Relentless Mission - I Pursue Others

Introduction

The best sports teams are made up of the best teammates; that’s simple. They are constantly looking to add others to their team who will help each athlete and the whole team to perform at their best. This is also true of Jesus’ team, the Church. We are on a relentless mission as we pursue others to join us in the life transforming relationship we enjoy with God through Christ.

Application

1. Has there been a time in your career where a star teammate has pushed you to perform better?
2. Have you ever witnessed or read about a coach going to extreme measures to pursue an athlete? How valuable do you think that athlete felt?
3. Do you pursue opportunities to talk with your teammates off the field, court, track or mat?
4. What are some of the best things you share with your teammates on the field of competition?
5. What do you and your teammates talk about as you go to and from the practice field, court, track or mat?

Bridge

Mark’s gospel at chapter 16 and verse 15 tells us about a conversation Jesus had with His disciples after He had risen from the dead: “Then He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.’”

1. Given that Jesus’ disciples had no cars, no phones and no Internet access, how were they supposed to follow Jesus’ directions?
2. How big of a task must this have looked like to these men?

Connection

1. When you heard this scripture, whose name or face came to mind?
2. How would you share the gospel of Jesus with them?
3. To what parts of the world could Jesus be sending you?

Discovery

If gospel simply means “good news about Jesus,” then think of ways you can share the good news with your teammates. Write down a few names and ideas of how you can lovingly pursue them to join team Jesus. Begin to pray and watch for opportunities to share God’s love with them.

Close

Memory verse:  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8