What it Takes to Impact the Whole World
You can’t follow Jesus without going with Jesus.
Since the earliest days of Saddleback Church, servant-leaders have heeded the call to look outward, allowing God to work through them to reach others with the love and hope of Jesus Christ. They’ve done it locally, building relationships in community while meeting basic needs. They’ve done it throughout the United States, providing comfort and care in times of natural disaster. They looked further outward, venturing to all corners of the earth as the hands and feet of Jesus. Thousands of Saddleback members have gone to every nation in the world with the Gospel.
Jesus himself gave us the map for changing the world. In Acts 1:8 he said, “When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and tell the people about me everywhere. In Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” So whether the focus is local or global, servant-leaders, ordinary people empowered by God, will be making a difference together wherever they are.
The only way to impact the whole world is to see the whole church involved – to see every member become a minister and a missionary.
And as you cast and share the vision for every-member ministry and sending every member out on mission, there are three big reasons you must share for why each and every believer needs to become a servant-leader with a vision for impacting their world.
1. Jesus’ mission is your responsibility.
The Bible tells us in Luke 12, Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater. If you’re reading this as a Christian in America, you must realize that this is the most incredibly blessed area on the planet. We are most blessed. One day you’re going to stand before God and God’s going to say, “What did you do with all that talent, network, ability, freedom, all the things that I gave you, your brains, your health? What did you do with that?” We will be held responsible.2. You have Jesus’ authority.
Jesus has given us the authority to carry out his mission in the world. We have the authority to plant churches that promote reconciliation, equip servant-leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. We quote the Great Commission a lot, but we often leave out the verse right before it. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me; therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” The one with all authority has authorized you to keep on going!3. The mission will inevitably be completed.
The Bible tells us that history is moving toward a climax. History is not circular. It is linear. It is moving toward an impact. History is his story. God is in control. God created the entire world so that he could create human beings, because he knew that some of them would voluntarily choose to love him and trust him.This is what God says in Isaiah 14, “I have a plan for the whole world for my mighty power reaches throughout the world. The Lord almighty has spoken, who can change his plan?” The answer is nobody. The Bible tells us, This good news will be preached unto all the world, to every nation, to every tribe and then the end will come.
Here’s the challenge verse, the rallying call. Psalm 67:2 says, Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind. Will you be a part of history? You can impact the entire world.
Learn more about how to implement The PEACE plan in a local church at Saddleback’s website.
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