## Transcript Evan Johnson discussed the importance of being a gospel-centered church, emphasizing mission, community, worship, and discipleship. He referenced Acts 1:8, highlighting the mandate to be witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Johnson drew parallels to the Apollo 11 mission, stressing the need for intentionality and boldness in sharing faith. He outlined three aspects of the mission: commission, call, and confession, urging believers to proclaim the gospel actively. Johnson encouraged the congregation to identify opportunities to share their faith, pray for boldness, and support each other in their mission. ## Action Items - [ ] Reflect on what role you are playing in the mission of God. - [ ] Pray for boldness to share the hope of the gospel with those in your life who need it. - [ ] Consider inviting someone to go with you to share the gospel, as Jesus sent out His disciples two by two. ## Outline ### Clarifying the Song's Message and Introduction to the Series - Evan Johnson explains that the song is about being loving and holy in all aspects of life, not just in the heart. - He introduces a four-week series on the gospel-centered church, starting with the mission. - Evan Johnson reads Acts 1:8, emphasizing the mission to be witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. - He prays for guidance in understanding what it means to be a gospel-centered church. ### Personal Anecdote and Connection to the Mission - Evan Johnson shares his experience of visiting Kennedy Space Center and the significance of the moon mission. - He draws parallels between the moon mission and the church's mission to proclaim the gospel. - Evan Johnson highlights the importance of community, worship, and discipleship in a gospel-centered church. - He emphasizes that the church must be about the mission, community, worship, and discipleship, with prayer as the priority. ### The Great Commission and Its Implications - Evan Johnson discusses the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 and its significance for the church. - He explains the term "commission" and its relevance to the church's mission. - Evan Johnson outlines three aspects of the mission: the commission of Christians, the call of Christians, and the confession to the mission. - He stresses that the church is appointed to perform a specific task: sharing the gospel. ### Understanding the Mission and the Role of the Church - Evan Johnson explains that the mission in Acts 1:8 is to be witnesses, and this applies to the entire church. - He compares the church's mission to a command, not a suggestion, emphasizing the importance of obedience. - Evan Johnson discusses the dual aspects of being a witness: a person and an action. - He shares a personal anecdote about sharing his faith with a waiter from Indonesia. ### The Calling of Christians to the Mission - Evan Johnson references Isaiah's calling and Paul's calling on the Damascus Road to illustrate the broader calling of all Christians. - He emphasizes that all believers are called into the ministry of the Lord, not just pastors and missionaries. - Evan Johnson quotes Ephesians 4:12, highlighting the role of pastors in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. - He encourages the congregation to recognize and answer the call to be witnesses for Christ. ### The Confession to the Mission - Evan Johnson explains the two parts of the mission: an outright confession of faith and the proclamation of the gospel. - He outlines the steps of faith: admitting sin, believing in Jesus, and confessing faith. - Evan Johnson emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel to those who have not heard. - He encourages the congregation to be intentional about sharing their faith and to pray for boldness. ### Practical Steps for Proclaiming the Gospel - Evan Johnson suggests practical ways to share the gospel, such as being observant, having conversations, and being prepared. - He offers to help members of the congregation practice sharing their faith and encourages them to take someone with them. - Evan Johnson shares a personal story about a college friend who encouraged him to share his faith. - He emphasizes the importance of being faithful in proclaiming the gospel and trusting God to work through imperfect words. ### Encouragement and Final Prayer - Evan Johnson encourages the congregation to be a church that is singularly focused on the mission of proclaiming the gospel. - He asks the congregation to consider their role in the mission and to be intentional about sharing their faith. - Evan Johnson prays for boldness and proactive proclamation of the gospel. - He invites the congregation to come forward for prayer and to respond as the Lord leads them.