Joe tells his son, Cody, to get dressed so they aren’t late to the 10 a.m. Sunday morning service.“Dad, do we have to go? Church is boring!”
“Cody, church is good for you. We don’t want to forsake the assembling of ourselves together!”
“Dad, what does it mean to assemble ourselves together?” Cody said, “I’d rather be playing soccer with my friends on Sunday morning.” “My friends in the youth group don’t say anything in Sunday School. They aren’t any different than people who don’t go to church. In fact, they’re more loving and less judgmental than those who don’t go to church,” Cody said.
Doesn’t God have something more exciting and fulfilling for us? It’s better than surfing the largest wave, making the million-dollar sale, experiencing the thrill of victory or getting an A on a final test. Luke 10 shows how we can join a movement of adventure with God.
1. Ask God for laborers
Jesus appointed 70 followers and sent them in groups of two to every place where He was going to visit. He said to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. They were to be lambs in the midst of wolves (Luke 10:1-3). Ask God for laborers to be sent out into the harvest field.
2. Pursue interactive, trust-filled relationships
Carry no money or supplies, and do not greet anyone on the way. Whatever city you enter, stay and don’t leave a house that contains a man of peace. The goal is discipleship until peace rests and remains there (Luke 10:4-8).
Pursue interactive, trust-filled relationships leading to gospel conversations and hospitality.
3. Trust God’s power to heal and share gospel
Heal those who are sick and say, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” If they don’t listen, their judgment will be worse than Tyre and Sidon that leads to Hades. One who listens to you listens to Me, and one who rejects you rejects Me (Luke 10:9-16). Trust God’s power to heal and share gospel of kingdom so it connects with them.
4. Affirm your identity in Christ
The 72 told Jesus that demons were subject to them in His name. Jesus said He watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning and gave them authority so the enemy wouldn’t injure them. Jesus said to rejoice their names were recorded in heaven, not spirits submitting to them. Jesus rejoiced that the Father revealed revelation to them rather than the educated and kings
(Luke 10:17-24). Affirm your identity in Christ instead of ministry results.
5. Show compassion ministering to practical needs
A lawyer asked what he should to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to love God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind and neighbor as himself. Jesus told a parable about the Good Samaritan who felt compassion toward someone robbed. Instead of passing by, he bandaged their wounds, poured oil, put him on his own beast, brought him to an inn, cared for him, and paid two denarii to the innkeeper while he went away (Luke 10:25-37).
Show compassion ministering to practical needs that come across your path.
6. Listen to God and pray persistently for God’s kingdom
Martha offered hospitality as she welcomed Jesus into her home. Her sister, Mary, listened to the Lord’s word, while sitting at His feet. Martha was distracted with all her preparations. Jesus said she was worried and bothered about so many things, but Mary chose the good part. Pray persistently for God’s kingdom to come on earth and for the Holy Spirit
(Luke 10:38-11:13). Listen to God and pray persistently for God’s kingdom and Holy Spirit
Ask > Relationships > Heal > Gospel > Identity > Compassion > Listen & Pray
Will you join the movement of adventure with God? Notice the gospel is at the center of everything we do. Ask God for laborers. Pursue interactive, trust-filled relationships leading to gospel conversations. Trust God’s power to heal and share the gospel of the kingdom so it connects. Affirm your identity in Christ. Show compassion ministering to practical needs. Listen to God and pray persistently for God’s kingdom and Holy Spirit so you repeat the movement of adventure with Him.
Jesus is at work (notice last part of Luke 10:1—”place where He was about to go”). To see movement, train your friends and family who reach their friends and family, who reach their friends and family.
