8:30PM PST OPTIONAL, CO-ED, BIBLE STUDY, POTLUCK, FILM : TRANSCENDING BORDERS: SCRIPTURAL STUDY ON MISSIONARY WORK ABROAD
Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer, asking God for wisdom, guidance, and the courage to act on His calling to share the gospel across borders, bringing His love and hope to all nations.
Scripture Focus (600 Words)
Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 you always, to the very end of the age.”
This passage serves as the foundation of missionary work, a mandate from Christ Himself. It calls Christians to move beyond their familiar surroundings, taking the good news to all nations, cultures, and people. Notice the layered commands here—Jesus is not merely sending His disciples out; He is promising His presence alongside their obedience. Reflect on how Jesus pairs their mission with empowerment.
Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This scripture emphasizes the global scope of Christian witness. The call begins in Jerusalem (our immediate surroundings) but demands expansion to "the ends of the earth." Pay attention to the mention of the Holy Spirit as the enabler—for this mission isn't fueled by human strength but by divine power. It’s a reminder of the supernatural provision underlying the outward work.
Romans 10:14-15
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Paul highlights the necessity of those who are willing to go. Think about the flow in this passage—the critical sequence from sending to hearing, hearing to believing, and believing to salvation. Each step depends on faithful individuals stepping forward. How does this challenge or inspire you to play a role in that sequence?
Revelation 7:9-10
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'”
This vision of eternity reveals the fruit of missionary work—a global, diverse gathering of believers worshiping God together. The imagery should stir hearts for those currently unreached, reminding us that no border can restrain the reach of the gospel.
Group Discussion Questions
What does “go and make disciples of all nations” look like in today’s context?
How does the promise of Christ’s presence in Matthew 28 strengthen our willingness to step into unknown places?
Reflecting on Acts 1:8, where might your “Jerusalem,” “Judea,” and “Samaria” be? How does that translate to action?
The Holy Spirit is central to missionary work. How can we rely more fully on His power as we share the gospel?
Romans 10 emphasizes the importance of being sent. What does it mean to be “sent” in God’s kingdom?
Paul speaks of “beautiful feet” in Romans 10. What stands in the way of us becoming messengers of this good news?
Revelation 7 offers a glimpse of the eternal impact of missions. How does knowing the end encourage the work we do now?
What barriers—cultural, logistical, relational—can hinder missionary work, and how might God overcome them?
Why is it significant that the gospel is for “every nation, tribe, people, and language”?
How does missionary work bring glory to God in ways other forms of ministry might not?
In the Great Commission, “baptizing” and “teaching” are specific actions. How do these shape our approach to missions?
For those of us who may not travel abroad, how can we still obey God’s call to global missions?
What role do finances and resources play in supporting missionary work, and how can we steward them faithfully?
How does prayer support international missions, and how can prayer become more central to our involvement?
Consider your talents, skills, and passions. How have you been uniquely equipped to participate in God’s mission?
What does it mean to “preach” the gospel in a way that respects and honors different cultures?
How can short-term missions provide meaningful impact without fostering dependency?
What examples from scripture show us God’s heart for the outsider and the foreigner?
How can we invite others into a shared vision for missionary work?
What steps of obedience can you take today in response to God’s global call?
Closing Prayer
End by praying for those already serving in missionary work worldwide, for opportunities to support, and for open-hearted obedience to God’s call.
After the Bible Study
Following the Bible study, we're looking forward to settling in for a laid-back evening with some good food and a movie. For dinner, let's prioritize healthy options—whether you're bringing dishes for a potluck or ordering takeout, think green and wholesome options. Salads with vibrant vegetables, grilled lean proteins, plant-based dishes, and fruit platters all make great additions. If ordering takeout, consider Mediterranean bowls, sushi, fresh wraps, or other nourishing cuisines.
Once we've enjoyed our meal, we'll gather for a viewing of Eat Pray Love. Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, the film follows a woman, Liz, as she sets out on a year-long journey across Italy, India, and Bali in search of renewal and meaning after a painful divorce. Each destination brings something different to her life—pleasure, spirituality, and the pursuit of balance—as she learns lessons about self-discovery, love, and the importance of connection. With its lush scenery and deeply emotional themes, the movie opens the door for meaningful conversations about personal growth, relationships, and finding purpose.
Discussion Questions
Here are 20 questions to guide our co-ed discussion after the movie, designed to spark thoughts from both male and female perspectives.
Personal Growth and Discovery
How did Liz’s decision to leave everything behind resonate with you? Would you have made the same choice?
What part of her year-long journey—Italy, India, or Bali—do you think would impact you the most? Why?
Do you believe taking time for self-discovery is essential, or do you think “finding yourself” can happen in the midst of routine life?
Relationships and Connection
What did you think of Liz's relationship with Felipe? How did their dynamic differ from her past relationships?
How does the movie portray the balance (or imbalance) between holding onto relationships and letting them go?
Did you relate to the portrayal of Liz’s early struggles in marriage and divorce? What role does closure play in moving forward?
Faith and Spirituality
Liz’s time in India focuses on meditation and spiritual healing. What are some lessons about faith or mindfulness you could take away, even if they differ from your own beliefs?
How does the movie encourage you to see spiritual growth as an ongoing process?
How might Liz’s practices of self-reflection apply to strengthening your own faith?
Gender Perspectives
For the men — did you see elements of Felipe’s life as relatable, or his approach to love as realistic for modern men?
For the women — how did you feel about the portrayal of Liz’s independence? Was it empowering, or did it raise questions?
Do you think the themes of the film speak differently to men and women, or do they hold universal truths?
Balance and Well-being
The movie emphasizes balance through Liz’s experiences in Bali. What does finding balance look like in your own life?
How do food, spirituality, and love interconnect in the film? Which of those do you feel most drawn to focusing on personally?
How can the pursuit of wholeness be both fulfilling and challenging in real life?
Broader Themes
To what extent did the cultural experiences presented in Italy, India, and Bali feel authentic and inspiring?
How does travel (physically or emotionally) shape our understanding of ourselves and others?
What role does gratitude play in Liz’s transformation? How does that theme resonate in your own life?
If you could spend a year focusing on personal growth, where would you go and why?
What’s the biggest takeaway from Eat Pray Love: the courage to change, the importance of relationships, or the discovery of joy in everyday life?
We’re excited for a night of meaningful conversations, and we hope this blend of food, film, and fellowship encourages us all to reflect on what it means to live with purpose and intention.