Podcast 031 – “Seeking First: Mission and Singleness” || The In-Between Series With Jess and Amanda ||

https://ariseministriescollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/031-Mission.mp3 Wow! We’ve made it to the last podcast in The In-Between series, friends! We are so thankful for you listening in and joining us as we explore what it looks like to seek the kingdom first in singleness or whatever season you’re in.  In this last podcast, we discuss the core issues of our hearts in a waiting season: Our desires, our faith and our identity in Christ as disciples. We hope this conversation will exhort and empower you to fully step into the mission God has before you – Regardless of where you are right now. It’s exciting to look at the purpose of our lives with eternal vision and we hope this will encourage you to do just that.   Scripture References “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NIV) The Parable of the Persistent Widow – Luke 18:1-8  Proverbs 31  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with youi always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 (NIV) “And he said to them: ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 4:19 (ESV) “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV) Hebrews 11   Seeking First: 5 Ways To Keep Our Eyes On the Mission Seek Opportunity: Ask the Lord to help you see ways to step into Kingdom purpose/mission. Recognize that as a follower of Christ, you’ve already been called to the work of the Great Commission – Even in the in-between. Seek Scripture: Does what you want/feel like you should do align with God’s Holy Word? Seek Counsel: What do your Christ-following friends and family members have to say about your gifts, talents, and opportunities? Seek Identity: Is your identity and the way you feel about yourself circumstantial, or rooted in who Christ says you are. Take the time to truly flesh this out, friends. If we put our identity in things we shouldn’t, that will translate into how we see our purpose here on earth. Ask God to help you understand where your true identity lies.  Seek Christ First: When we align with Christ, His desires will become our desires. When we know who God is in Scripture and through prayer and communion with Him, we can trust that He is faithful to provide. His promises are true even if we try something and fail.   Quotes, Articles, Songs and Resources to Help “Advice for Christian Singles”– Francis Chan  Just Do Something – by Kevin DeYoung “Marriage is Not the Mission” – Desiring God  Seven Myths of Singleness – by Sam Alberry  The “Disciple” Issue in Deeply Rooted Magazine  “Radical” – from Ecclesia “Testify”– Jervis Campbell Loveology – by John Mark Comer   Thank you again for joining us in this series, listeners and friends. We would love to connect with you if you have questions or thoughts on these issues – To hear some of your own story and even join you in prayer. Leave us a comment here or on social media so we can reach out and get in touch. We may feel in-between many times in life, singleness included – But we are not lost in the mission God has for us. “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)   About Our Co-Hosts Originally from the Bay Area, Jessica currently lives in Portland, Oregon. Jessica obtained her undergrad from Biola University in Psychology and her master’s in Counseling Psychology from California State East Bay, and since that time has been a recruiting coordinator with a large banking company. An extroverted introvert, Jessica has a huge heart pull towards facilitating Christ-honoring and truth-filled discussions with women of all ages in the church. It’s her deep desire to seek the welfare of the city through her hope-filled heart with the abilities and gifts God has generously given her.       Amanda works as cardiac ICU nurse and moved to Portland three years ago. She has a heart to see the great commission carried out in the city and around the world. Her heart is for encouraging the Church in the written word of God and the great joy on the other side of obedience in our walk with the Lord.        The post Podcast 031 – “Seeking First: Mission and Singleness” || The In-Between Series With Jess and Amanda || first appeared on Arise Ministries Collective.