06/01/03 - "You were made for a mission" - by Pastor Mike Baker

We are in the sixth week of our 40 Days of Purpose program. Last week, we discovered our fourth purpose in life and that is that we were shaped to serve God.

In review, we learned that we were created for:

1. Planned for God's pleasure
2. Formed for God's family
3. To become like Christ
4. Shaped for serving God in the body of Christ

Our fifth purpose is the only one that we will not continue to do in heaven. Jn 17:18 Jesus gives His followers a mission in the world. We each have a custom mission but with a common message. All are called to witness. Let's get busy doing the common things that God has for us. Start small and God will give revelations to those who are faithful. Acts 20:24

Our fifth purpose is to share the good news with other people. Evangelism in Greek means good news. Know it? Share it!

Acts 1:8 We have received power. First we share at home (Jerusalem) and ripple out to what God has done for us. Share from your heart what God has done for you. He changed me, and He can do the same for you! Speak out and share from your own experiences. Just as much as God wanted us, He wants other people too.

Eph 3:8-11 God has chosen us to complete the mission of Jesus Christ. God is putting the future of millions of souls, eternal destinies, in the hands of the church. Our lives are not our own. We do not live in a vacuum. Jesus carried out His mission. Let's be history-makers. Let God be our agenda.

We are to share in three areas:

1. Outermost parts - Mk 16:15 Being concerned about and support missions.
2. Closer to home (reach Samaria) - people who live around us that are very different from us. Takes us out of our comfort zone! Be willing to risk getting the message out. Instead of coming out from them and being separate, be among them. Sanctify = set apart. Committing to ministry and to live a life of holiness. Jesus didn't become a sinner to save the sinner. Don't change who you are - be with them and live a Godly example.
3. Daily, weekly contact. It's our Jerusalem and Judea. Mt 8 Go tell! Starts at home and in our neighborhood.

Don't believe the myth that people aren't interested in spiritual matters. More now than ten years ago. 65 million people in the United States don't have a church home. 34 million said that if they were invited, they would attend. Opportunities are all around us everyday. Be creative! Another myth is that you have to be a preacher and know all of the Bible. Don't preach. Care for them first and connect.

Why share? This is the reason why your heart is still beating. After we accept Christ, we are still full of purpose and to share Jesus. I Pe 3:5 - all believe! Jesus died for all we come in contact with. Nobody should be left behind. Let's care about what God cares about. Acts 13:36 Served His own generation. Fulfill His purpose! II Cor 6 Don't squander life! Live a purpose filled life and bring others to Jesus.