Session 1
An Invitation to the Mission
From Prepare the Way
Have you ever driven down a familiar street, only to be stunned when a long-time local business or landmark has been torn down? Maybe your company has appointed a new CEO, and the landscape of your workplace is about to change drastically. Or perhaps something as simple as a software update has you wondering how to use your smartphone.
Our world is constantly changing — sometimes in small details, sometimes in huge shifts. These changes can be confusing or discouraging, but they can also be exciting. As people who follow Jesus, we can choose to be hopeful for the future even when we can’t clearly see what’s ahead.
Thousands of years ago, John the Baptist knew that the world was about to change. The Savior of the world was coming, and John’s life mission was to prepare the way for Him. He was known as “the voice of one calling in the wilderness,” announcing that everything was about to change — and they would get to witness it.
Today, we are on the other side of John’s announcement. We are people who already know that Jesus changed the world! But just like John, we are surrounded by people who still haven’t heard this life-changing news. And just like John, we’re invited to join the mission of sharing that good news and preparing the way for the kingdom of God.
Have you ever considered that taking a small step today could be the reason someone meets Jesus in the future? The Bible story you teach in KidSpring could live in a child’s heart and be shared one day with someone you’ll never meet. The prayers you offer for your small group members may impact their grandchildren one day. Giving your tithe and offerings can expand the kingdom far beyond your lifetime.
In 2020, NewSpring’s leadership team asked God how NewSpring Church could be on mission throughout the next decade. We believe He made three things abundantly clear: become debt free as a church, move all NewSpring campuses into permanent homes, and plant 10 churches around the world. We call these goals Vision 2030 — and we’re excited to partner with God and watch Him work. All we have to do is say “yes” to what He asks of us.
Your “yes” today paves the way for people to meet Jesus in the future. What “yes” is in front of you right now? What does preparing the way look like for you in your everyday life?
REFLECT: