LGC - Missions Month 2024 (Part 4)

Missions Month 2024 (Part 4)

Cris Aparente

INTRODUCTION

Taking the gospel to the nations is not the work of one individual, but a churchwide effort. Through the testimony of Ps Cris, we are reminded that our simple efforts to sow into the mandate to make disciples can create lasting, infinite impact – not just in the lives of those labouring in the field, but the ones that they labour for as well.

DISCUSSION

The preacher mentioned that it was because of individuals in the church that his faith grew and he was able to step out in boldness to plant a church.

(a) Share about someone in the church who has encouraged you in your faith journey.

(b) What are some ways you can encourage someone else in their faith journey this week?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10.

a. Describe the relationship between the church of the Thessalonians and Paul/Silas/Timothy (see v4-6). How did they treat each other?

b. This relationship was replicated in the relationship between the church of the Thessalonians and the church in Macedonia and Achaia, as well as beyond (see v7-8). Why do you think people readily saw the Thessalonians as examples?

c. From the passage, how should our lives look, as proof that we imitate Christ?

d. Who are some people in your life who look to you as a model for imitating Christ?

(i) What concrete steps can you take to be responsible to these relationships?

(ii) How might you pray for these relationships you have with them?
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

a. The passage elaborates on how Paul and his friends behaved amongst the Thessalonians. List down what they did.

b. For which of the items listed do you need the most help from God? Why?

c. With regard to (b), how can your group pray for you/support you this week?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

FGA has an apostolic mandate, which is expressed through church planting. Though not everyone will be called to physically plant a church, we all have a role to play in seeing these efforts come to pass. Some ways of doing so are to:

Disciple: Journey with someone and help him/her realise his/her Kingdom assignment
Pray: For the church plants regularly
Give: Sow financially or through other resources to ensure that enough goes into the labour of reaching people and preaching the gospel
Go: On a short term mission trip to any one of our church plants
Encourage: Whether it is in the form of a text message or a meal, find a way you can encourage our church plant pastors

Will you commit to playing a part in the advancing of the gospel to the nations through any one of these ways? No effort is too small. In your group, share how you can play a part and keep one another accountable as you go on this journey together.

MEMORY VERSE

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. – 1 Thessalonians 1:2-8 (ESV)