a natural part of our lives.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel?(MULTILINE)
  2. What opportunities has God already placed in your life?(MULTILINE)
  3. How does living on mission impact your daily choices?(MULTILINE)

Application:
Identify one practical way to integrate evangelism into your daily routine and act on it this week.(MULTILINE)

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