ADVANCE in Mission

What does it really mean to live on mission?

In “ADVANCE in Mission,” Pastor Chris Jessee teaches that the mission of God is not a program for a few but the purpose for every believer. From John 13:31–38, we see that Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another as He has loved us is the foundation of all mission. The Great Commandment tells us who to love, the New Commandment shows us how to love, and the Great Commission tells us where that love must go—to the ends of the earth.

Pastor Chris uses the memorable example of Papaw—a preacher who held a Bible in one hand and a globe in the other—to remind us that the Word of God and the world God loves are inseparable. The cross changes everything. Jesus’ death was not a defeat but the ultimate display of God’s glory, holiness, love, justice, and mercy. Because of the cross, we are both redeemed and sent—people whose lives make Jesus impossible to ignore.

This message also highlights how Metro Life Church lives out this mission locally, regionally, and globally—celebrating members like Rachel Agheyisi serving in Bible translation in Nigeria and Caleb and Anna Stafford, who are strengthening the next generation through our Alive Youth Ministry.

The call is clear: to proclaim Christ’s love through the gospel, participate as a kingdom of priests who intercede and serve, and prove the gospel’s reality through sacrificial love and forgiveness that reflect Jesus to a watching world.

Mission runs on mercy, and every act of love and obedience echoes in eternity.

Key Takeaways

• The Cross is the starting point for mission. The greatest display of God’s glory compels His people to proclaim His love and grace.

• Love is our apologetic. The world will know we belong to Jesus when they see His sacrificial love displayed through us.

• We are all participants in God’s mission. Some go, some give, all pray, and everyone bears witness.

• Transformation fuels mission. We become like what we behold; the more we fix our eyes on Christ, the more the world sees Him in us.

• Mission is both local and global. God calls us to advance His glory in Casselberry, throughout Central Florida, and to the nations.

Popular Question Answered

How can my everyday life reflect the mission of God and help others see Jesus?