Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Mission 2025: Core Values 3. United in Creation
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Mission 2025: Core Values 3. United in Creation
Shaun Rossi // Core Values: 3. United in Creation
“United in Christ and community, we seek to join God on his mission to make himself known and enjoyed in all creation. By extending his grace and mercy in word and deed to our neighbors, we hope to see the growth of God’s kingdom and gospel-centered churches in Finland and beyond.” (From the UCC core values found at: www.ucclife)
“17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
— Colossians 3:17; 4:2-6
Sermon OutlineI. Motivation of Mission, God’s Glory
“3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
— Colossians 3:3
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
— Mark 16:15
“7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
— Ephesians 1:7-10
“God looks on the communication of himself, and the emanation of the infinite glory and good that are in himself to belong to the fullness and completeness of himself, as though he were not in his most complete and glorious state without it. Thus the church of Christ is called the fullness of Christ: as though he were not in his complete state without her...”
— Jonathan Edwards
II. Medium of Mission, Relationships
“15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
— 1 Peter 3:15
III. Means of Mission, Word & Prayer
“for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”
— Acts 20:27
“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”
— Psalm 2.8
“1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
— Acts 6:1-4
Relationships: Where United in Christ, Community & creation flow together
As Paul notes in todays passage, relationships are vital to effective mission because the gospel message of restored relationships is communicated best when the medium — relationships — matches the message. This is demonstrated by our reconciled state; we need to show the reconciliation we are in. God is a relational God. It is our lives together with others, both Christian and non-Christian, that are to be the hermeneutic of the gospel. That is, to understand the gospel properly, people need to see the gospel being lived.
In Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In other words much of mission involves ordinary people doing ordinary things, but with intentionality orientating their words and deeds in a gospel way. Whether it is helping out a friend, a day at the office or playing a sport, there must be a commitment to building relationships, modeling the Christian faith and talking about the gospel as a natural part of conversation. We need to be intentional about the gospel, doing the ordinary things of life with a commitment to living and proclaiming the gospel - otherwise, we simply form good relationships, but they never go anywhere.
How are you being challenged to be more intentional with God’s mission?
Book Recommendation: “the Mission of god’s people” By: christopher wrightChristopher Wright, A UK bible teacher and theologian, has written an excellent book about what it means to be united in creation, called “The Mission of God’s People.
The book aims to answer the question, “What does the Bible as a whole in both testaments have to tell us about why the people of God exist and what it is they are supposed to be and do in the world?” By “mission,” then, Wright means the all-embracing purpose which encompasses everything that the people of God are called to be and do in this world. He writes, “So when I speak of mission, I am thinking of all that God is doing in his great purpose for the whole of creation and all that he calls us to do in cooperation with that purpose” (Certainly the contention that everything is mission is contentious, but Wright makes his case well and brings a balanced application).
The book comes with a study guide for each chapter making it an excellent choice to read with a small group, family, or together with a friend from UCC. If you would like to borrow a copy of the book from UCC, we keep a number of copies in our office. Contact [email protected] to arrange a pickup.
Small Group StudyInto the TextRead Colossians 3:17; 4:2-6.
1. Paul is writing from prison, and yet his request is for the Colossian believers to pray that he has more opportunities to share the Gospel and for God’s help that he would make the most of those opportunities by speaking the message clearly!
How does Paul’s example inspire you to be more content in your current circumstances and more committed to Christ’s mission?
Who are the specific people or situations that you are praying for at the moment for opportunities to share the Gospel with? Who/what can you add to this list this week?
2. Why do we need to be wise in the way we act towards outsiders? What is the wise way to act towards outsiders? What are the opportunities that Paul is referring to?
3. In the sermon it was said, “As Paul notes in todays passage, relationships are vital to effective mission because the gospel message of restored relationships is communicated best when the medium — relationships — matches the message. This is demonstrated by our reconciled state; we need to show the reconciliation we are in. God is a relational God. It is our lives together with others, both Christian and non-Christian, that are to be the hermeneutic of the gospel. That is, to understand the gospel properly, people need to see the gospel being lived.”
Discuss this quote and the church having relationships with non-Christians as a central means of mission?
4. In the sermon it was said, “In Colossians 3:17 it ways, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In other words much of mission involves ordinary people doing ordinary things, but with intentionality orientating their words and deeds in a gospel way. Whether it is helping out a friend, a day at the office or playing a sport, there must be a commitment to building relationships, modeling the Christian faith and talking about the gospel as a natural part of conversation. We need to be intentional about the gospel, doing the ordinary things of life with a commitment to living and proclaiming the gospel - otherwise, we simply form good relationships, but they never go anywhere.”
What would it look like for our conversations with each other to be always full of grace? Does that mean we can only talk specifically about God stuff, or is Paul instructing a certain quality to our conversation that honours God and prompts opportunities with ‘outsiders’?
5. Read verse 6:
‘Gracious’ in 4:6 has the double meaning of God’s grace and human graciousness. Can you think of any examples where you have seen Christians speak ungraciously to non-believers about Christian things? What was the result?
Even among Christian community, our conversations can all too often drift towards worldly things, coarse joking and become devoid of any kind of Christian distinctiveness. Why do you think that is?
Having a conversation ‘seasoned with salt’ is a slightly weird instruction. What do you think Paul means by this?
How have you seen ‘salty’ comments used well to steer a conversation to Christ (either personally or witnessed in others)? How can we practice this without it being contrived or making others feel as if we are forcing the conversation to faith?
6. Paul’s encouragement is for the Colossian believers to ‘devote themselves’ to prayer. The implication is that prayer is something that won’t always come easily or naturally, but is a practice that we commit ourselves to in an ongoing way.
What role does prayer play in the church rightly carrying out its mission in the world
What are some of the practical ways you can devote yourself to prayer? What about ways this group can corporately devote itself to prayer? Be specific?
7. In the sermon it was said, “Why must the Word of God be a central means of mission? Well because the gospel is a message; it is a word. God does his work in the world through his word. Mission only takes place as we share that word with people. Otherwise, we simply form good relationships, but they never go anywhere. We may even hesitate about sharing the gospel for fear of jeopardising those relationships, that the relationship may be broken. That may in fact happen; it is a reasonable fear. So we need to have the priority of the gospel clear in our minds, and thus be intentional. That does not mean ramming the gospel down people’s throats at the first opportunity. However, it does mean having a clear aim of getting to the point where we can read the Bible with people. I think that’s Paul’s prayer in v 7, “that I may make it clear…” he means a clear aim, not shrinking back.”
Discuss the above quote (each take a turn and share what is most relevant for you).
Close in prayer.
Back to Bulletin
View all episodes
By United Community ChurchShaun Rossi // Core Values: 3. United in Creation
“United in Christ and community, we seek to join God on his mission to make himself known and enjoyed in all creation. By extending his grace and mercy in word and deed to our neighbors, we hope to see the growth of God’s kingdom and gospel-centered churches in Finland and beyond.” (From the UCC core values found at: www.ucclife)
“17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
— Colossians 3:17; 4:2-6
Sermon OutlineI. Motivation of Mission, God’s Glory
“3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
— Colossians 3:3
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
— Mark 16:15
“7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
— Ephesians 1:7-10
“God looks on the communication of himself, and the emanation of the infinite glory and good that are in himself to belong to the fullness and completeness of himself, as though he were not in his most complete and glorious state without it. Thus the church of Christ is called the fullness of Christ: as though he were not in his complete state without her...”
— Jonathan Edwards
II. Medium of Mission, Relationships
“15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
— 1 Peter 3:15
III. Means of Mission, Word & Prayer
“for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”
— Acts 20:27
“Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”
— Psalm 2.8
“1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
— Acts 6:1-4
Relationships: Where United in Christ, Community & creation flow together
As Paul notes in todays passage, relationships are vital to effective mission because the gospel message of restored relationships is communicated best when the medium — relationships — matches the message. This is demonstrated by our reconciled state; we need to show the reconciliation we are in. God is a relational God. It is our lives together with others, both Christian and non-Christian, that are to be the hermeneutic of the gospel. That is, to understand the gospel properly, people need to see the gospel being lived.
In Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In other words much of mission involves ordinary people doing ordinary things, but with intentionality orientating their words and deeds in a gospel way. Whether it is helping out a friend, a day at the office or playing a sport, there must be a commitment to building relationships, modeling the Christian faith and talking about the gospel as a natural part of conversation. We need to be intentional about the gospel, doing the ordinary things of life with a commitment to living and proclaiming the gospel - otherwise, we simply form good relationships, but they never go anywhere.
How are you being challenged to be more intentional with God’s mission?
Book Recommendation: “the Mission of god’s people” By: christopher wrightChristopher Wright, A UK bible teacher and theologian, has written an excellent book about what it means to be united in creation, called “The Mission of God’s People.
The book aims to answer the question, “What does the Bible as a whole in both testaments have to tell us about why the people of God exist and what it is they are supposed to be and do in the world?” By “mission,” then, Wright means the all-embracing purpose which encompasses everything that the people of God are called to be and do in this world. He writes, “So when I speak of mission, I am thinking of all that God is doing in his great purpose for the whole of creation and all that he calls us to do in cooperation with that purpose” (Certainly the contention that everything is mission is contentious, but Wright makes his case well and brings a balanced application).
The book comes with a study guide for each chapter making it an excellent choice to read with a small group, family, or together with a friend from UCC. If you would like to borrow a copy of the book from UCC, we keep a number of copies in our office. Contact [email protected] to arrange a pickup.
Small Group StudyInto the TextRead Colossians 3:17; 4:2-6.
1. Paul is writing from prison, and yet his request is for the Colossian believers to pray that he has more opportunities to share the Gospel and for God’s help that he would make the most of those opportunities by speaking the message clearly!
How does Paul’s example inspire you to be more content in your current circumstances and more committed to Christ’s mission?
Who are the specific people or situations that you are praying for at the moment for opportunities to share the Gospel with? Who/what can you add to this list this week?
2. Why do we need to be wise in the way we act towards outsiders? What is the wise way to act towards outsiders? What are the opportunities that Paul is referring to?
3. In the sermon it was said, “As Paul notes in todays passage, relationships are vital to effective mission because the gospel message of restored relationships is communicated best when the medium — relationships — matches the message. This is demonstrated by our reconciled state; we need to show the reconciliation we are in. God is a relational God. It is our lives together with others, both Christian and non-Christian, that are to be the hermeneutic of the gospel. That is, to understand the gospel properly, people need to see the gospel being lived.”
Discuss this quote and the church having relationships with non-Christians as a central means of mission?
4. In the sermon it was said, “In Colossians 3:17 it ways, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” In other words much of mission involves ordinary people doing ordinary things, but with intentionality orientating their words and deeds in a gospel way. Whether it is helping out a friend, a day at the office or playing a sport, there must be a commitment to building relationships, modeling the Christian faith and talking about the gospel as a natural part of conversation. We need to be intentional about the gospel, doing the ordinary things of life with a commitment to living and proclaiming the gospel - otherwise, we simply form good relationships, but they never go anywhere.”
What would it look like for our conversations with each other to be always full of grace? Does that mean we can only talk specifically about God stuff, or is Paul instructing a certain quality to our conversation that honours God and prompts opportunities with ‘outsiders’?
5. Read verse 6:
‘Gracious’ in 4:6 has the double meaning of God’s grace and human graciousness. Can you think of any examples where you have seen Christians speak ungraciously to non-believers about Christian things? What was the result?
Even among Christian community, our conversations can all too often drift towards worldly things, coarse joking and become devoid of any kind of Christian distinctiveness. Why do you think that is?
Having a conversation ‘seasoned with salt’ is a slightly weird instruction. What do you think Paul means by this?
How have you seen ‘salty’ comments used well to steer a conversation to Christ (either personally or witnessed in others)? How can we practice this without it being contrived or making others feel as if we are forcing the conversation to faith?
6. Paul’s encouragement is for the Colossian believers to ‘devote themselves’ to prayer. The implication is that prayer is something that won’t always come easily or naturally, but is a practice that we commit ourselves to in an ongoing way.
What role does prayer play in the church rightly carrying out its mission in the world
What are some of the practical ways you can devote yourself to prayer? What about ways this group can corporately devote itself to prayer? Be specific?
7. In the sermon it was said, “Why must the Word of God be a central means of mission? Well because the gospel is a message; it is a word. God does his work in the world through his word. Mission only takes place as we share that word with people. Otherwise, we simply form good relationships, but they never go anywhere. We may even hesitate about sharing the gospel for fear of jeopardising those relationships, that the relationship may be broken. That may in fact happen; it is a reasonable fear. So we need to have the priority of the gospel clear in our minds, and thus be intentional. That does not mean ramming the gospel down people’s throats at the first opportunity. However, it does mean having a clear aim of getting to the point where we can read the Bible with people. I think that’s Paul’s prayer in v 7, “that I may make it clear…” he means a clear aim, not shrinking back.”
Discuss the above quote (each take a turn and share what is most relevant for you).
Close in prayer.
Back to Bulletin