January 25, 2026
The Oxygen Mask Principle
When oxygen masks drop on a plane, you must put your mask on first before helping others. Last week we learned about abiding in Christ (John 15:5) – staying connected to the Vine. That’s step 1, your oxygen mask. You cannot skip it.
Two Keys for Personal Revival:
Key 1: Romans 12:2 – Transform your mind
Key 2: Hebrews 12:1 – Strip off every weight
Today: Jesus’ invitation to partner with Him in reaching the next one.
The Spiritual Crisis in Our Region
The Hidden Reality:
- 25-30% of Christians in our region don’t attend church
- Another 20-25% attend only once or twice a year
- That’s 50% of our local Christian population – spiritually isolated
The Opportunity:
- 70% of unchurched people have NEVER been invited to church
- 82% say they would come if personally invited by a friend
- Only 2% of Christians regularly invite unchurched people
The Question: If 8 out of 10 would come when invited, why is spiritual isolation growing?
INFORMATION: Going After the Next One
Jesus’ Heart for the One Who Wanders
Matthew 18:12-14 (NLT) – “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”
Key Truths:
- We Can’t Wait – The sheep won’t find its way back on its own
- It’s Not Always Rebellion – Greek word “planao” = to wander away (not rebel or reject)
- Life’s pressures, church hurt, disappointment
- People slowly drift – they didn’t plan to leave
- It’s the Father’s Will – Going after the next one isn’t optional
God loves the spiritually isolated just as much as He loves you.
INSPIRATION: I Am An Ambassador
You Are Sent On A Mission
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NLT) – “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!'”
Why This Matters:
Your Transformation Qualifies You (v.17)
- You’re a new creation – you’re ready!
You Carry the Message of Reconciliation (v.19)
- God isn’t waiting for people to clean up first
- He’s already forgiven, already waiting with open arms
- You get to tell them: “Come back. You’re not alone. Jesus is waiting.”
You Are An Ambassador
- You represent Jesus
- You’re a Sent One
- You carry His authority
MOTIVATION: Reaching the Next One
Overcoming Common Obstacles
Obstacle #1: “I Don’t Know What to Say”
Response: You don’t need all the answers – just share your story.
Revelation 12:11 – “They have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.”
Obstacle #2: “What If They Reject Me?”
Response: Jesus doesn’t measure your obedience by their response.
- God gives divine appointments
- He backs you with supernatural favor
Luke 15:7 (NLT) – “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”
Heaven celebrates when we partner with God to reach the next one.
TRANSFORMATION: Becoming the Sent One
You Are Already Sent
John 20:21 (NLT) – “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
You are not waiting to be sent someday – you are already sent. Right now. Today.
Your workplace, neighborhood, family gatherings – these are your mission fields. The next one is already in your life. You know their name.
Three Challenges for This Week
1. TODAY: Write Down One Name
Pull out your phone right now. Write down one name – the next one God is calling you to reach. Commit to praying for them every day this week.
2. DAILY: Pray Luke 10:2
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Pray this daily at 10:02 AM. Ask God to position you for divine appointments.
3. THIS MONTH: Invite Someone to Return
Invite them to:
- Your small group or Bible study
- Sunday morning service
- Night of Worship – February 5th, 6:30-8:00 PM
Pray, listen to Jesus, and do what He says!
The Result of Going After the Next One
James 5:19-20 (NLT) – “My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.”
You don’t just restore one life – you unlock a chain reaction that impacts generations.
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community