WHY DOES THE CHURCH EXIST?

Foundational reasons for who we are and what we do!

Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came near and said to them, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

GO- to move on a course; to move along in specified manner

Basic thoughts from the “GREAT COMMISSION”

1. The POWER that ENABLES us to go.

Every believer has a part to play in carrying out the Great Commission. It takes personal involvement.

The Institute for American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question… What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1% c. I just walked in- 3%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1% c. I just walked in- 3% d. I liked the programs- 3%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1% c. I just walked in- 3% d. I liked the programs- 3% e. I had a special need- 3%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1% c. I just walked in- 3% d. I liked the programs- 3% e. I had a special need- 3% f. I liked the Bible classes- 5%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1% c. I just walked in- 3% d. I liked the programs- 3% e. I had a special need- 3% f. I liked the Bible classes- 5% g. I liked the minister- 6%

a. I attended a gospel meeting- 0.5% b. I visited there- 1% c. I just walked in- 3% d. I liked the programs- 3% e. I had a special need- 3% f. I liked the Bible classes- 5% g. I liked the minister- 6% h. A friend or relative invited me- 79%

D.L. Moody once approached a man who leaning against a lamppost on a Chicago street. Moody was soon speaking to him about Christ. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed, “Mind your own business.” To which Moody replied, “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, but to be very frank, this is my business!”

Going and sharing is church business. Keep in mind that vs are futile without the power of vs. 18.

2. The PERSON that EXHORTS us to go.

Jesus was willing to go all the way to the cross. How far are you willing to go for Him? Jesus is asking us to “take up our cross” and carry the gospel to a lost world.

3. The PLACE that we are EXPECTED to go.

If Arthur Blessett can carry a cross around the world, and the early church could turn the world upside down, then can’t you and I take the message wherever He asks? Maybe it is global and maybe it is just across the street.

Is there someone you want to minister to…but lack the courage or drive to do so? God will give you what you need if you will make yourself available.

Is someone not getting the message of the gospel because you are not going where you are expected to?

4. The PURPOSE that EMPLOYS us to go.

Why should I go? Because those who don’t know the love of Christ are LOST!

Romans 10:14-15, 17 “But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can the believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”

5. The PROMISE that ENCOURAGES us to go.

The opportunity to take the gospel to the world is not one that I do alone. Christ is there to accompany me along the way!

As we endeavor to share the good news of Christ in our community and around the world, Christ our Savior is with us!