Your Move | Thursday
Thursday | June 18
Focus of the Week:
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.
As part of the Church, we have a responsibility to further Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. Everyone who believes in Him has a part to play in this and it is often not as complicated as we make it out to be.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
"I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd."
John 10:16 NLT
John 10:16 NLT
One Flock
At this point in the week, we have seen God's heart for the lost, how we, as the Church, play a unique part in seeking them out to share the Gospel, and the joyous celebration that occurs in heaven and on earth when one repents and turns to Christ.
Today, we dig deep into the reality that Jesus is for all people. Not just the ones we like, are from a particular socio-economic class, or a particular part of the world. The truth of the Gospel is for each and every person He has created.
The inclusive redemptive work of Jesus wasn't an afterthought, either; it was intentional. We can look to the Old Testament and to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3, which specifically promises that "all people would be blessed through him." This laid the foundation of what was to come, a blessing that would extend beyond the nation of Israel. Jesus' ministry also pushed the boundaries of the culture as he cared for those who were on the societal fringes - Samaritans, Gentiles, tax collectors.
If you have a hard time conceptualizing this, don't feel alone. Jesus' friends and those who heard this message firsthand had difficulty understanding it, too. But it's important to understand we all need the Good Shepherd, and He truly is the Good Shepherd for all.
Today, we dig deep into the reality that Jesus is for all people. Not just the ones we like, are from a particular socio-economic class, or a particular part of the world. The truth of the Gospel is for each and every person He has created.
The inclusive redemptive work of Jesus wasn't an afterthought, either; it was intentional. We can look to the Old Testament and to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3, which specifically promises that "all people would be blessed through him." This laid the foundation of what was to come, a blessing that would extend beyond the nation of Israel. Jesus' ministry also pushed the boundaries of the culture as he cared for those who were on the societal fringes - Samaritans, Gentiles, tax collectors.
If you have a hard time conceptualizing this, don't feel alone. Jesus' friends and those who heard this message firsthand had difficulty understanding it, too. But it's important to understand we all need the Good Shepherd, and He truly is the Good Shepherd for all.
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- Where have I been denying the Gospel conversations with those around me?
- Who has God placed on my heart to talk to about Jesus?
Journaling Prompts
This Is A Safe Place To Be Honest With God
- What would change if I truly believed Jesus was for everyone?
- What does it mean to have "one good shepherd"? How does this perspective shape my interactions with others?
- What are one or two ways you begin to incorporate "Jesus is for everyone" into your regular rhythm of life?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."
Colossians 4: 5 NLT
Colossians 4: 5 NLT
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, thank you for your sacrifice that I would have life in you. As my good shepherd, lead me and care for me in the way you would have me go. Reveal to me those you would have me share your Gospel with. Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we explore the intentional care for the lost.