Humans Who "Move the Needle"

👉 What are the influences & efforts that developed the competency you have as a marketplace leader?

👉 Would you say that you have put that same kind of time & effort into becoming a wise, skilled craftsmen of bearing the image of God as a follower of Jesus?

👉 Is THAT really necessary? Isn't following & influencing for Jesus & His Kingdom reign, something that is just a natural overflow of getting to know Him?

👉 If not, why not?  If so, why would you say it is necessary?

👉 Do we have a low estimation of our "agency", our God-given ability, to “move the needle” for the "rescue and restoration mission" to which we’re called & designed?

One of GOD'S ULTIMATE OBJECTIVES is to have one large, multi-ethnic global family relating to Him & ruling with Him by faith. 

👉 What does the follow passage reveal about Paul's understanding and commitment to coaching and shaping followers of Jesus for the task of building "one large, multi-ethnic global family relating to Him & ruling with Him on the basis of faith"?

(Galatians 4.19) “My dear children, for whom

I am again in the pains of childbirth UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU...“ 

👉 How might Paul's view and practice of Discipleship differ from ours? 

[The Forum / I-2-I Small Groups]

WHAT’S THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS FORUM SESSION? 

Becoming like Jesus requires intentional cultivation.  A decision to receive Jesus as your Lord & Savior alone will not produce the life God desires for His multi-ethnic global community of His followers.

👉 Have we lost the original vision & purpose of God’s ongoing agenda for humanity…for His followers?  

👉 How would we go about forging Discipleship practices that cultivate "Personal Transformation" that lead to "Cultural Transformation" (think 20 square feet) 

WATCH: Paul's Missionary Journeys: Acts 13-20

What insights do we gain from this short video clip of Paul's approach, vision, strategy & tactics to work towards God's Mission for humans?

Highlights:

👉 The New King overall the Nations

👉 Opposition drove Paul to the Marketplace

👉 Communities of Love

👉 Cultivated in part by the SPIRIT

👉 Cultivated in part by PRUNING. (Discipline)

BREAKOUT GROUPS WORK: 

How can we better become God's Human Image Bearers on Mission with Jesus?

Galatians 2:20–21: 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Galatians 5.13-26: "13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

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Deuteronomy 8:3: He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 32:47: They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Joshua 1:5‭-‬9: No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”