Message of the week:

The Mission of the Gospel

Guest Preacher: Dr. Ed Stetzer

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14

Summary:

God has gifted every believer with spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit, and He intends for those gifts to be actively used—not left dormant. Dr. Stetzer challenged us to move from being passive spectators and consumers ("customers") of religious goods and services to becoming faithful stewards and co-laborers with God. The church is not meant to be a place where people come to watch—it is an equipping center where believers discover, develop, and deploy their gifts for God's glory, the good of others, and their own spiritual growth.

Reflective Questions:

1. Question - What – Assignment (Matthew 24:14a)

   "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached..." There is power in the Gospel to change lives, heal marriages, and break addictions. We are not transformed by what we do or pay, but by what Jesus did on the cross. Our assignment is to tell everyone—friends, relatives, neighbors, and even enemies—that Jesus was wounded for our transgressions. Faith in His death, burial, and resurrection is what saves us.

   Why do you think some believers are hesitant to share the Gospel with others? Pastor said, "There is no other message that transforms lives." How have you seen the Gospel transform someone's life? How can you make sharing the gospel a natural part of your everyday conversations? How can you prepare yourself to share the Gospel clearly and confidently?
   

2. Question: Where – In All the World (Matthew 24:14b)

   The Gospel is not meant to stay within the walls of the church—it is meant to go to every corner of the earth. Pastor celebrated missionaries like Tanya Martin, who sacrificed the comforts of America to take the Gospel to foreign lands. We need more people willing to step outside their comfort zones to reach those who have never heard the name of Jesus.

   What sacrifices are required to take the Gospel to places that have not yet heard it? Pastor shared his first missions trip to Guyana. What do you think it takes to be willing to go to uncomfortable places? How can you support missionaries and global outreach even if you cannot go yourself? Is God calling you to go on a short-term or long-term missions trip? What is your next step?
   

3. Question: Why – To Be a Witness (Matthew 24:14c)

   We are called to testify to the truth of the Gospel—to share what we have seen, heard, and experienced. Pastor shared his own testimony: "He took a little black kid from Glenarden who was suicidal and depressed and gave me hope, purpose, and an assignment." Our personal witness of what Jesus has done in our lives is powerful evidence of the Gospel's transforming power.

   What has Jesus done in your life that qualifies you to be a witness for Him? Why do you think people are more likely to respond to a personal testimony than to a theological argument? How has Jesus transformed your life? What would you want others to know about what He has done for you? How can you live as a witness through your actions, not just your words?

4. Question: When – Till the End Comes (Matthew 24:14d)

   We are to share the Gospel and be witnesses until this life is over. There is urgency to the mission—we are in the last days, and time is short. We still have time to participate, be an instrument of God, and make a difference in someone's life. He who endures to the end shall be saved.

   What signs of the times do you see today that remind you we are living in the last days? How does knowing we are in the "last days" affect the urgency of our mission? Are you living with a sense of urgency about the mission? What needs to change? How can you guard your heart from growing cold in these days of increasing lawlessness?
   

5. Question - Who – You!

   Stop leaving it to other people! You are called to make a difference. It is not your power, but the power of Christ living inside you that does the work. Pastor saluted the missions department for being the "who" by feeding the hungry and traveling the world. Jesus said, "When you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:40). God is looking for people who will say "yes" to the mission.

   How does fear or feeling unqualified keep people from stepping into the mission? Pastor said, "God is looking for people who will say 'yes.'" What is God asking you to say "yes" to? What excuses have you been making for not being more involved in the mission? How will you overcome them? What ministry or outreach opportunity at church can you get involved in to fulfill your calling?

Prayer of Personal Transformation:

Father God, thank You for the privilege of being part of Your mission to reach the world with the Gospel. Forgive us for leaving the mission to others. Empower us by Your Spirit to be bold witnesses. Help us to endure to the end and not let our love grow cold. Use us to preach the Gospel in our homes, workplaces, communities, and to the ends of the earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.