Worship Helps for Mission and Ministry Sunday

Worship Theme: Acts 1:8 – Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This commission is reflected in the mission of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which “exists to make disciples throughout the world for time and for eternity.” Mission and Ministry Sunday is a time to refocus ourselves on the mission Jesus has given us. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, as quoted by St. Paul, our mission is to Bring Salvation to the Ends of the Earth.

Old Testament: Isaiah 49:6 

⁶ He says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

1. How is verse 6 fulfilled? (Read Acts 13:38-48.)

Epistle: Acts 13:38-48 

³⁸ “So, gentlemen, brothers, let it be known to you that through this Jesus forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, also forgiveness from everything from which you could not be justified through the law of Moses. ³⁹ In this Jesus, everyone who believes is justified. ⁴⁰ So watch out that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you: ⁴¹ Look, you scoffers, be amazed and perish! For I am going to do something in your days, something you would never believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.”

⁴² As Paul and Barnabas were leaving, the people kept begging them to speak again on this same subject on the next Sabbath. ⁴³ When the meeting of the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of God. ⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with envy and began to contradict what Paul was saying by slandering him.

⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas responded fearlessly, “It was necessary that God’s word be spoken to you first. But since you reject it and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, look: We are now turning to the Gentiles! ⁴⁷ For this is what the Lord has instructed us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.”

⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were rejoicing and praising the word of the Lord. All who had been appointed for eternal life believed.

2. The message Paul shared was good news. Jesus had died for the sins of everyone there. After such a “positive” message, why did Paul go on to speak a harsh warning? (verse 41)

3. What does Acts 13:48 mean when it says: “All who were appointed for eternal life believed”?

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some hesitated because they were uncertain. ¹⁸ Jesus approached and spoke to them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you. And surely I am with you always until the end of the age.”

4. When Jesus met with his disciples in Galilee, he gave them their commission (and ours). What is behind each of the following phrases?

•     “all authority in heaven and on earth” (verse 18)

•     “Make disciples” (verse 19).

•     “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (verse 19)

•     “I am with you always” (verse 20).

Answers:

1. The Lord used Jesus to win salvation not only for the Israelites but for the Gentiles also. Jesus’ death and resurrection nullified the Old Testament law, which was given to Israel, so that salvation could come by faith and include the Gentiles also. That’s you and me!

2. Paul’s warning was actually very “positive” in the sense that a truthful warning intends to protect a person from danger. The stakes were eternal. The Jewish people had a long history of rejecting God and his promises. In fact, the warning was already issued to those who would live in Jesus’ day. If Paul had not reminded them of this prophecy, he would have omitted something necessary for the Jews to hear.

3. Before the creation of the world God chose those who would be saved (Ephesians 1:4). Those in Antioch whom God had graciously chosen were led to faith, a natural next step on their path to eternal life. The truth of predestination brings great comfort when we see our own human weakness and know that on our own we would surely fall. The Lord reminds us, “Your salvation is my work, from start to finish.”

4. •      “all authority in heaven and on earth” (verse 18) The disciples had always worried about authority. Jesus was saying that his kingdom had been established, not as the disciples expected but in such a perfect way that nothing in heaven or on earth is out of Jesus’ control.

•          “Make disciples” (verse 19). Jesus had made disciples out of them. They had witnessed Jesus do this. Now they were to do the same to others.

•          “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (verse 19) They were to make disciples by cleansing people in baptism and by teaching them to obey Jesus—to believe in him as their Savior and to follow his will.

•     “I am with you always” (verse 20). The disciples would never be alone. Nor are we alone. Jesus is with us as we carry out his will and preach the gospel.

New Adult Bible Study

Starting Sunday, November 4, a new Adult Bible Study based on the film "To the Ends of the Earth" begins. It will be taught by Pastor Zarling and Mr. Blauert. We will watch portions of the film as we study God’s Word together. The study will help us understand the purpose and power of sharing the gospel around the globe-beginning with people nearby.  The study leads participants to the stories of different types of people to connect them to the central importance of Jesus' story. We will see our mission through the eyes of the Apostle Paul. Join us for this study between Sunday worship services. 

In connection with our Mission and Ministry Sunday and new Bible study series, each family at Epiphany will receive a complimentary DVD of “To the Ends of the Earth.” Please watch the movie at home with your family. Then, give the DVD to someone who needs to hear this saving message.

Epiphany has purchased extra copies of the movie, if you would like to share the movie with more people. Speak to Mr. Blauert or Pastor Zarling to receive extra copies.

You can watch a clip of “To the Ends of the Earth” at this link.