Four Ways Jesus Changes Everything Jesus gives us a New Purpose Extended Notes for Sunday, April 30 30, 2017 Introduction We have been on a journey together since the beginning of 2017 of refocusing our lives on Christ and wholeheartedly committing our way to Him. We are now going to explore four ways that Jesus changes everything about our lives now that He is risen and reigning over the nations. This is the “Brave New World” of living in the wake of Jesus’ resurrection. Acts 1:1-11; Matt. 5:14; Phil. il. 2:14 2:14-16; John 4:13-14 Christ saves & redeems us for the purposes of ________________ & ___________________. Acts 1:8; Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 67:1 67:1-3; Psalm 96:1-3; John 10:14-16;; Rom. 15:20-21 15:20 God’s goal in history: _______________ His glory through the people(s) of the earth exalting in the name of His Son. Therefore, the essence of the Great Commission is: 1. NOT to win as many individuals to Christ as possible before the end comes, comes 2. BUT to win some individuals (i.e. plant churches) among all the peoples of the earth before the end comes. The measuring rod of success for the Great Commission is: 1. NOT primarily by the number and quality of churches planted in other people groups besides its own, 2. BUT primarily by the number of different unreached people groups in which it plants quality churches.. Every Christian is called to the ongoing task of _____________ “witness” to Jesus Christ in its own community/region. Every Christian is called to _________ for & __________ up laborers (i.e. some Christians!) to enter the broader harvest that has not yet been reached reached. “Most people are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within his followers except the adoption of Christ’s purpose toward the world he came to redeem. Fame, pleasure, and riches are but husks and ashes in contrast to the boundless less and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of his eternal plans. Those who are putting everything into Christ’s undertaking are getting out of life its sweetest and most priceless rewards.” – J. Campbell White

A Brave New World: Four Ways Jesus Changes Everything Jesus gives us a New Purpose

Questions for Reflection: 1) What does Acts 1:1-11 tell us about Christ’s purpose for His church & anyone who follows Him? 2) Based on what we learned from Acts 1:8 and the meaning of “nations” and God’s global plan, how would you answer someone who says we should focus on our own community/people and not worry about what’s happening in other lands? 3) How is God calling you to become a “light” and give someone “access” to the living water of Jesus?