Mission and Values - outward focused

Outward Focused - We must go to the one unreached.

John's gospel is different from the other three gospels. They begin with the birth of Christ; John reaches back to creation (John 1:1), establishing that Jesus is the "in the beginning" and had become embodied (incarnated) as a human being to be the light of life for the world.

In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before He was to be crucified. He begins by praying for Himself, then for His disciples who will carry His message to the ends of the earth after He's gone. Finally, He prays for those His disciples will reach—people like you and me.

Jesus' Vision was Outward Focused. Jesus' prayer in the garden wasn't focused only on His impending death but on the desperate need of those He came to save. Likewise, being outward focused lifts our eyes from the mundane and places it where it belongs—on the eternal. Jesus' vision extends beyond those He had reached through time to those yet to be saved.

How does it impact your understanding of the depth of God's love for you that in His darkest hours, Jesus prayed for you?

Unity in Christ has an outward focus. In John 17:21, Jesus prays for unity among believers so that our testimony will draw others to Him. Just as Jesus is in harmony with His Father Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1; John 17:11; Colossians 1:15), He desires that there be unity among His followers so that people far from God will experience faith in Christ.

How is unity outward focused?
What is something about God or your faith you find difficult to comprehend or accept?

In John 17:22-23, Jesus explains why unity is imperative for Christ's followers—that the world many know that Jesus was sent by the Father. Jesus was more than a good man; He was sent by God, part of the Trinity, meaning God exists as three Persons. The three Persons are not each part of God but are each fully God and equally God. Jesus also wanted us to know the Father's love (1 John 1:2). Through His sacrifice at Calvary, we are adopted into God's family. That's why it's so important to be outward focused—so that the world may know God sent Him to reconcile us to the Father.

How is Christian unity expressed? (1 John 4:11; Matthew 22:39; Ephesians 2:14-22; Philippians 1:27)
What effect does Christian unity have on the watching world?
In what ways is our church community living up to this high calling for life together? In what ways are we not?
How can you contribute to greater unity in our church life?

Make a Move:

How does your life demonstrate an OUTWARD FOCUS? If you're unsure what that means or how you can get involved, reach out to one of our pastors for insight and support.

Prayer Prompt:

Prayer keeps us focused outward, revealing our dependence upon God and His grace.

Father, may we see this broken world through your eyes, a people in desperate need of a Savior. May we offer others the grace we have often been given, and may we love as you loved us. May they know we are Christians by our love. Amen