Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 3rd August 2025

Rev Daniel Xi An Poon

When we talk about missions and outreach, many of us picture distant countries, street evangelism, or social service programs. But Scripture presents a much deeper, broader concept: mission isn’t just about location—it’s about lifestyle. It’s not limited to pastors or missionaries. True mission is every believer living as a witness of God, wherever they are.

From family to workplace, school to neighborhood, our daily lives are platforms for God’s glory. Acts 1:8 reminds us that the Gospel starts close to home:

“…You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem…”—that is, where you already live, before reaching the ends of the earth.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 further emphasize this:

“…let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Mission doesn’t require a passport—it requires a willing heart. That’s the heart of Exodus 35: God’s movement begins in the hearts of His people. When God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle, He didn’t rely on policy or pressure. The invitation was extended to those whose hearts were stirred and willing (Exodus 35:21).

Exodus 35:4–21

“Anyone whose heart is willing may bring an offering to the Lord…” (Exodus 35:5)

God didn’t demand offerings with threats or mandates. He invited participation. People responded with gifts of materials—yes—but more importantly, their offerings reflected a desire to honor God.

This shows us that true worship and outreach don’t begin with action; they begin with affection. When our hearts are touched by God’s love, we naturally respond with generosity and devotion—not out of pressure, but out of gratitude.

Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 9:7:

“God loves a cheerful giver.”

In our mission efforts today, we must remember this foundation. Outreach fueled by obligation quickly runs dry. But outreach sparked by love can transform lives.

In early 20th century Pennsylvania, a 5-year-old girl named Heidi lived in a modest household. Her parents taught her to love God despite financial hardship.

One Sunday, their pastor shared a vision for a medical clinic in the Congo. He invited the congregation to give voluntarily and sacrificially.

After the service, Heidi took her small tin box and emptied her savings—just 57 cents, along with a note:

“This is all I have. I want children in Africa to see a doctor.”

Her tiny offering stirred the church to action. They launched the Heidi Mission Clinic Fund, and in time, built the first clinic in Congo funded by their community. It later became a hub for future schools and ministries.

Heidi’s story proves: God isn’t impressed by amount—He’s moved by sincerity. Her example perfectly illustrates Exodus 35: a stirred and willing heart can birth movements that reach across oceans.

Exodus 35:22–29

This passage reveals a beautiful mosaic of participation. Men and women, rich and poor, skilled and unskilled—all contributed based on their resources and talents.

The tabernacle wasn’t built by a select few—it was a collective act of worship. God’s house flourished because everyone brought what they had.

Today, the church’s outreach should reflect this diversity. Mission is not a job description for a few—it’s a calling for many. Whether through hospitality, teaching, technical skills, or quiet acts of kindness, every member has a part to play.

As Ephesians 4:16 puts it:

“From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Exodus 35:30–35

Moses introduces Bezalel, a man chosen by name to lead the tabernacle’s design. Alongside Oholiab, he wasn’t just skilled—he was filled by God’s Spirit to carry out the task.

Their craftsmanship came not from self-achievement, but divine equipping.

“…filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge…” (Exodus 35:31)

This reminds us that no one is too ordinary to be used by God. Our abilities—whether teaching, healing, crafting, organizing—are divine assignments. If God calls you, He also equips you.

Peter emphasizes this in 1 Peter 4:10:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”

In missions and outreach, we aren’t called to rely on talent alone. We’re invited to trust the God who gives every good gift, and use it to reflect His glory.

Exodus 35 offers more than a historical record. It’s a spiritual blueprint for building God’s dwelling among us today. It starts with:

• A stirred heart
• A willing spirit
• A united community
• God-given gifts and calling

We’re not building a physical tabernacle anymore—but we’re called to establish a place where God’s presence shines, through our lives and communities.