The Unexpected Mission That Changes Everything
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
2:24 Behind the Scenes of Crowd Church
6:10 Mission of Abundant Living
13:19 Jesus' Radical Approach to Acceptance
16:55 The Parable of the Lost Sheep
27:33 Behind the Scenes of 'The Chosen'
30:12 The Pursuit of the Precious
38:24 The Heart Behind Pursuing the One
42:15 Belonging Before Behavior
48:20 Exploring the Book of Philippians
Breaking the Christian Bubble and Reaching the One
We kick off with a fresh setting, broadcasting from a church rather than the usual studio. This change is a new chapter for Crowd Church, where the mission remains the same but with a twist. The focus is on creating a space where everyone feels welcome, whether you're a regular or just dropping by for the first time.
The Mission of Jesus
The heart of today’s discussion revolves around the mission of Jesus. A mission that is about seeking and saving the lost and about offering abundant life. This mission is unexpected because it challenges the norms. Jesus doesn't come as a conquering hero but as a servant, seeking to restore rather than destroy. This approach is countercultural, both then and now.
Belonging Before Behaving
One of the key insights is the idea of belonging before behaving. Jesus invites everyone to belong to his kingdom, regardless of their past or present actions. This is a radical departure from the notion that you must behave a certain way to be accepted. It's about changing where you belong, which naturally leads to a change in behaviour.
“The Pharisees thought that to belong to the kingdom of God, you had to behave in a certain way. So to belong, you had to behave. But Jesus, I think, sees it differently.”
The Power of Community
Community plays a crucial role in this mission. Being part of a community of believers is foundational. It's where you find support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Whether online or in person, being plugged into a community is vital for spiritual growth and fulfilling the mission.
Going After the One
We talk about the importance of going after the one. It's about valuing each person as precious and worth pursuing. This is illustrated through the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus leaves the 99 to find the one. It's a reminder that every individual matters and that love is the driving force behind this pursuit.
“It’s about the idea of going after something precious and that every single person is precious.”
Living Out the Mission
Living out this mission means stepping out of our comfort zones. It involves engaging with those outside the church, building relationships, and sharing the love of Jesus. It's not about arguing or trying to be right but about showing genuine care and acceptance.
A Call to Action
So, what's the takeaway? If you're a Christian, think about who the one is in your life. Who is that person you can reach out to and show the love of Jesus? If you're not yet a Christian, know this, that the mission of Jesus is find you. His love is relentless. And He wants you to come and belong, and he isn't satisfied if you're not there.
“Jesus’ mission is to find you. His love is relentless and he wants you to come and belong to the kingdom of God. And he’s not satisfied until you are there.”
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At Crowd Church, we are committed to creating a space for you to explore the Christian faith, regardless of where you are on your faith journey.
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