July Reach Sunday – Study Questions
A Global Faith
Matt. 28:18-20 & Rev. 7:9-10
INTRODUCTION: Reach Sunday is a time for us to focus as a body on the outward call for us as a church and as individual Christians, that is, the call of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). As a church, we believe in the importance of that call and the responsibility of believers to engage it as Jesus commanded. That means that we look for opportunities to share the gospel in the everyday places that we go and to join in gospel-advancing work to the ends of the earth. We join in that “ends of the earth” work by praying for, financially supporting, and going to serve alongside global partners for short periods of time. We also join God in his Great Commission Calling on our lives when we love the sojourner in our own neighborhoods and communities.
This week, we looked at the opportunity here in Ames to experience a taste of the global nature of our faith. In 2020, only 11% of all the Christians from around the world lived in North America. That is a striking nmber that reminds us of the reality that we are part of a global faith. And, we are to be in the bond of unity with all our brothers and sisters over the globe. Why? Because we are made one in Christ. We all belong to the same family through Jesus! In fact, Jesus commanded this in the great comission and Revelation reminds us that this all nations vision will be realized in heaven. Here in Ames throuh our international ministry we are able to get a fortaste of what Reelation spekas of and be obedient to Jesus without leaving our community. This is a blessed and beautiful opportunity. As we befriend and get to know those from different places here in Ames our lives and church is made deeper and richer in fiath and unity. Let’s not miss the opportunity that is right in front of us.
GETTING STARTED – As you get started in your group time, share about a time that you were in an unfamiliar place to you and someone befriended you. What did they do and how did it impact you?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
Two passages were referenced on Sunday, Matt. 28:18-20 & Rev. 7:9-10. Read those passages in their larger context and follow the simple Bible study method below.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Some questions to help with discussion:
- What is something that stood out to you from the service on Sunday morning?
- When you read Jesus’ command in Matt. 28:18-20, what stands out to you about his words?
- Part of “going” in Matt. 28:19 is the going of our everyday lives. Do you see your regular encounters through the week as gospel opportunities? Why or why not?
- What is one intentional step you could take to
- What excites you about the truth that Christianity is a global faith and is for all people?
- How might you participate in that all nations reality even while staying in Ames?