The Essence of the Gospel | Guest Bob Schwartz

In this special episode, guest speaker Bob Schwartz shares a powerful message about God’s faithfulness, the calling to missions, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Bob reflects on his journey from growing up in a Converge (Baptist) church to his experiences in missions and the lessons God has taught him along the way. Drawing from Colossians 3 and Ephesians 2, Bob challenges us to fix our minds on Christ, live out the gospel, and be prepared for the difficult but rewarding work of God's kingdom. He also shares incredible testimonies of how God is moving in unexpected places, growing His church in the most challenging environments.

Key Themes:

Living with Kingdom Priorities – Colossians 3:1-3 (“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”)
God’s Call to Faithful Obedience – Colossians 3:17 (“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”)
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare – Ephesians 2:1-7 (“You were dead in your transgressions… but God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.”)
Missions as an Act of Worship – Revelation 7:9 (“A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne.”)

Stories:

Bob’s Journey into Missions – A heartfelt reflection on how God used his passion for hands-on work to lead him into a life of service and ministry.
Encounters with God’s Miraculous Work – Stories of how God is revealing Himself through dreams and visions in restricted nations, leading many to Christ.
Perseverance in the Face of Opposition – Testimonies of missionaries in Afghanistan and Iran choosing to stay despite life-threatening risks, trusting in God’s protection and purpose.

Quotes:

“Missions isn’t the ultimate goal of the church—worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”
“God doesn’t just save us from sin; He qualifies us, rescues us, and transfers us into His kingdom.”
“We often get distracted by the here and now, but God calls us to live with an eternal perspective.”

Takeaways:

Align Your Focus with God’s Kingdom – Are you setting your mind on things above or getting caught up in earthly distractions?
Recognize the Battle for Your Allegiance – Spiritual warfare is real, and we must stand firm in God’s truth.
Be Open to God’s Calling – Whether in missions, ministry, or daily life, ask how God wants to use you to impact others.
Support and Encourage Mission Work – Who in your community might God be preparing to send? Pray for and invest in the next generation of missionaries.

Scripture:

Colossians 3:1-17 – Living as those made alive in Christ.
Ephesians 2:1-10 – Salvation by grace and our calling to serve.
Genesis 50:20 – Joseph’s perspective: “What you intended for harm, God intended for good.”
Romans 8:28-39 – Confidence in God’s unshakable love and sovereignty.

Keywords & Tags:

missions, spiritual warfare, Colossians 3, kingdom mindset, trusting God, faith in action, gospel truth, obedience, worship, global church

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Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.