Our Possessions and God’s Priorities: The Two Greats

On July 13, 2025, a powerful sermon was delivered by Missionary Scott Martin, focusing on the profound themes of purpose, destiny, and vision in the context of our relationship with God and our mission in the world.

Matthew 22:36-40: The Great Commandment

The sermon was anchored in Matthew 22:36-40, where Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment. His response, to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, forms the foundation of the message. These two commandments encapsulate the essence of the Christian mission and life.

The Three Greats

The speaker introduced the concept of “The Three Greats”:

1. The Great Commission: As outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, the command to make disciples of all nations is central to the Christian mission. The emphasis is not merely on going but on making disciples, which involves teaching and baptizing.

2. The Great Commandment: Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, is the core of Christian ethics and mission.

3. The Great Commitment: This involves a personal commitment to live out the vision and purpose God has for each individual.

Personal Testimony

The speaker shared a compelling personal testimony, illustrating how God orchestrates our lives for His purposes. Raised in a challenging environment, they found purpose and direction through the love and support of a Christian family and community. This journey led to a lifelong commitment to missions and ministry.

Purpose, Destiny, and Vision

The sermon emphasized that every person is created with a divine purpose, destiny, and vision:

• Purpose: This is the “now” reason for our existence, the specific calling God has for us in our current context.
• Destiny: This refers to the long-term trajectory of our lives, the overarching plan God has for us.
• Vision: The ability to imagine what God can do through us when we are fully committed to Him.

Overcoming Circumstances

A significant point was made about not allowing circumstances to dictate one’s purpose or destiny. Despite personal hardships, the speaker highlighted how God remains above all situations, orchestrating His will in our lives.

The Call to Missions

The sermon concluded with a call to embrace God’s priorities in missions, driven by love for God and love for our neighbors. The speaker shared stories of divine appointments and the impact of missions work across the globe, particularly in challenging regions like Iceland and Central Asia.

Reflection and Response

The message urged listeners to reflect on their own lives, asking, “How do I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind?” and “How do I love my neighbor as myself?” This reflection is crucial for aligning our lives with God’s priorities and embracing our roles in His mission.

In conclusion, this sermon was a powerful reminder of the centrality of love in the Christian faith and the transformative power of living with purpose, destiny, and vision. It called the congregation to a renewed commitment to God’s mission in the world, grounded in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.