Your Journey · Stage 4 of 6

Engaging the World

Engaging the World artwork

Part 1

Understanding God's Heart

Mission flows from understanding God's glory filling the earth like water covers the seas (Habakkuk 2:14). We join God's sending nature, following Jesus' example of incarnational ministry that enters communities with love and humility. God's heart has always been for all peoples to know His glory.

1

The Tapestry of God's Glory

God's glory is woven throughout history in His creativity, image bearers, intimate communities, and mission movement.

Scripture Set

  1. God's glory fills the earth like waters the sea Habakkuk 2:13-14
  2. Glory in creation Genesis 1 1-13,:27-28
  3. Glory in creation Genesis 1:26-31
  4. All the nations will worship Psalm 86:8-10
  5. Every tribe and tongue Revelation 7:9-10
  6. Created for My glory Isaiah 43:6-7
  7. Declare His glory among nations Psalm 96:1-10
  8. Glory revealed in creation Romans 1:19-20
  9. Glory given to disciples John 17:22-24

Key Questions

What do you learn about God's glory?

2

Jesus' Way of Mission

Jesus models mission - entering communities with humility, finding people of peace, and multiplying disciples.

Scripture Set

  1. Sending the 70 with principles Luke 10:1-12
  2. Mission instructions to twelve Matthew 10:5-15
  3. Going out two by two Mark 6:6-12
  4. Jesus gives power and authority Luke 9:1-6
  5. The Spirit sends workers Acts 13:1-4
  6. Ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Key Questions

What am I learning about mission?

Part 2

Moving into the Neighborhood

The incarnation reveals God's method of mission - entering our world, taking on our limitations, and emptying Himself of divine privileges to serve and save. This kenosis (self-emptying) demonstrates how power is expressed through weakness and how we should approach cross-cultural ministry with humility.

1

The Word became flesh...

John 1 reveals the cosmic significance of incarnation - the eternal Word entering time and space to bring light and life.

Scripture Set

  1. In the beginning was the Word John 1:1-5
  2. True light came into the world John 1:9-14
  3. Grace upon grace from fullness John 1:16-18
  4. God has spoken by His Son Hebrews 1:1-4
  5. Born of woman born under law Galatians 4:4-7
  6. What law could not do Romans 8:3-4

Key Questions

What am I learning about the nature of Jesus?

2

Laying down our power and privilege

Philippians 2 shows how Jesus emptied Himself not of His divine nature but of divine privileges, demonstrating ultimate humility and servant leadership.

Scripture Set

  1. The mind of Christ is humility Philippians 2:1-11
  2. He became poor so we might be rich 2 Corinthians 8:8-11
  3. He shares in flesh and blood Hebrews 2:14-18
  4. Jesus came not to be served but to serve Mark 10:42-45
  5. Jesus washed the disciples' feet John 13:1-17
  6. We preach not ourselves 2 Corinthians 4:1-5
  7. Paul became all things to all for the purposes of ministry 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Key Questions

What is Jesus asking me to lay down?

Part 3

Finding People of Peace

Jesus taught us to look for people with open hearts, open homes, and open networks. These "people of peace" become bridges for the Gospel to flow naturally through existing relationships and communities, multiplying disciples organically.

1

People of Peace

People of peace welcome the message, the messenger, and introduce both to their networks.

Scripture Set

  1. Peace rests on the worthy house Luke 10:5-7
  2. Find the worthy person in town Matthew 10:11-14
  3. Lydia opens her heart and home Acts 16:11-15
  4. A Samaritan woman brings the whole town John 4:39-42
  5. Cornelius gathers his household Acts 10:24-48
  6. Zacchaeus receives Jesus gladly Luke 19:1-10
  7. Andrew and Philip bring others John 1:41-46

Key Questions

How does this build my understanding of who "People of Peace" are?

2

Examples Throughout Scripture

Scripture provides numerous examples of people who opened their hearts, homes, and networks to God's messengers.

Scripture Set

  1. A demoniac tells the whole region Mark 5:18-20
  2. The Philippian jailer and household Acts 16:25-34
  3. The Centurion's faith recognized Matthew 8:5-13
  4. Centurion loved the people Luke 7:1-10
  5. Aquila, Priscilla, Titius Justus Acts 18 1-4,:7-8
  6. Greeks come to Philip John 12:20-22
  7. Publius welcomes Paul Acts 28:7-10

Key Questions

What made these people "People of Peace"?

Go Deeper

Articles for this stage

The Tapestry of God

Building an understanding of the Glory of God through the analogy of a tapestry.

Movement

A Practical Lesson From The Tapestry of God

Building an understanding of the Glory of God through the analogy of a tapestry.

Movement

Movement, Mission and the Importance of Post Colonial Thought

A brief look at the importance of post-colonial thought.

Decolonization

Learning from Indigenous Resources

A note about prioritizing learning from and elevating indigenous voices.

Decolonization

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