Mission Possible.

I have just finished listening to a sermon from our church last Sunday night and thought i would share my thoughts and it's overview.

John 20v21
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As
the father has sent me, even so I am sending you'".

This talk was based around looking at mission from a trinitarian perspective i.e. Father, son and Holy spirit. When we become Christians we are invited into this trinitarian relationship. As Jesus was sending out his disciples in the verse above so he sends us out in the same way.

So...The Fathers Role- It was interesting to note the father initiated his mission on earth by sending Jesus (John 4v34). God was at work and continues to be at work on earth. I agree with the speaker that all too often we don't realise that God is already at work and we just have to join in. That's encouraging isn't it? God works in peoples hearts...we don't.

Secondly the son's Role i.e he modeled mission in a few ways
1. It was done in human weakness i.e. God got tired and needed to eat. Humanity was a big part of Jesus mission. Sometimes we think we need to be superhuman but God can use us despite the excuses we try to make....i can't do mission...I'm too quiet/loud etc. People need to see how God is part of our lives despite our failings and humanity.
2.It was costly-He explained many of the disciples were killed for their faith. He explained it should not be a surprise that we are sent on costly missions as Jesus paid the greatest cost i.e. he died on the cross.
3. It was relational- Jesus did mission because he was passionate about his love for the father and Jesus should compel us to mission. I agree with the speaker that the best motivation for mission is beautiful grace.....Jesus love should compel us and we should not be able to keep his love from overflowing.This can be a magnet for many who don't know God...when they see how we love each other in the church and the community because Christ loved us.
4. It is all about forgiveness-John 20v23. What greater need to we all have but to have our sins forgiven at the cross?

Lastly the Holy Spirit-How do we do all this? With the Holy spirits power. How did the disciples who were so afraid when Jesus died, end up being martyred for their faith? How did they have such boldness to proclaim the gospel?
By the indwelling work of the holy spirit. I thank God that he has entrusted us with
the Holy spirit's power in our hearts and lives.

After this sermon mission doesn't seem that scary does it? It's exciting...let's get involved and thank God for the trinity...what a blessing!

Here is the sermon for a listen yourself if you have about 25Min's.
http://sermon.net/download.php?c=18071-count_audio_download-2345259