How and Why Jesus Sends Us Out as His Church

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Questions and Answers

What challenges does the church in the West currently face?

A rise in religious institutions gaining public trust

Declining church attendance and surplus church buildings (correct)

An increase in church attendance and community support

An abundance of new members and financial resources

Which factor has contributed to the decline in trust towards institutions, including the church?

Increased community engagement in local initiatives

Gaining confidence in political leadership

Widespread suspicion about various institutions (correct)

Improved healthcare systems worldwide

According to the content, what global issues have intensified recently?

Labor shortages and supply chain challenges (correct)

Global cooperation and cultural exchange

A rise in global tourism and travel

Declining wealth inequality

How did the global pandemic affect the church and society?

It exacerbated existing societal and church challenges Signup and view all the answers

What historical context was present when Jesus sent out his disciples?

An environment of religious pluralism and unrest Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary mission of the seventy-two disciples sent by Jesus?

To share the good news of the kingdom of God Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the church's practices may need to change to fulfill its apostolic calling?

Reimagine missional practices of evangelism Signup and view all the answers

What caution did Jesus provide to his disciples regarding their mission?

They needed to approach people with humility Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Son's sacrifice according to the content?

To offer a sufficient sacrifice for sins. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Holy Spirit play according to the discussion?

To comfort and empower the church. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the seventy-two disciples joyful when reporting their ministry impact?

They experienced God's transformative work. Signup and view all the answers

What warning did Jesus give to protect the disciples?

Avoid developing unhealthy pride. Signup and view all the answers

How should people respond to rejection according to the teaching?

Issue a warning and offer hope. Signup and view all the answers

What must individuals acknowledge in order to accept God's love?

Who God is and their identity in relation to Him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus Jesus advised the disciples to maintain after their successful mission?

The grace of God Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about the process of acceptance toward faith?

It often occurs in stages and gradually. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate source of evangelism according to the discussion?

God’s grace. Signup and view all the answers

Which essential belief is highlighted as crucial for any evangelistic mission?

Trust in God's reconciling power Signup and view all the answers

What practice of hospitality did Jesus instruct his disciples to engage in during their mission?

Accepting hospitality from the community Signup and view all the answers

What type of activities can churches engage in to build relationships with non-Christians?

Serve alongside community members in projects Signup and view all the answers

What clear mission were Jesus’s disciples sent out to accomplish?

Share the good news of God's kingdom Signup and view all the answers

How were the earliest Christian fellowships described in their approach to making new disciples?

Relational and organic Signup and view all the answers

In what way can churches engage with their local community to share their faith?

By organizing events that welcome everyone Signup and view all the answers

What foundational message is at the heart of the Christian gospel?

God is for us Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response did Jesus exhibit when the disciples returned with good reports?

Rejoicing in the Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

What was cited as a key characteristic of Jesus that motivated the disciples?

His compelling nature Signup and view all the answers

What should be the appropriate response to rejection in ministry, according to the lessons outlined?

Staying focused on God’s grace Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is made regarding the disciples’ sending out and their relationship to Jesus?

Like committed family members Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Jesus is highlighted as foundational to church mission today?

His compelling and life-giving presence Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jesus send out seventy-two disciples instead of a different number?

This number symbolized the number of nations at the time. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jesus mean by sending disciples out like 'lambs into the midst of wolves'?

Disciples should embrace their vulnerability. Signup and view all the answers

What were the disciples instructed to carry with them?

No purse, bag, or sandals. Signup and view all the answers

What should the disciples say to a household when they enter?

Peace to this house. Signup and view all the answers

What action were the disciples to take if a town rejected them?

Wipe the dust off their feet as a protest. Signup and view all the answers

How did the seventy-two disciples react upon their return?

They returned with joy at their success. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Jesus saying 'I watched Satan fall from heaven'?

It emphasized the power of his disciples. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus encourage the disciples to rejoice about?

Their names being written in heaven. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum according to Jesus?

They would face severe judgment for their unbelief. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the seventy-two sent out in pairs?

To fulfill the requirement of two witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the laborers are few' signify in this context?

Many people are not willing to share the gospel. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the healing of the sick play in the mission of the disciples?

It served as a sign of their authority and good news. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jesus indicate about knowledge of the Father in this passage?

God reveals it to whomever He chooses. Signup and view all the answers

What should the disciples focus on during their mission according to Jesus?

Trusting in God's provision and witnessing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Challenges Facing the Western Church

Declining attendance and deteriorating church buildings impede church vitality.
Widespread skepticism about institutions, including churches, affects credibility and engagement.
Increasing wealth inequality persists despite global poverty alleviation successes.
Ongoing issues: global supply chains, labor shortages, political conflicts, climate crises, and societal polarization exacerbated by the pandemic.

Jesus Sends Disciples

Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples to share the Kingdom of God’s message in Galilee.
The number seventy-two symbolizes the nations known at the time, indicating the gospel's universal reach.
Disciples instructed to travel in pairs for mutual support and to establish credibility through the requirement of two witnesses.

Instructions for Evangelism

Jesus emphasized vulnerability in their mission, likening them to "lambs among wolves."
Discouraged carrying extra resources; encouraged reliance on God's provision and hospitality from others.
Offered a specific greeting of peace and healing to demonstrate God’s presence.
If rejected, they were to wipe the dust from their feet, signaling the community's missed opportunity.

Focus on Relationship and Community Engagement

Building relationships through shared activities like community service fosters trust and connection.
Proactive engagement with non-Christians can be achieved through collaborative efforts in community initiatives.
Hosting inclusive community events can help Christ followers engage meaningfully with their neighbors.

Key Messages of the Mission

The mission included proclaiming the Kingdom of God’s proximity and offering healing.
Disciples were to focus on relational ministry, leading to transformative experiences that fostered faith communities.
Core message: God is for us, highlighting His love and ongoing desire for human connection.

Response to Rejection

Jesus acknowledged potential rejection of the message yet instructed disciples to maintain a hopeful outlook.
Leaving a message of hope after rejection can encourage future acceptance and openness towards God's message.
Healing and transformed lives serve as lasting testimonies, fostering continued interest in the gospel.

Maintaining Focus on God’s Grace

The seventy-two reported joyfully on their ministry successes, but Jesus warned against pride.
Emphasis needed on God's grace, not personal accomplishments; keep the focus on gratitude and humility.
Evangelism viewed as a divine calling where followers actively participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.

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Description

This quiz explores the challenges faced by the Western church, including declining attendance and competing spiritualities. It also examines the role of the church in addressing social issues like poverty and suspicion towards institutions. Engage with thought-provoking questions that discuss the mission of the church in today's society.