Purpose: Church as Missionary – Part 1

Purpose: Church as Missionary – Part 1

purpose-of-the-church-logo2Whether we like it or not, the neighbors are watching.  Once you become a Christian, the entire world becomes your mission field, and ready or not you are a witness to Christ’s work in your life.  Too many of us have for years served as a megaphone showing the world who God is without our knowledge that we were even speaking.  The Apostle Paul shows us that as those entrusted with the message of reconciliation we are speaking for God TODAY, as if God Himself were making His appeal to the world THROUGH us!

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

1st – We are Christ’s POSSESSION – We belong to Him.

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV)

you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

2nd – We have been given a PROFESSION – Ambassadors as “relational representatives” of Christ

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassadorin chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

3rd – We have a PURPOSE – God is making His appeal through us

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NIV)

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”

4th – We have a PROCLAMATION – “Be reconciled to Christ”

GET IN THE GAME! – Rightly, Relationally, Reveal God!

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”