On a Mission From God | Part 1

Today’s Scripture Reading – Romans 9:1-19 [NLT]

Saul’s Backstory

“I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demanded the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.” (Philippians 3:5, NLT)

1. Saul is on for .
   “As he was approaching Damascus on this mission” (Acts 9:3, NLT)“Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.” (Acts 9:1-2, NLT)
   

   How often are we like Saul to some degree?
   What mission or personal agendas do we push?

2. “ God…” Moments
   Is God interrupting your agenda or mission?
   How are you responding when he does interrupt your agenda or mission?
3. Saul on from !
   “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16, NLT)Reminder of God’s mission: “18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NLT)
   You are a disciple who makes disciples.
4. Being on a Mission from God !
   “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31, NLT)
5. To be on Mission From God, we need .
   Saul in Arabia and Damascus (Galatians 1:17-18). God spiritually prepared Saul to become Paul in the wilderness and in a community of believers in.Who is your community of believers?BAND – https://discipleshipbands.com

   We need everyone working together to accomplish God’s mission!

6. on Mission from God.
   “2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
   4So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. 5 There, in the town of Salamis, they went to the Jewish synagogues and preached the word of God. John Mark went with them as their assistant.” (Acts 13:2-5, NLT)
   
   2025 AWAC Annual Conference: 
   
   • 43 people were ordained as Elder and/or Deacon & commission to serve God’s church
   • Carrie Given received as a Transitional Local Pastor
   • Bill Kelley was received as a Certified Lay Minister
   • Pastor Nathan, Pastor Peggy, & Pastor Mark are re-appointed as your pastors at Cornerstone for the next year
   • 90 people responded to the call of church planting
   • 20 people felt the call to ministry… even one of our own students feels God’s call on their life for vocational ministry
   • Salvations – I know of at least one student who served who gave his life to Jesus from another church in our circuit (Ethan M.) and heard of others. 
   • $145,000+ was raised to support clergy education
   • 14 youth served in so many ways to help behind the scenes & lead worship
   • 36 People were chose to lead the delegation to General Conference in South Africa in 2026. Our own Kathy Rohrs is leading the laity delegation!

   Acts 13:47-49 (NLT):

   47 For the Lord gave us this command when he said,
   ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
       to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” (from Isaiah 49:6)
   48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. 49 So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.

7. Each of us is on Mission from God.
   Paul’s 1st Mission Journey
   
   BE ON MISSION FROM GOD!!!

========= Discussion Questions =========

1. Write out your mission in life in a few sentences. Share with your group.
2. Does your life’s mission align with God’s mission?
3. What might you need to change in your life to align your mission to God’s mission?
4. What ways is God calling you to serve others? What does this practically look like?
5. Where is God calling you to go? (Name a place or two. These can be places you are already regularly go but God is calling you to intentional use these spaces as a way to share the Gospel with others.)
6. What does living a life on mission from God look like?

========= Reading Plan for this week =========
Monday: Acts 9:1-19
Tuesday: Acts 9:20-33
Wednesday: Acts 10
Thursday: Acts 11
Friday: Acts 12
Saturday: Acts 13