October is the first of two missions months at MCA Church. We are giving our attention to the processes of sustainability for our global outreach ministries. This lesson is intended to lay a foundation for our conversations about sustainability.
The challenge is the personal responsibility you have of receiving the ministry of those before you and sustaining, developing, and expanding it for those who will carry it into the future.
Your character and ministry will cross over the death divide with you.
• He has set eternity in their hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11
• The man who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17
Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
Since sharing the baton is critical for the sustainability of global mission, we must first focus on the work of God IN both the present and future generations. Galatians 3:3
• This generation must maintain the Spirit’s fire.
• The future generation must acquire the fire.
Every “leg” of the race must keep the faith.
• King Saul’s experience must not become ours. 1 Chronicles 10:13
• Jesus targeted Peter’s inclination to un-sustainability with prayer. Luke 22:32
With both generations running in the Spirit and keeping the faith, we are now ready for the transition to sustainability.
• The exchange zone
• I hold. We hold. You hold.
• This month our emphasis is upon the times that “we carry” the baton.
At His baptism we see the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus so that the “we carry” of Jesus’ ministry was the Son and the Spirit. John 1:32
In some ways the work of Jesus is now the work of the Spirit. John 14:25-26
Your ministry baton has been carried from Matthew 16:18 until you.
Sustainability requires that you make wise choices about sharing the baton. Colossians 1:24
MCA Church LIFE Group Homework
Quick Review
Looking back on your notes from this week’s teaching was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Listen – My Story
1. What are some of the things you have learned by doing something with another person?
2. Is there something very important to you that you hope to transmit to the next generation?
Learn – Dig Deeper
1. In John 15:16 we see Jesus’ interest in sustainability. What, from your perspective, is the fruit of Jn. 15?
2. Keys to Sustainability from John 15.
a. Who is the key to sustainability? John 15:1
b. What actions does the Vinedresser take to ensure sustainability? John 15:2
c. What relationship with Vinedresser ensures sustainability? John 15:4
d. The Vinedresser is interested in sustaining a growing amount of fruit. What word goes with this growing amount of fruit in the following verses? 15:2, 15:5, 15:8
3. Sustaining our part of the ministry of Jesus in the world of today requires that we obey Matt. 28:18-20.
4. How are you doing on these sustainability commands?
a. Go.
b. Make disciples.
c. Baptizing.
d. Teaching to obey.
Live – Take it Home
1. In what ways can you carry the baton with the MCA Global Outreach team?
2. Will you consider going on mission with MCA?
Lift – Prayer
• Please pray for the finances necessary to accomplish the MCA Global Outreach initiatives.
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