"Missional Passion"

Main Thought

Jesus Christ is our Chief Cornerstone! It’s impossible to build our Christian lives, either corporately or individually, apart from Him and the things He cherishes. Jesus was passionate about people, so we should be passionate about people too. The core of God’s plan to grow His Church hasn’t changed since Christ and the Apostles walked the earth. He uses us, the “living stones,” to reach other people and build ourselves into a “spiritual house” together. It’s like playing with Legos: we build by connecting to God and connecting to other people. One life at a time. Brick by brick.

Main Passage

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
- Matthew 21:42

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:4-6 (ESV)

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.”
- Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

“If you love me you will obey me…”
- John 14:15

Discussion Questions

  1. We all come to God because God passionately pursued us. What made you realize that God passionately loves you?

  2. One of the church’s responsibilities is to proclaim the Gospel, or tell people about Jesus. Did you take a step of faith to proclaim the Gospel in 2018? How might you take another step in faith to start 2019?

  3. Christians are also called to demonstrate the Gospel. We can do as we pray, and God responds with things like healing, prophecy, and words of knowledge. We can also demonstrate the Gospel through the way we live. Who demonstrated the Gospel for you? Who can you demonstrate the Gospel to this week?