Forest Park Covenant Church
The Missions Pathway
Locations & Times
Forest Park Covenant Church
3815 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Growing in Christ is not an option. A survey of some key passages tells us this truth:
Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, which means within the context of these verses, to teach people to “obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus then assures that He will be present in this undertaking.
Jesus also said this in John 8:31-32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Obedience isn’t a no-win proposition. It actually is a win-win. We get to obey Jesus and by obeying we are set free.
At the same time, the cost of following Jesus is our whole life. Luke 9:23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” 95% obedience to Jesus is...5% short.
So, we are called to make disciples and the question that comes with that is How? How do we make disciples?
This Pathway series is an attempt to answer the “How?” question, by looking at how we learn as one of the keys to unlocking discipleship.
Our Journey together in Pathways works like this:
STEP 1:
Go to the weekend service.
WEEKEND SERVICE
The weekend message is the foundation of teaching—an essential part of this journey that will help you understand and process both your guide and group experience. Don’t skip it. This guide depends on the weekend experience. Take notes and grow together!
STEP 2:
Go through the devotions everyday.
DEVOTIONS
After Sunday we will have daily devotions following up on the message. On some days there will be a devotional thought based on the passage, on other days there will be a short memory verse. Commit to 15 minutes a day and watch God work.
STEP 3:
Engage with your small group.
SMALL GROUP
Small groups center our time together. They give focus to the emphasis on community life. Make sure you’re in a group. We will also have special groups starting up just for the series.
STEP 4:
Engage in the extras.
EXTRAS
There are 2 extra touches:
1. Ash Wed Service on Feb 26
2. Worship experience on Mar 29
3. Mark the Moment on Mar 29
At the weekend service we will initiate discussion in the following two things:
1. We will look at the Baselines of all discipleship.
These Baselines are what all learning pathways have in common, and there are six we will talk about:
Scripture
Prayer
Fellowship
Worship
Stewardship
Rest
2. We will look at various Pathways to discipleship. People learn differently, there are four pathways we will talk about:
Relational Pathway
Service Pathway
Worldview Pathway
Mission Pathway.
These four represent the fact that there are many ways to grow.
Three Goals for Pathways
1. Understand baselines of growth
2. Understand the pathway that helps you to grow.
3. Make plans to grow in your pathway.
1. There are many pathways to growth
2. Locate and lean into your main pathway
3. Every pathway has the same baselines, or foundations
Memory scripture for the day:
II Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The mission of the church is to make disciples of all nations, which means within the context of these verses, to teach people to “obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus then assures that He will be present in this undertaking.
Jesus also said this in John 8:31-32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Obedience isn’t a no-win proposition. It actually is a win-win. We get to obey Jesus and by obeying we are set free.
At the same time, the cost of following Jesus is our whole life. Luke 9:23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” 95% obedience to Jesus is...5% short.
So, we are called to make disciples and the question that comes with that is How? How do we make disciples?
This Pathway series is an attempt to answer the “How?” question, by looking at how we learn as one of the keys to unlocking discipleship.
Our Journey together in Pathways works like this:
STEP 1:
Go to the weekend service.
WEEKEND SERVICE
The weekend message is the foundation of teaching—an essential part of this journey that will help you understand and process both your guide and group experience. Don’t skip it. This guide depends on the weekend experience. Take notes and grow together!
STEP 2:
Go through the devotions everyday.
DEVOTIONS
After Sunday we will have daily devotions following up on the message. On some days there will be a devotional thought based on the passage, on other days there will be a short memory verse. Commit to 15 minutes a day and watch God work.
STEP 3:
Engage with your small group.
SMALL GROUP
Small groups center our time together. They give focus to the emphasis on community life. Make sure you’re in a group. We will also have special groups starting up just for the series.
STEP 4:
Engage in the extras.
EXTRAS
There are 2 extra touches:
1. Ash Wed Service on Feb 26
2. Worship experience on Mar 29
3. Mark the Moment on Mar 29
At the weekend service we will initiate discussion in the following two things:
1. We will look at the Baselines of all discipleship.
These Baselines are what all learning pathways have in common, and there are six we will talk about:
Scripture
Prayer
Fellowship
Worship
Stewardship
Rest
2. We will look at various Pathways to discipleship. People learn differently, there are four pathways we will talk about:
Relational Pathway
Service Pathway
Worldview Pathway
Mission Pathway.
These four represent the fact that there are many ways to grow.
Three Goals for Pathways
1. Understand baselines of growth
2. Understand the pathway that helps you to grow.
3. Make plans to grow in your pathway.
1. There are many pathways to growth
2. Locate and lean into your main pathway
3. Every pathway has the same baselines, or foundations
Memory scripture for the day:
II Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
March 22, 2020
The Missions Pathways Week 5
Message Notes
Memory scripture for the day:
Psalm 67:3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.
Message Notes Week 5
The Missions Pathways Week 5
Message Notes
Memory scripture for the day:
Psalm 67:3 May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.
Message Notes Week 5
Monday, March 23, 2020
Read Psalm 67
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Devotional thought: John Piper has said of this passage that “mission exists because worship doesn’t.” How does he come to this conclusion (look especially at verse 3). Think about this idea of mission—that you are someone who brings others to worship God. How can you, today, be a part of bringing worship to God?
Pray: God of the universe all things were created by your mighty hand and I stand I awe of your power. Help me to live a life of worship and to love you so that others desire to worship you also!
Read Psalm 67
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Devotional thought: John Piper has said of this passage that “mission exists because worship doesn’t.” How does he come to this conclusion (look especially at verse 3). Think about this idea of mission—that you are someone who brings others to worship God. How can you, today, be a part of bringing worship to God?
Pray: God of the universe all things were created by your mighty hand and I stand I awe of your power. Help me to live a life of worship and to love you so that others desire to worship you also!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Read Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Devotional thought: The logic of Jesus’ words here in the Sermon on the Mount is straightforward. You can’t hide a well lit town that’s elevated. You don’t light a lamp only to hide it so it’s useless. No, light is meant to enlighten others. The clear implication is that we are to let people see what we do not so that others would see how great we are, but that others would see God’s greatness. Be the light of the world today.
Pray: Lord help me to bring attention to You today...just You.
Read Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Devotional thought: The logic of Jesus’ words here in the Sermon on the Mount is straightforward. You can’t hide a well lit town that’s elevated. You don’t light a lamp only to hide it so it’s useless. No, light is meant to enlighten others. The clear implication is that we are to let people see what we do not so that others would see how great we are, but that others would see God’s greatness. Be the light of the world today.
Pray: Lord help me to bring attention to You today...just You.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Read Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Devotional thought: We’ve given a further context to what has been called the Great Commission. Verses 16-17 are usually not given, but notice that there is one disciple missing (Judas), and that verse 17 states that they worshiped him, “but some doubted.” It may be that the doubters are among the eleven. It appears so, since no others are mentioned. That seems about right to me. Even the most hardy believers, those who have been around for a long time, have had moments of doubt. Yet, doubt in itself can be a precursor to belief, and doubt in believers does not deter Jesus from giving the Great Challenge, aka the Great Commission. When you approach this Commission today, remember that even the disciples, standing at the very feet of Jesus, struggled. In spite of that, Jesus is with us, even to the very end.
Pray: Empower me, today, to live out the challenge of making disciples of those you have called me to.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Family Activity
Jesus didn’t have to die for us—He chose to. And if that’s all He ever did for us, we’d have so many reasons to thank Him. But that’s not all Jesus has done. Jesus continues to choose us every single day.
He loves us. He forgives us. He wants to be in a relationship with us.
On our worst day, we have so much be thankful for!
This week, spend some time in gratitude, thanking Jesus for all He’s done and continues to do.
Family Activity possibilities:
· Put a stack of index cards (or cut up paper) and colorful pencils or markers on the kitchen table. All week long, write down things you are thankful for and leave the card where everyone can see it.
· Think of someone who has done something nice or generous for you and write them a thank you card.
· Do one kind thing for someone today—but do it in secret!
· Call or text someone today and tell them how thankful you are for them and why—be specific!
· Make a list of the top 10 things you are grateful for.
· Go outside and find a rock or stone. Using markers or paint, decorate and draw a cross or a heart on it. Place it somewhere you will see it regularly. Every time you do, thank Jesus for his sacrifice for us.
Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done and continue to do!
Read Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Devotional thought: We’ve given a further context to what has been called the Great Commission. Verses 16-17 are usually not given, but notice that there is one disciple missing (Judas), and that verse 17 states that they worshiped him, “but some doubted.” It may be that the doubters are among the eleven. It appears so, since no others are mentioned. That seems about right to me. Even the most hardy believers, those who have been around for a long time, have had moments of doubt. Yet, doubt in itself can be a precursor to belief, and doubt in believers does not deter Jesus from giving the Great Challenge, aka the Great Commission. When you approach this Commission today, remember that even the disciples, standing at the very feet of Jesus, struggled. In spite of that, Jesus is with us, even to the very end.
Pray: Empower me, today, to live out the challenge of making disciples of those you have called me to.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Family Activity
Jesus didn’t have to die for us—He chose to. And if that’s all He ever did for us, we’d have so many reasons to thank Him. But that’s not all Jesus has done. Jesus continues to choose us every single day.
He loves us. He forgives us. He wants to be in a relationship with us.
On our worst day, we have so much be thankful for!
This week, spend some time in gratitude, thanking Jesus for all He’s done and continues to do.
Family Activity possibilities:
· Put a stack of index cards (or cut up paper) and colorful pencils or markers on the kitchen table. All week long, write down things you are thankful for and leave the card where everyone can see it.
· Think of someone who has done something nice or generous for you and write them a thank you card.
· Do one kind thing for someone today—but do it in secret!
· Call or text someone today and tell them how thankful you are for them and why—be specific!
· Make a list of the top 10 things you are grateful for.
· Go outside and find a rock or stone. Using markers or paint, decorate and draw a cross or a heart on it. Place it somewhere you will see it regularly. Every time you do, thank Jesus for his sacrifice for us.
Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done and continue to do!
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Read I Corinthians 9:19-23
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Devotional thought: Read this passage to yourself, and when you come to the latter part of verse 22, read that out loud, and with gusto. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
All things
All people
All possible means
In order to save some.
The challenge of the Missions Pathway is the challenge of being all in, of being fully committed to the needs of others, so that there would be no obstacle to their coming to faith. Paul realized that God was all in for him, and that if anyone was undeserving of this, it was himself, for he was Saul of Tarsus, become Paul, the one who had persecuted the church.
Pray: Lord, I confess I am less than all in for the salvation of others. Embolden me and empower me to be all in for the sake of others.
Read I Corinthians 9:19-23
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Devotional thought: Read this passage to yourself, and when you come to the latter part of verse 22, read that out loud, and with gusto. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
All things
All people
All possible means
In order to save some.
The challenge of the Missions Pathway is the challenge of being all in, of being fully committed to the needs of others, so that there would be no obstacle to their coming to faith. Paul realized that God was all in for him, and that if anyone was undeserving of this, it was himself, for he was Saul of Tarsus, become Paul, the one who had persecuted the church.
Pray: Lord, I confess I am less than all in for the salvation of others. Embolden me and empower me to be all in for the sake of others.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Read Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Devotional thought: What do you think of as home? Name it here_________________
What is the furthest distance you’ve been from home? Name it here__________________
Some of us love to travel, some of us love to be homebodies.
In this passage, power through the Holy Spirit is coupled with all places of geography. The circle moves ever outward, from the place you call home, (Jerusalem), all the way to the end of the earth. Just know that God is with you in the Mission Pathway, no matter where you are.
Pray: Lord, when I look around today, I know that you are present with me to witness. Where do you want me to go tomorrow?
Read Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Devotional thought: What do you think of as home? Name it here_________________
What is the furthest distance you’ve been from home? Name it here__________________
Some of us love to travel, some of us love to be homebodies.
In this passage, power through the Holy Spirit is coupled with all places of geography. The circle moves ever outward, from the place you call home, (Jerusalem), all the way to the end of the earth. Just know that God is with you in the Mission Pathway, no matter where you are.
Pray: Lord, when I look around today, I know that you are present with me to witness. Where do you want me to go tomorrow?
Sabbath Saturday, March 28, 2020
How I will rest today
Read Romans 10:8-17
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Devotional thought: In order for people to hear the good news, somebody has to speak it. “Faith comes from hearing the message.”
Are you able to speak the message?
To whom are you called to speak the message?
Pray: Lord, I want to be your messenger. Help me to go and speak.
How I will rest today
Read Romans 10:8-17
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Devotional thought: In order for people to hear the good news, somebody has to speak it. “Faith comes from hearing the message.”
Are you able to speak the message?
To whom are you called to speak the message?
Pray: Lord, I want to be your messenger. Help me to go and speak.
Week Five Small Group Questions
For Small Groups during the Week of March 23-28, 2020
1. Share about something you lost that you still think about.
2. Read Luke 15 :1-7
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.2
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
3. What is Jesus critiquing in verse 1-2?
4. What is Jesus saying in verses 3-7? What is he not saying?
5. The two parables that follow are the lost coin, and the Prodigal son:
· Something is lost
· Something is found
· There’s a great celebration
· There is a statement that brings meaning
15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
15:32 “...we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
How does this progression and attitude change our own, and how does it affect our actions?
6. Take a moment and pray for lost people that you know.
7. Share and pray for each other.
For Small Groups during the Week of March 23-28, 2020
1. Share about something you lost that you still think about.
2. Read Luke 15 :1-7
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.2
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
3. What is Jesus critiquing in verse 1-2?
4. What is Jesus saying in verses 3-7? What is he not saying?
5. The two parables that follow are the lost coin, and the Prodigal son:
· Something is lost
· Something is found
· There’s a great celebration
· There is a statement that brings meaning
15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
15:32 “...we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
How does this progression and attitude change our own, and how does it affect our actions?
6. Take a moment and pray for lost people that you know.
7. Share and pray for each other.