Geoff Kirsten leads a church in Lisbon, and for nine years his community has been hearing stories about Genesis. On his first visit, he asks why God would gather a church like this one and what it's for. Many of us are holding more than we realize: years of Scripture, teaching, and faith that people in other places are desperate for. With great privilege comes great responsibility. Making disciples matters, but disciples of what? Jesus came to reconcile all things to himself (Colossians 1) and to tear down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2), and he handed that work to the church. When his team moved to Lisbon, they asked whether it would be enough to simply love the people of the city. Their experience says it's more than enough. Our job isn't to sort people into us and them. It's to make the church a place where someone far from God walks in and feels like this is for them. And the blessing God has given us can't become the place we settle. In Deuteronomy 1, Israel is told they've stayed long enough at Horeb. It's time to move on.

Scripture & Themes Scripture: Colossians 1:18–24, Ephesians 2:14–16, Matthew 28:19–20, Deuteronomy 1:6–8

Themes: Reconciliation, love, the mandate of the church, discipleship, grace, welcoming the outsider, unity, saying yes to God, faithfulness, character, mission, not settling

About Genesis Costa Mesa We are a Jesus-centered community on mission, shaped by the table, worship, prayer, story, and mission. Together we seek to bring the gospel to the nations, raise up leaders, and plant new Jesus-communities, living as the church both locally and globally. We hold fast to Scripture, the presence of the Spirit, and the call to join God's work of renewal in the world. Learn more at: https://www.genesiscostamesa.com/