FAMILY NIGHT OUTLINE Please share your Family Night pictures on social media with the hashtag, #HarvestFamilyNight!

Transcription

1 Monday Family Night December 5, 2016 FAMILY NIGHT OUTLINE Please share your Family Night pictures on social media with the hashtag, #HarvestFamilyNight! Family Prayer Family Night Bible Study Topic Becoming a Mission-Minded Christian Lesson Outline Introduction I. What Does it Mean to be Mission- Minded? II. III. IV. How Does God Use Mission-Minded Christians? Final Reflections Prayer of Salvation If you give your life to Christ, please come to the altar during altar call at the next service. V. Closing Prayer Family Matters (Special time set aside to discuss whatever is on everyone s mind) Family Night Activity (Play board games, Uno, Charades, walk, ride bikes, etc.)

2 OPENING PRAYER (Have someone open up in prayer) FAMILY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY Note: All scripture references are from the King James Version (KJV) unless otherwise noted. Topic: Becoming a Mission-Minded Christian Key Verses: Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. INTRODUCTION LESSON OUTLINE Welcome to Harvest Family Night Bible Study! Tonight our lesson topic will focus on what it means to be a Mission-Minded Christian. As we embrace this Christian life through salvation, restoration, and discipleship, there is an important mandate before us to do the Will of the Father. To fulfill our specific godly purpose concerning God s Will, it is imperative to gain the mind of Christ and become mission-minded concerning the Kingdom of God. The lesson tonight is designed to provide discussion and insight concerning becoming a mission-minded Christian. What Does it Mean to be Mission-Minded? 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began To be mission-minded means that we not only receive the Lord Jesus as Savior but we secure Him as our Lord. Having Jesus as the Lord of our life denotes that we are led by Him and that we follow His plans for our lives and His ministry. As Psalm 37:23 says, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord Being mission-minded is significant concerning your purpose in Christ. Your thinking brings your life into God s divine purpose of why He created you in this time and dispensation. Your mindset determines the engagement of our level of ministry. It is the very reason why the Apostle Paul encouraged us to obtain the mind of Christ in Philippians 2:5. Furthermore, our mind must be changed to gain this godly concentration and cognizance. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 To be mission-minded is simply being focused on what God wants us to do and allowing God to perform ministry through us. God is literally operating through us to bring His will to pass. Without the Gospel, man is helpless, hopeless, and hell bound. The Body of Christ is God s vehicle and tool to bring lost souls into the Kingdom of God. When we become missionminded, the Will of the Father can be accomplished. How does God use Mission-Minded Christians? God needs people that are dedicated to His cause. He needs Christians in every walk of life to reach people in every walk of life - teachers, principals, administrators, students, truck drivers, realtors, bankers, childcare providers, doctors and nurses, attorneys and judges, government workers and contractors, construction workers, and all other occupations. The Lord needs those who are on a mission to bring souls into the Kingdom and who will be a part of the system to disciple them. We need to be in the world but not of the world. Our Lord Jesus said this in John 15: John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the Will of the Father dealt with two major objectives: (1) the salvation and personal righteousness of souls and (2) the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the Body of Christ. Being mission-minded means that we do all that we can to see God s Will come to pass and in turn God covers our personal lives. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Being mission-minded also permits us to speak and minister with confidence about the lifechanging power of the Gospel without being condescending because we realize (testimony) where God has brought us from. Because our values are centered in the Gospel and God s love for us, we should not feel the need to win arguments or prove ourselves through evangelism. We proclaim the Gospel because we love God, we love people and we know what happens when God changes someone s life! A mission minded church lives better, loves better, serves better, and gives better because we have an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. Being mission-minded is the giving of time, energy, and physical effort in order to advance the cause of Christ in a particular manner. It is the focused dedication to promote an undertaking or program which may involve intensive labor and upholding or defending Christian principles. Here are some practical benefits of being a mission-minded Christian: 1. Being mission minded pleases God 2. Being mission-minded blesses the local church 3. Being mission-minded helps your pastors and brings forth vision and mission 4. Being mission-minded gives you passion to reach the lost 5. Being mission-minded activates you to serve 6. Being mission-minded helps you to mature spiritually 7. Being mission-minded helps you to understand yourself and your purpose in Christ

4 8. Being mission-minded builds your relationship with God 9. Being mission-minded builds your relationship with others in Christ 10. Being mission-minded increases your spiritual satisfaction, joy and peace 11. Being mission-minded enhances your spiritual devotions and worship 12. Being mission-minded expands your Kingdom understanding & wisdom 13. Being mission-minded improves your prayer life 14. Being mission-minded affords you ministry experience 15. Being mission-minded helps you to see the big picture Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Family Discussion: 1. What is a mission-minded Christian? 2. Why is it important to be mission-minded? 3. Discuss at least 3 examples of being mission-minded for Christ. FINAL REFLECTIONS Reaching out to others with the Good News of the Gospel and establishing a strong local church is hard work. It requires intensive labor, courage, patience, endurance, kindness, effort and most of all, mission-minded Christians. The salvation of one soul is worth this effort all by itself! Ask God for strength to lead others to Him and ask the LORD to help you keep your eye on His mission. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

5 PRAYER OF SALVATION Does anyone want to receive Christ as your personal Savior right now? (Wait for any responses.) If yes, let s follow these simple steps: 1. First, confess with your mouth by saying, Jesus is my Lord. 2. Next, repeat this Prayer of Salvation (Ask them to repeat after you): Lord Jesus, I repent and turn from my sins, and I ask for your forgiveness. I invite you to come into my heart and life. Wash me clean and fill me with your Holy Spirit, and I will trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you Jesus for saving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus Name. Amen. 3. Now, declare it! Say, I am saved!!! Congratulations! You have made the greatest decision of your life and the best is yet to come! *If you gave your life to Christ, please come to the altar during altar call at the next service. CLOSING PRAYER (Have someone close out the Bible Study in prayer. Ask if anyone has a special prayer request, like an upcoming test or an issue on the job.) Family Matters (Special time to just talk!) So let s talk! What s on your mind? This is a special time to discuss any family matters, concerns, hot topics, etc. Give everyone an opportunity to express themselves and to ask questions. Family Night Activity (Whatever you choose to do as a family) Let the games begin! Now that we ve had an awesome Bible Study and talked about a few important (or perhaps not so important) family matters, let s continue to spend quality time together as a family! Some suggestions include board games, Uno, go for a walk or ride bikes, play charades, etc. Whatever you do, enjoy yourselves!