This sermon challenges believers to move beyond comfortable, self-designed lives toward God-ordained mission. Drawing from Acts 1:1-11, the message emphasizes that Jesus interrupts not only our sinful pursuits but also our natural, comfortable ones to redirect us toward His greater purposes. Garrett argues that a life filled with normal, civilian pursuits, while not sinful, can create an interlocking grid of responsibilities and comforts that leave no room for God’s supernatural work. Christians are called to be witnesses who tell the truth about Christ with urgency, recognizing that Christ’s return could happen suddenly and unexpectedly. The sermon calls for availability to God’s mission, whether locally or globally, and warns against the mission-killing boredom of a purely self-centered existence.

Main Points:

1. Jesus Interrupts Our Natural Pursuits

-God’s mission often redirects us from perfectly natural (but not ultimate) pursuits

-The disciples asked a logical question about restoring Israel’s kingdom, but Jesus had a bigger plan

-Mission isn’t just avoiding sin, it’s being available for God’s supernatural purposes

2. Jesus Makes Us No More or Less Than Witnesses

-A witness simply tells the truth—no more, no less

-We shouldn’t hide our faith or force it on others

-Good deeds complement but don’t replace verbal proclamation of the gospel

3. Jesus Motivates Us with Urgency

-Christ could return suddenly, miraculously, unexpectedly

-We don’t know how much time we have to live on mission

-Our lives should reflect the urgency of the gospel, not just drift through normalcy

Scripture Referenced: Acts 1:1-11 (primary passage); Hebrews 12:1; 2 Timothy 2:4; Hebrews 13:8; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 28:18-20

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by thanking God for bringing your group together and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal how He wants to work through each person present.

Discussion Questions

Read Acts 1:1-11 together before discussing the following questions.

1. Why do you think Jesus redirected the disciples’ question about restoring Israel’s kingdom? What does this teach us about God’s priorities versus our own?

2. The sermon mentioned that “no soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits” (2 Timothy 2:4). Is there anywhere normalcy has killed your mission? Where might normal (not sinful) pursuits be quietly crowding out God’s mission in your life?

3. How does the difference between being a witness versus being judge, jury, and executioner change the way we should approach sharing our faith with others?

4. Do the people you interact with regularly know you’re a Christian? If not, what’s one natural way you could make your faith known this week?

5. On a scale of 1-10, how available are you to God interrupting your five-year plan? What makes you hesitant? What would help you become more available?

6. How can you begin cultivating a God-designed life instead of a self-designed one? What’s one specific step you need to take this week?

Personal Reflection and Practical Application

Prayerfully reflect on the following and ask God to help you identify where and how to move forward in His pursuits:

1. Where is Jesus trying to interrupt my natural pursuits right now?

2. Who in my life (neighbors/coworkers/family) needs to hear me bear witness to Christ?

3. If I truly believed Jesus could return tomorrow, what would I do differently today?

Worship Setlist:

Christ Be Magnified; Shout to the Lord; Firm Foundation (He Won’t); All Hail King Jesus; O Praise the Name