Discussion Guide | Oct. 12, 2025

October 13th, 2025

Introduction

"God So Loves the World" - Sermon Summary

Pastor Bill shares his heart for global missions, emphasizing that God has a worldwide heart and wants believers to adopt that same perspective. Through personal stories about his mother's work with orphans from Vietnam and his own experiences in missions, he illustrates how God calls us to expand our vision beyond our local community. Using Isaiah 54, he teaches that God wants to enlarge our 'tent' - expanding our influence and impact for His kingdom. The message challenges us to see ourselves as part of God's global mission, whether through going, praying, or supporting missionaries around the world.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to hear what You want to speak to us. We ask that You would give us Your heart for the world and help us see beyond our own borders and comfort zones. Open our minds to understand Your global mission and show us how we can be part of what You're doing around the world. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit as we discuss and learn together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the farthest place you've ever traveled from home, and what was one thing that surprised you about that place or culture?

Main Study

Key Verses

John 3:16
Acts 16:9
Isaiah 54:1-2

Questions

Pastor Bill shared how his mother's work with orphans from Vietnam marked his life. What experiences or stories from your past have shaped your heart for others?
In Acts 16:9, Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia saying 'Come and help us.' How might God be calling you to 'come and help' in your community or beyond?
Isaiah 54:2 says to 'enlarge the place of your tent.' What does it mean to you personally to enlarge your tent for God's kingdom?
The sermon mentioned that if the world were a village of 100 people, only 33 would be Christian. How does this statistic impact your perspective on sharing the gospel?
Pastor Bill emphasized that we can love the nations right where we are. How can you show love to people from other cultures or backgrounds in your daily life?
What barriers or fears might prevent someone from having God's heart for the world, and how can we overcome them?
The message shared statistics about global poverty, lack of clean water, and persecution. How should these realities affect our prayers and actions as believers?
Whether or not you feel called to go on a mission trip, how can you be involved in God's global mission through prayer, giving, or other support?

Life Application

This week, research one country or people group that Capital Life Church supports through missions. Spend time each day praying specifically for that nation, its people, and the missionaries serving there. Consider how God might be calling you to expand your 'tent' - whether through increased prayer, financial support, or even exploring opportunities to serve cross-culturally.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God has a heart for the entire world, not just our local community, and He wants us to adopt that same global perspective
We are called to 'enlarge our tent' - expanding our influence and impact for God's kingdom beyond our comfort zones
We can love the nations right where we are by reaching out to people from different cultures in our daily lives
Every believer has a role in God's global mission, whether through going, praying, giving, or supporting missionaries
Understanding global statistics about poverty, persecution, and spiritual need should motivate us to action and prayer

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes to Your heart for the world. We confess that sometimes we get so focused on our own lives and communities that we forget about the billions of people who need to know You. Help us to be faithful in prayer for the nations, generous in our support of missions, and bold in sharing Your love with people from all backgrounds. Whether You call us to go across the street or across the ocean, make us willing and obedient servants. Give us Your heart for the world and use us to make a difference in our generation. In Your precious name, Amen.

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