Think about yesterday's news . . . wars, poverty, racial tension, crime . . . depressing isn't it? As you read today's scripture, remember that God has the solution.

Matthew 28:16-20 (New Living Translation) Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him--but some of them still doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Matthew 5:14-16 (New Living Translation)
You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Acts 1:8 (New Living Translation)
But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

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1. What do you think the disciples in Matthew 28 might have been thinking when Jesus used the phrase "of all nations"? Those three words may not shock us, but they must have shocked the original disciples. Why?

2. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus is talking about His followers being "the light of the world". How is this possible and practical?

3. If you were to apply Acts 1:8, how could being "on the mission" for Christ in your neighborhood, school and community impact the entire world?

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Confess any trace of prejudice in your life toward other cultures or races. Ask God to show you how you can "shock the world" in your own little world. Ask Him to give you the faith and humility to completely offer yourself to do whatever and go wherever to love whomever He brings into your life. Thank Him for the opportunity to be a world changer!