No Backup Plan: Our Role in God’s Mission
Sermon Outline: Sunday, March 15th, 2026
Speaker: Mike Bontempo
Text
Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 10:14
Main Points:
I. What Should Motivate Us for Missions?
Not just to hasten Christ's return (Matthew 24:14)
Obedience to Christ's Great Commission
Compassion for the lost (Colossians 3:12)
II. What Is Our Role in Missions?
Plant and water, but God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
Be prepared, not perfect (1 Peter 3:15)
III. Four Ways to Be Prepared:
Know THE Story (the Gospel)
Know YOUR Story (your testimony)
Know WHO Needs to Know (your mission field)
Know WHO IS the Story (abide in Christ - John 15:5)
Application:
Invite someone to Easter service using the invitation cards provided.
Small Group QuestionsSunday, March 15th, 2026
Read
Matthew 9:35–36 and Colossians 3:12
Observe
What do these passages reveal about Jesus’ attitude toward people and the kind of character believers are called to put on?
Process
Why do you think compassion creates a more sustainable motivation than simply feeling commanded to share the gospel?
Respond
Who in your life might need you to show Christ-like compassion right now? What is one practical way you could begin showing that compassion this week?
Read
Luke 16:23–24; Matthew 3:12, 8:12; 22:13, 25:30; Revelation 14:11, 19:20, 21:8; and
2 Thessalonians 1:9
Observe
Based on these passages, how does the Bible describe the experience and reality of hell?
Process
Why do you think many Christians struggle to talk about hell today? How does remembering this reality shape the way we see people who don’t yet know Christ?
Respond
How can we hold both truth and compassion together when talking about salvation and judgment? What is one way you can pray or act this week out of genuine concern for someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
Read
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 and 1 Peter 3:15
Observe
According to these verses, what is our role when it comes to people coming to faith? What role does God play?
Process
How might remembering our role and God’s role change the way someone approaches sharing their faith?
Respond
Is fear of “saying the wrong thing” something that holds you back? What step could you take to become more prepared to explain the hope you have in Christ?
Living Out the Great Commission Locally
Read
Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:19–20
Observe
Where does Jesus say the mission begins, and what are believers called to do?
Process
Why do you think it is often harder to share with people who already know us (family, coworkers, neighbors)?
Respond
Identify one person in your “Jerusalem” (home, work, school, neighborhood) who does not know Jesus. How could you begin praying for them or opening a spiritual conversation with them this week?