Faith Talk – April 27, 2025

Sunday: April 27, 2025
Series: Mission Sunday
Sermon: The Great Pursuit

Revelation 7:9-10 – After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!

This "Mission Sunday" sermon called "The Great Pursuit" emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel in light of the statistic that 174,202 people die daily without Christ. Beginning with the vision of Revelation 7:9-10 showing a diverse multitude worshiping in heaven, the message connects this future reality to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus commands believers to make disciples through going, baptizing, and teaching. The sermon highlights Acts 1:8 as the empowerment believers receive through the Holy Spirit to pursue this mission, starting locally and extending globally.

Through partnership with the International Mission Board, the church celebrates tangible mission accomplishments while challenging members to pursue personal involvement through praying, giving, engaging with local partners, participating in Go Days and community outreach, and supporting next-generation ministry initiatives.

Main Points:

• God's vision is a diverse multitude from every nation worshiping together in heaven.
• Jesus commands all believers to make disciples through going, baptizing, and teaching.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses from local communities to global nations.
• Personal involvement in missions can include praying, giving, and going.
• Every one of the 174,202 people who die apart from Christ is a person who matters to God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your beautiful vision of people from every nation worshiping You in heaven. We're grateful that You've invited us to be part of your great mission and that you've given us your Holy Spirit to empower us for the task. We ask for courage to share the gospel with those around us and for your heart of compassion toward the 174,202 people who die each day without knowing You. Please help us see each person as someone with a name that matters deeply to you. We commit to taking our next step in the Great Pursuit—whether through praying more intentionally, giving more generously, or going boldly to share Your love. May our family be part of fulfilling your vision of disciple-making from every nation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Create a "Mission Prayer Map" using a world map printed online or drawn on a poster board. Each week, choose a different country or region to learn about together. Research basic facts about the country, what religions are practiced there, and any missionaries your church supports in that area. Place a small sticky note or pin on that country and write a simple prayer for the people there.

During family meals throughout the week, pray specifically for that country. Over time, your map will fill with prayers for nations around the world, helping everyone visualize the global nature of God's mission and developing a heart for people of all nations.

This ongoing activity helps children understand both geography and the importance of global missions in a tangible way.