Our Mission Series

WHO ARE WE? - PART 1 - OUR MISSION

Matthew 22:35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: 36 “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

INTRO: I am excited this morning to begin this new series in which we will examine the Mission, Vision, Values, and Purpose of Metro Grace Community Church. It is extremely important to the life and vitality of this church body for us to understand who we are as a church.

We have a Mission to fulfill that was given to us by God. We have a Vision of what type church we will be both now and in the future. We have Core Values that shape who we are and everything we do as a church. These values are non-negotiable. We believe in them so strongly that we would be willing to lay our lives on the line for these values. We also have a Purpose for existing as a church here in this community. Understanding these things helps us maintain focus and direction in everything we do. If you ever wonder why we make certain decisions or do things a certain way here at Metro Grace, look to the Mission, Vision, Values, or Purpose, because these things drive everything we do.

God gives us these things because He has a very defined idea of what He wants us to be as a church. Some of these, such as the principles found in Our Purpose, are applicable to every church. For example, I believe that every church shares the same purpose. But, some of these, such as Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values, are specific for this church and this specific place and time.

This morning we will begin this series by examining the specific Mission for this church and the Biblical principles which are exemplified in Our Mission:

OUR MISSION: LOVE GOD - LOVE PEOPLE - MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I. LOVE GOD

37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Jesus teaches us here that we are to love God, “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” What does that mean? How can we love God like this? Let’s take a look at the 3 ways Jesus taught us to love God:

With all your “Heart” (emotions)

(Football Game)

Psalm 110:1 Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

3 Acknowledge that Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His —

His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.

Our worship and love for God should include our emotions. When I think of all that God has done for me, it produces within me joy and excitement! And it should do the same in you as well!

B. With all your “Soul” (will/person)

To love the Lord with “all your soul” means to demonstrate your love for God through your obedience and by submitting your will to His will.

1 Samuel 15:22 Then Samuel said: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams

Obedience and submission to God’s will in your life is the true mark of a person in love with the Lord!

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.

We demonstrate our love for God through our obedience!

C. With all your “Mind” (intellect/thoughts)

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.

God wants us to love Him with our entire being: emotionally, intellectually, in our thoughts, our will, in our actions, in who we are as a person, every aspect of our life dedicated to serving and honoring Him as a demonstration of our Him!