Mission-Driven Church #1: Values that Guide Us
Mission-Driven Church #2: People who Support Us
Mission-Driven Church #3: A Faith that Nurtures Us
Mission-Driven Church #4: Service that Enriches Us
Mission-Driven Church #5: Leaders Who Shepherd Us
Mission Driven Church #6: A God Who Empowers Us
Mission Driven Church #7: A Message That Saves Us
Introduction
Do you believe that our God is a big God?
Big command, Matt. 28:18-20
Big promise, Phil. 4:19
Big eternity
Big first century people: the early church fulfilled God's command
The Example of the Early Church
GOAL
- 1. The goal of the first century church was to make disciples, mission, Mt. 28:16-20, even in the midst of doubts (v. 17)
- 2. Sense of urgency concerning the goal, Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:12
- 3. Emphasis on prayer for God's power in reaching the goal, Ac. 1:14
ACTION
- 4. Search for workers, enlist others, organized and appointed leaders for specific tasks, Ac 1:23-26; 6:1ff; developed outstanding, soul-winning teachers, 6:7
- 5. Used everyone's talents, Acts 2:46-47
- 6. Were able to attract others, Acts 2:2,47
- 7. Worked hard to overcome opposition by God's power, Ac 2:12-13; 4,5,6
- 8. Main objective was saving souls, Ac 2:41; personal evangelism was a priority, 5:42
- 9. Continued to grow despite obstacles, 5:12; 6:7; 8:4
RESULTS
- 10. Result was the unity of the church, 2:42
- 11. Result was message went throughout the city, 5:28
- 12. Result was that they gave God credit and praise, 2:47
APPLICATION
Do you believe that our big God is able to be with you and make your ministry powerful, that our big God empowers you? Phil. 4:13; 1 Pet. 4:10-11
Do you believe you can find hurting people with needs and use your God-given gifts to help them or to help them find help?
Have you seen our big world?
Seven signs of hurting people: (1) faces; (2) eyes, window of soul; (3) isolation, sitting alone, (4) heads down, (5) new people, (6) tentative actions, (7) people who sit in the back.
Seven conditions of hurting people: (1) discouraged, (2), lack of spiritual direction, (3) lonely, (4) weak and vulnerable, (5) wounded, (6) feel condemned, (7), spiritually hungry.
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/sermons/mission_driven_ch6.htm
Last updated March 20, 2005.