Q1: Aside from the moments you’ve spent reflecting on Brad’s sermon, the devotionals, and getting ready for our group time, if you were to guess how much time you’ve put into thinking about international missions, what number would come to mind? Be honest.
(This isn’t a time to shame anyone, but rather a time to reflect on the role missions play in the life of a Christian. I, Jim, can get busy with things pressing here and not think about it as I should.)
Q2: Think back on Brad’s sermon and answer his question at the beginning: “Why give time, effort, and resources to reach people on the other side of the world?”
Here’s a hint: God desires for all nations to know him and become worshippers of him only. God plans to use his people to accomplish this mission.
Q3: Even though God’s love for all people is the central theme throughout the Bible, why do you think it is easy for us to lose sight of it?
(Note: It might be fun to have your group members brainstorm the ideas that pop into their minds; just let them pop them out. Then, come back to some of the answers and discuss the reasons they’ve provided. Also, have them think about things they could do to combat the given reasons.)
Q4: Brad said that verses Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” and Acts 1:8, “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” are the marching orders of the Church.
So, here’s another reflective question: Can you give examples of how, in your own life, these verses have been put into practice over the past year? If not, share some reasons why. This question isn’t meant to beat us up but to help us ensure that we are spiritually focusing on the right thing.
Q5: What can we do in light of our answers to questions 3 and 4 as we sit here in 2024 in Wichita, Kansas? What does faithfulness look like?
Here’s a link that Brad mentioned his staff uses to pray for global missions:
UNREACHED of the Day
Close your group time by praying for the missionaries we support: Jason & Lisa—Central Asia, Sarah—Central Asia, Rick & Amelia—Central Asia, Joey & Lia—South Asia, Dalton & Hannah—Southeast Asia, Isaac & Suzanne—Germany, Cameron—Japan