Sharing the Mission of Jesus

For those just joining with us today, we are in series called the “Mission of the Church”. A few weeks ago, Doug shared in week 1 about the power of “Inviting People to follow Jesus”. Doug shared that Jesus invited people to follow Him all the time. When the disciples saw Jesus and started to follow Him, they in turn invited people to follow Him. The group around Jesus grew because they wanted to learn more about Jesus.

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January 31, 2016
Matthew 28:16-20, Sharing the Mission of Jesus
Pastor David Pranga, Brewster Baptist Church

At BBC, our first step is inviting people to our Sunday morning worship experience. I believe we are a great church, we have amazing worship team, and a great preacher in Doug. The people in this church are welcoming, friendly, and loving.   Pastor Doug gave us a challenge a few weeks ago to begin praying for one person to invite to the Super Bowl Sunday Morning– Tailgating event in February.

Week 2: The key word was – “Connecting”. Doug brought out Lego’s. He shared about the power of connecting Lego’s with other Lego’s to building incredible things.

The same happens with our Christian faith. The disciples were connected with Jesus. By having a relationship with Jesus they grew in their faith and in their relationships with each other. The disciples were able to do things that were significant and greater and larger than what they could do on our own.

Here at BBC, we want people to take the next step and move from just coming on Sunday mornings and connecting with people in the congregation. When people come to church, they are often looking for friendship. They are looking for people to get to know and experience life with.

This year we want to be more intentional in building “connecting points” into our calendar. A place designed for friendships to happen. This is a time for people to come and get to know other people of BBC. Some of our “connecting activities” have been: “Harvest Dinner” in the fall, the Movie Night in December – It’s a Wonderful Life, and Pizza with the Pastor. These activities are a great place to bring a friend and for connecting to occur with people.

Our next big event that is happening next month is “Bowling Night”. As you heard earlier we have rented out the entire bowling alley. A great opportunity to meet other people here at BBC.

Last week many of you missed a great message. Let me say, there was no way Doug was going cancel all three services. The key word last week was “Equipping”. When you think of “Equipping” think of equipment.

In life you have to have the right equipment to perform. In Football, the equipment you need would be a helmet and football pads. In baseball, the equipment you need would be baseball, glove, bat, and helmet. To be successful you have to have the right equipment.

Here at BBC, we want to “Equip” you to grow in your faith. It does not matter where you are in your faith. If you have been a Christian for 50 years or 5 years or you are just checking out this faith thing. Our goal is to help you take the next step in your Christian walk. We all need to start someplace.

The last three weeks we have been pushing a program called “Starting Point”. I love “Starting Point” because it is an entry level class where you go through a book, watch a video, talk, and ask questions. It is a class that builds a foundation for your faith. As a church we want to help people in their faith.

Starting February 14, we are offering a church wide campaign. Once again this seven week small group experience is designed to help you Deepen your walk with God. Plus you get to meet and share life with other people here at BBC. There are sign up in Fellowship Hall.

Equipping is simply helping you to take next step in your faith and relationship with God.

This morning we are going to be sharing the 4^th message from our series entitled the Mission of the Church. This morning the key word is “SHARING”. “Sharing – the good news of Jesus Christ with the people you know”.   It is sharing – the hope you have with Jesus with your neighbor, family member, co-worker, or the person across the room. God wants us to share with other people about our faith.

Before we get started, I want to ask you a simple question. I want you to share the answer to this questions the person next to you….You only have 30 seconds for the both of you to share your answer. Here is the question…

“What is your favorite restaurant? What makes that restaurant so special?”

That was pretty easy question, right. You have 30 seconds and go… (PAUSE).   How many of you found it easy to talk about your favorite restaurant and why? I am thinking that the answers most of us gave as to why the restaurant was so special was one of these reasons…

• Taste or quality of the food
• Beautiful atmosphere
• Customer service is exceptional
• Maybe it is the price of the food
• Maybe it was due to a memory that you had there…engagement, anniversary, birthday
• Maybe you go there because they serve the best dessert… banana cream pie or French silk pie…

We all have reasons why we felt that the restaurant we picked was the best! For many of us that was pretty easy. It was easy for us to talk about it.

Yet, when we are asked to “share our faith” with a stranger, family member, neighbor, a co-worker we become shell shocked. We struggle with it. We don’t know where to start or what to say. Everyone one of us knows it is important. Yet, we struggle with doing it.

Hannah – Our youngest daughter Hannah is a girl who likes to chat. She is the type of girl that enjoys talking to everyone. Everyone is her best friend. Last year, Christy, Hannah and myself were at the middle school for a meeting. The secretary is walking us down the hallway to the meeting. Hannah is just talking a mile a minute to her. Then the secretary asked Hannah about friends. She said to Hannah do you have any friends? Hannah replied that she had two best friends.

Grant it we just moved here to Cape Cod. I am wondering in my mind, who she was going to say? Hannah was only 4 yrs old at the time.  Who could she possibly say?   Hannah then begins to share that God was her best friend. I am thinking what do I say after that.

Then Hannah in her sweet voice, without missing a beat of silence…says she has a second best friend. At that moment, I’m saying to myself this should be interesting. Hannah goes on and says His name is Jesus. Those are my two best friends. God and Jesus!!!

The secretary, Christy and I for that matter did not know what quite to say. The secretary then commented that we must have a great children’s program at our church.  It opened up an opportunity to talk a bit about our church before the meeting started.

Amazing things happen a year later, when Christy was in the office for another meeting.   That same secretary commented to Christy, “You’re the one with the cute daughter that said Jesus was her best friend. That has really stuck with me.”

Why is talking about our favorite restaurant easy, but we struggle when we have to talk about our faith? Why is my four your old child sharing about her best friend, Jesus? Yet I would never in 100 years have brought that up to a complete stranger?

Why do we struggle to share when we have a friend going down the wrong path? We struggle with just telling them that Jesus can help or just inviting them to church. Does anybody else “struggle with sharing their faith”?

Why do we struggle in sharing our faith?

• Rejection
• No confidence – God can use someone else better than me
• I may say it wrong
• Doubts – I don’t understand everything, so I should not share
• Society says we are not supposed to talk about religion or politics…

These are just some of the reasons why we struggle with sharing our faith. I know many of us in this room struggle with it. We struggle telling people about our faith in Jesus. We struggle with inviting someone to church. We know it’s important. We have the greatest ambition to share. But we struggle.

I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone. I struggle with it as well.

Yet God has a word for us today. It is more than a word, he has a command for his disciples. But before I share the scripture from the text this morning, I want to give you some information first.

Jesus had a heart for lost people, for broken people and for people that are hurting. Jesus loves everyone. Jesus cared about each person’s eternity. What God wants to offer people each of us is hope, forgiveness, and a new life.

If you have your bible, turn to Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I really believe that God loves all people. Jesus, knew his time on earth was short. Even though his time on earth was short, Jesus wanted to share with His disciples and for us the passion He has for people. I believe that Jesus could see the things that matter. The think that matter to Jesus was people’s eternity.

Jesus knew there is a heaven and he wanted everyone to experience that. Jesus also knew there was a hell. I realize that this is not a popular subject to talk. I just want to acknowledge that I believe there is hell. Those two places: heaven and hell. Both are real places. I truly believe that or I would not have become a pastor. I also believe Jesus has a heart for everyone. He wants everyone to believe in him and live their life for him. So he shares his heart with the disciples.

I want us to go back to verse 17

¹⁷ When they saw him (Jesus), they worshiped him (Jesus); but some doubted.

I have read this passage many times. It is one of the most important passages in the Bible, yet this week I saw something new. Even though the disciples worshiped Jesus Christ, it says at the end of verse 17… some “doubted”.

I like this verse for a couple of reasons. I thought it was interesting that even though the people saw Jesus physically, there were some people who had doubts in there mind. In the moment, they were still trying to make sense of it of what they were seeing.

The second reason why I like this verse. It may seem strange to most people. I like it because it is real and honest. It is something that people felt. Jesus knew that some had doubts. Matthew knew it some had doubts. Yet, I love that Matthew did not leave this out of his book.

Story: This past week Tom Swaida our facility manager and I were in the car traveling to Hyannis. We were talking about family and then life issues. Then Tom says, can I ask you something personal. I said sure. “Do you ever have doubts?” … “Do you ever have doubts with your faith?”

Then I said, I think everyone of us struggles with doubt at times. I went on to share that it is normal. There are times in our life where we have doubts: Is the Bible true? Why do bad things happen to good people? Does God really love me? Why am I not feeling closer to God? Then Tom and I talked about “doubts” we experience at time.

Later in the day, Tom came into my office and shared a profound statement: Pastor David, often when I have doubts, I feel very far from God. It’s not God. It is usually me. It is usually because of the barriers I put up between me and God. I know God is there for me. I know God loves me. But there are times, I don’t do my part. I lose my focus on Him. My focus is on me.” Then Tom said jokingly, don’t tell my Catholic priest I said this….

Even though the disciples have doubts and we may have doubts. God knows this. God still has a command for us.  Let’s reading on, in vs. 18, Jesus says…

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”

Just to make sure you are not sleeping this morning. How much authority has been given to Jesus? “All”. Then Jesus does an amazing thing. Jesus passes this authority on to His disciples and followers and to us.

Jesus has a message for the disciples and for us today. This is something He wants all of us to follow. Jesus is saying, instead of looking at your insecurities, your doubt, your lack of faith, your lack of Bible knowledge; Jesus is saying – focus on Him. Jesus gives us all authority to disciples and to us. God have given us the Holy Spirit to help us with our faith.

Jesus equips us with everything we need to carry out His plan. What is His plan? ….Let’s pick this us in verse 19

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,

As a Christian we are called “disciples”. As disciples of Jesus Christ, Jesus gives us this command. What is the command that Jesus gives his disciples? “GO” Jesus tells us that we have to “Go” to the people that need Jesus. I believe Jesus wants his people to be on the offensive. To move the ball forward.

What I believe Jesus is saying to his disciples. It is what Jesus would say to us today. Is to “GO” and “Share” the good news of Jesus. We need to share the love of Christ with the people.

I really believe this next statement. I believe that God has put each of us in the place He wants us to minister. It is what Jesus says we (as in all believers) are to go to all nations. It does not matter what our occupation is or where you are living. Whether we are a stay at home mom, out in the community, sitting behind a desk, retired or volunteering. I truly believe that God has you right where there for a reason.

I believe that God wants you share the “good news” about Him and to “show God’s love” with the people that need Him the most. The interesting thing is…. We already know it. We know that we should approach someone to have a spiritual conversation. We know that we should invite someone to church.

Yet there is something inside of us that makes us timid, that makes us shy away from helping desperate people that we know need Jesus. We don’t do it. We even say to ourselves, God you must bring someone else? We may say to ourselves, “God, I’m going to pray for that person.”

And maybe, just may be… God is saying, I am sending you to share the good news with him or her. I want you to be my instrument and my voice piece.

I truly believe that God has placed each of us in a position of influence. God will use your gifts and talents to touch the people that God brings in your life. God is not waiting for somebody else. I believe that God want to use you. We just have to stop being afraid.

Story: A little over a year ago we bought a house. Anybody that ever bought a house knows that negotiations can be sticky. Ours was no different. What added to the fun, the previous owners who built the house would also be our next door neighbors. Can you image moving in to a house and having the previous owners as your neighbors? It was kind of weird. As I told Christy it will be ok. They will down in Florida for 5 months of the year.

Our new neighbors are Dana and Nancy. They were born here on the Cape up in the Outer Cape. Dana is a builder and fisherman. They have been married for thirty plus years. It was through Hannah that our relationship really happened.

Hannah had no problem talking, running into their yard, and asking questions to Dana. One of Dana favorite questions; Mr. Dana – why are you watering the dirt? (Hannah did not know that he was watering grass seed.)  Our children would make cookies and then bring them over to Dana and Nancy often. At the same rate we would different clams and fish from them. We were trying our best to build a relationship and friendship.

As time progressed our relationship went from being distant, to acquaintances, to the beginning of being friends. Our relationship changed the more we talked and shared life together. We started playing cards together with Dana and Nancy. We invited them over for a birthday party of one of my kids. Whenever each of us was outside, we would walk over and have a conversation. As the summer progressed our relationship deepened.

Even though our relationship changed I wanted them to experience and know God. I knew they were not church goers. I remember praying that God to grant me favor as I invite them to church. I was nervous about what they might say or respond. Would they even talk with us the next day?

One evening we were talking and I just said Dana, you should come to our church tomorrow. It’s a pretty cool church. There are great people. There was dead silence. Then he said “I have not been to mass in 30 or 40 years. I really don’t want to start now.” I took that has a pretty strong “no”.

One evening shortly after that conversation, they came to BBC to check out the church from the outside. They had driven by our church all the time but never notice it. This time they drove around the parking lot. They saw the playground. The following day let me know about it. I was cooking on the charcoal grill. Dana said, Your mass must be pretty big for the size of that church.”

I once again asked both of them to come and check it out. They again said no. Maybe when the pastor away and your fill in then we may come.

As our relationship deepened over time Dana would joke with me that he helps out the clergy all the time on the Cape. I asked how that is. Dana’s response was so classic. People come to me all the time to bury their loved ones. When I go out fishing, I spread the ashes of people out to sea.

I still have hope that sometime, maybe this summer Dana and Nancy will check out our church. I really believe that God loves Dana and Nancy very much. They are good people. They may be far from God. But I believe God is constantly drawing people to Him. I really believe God uses ordinary people like me and you to move people closer to Him.

I truly believe that God has placed each of us in the situation and place he wants us to be. I really believe that God is calling you to share with your neighbors, with your co-workers, with your family, and with the strangers that may cross your path. We just have to be open to hearing God’s voice that says, I want you to share about me or invite them to church.

Let me share one last thought from the passage…Verse 20…

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Jesus is promising them that He would be with them. Jesus is promising them help if they need it. Remember Jesus has given us all authority. Jesus has promised to be with them when they share their faith or do good works of love.

This verse gives me hope that when I am sharing my faith or inviting a friend to come to church I am not alone. Jesus tells us that we are not alone. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide.

Jesus says to “go” and share the good news. When you share the good news with your neighbors, with your co-workers, with your family members; God is with us. God does not leave us alone. God is not absent. God is with us when we share.

When our friend asks us difficult questions; I believe that God is with us. God will help us with answering that difficult question. Yet there will be times where we don’t know the answer, that is ok too.  It’s okay to say, I don’t know, or I need to look into that.

To me, it just brings me comfort to know that Jesus will be with me. That I am not alone.  The scripture says, Jesus will be with you and with me to the very end of the age. For me that is comforting to know that I am not alone. That is pretty special that God does not leave us alone.

Challenge: This next Sunday day is a very special service.

I want you turn to your bulletin and there a beautiful postcard. I want you to take out the postcard. I want you to share & invite somebody to our “Super Bowl Tailgating Experience” next week. This is going to be a great event next week at 8:00 a.m., 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. services. The worship team /choir is going pick out the best songs. Mike Sherman is going to share. He was a former coach of the Green Bay Packers and is the current coach of Nauset High School. Doug is going to preach! Then there will be food afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. We are having this at each of our services.

Here is the deal: We need you share this invitation with at least one person for next week. For some of you, one may be too easy. For some of you, you may be able to share and invite 3 or 5 or 10 people to come next week. We have more postcards on the welcome desk in the foyer. It would be great if we run out of them.

First thing – pray to God and ask Him who can I share and invite to church next week. Let me start by saying, you may be surprised who God puts on your heart.

I want to let you know that I will be praying for you this week, to have the courage to share this postcard with at least one person to come with you to church next week. I know you can do it. If you need more postcards we have them.

The second thing – I want to challenge you with… (This is only to people who can cook or grill… If you cannot cook or grill please zone out of this next announcement… )

We need people who can cook to bring in more food. You can bring anything for our tailgating experience. You can bring in Chips and Dip, Buffalo Wings, Fruit, Donuts, somebody can bring their grill – we can have hot dogs, hamburgers, and Wisconsin favorites – Brats! Any type of food would be great. Just bring in on Sunday and drop it off in the kitchen and our kitchen help will place it on the tables. My hope is that we pack out all three services next week and we don’t run out of food.

I want you to image that God wants to use you this week. God wants you to take the command seriously and to share the good news with a friend, a co-worker, a family member and bring them to church next week. Imagine if each of us takes this challenge seriously, what our church would be like next week. I want us to imagine people coming next week in search of God and wanting to connect with other believers. I want us to imagine the people that may never have stepped foot in a church before, or maybe they have not been in a church in 10 plus years.

Imagine if they came to church and met some friendly people, was blown away with our worship, heard a great sermon and in some way was touched by Jesus Christ. Then next week they may come back for more. That would be special. That is what our dream is for next week.

We want to be people that reach out and share the good news with people in our neighborhood, in our community, and people all over the Cape. We want to be a congregation that has a heart like Jesus. That can see the hurting people around us. People that need Jesus. People like us. We need Jesus and so do our friends. We all need Jesus Christ.

Let us pray…