The Eternal Investment

The message emphasizes that every believer in Jesus is part of God’s family and therefore carries a constant, urgent mission to share the gospel. Using the “garden principle,” it explains that just as plants reproduce according to their kind, Christians are meant to produce other believers by sharing the good news. This calling is not occasional but ongoing—“always”—as highlighted in Scripture, meaning that every interaction and relationship is an opportunity to point others toward salvation.

The first reason this mission matters is the reality of eternal need. Heaven and hell are real, and those without faith in Christ face eternal separation from God. This truth should stir deep compassion and urgency in believers. Edwin shared how failing to share the gospel is like ignoring people trapped in a burning house and stresses that opportunities to witness are limited. Edwin’s personal story about how he was able to reach his mom with the Gospel of Jesus Christ before she died, illustrate how critical and time-sensitive this responsibility is.

Second, sharing the gospel is a clear Divine command given to all believers, not just those with a specific gift of evangelism. Jesus’ instruction to make disciples applies to every believer. The story of a woman handing out gospel tracts that led to a man’s salvation—and eventually to a ministry impacting many others—demonstrates how faithful obedience to this command can multiply far beyond what one might expect.

Finally, the mission is described as a privilege. God entrusts believers with the ministry of reconciliation, allowing them to serve as His ambassadors. People come to faith by hearing the message, and believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share it. We were all reminded that eternal investments matter most—God, His Word, and people. The mission is urgent, commanded, and a privilege. The question is… “How will you respond individually and how will the church respond collectively?"

Members Are Always On Mission

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker

Icebreaker Question: Has someone ever shared the Gospel with you? What was your response when they did? Do you feel confident sharing the Gospel with others?

Sermon Summary

Edwin shared his personal journey from Bolivia to Jacksonville and emphasized that all believers have a mission to share the gospel. Using the analogy of gardening—that believers should produce other believers—he outlined three reasons why our mission is important: there is a need, it is a divine command, and it is a great privilege.

Key Takeaways

• Always means always - Our mission to share the gospel is constant, not occasional
• Believers produce believers - Just as plants produce their own kind, Christians should lead others to Christ
• Hell is real - Understanding eternal consequences should motivate compassion for the lost
• We are ambassadors - God has chosen us, not angels, to share the message of reconciliation
• Greatest joy - There is no greater happiness than leading someone to Christ

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Need

Edwin asked, "Are we being a real refuge for anybody who comes through those doors?" 

• What does it mean to be a "refuge" for someone seeking God?
• How did Edwin's story about his mother impact you? 
• What motivated him to make that difficult two-day journey?

The sermon mentioned the illustration of passing by a burning house without warning the occupants. 

• How does this image challenge your perspective on evangelism?

Personal Reflection: 

• Do you have family members, friends, or colleagues who don't know Jesus? 
• How does knowing their eternal destiny affect you?

The Divine Command

Read Matthew 28:19-20 together. 

• What specific actions does Jesus command in this passage?

Edwin stated, "Even though not everybody has the gift of evangelism, we are all called to do the work of evangelism." 

• What's the difference between having the gift and doing the work?

In Luke 8:38-39, Jesus told the delivered man to "return to your home and declare how much God has done for you." 

• What has Jesus done for you that you could share with others?
• What obstacles or fears prevent you from sharing your faith? 
• How can the group pray for you in this area?

The Great Privilege

Edwin said, "There is no greater joy, true joy, than leading a person to the feet of Christ." 

• Have you experienced this joy? Share your story.

According to 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, we are "ambassadors for Christ." 

• What does it mean to represent Christ in your daily life?

The sermon mentioned that only three things are eternal: God, His Word, and people.

• How should this truth affect how we invest our time and resources?
• How does viewing evangelism as a "privilege" rather than a "duty" change your perspective?

Practical Applications

This Week's Challenge (Choose one or more)

Option 1: Prayer List

• Create a list of 3-5 people in your life who don't know Jesus
• Commit to praying for them daily this week
• Ask God to give you opportunities to share with them

Option 2: Share Your Story

• Write out your testimony in 3-5 minutes (focus on: life before Christ, how you met Christ, life after Christ)
• Practice sharing it with one person in the group
• Look for an opportunity to share it with someone outside the church this week

Option 3: Gospel Preparation

• Learn a simple way to share the gospel (such as using Romans 5:8, the verse Edwin memorized as a child)
• Practice explaining salvation to another group member
• Keep gospel tracts or a plan in your phone for unexpected opportunities

Option 4: Intentional Invitation

• Think of someone who might benefit from attending church
• Invite them to join you for a Sunday service or church event
• Offer to pick them up or meet them there

Option 5: Random Act of Evangelism

• Like the old lady who gave Mario Portillo a tract, commit to one simple act of sharing the gospel
• This could be leaving a tip with a gospel message, sharing a Christian resource, or having a spiritual conversation

Reflection Questions for Personal Study

Edwin shared that his first memorized verse was Romans 5:8. 

• What Bible verses about salvation have you memorized that you could share with others?

The sermon ended with the powerful letter: "He was my friend." 

• Who in your life might you regret not sharing the gospel with if they died today?
• What specific skills, training, or resources do you need to feel more confident in sharing your faith?
• How can you make evangelism a more natural part of your "always" rather than a special event?

Closing Activity

Group Commitment:

• Have each person share one person they will pray for and one step they will take this week toward sharing the gospel
• Pray together for these specific people and opportunities
• Exchange contact information to check in and encourage one another during the week

Closing Prayer Points:

• Thank God for the privilege of being His ambassadors
• Pray for boldness to share the gospel
• Pray specifically for the people each group member named
• Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts to receive the gospel
• Pray for Refuge Church to be a true refuge for all who enter