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Devotional For the Week 22 May 2005

MADE FOR A MISSION — The Purpose Driven Life – Part 6

Jesus: “In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.” John 17:18 (Mes)

“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you." John 20:21 (NIV)

“The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me - to tell people the Good News about God's grace.” Acts 20:24 (NCV)

MY 5th PURPOSE IS TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

“Evangelism”

“You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV)

“Jerusalem” = the people closest to me
“Judea/Samaria” = people near but different from me
“Ends of the earth” = everybody else!

“This was God's plan for all of history which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eph. 3:11 (GW)

COMPLETING MY MISSION

1. I MUST SHARE WITH THOSE IN MY WORLD.

“‘Go back home and tell people how much God has done for you.’ So the man went all over town telling how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 (NCV)

“Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you.” 1 Peter 3:15 (TEV)

“...God does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives!” 2 Peter 3:9 (NCV)

2. I MUST DARE TO REACH BEYOND MY WORLD.

Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.” 1 Cor. 9:22b (LB)

Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law.” Gal. 6:2 (Msg)

“Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight...” James 1:27 (Msg)

“I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.” Mt. 25:35-36 (NLT)

Jesus replied, "Let me assure you that no one has ever given up anything... for love of Me and to tell others the Good News, who won't be given back, a hundred times over...” Mark 10:29 (LB)

3. I MUST CARE ABOUT THE WHOLE WORLD.

Jesus said to His followers, "Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15 (NCV)

“If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” Mark 8:35 (LB)

“David served God’s purposes in his own time...” Acts 13:36a (TEV)

“Send us around the world with the news of Your saving power and Your eternal plan for all mankind.” Ps. 67:2 (LB)

Prayer Response

Let's pray: "Father, more than anything else, I want to fulfill the purposes you made me for. So today, I accept this fifth purpose, my mission to tell others. I want you to use me any time, any way, any place. I want to bring others to you. I want to serve your purpose in my generation. And I want to be a part of what you're doing in the world. From this day forward, I want to build my life around Your eternal purposes, and I want to help our church do the same. Help me to reach one more for Jesus. In your name I pray. Amen.”

Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, Calif

 

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