LGC - Missions Month 2024 (Part 2)

Missions Month 2024 (Part 2)

Dodi Togatorop

INTRODUCTION

Before returning to heaven after His resurrection, the Lord Jesus left very clear instructions for his disciples. He said in Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This instruction is known as the “Great Commission” because these words represent the assignment that Jesus gave to the Church to accomplish before His return.

This means that when we become disciples and follow Jesus, this Great Commission applies to each one of us: we must share the gospel message with others and make disciples of all nations. As we strive to lead a purposeful Christian life, disciple-making is our primary focus and not a passive or part-time activity, to bring glory to God and extend His kingdom.

DISCUSSION

The definition of “disciple” goes deeper than one who converts to Christianity.

a. Share with your group: what does it mean to you to be a disciple of Jesus?

b. If you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus, what does making disciples mean to you? Share with your group your personal experience in making disciples.
Read Acts 2:42-44. In the early church, the disciples devoted themselves to the growth of God’s kingdom and shared everything they had and considered their possessions to belong to the whole group.

a. Do you think the modern church has the same mindset as the church in Acts 2? Why or why not? What about in your community at FGA?

b. Pastor Dodi shared that all the profits earned from the businesses they run go towards supporting the mission of sharing the gospel with others. What was your reaction towards what he said? What do you think is hindering you towards following his example?

c. What is your mindset towards your resources? What are some of the steps you can take to commit more resources towards building God’s kingdom?

Read Ephesians 4:12. The preacher shared how FGA Surabaya has been equipping the disciples and preparing them to become effective workers for God using the tentmakers model to be financially self-sufficient while sharing the gospel. How can we train and equip ourselves and others in discipleship while balancing the demands of our work and the need to make a living for our expenses?
The preacher shared that making disciples means we have to be out there in the world, befriending non-believers and sharing the gospel with them at the opportune time.

a. FGA’s churchwide initiative of Each 1 Reach 1 has been going on for 1 year. What difficulties or blessings have you experienced when reaching out to others? Share with your life group.

b. The preacher also shared that having a personal experience with God is one of the keys to effective witness to others about God and expanding the ministry. How have you found this to be true in your own journey of evangelism and disciple-making?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Pastor Dodi describes discipleship as a journey that never stops. After becoming disciples of Jesus, the next step would be to begin making disciples, raising and training the next generation to share the gospel. Are we prepared to give up building up our possessions and focus on building up God’s kingdom? Consider what Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Let us orient our hearts and lives to be accountable to the Great Commission, to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus to the ends of the earth, for that is where our treasure truly lies.

MEMORY VERSE

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20