1. Being part of God’s big mission
We can often view the Christian life as if we’re on a mission for God; seeing mission as something we do, rather than mission being at the very heart of who God is. God is the God of mission. He longs to reach out, go to and restore his people. So, rather than us being on a mission for God, we are joining in with God on his mission. Looking at mission this way means that we are the junior partner, going along for the ride and he is the senior partner, who bears the weight.
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Questions
- God is already on a mission in your neighbourhood – where can you see him working?
- As a junior partner to God in his work – where do you think he wants you to put your time and energy?
2. Immanuel: God with us
God did not leave us alone in the mess we made for ourselves. No, he left the glory and splendour of heaven to join us in our mess. He didn’t nip back up to heaven at the end of the day to get away from it all. No, he shared in our sufferings just as Christians are called to be present in our communities: part of them, not separate from them.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
Questions
- In what ways have you seen that ‘God is with us’ on your estate?
- In what way do you feel part of your estate community?
- How have you felt separate from it?
3. Come as you are
We often think we need to clean up our act before we can come to Jesus or join a church. Yet I don’t know about you, but the transformation I’ve seen in my life has more to do with the work of the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit than it has with my ability to change. We can come as we are and know that, as we cooperate with God, he will transform our lives.
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Questions
- Have you ever felt ‘not good enough’ to come to Jesus, or get involved in church?
- God wants you to get involved in his mission, no matter how much you feel you’ve messed up – what does knowing that mean to you?
- What’s the first thing you’d like to do to get involved in God’s mission?
