You Were Made For A Mission - June 5, 2016

YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION!

The greatest problem Americans face is not money, work,  or even relationships — it is boredom. The truth is, most Americans live bored lives. We are doing more, buying more, going more and enjoying it less. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or your bank account. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His mission —  and until you understand that, life will never make sense. When you’re bored—life has no purpose, life has no meaning and ultimately life has no lasting joy and satisfaction.  When you give your life to Christ and His mission, you will never spend another bored minute.

 Knowing what lies ahead for you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian nor become spiritually dull and indifferent . . . (Hebrews 6:12 – LB)

 WE MUST DEVELOP A MISSION MINDSET

 MM 1: Fulfilling God’s mission is an incredible ____________________________

 God IN HIS MERCY has given us this ministry and work to do. That’s why we do not become discouraged and never give up!  (2 Corinthians 4:1)

 I thank Christ Jesus . . . because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him. In the past I spoke against Christ and persecuted him and did all kinds of things to hurt him. But God showed me mercy . . . (1 Timothy 1:12-13 – NCV)

 You know what I was like . . . how I violently persecuted Christians. I did my best to get rid of them! . . . But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What UNDESERVED MERCY!(Galatians 1:13, 15 - NLT)

 EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST AND EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE, THEREFORE GOD CAN USE ANYBODY!

 It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. (Ephesians 2:10 - LB)

 MM 2: Fulfilling God’s mission requires __________________________________

We don’t try to trick anyone, and we don’t twist the word of God. Instead we teach the truth plainly, showing everyone WHO WE REALLY ARE. Then they can know in their hearts what kind of people we are in God's sight. (2 Corinthians 4:2 - NLT/NCV)

 The Spirit we receive does not make us slaves again to fear; it makes us children of God!  (Romans 8:15 - NCV)

 MM 3: Fulfilling God’s mission is never about _____________________________

 Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are merely your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5 - GW)

 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7 - CEV)

 MM 4: Fulfilling God’s mission uses my _____________________ to help others

 I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.  I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.  (2 Cor. 11:23-28 – NIV)

 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.  (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - CEV)

 All of these sufferings of ours are for your benefit. And the more of you who are won to Christ, the more there are to thank Him for his great mercy, and the more God gets glory!  (2 Corinthians 4:15 - LB)

 This is why we never give up! Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 - NLT)

MM 5: Fulfilling God’s mission keeps me focused on ________________________

 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. (2 Corinthians 4:17 - CEV)

 So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.  (2 Corinthians 4:18 - NLT)