Send Sunday 2025

Sunday, April 27th, 2025

Read

Main Claim: Jesus strengthens those He sends. 

Problem: Disciples are afraid and need their faith strengthened.

Solution: To strengthen His disciples’ faith, Jesus gives three gifts.

First Gift: His Presence

  • Q: Pastor Jason used two passages to show that Jesus’ presence gives strength to His sent disciples. What passages did he use and how might this gift strengthen us to take risks in ministry? [A: John 20:19-20; Matt. 29:18-20]

  • Q: Share a time when you were anxious and someone encouraging showed up.  How did that make you feel? In light of Jesus’ promise, how will being “never alone” influence your desires? Your thoughts? Your choices? 

Second Gift: His Peace

  • Q: John 20:19-20 shows Jesus knowing of our fears in times of risk-taking ministry. Why do you suppose he said to His fearful disciple twice, “peace be with you”? 

  • Q: Pastor Jason said, “The bridge to peace is a drawbridge of prayer.”  What did he mean by this? HINT: Reread Phil. 4:6-7. Notice two types of prayers. How do they relate? What is the promise God gives us in this passage?

Third Gift: His Power

  • Q: John 20:22 tells us that Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “receive the Holy Spirit.” Much can be said and read about this verse. But one thing for certain. Power is needed from Jesus by His Spirit to His people in ministry. Read Acts 1:8. How will you demonstrate His power in taking steps into His ministry? 

  • “We are sent on the mission of God by the power of God.” Let’s go! 

Suggestions for applications

  • This week, thank our Heavenly Father for giving us a sending church - UBC. “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” Pray for our Elders. Pray for our leaders. Pray for all of us that we will believe Jesus loves to strengthen His fearing disciples by giving Himself to them through these three gifts. 

  • Where is Jesus sending you? Into a difficult discussion? Across the street to talk with your neighbor? Out with one of UBC’s ministries helping to spread the gospel to others? 

  • Consider memorizing and meditating on John 20:19-22. List threatening things you see in this passage. Relate them to your own lives. What does Jesus want you to believe coming from John 20:19-22? How will trusting Him change your desires? Your thoughts? Your choices? 

  • PRAY for Gospel Heights starting their first service on 5/4.  PRAY for the many who are sent out from UBC.  

  • Please read Exodus 13:17-22. What are some reasons we can say, Jesus is calling himself God through his statement about light?

  • Please read 1 John 1:5-10.  How does the light of Christ dictate our actions and life decisions?

  • Please read Matthew 5:14-16. If light is from Christ, how do we practically “shine our light”? How does the presence of God transform our hearts?

  • Jason talked about the desensitization of darkness in our lives. What are some practical ways we can keep ourselves “walking in the light”?

  • Religiousity does not equal walking in the light. What are some ways you tend to trust in religious activity?

  • What are some ways we can shadow or stretch the truth? Why is truth such an important attribute of Christ and His followers?

  • Reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:6 together if you have time.