What Kind Of Church Is First Christian Church? Series

INTRODUCTION

• SLIDE #1

• Next week Jerry will conclude our series, WHY DO WE DO THAT? In this series we have been examining some of the things we do as both Christians and as a Church.

• Today, I want to bring everything together in our message for today, WHAT KIND OF CHURCH IS FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH?

• This message is designed for those of you who are new to FCC as well at those who have been attending FCC for a long time. For those who are new, you will get to see what drives us to do what we do, and what motivates us to make the decisions we make.

• For those who are long-time members of the FCC family, this message is meant to re-calibrate our focus and thinking as a church body.

• When one takes the time to examine the ministry of Jesus, one of the things that is apparent is the fact that for Jesus, ministry did not just happen, everything He did was planned with purpose.

• I contend that everything Jesus did was strategic in nature, from His healings to His journey to Calvary.

• If FCC is going to be successful in carrying out the mission we have been given, we too must have a plan.

• Everything we do must be grounded in what God calls us to do. Everything we do must be within the revealed will of God.

• Therefore, any plans we develop must be done prayerfully and thoughtfully.

• Our church must be driven by a Christ-centered vision, and mission. At FCC our strategic planning team has developed such a plan.

• Since we do not have the resources to be all things to all people, we need something that will keep us centered on the main thing we are called to do for God.

• There are so many good ideas out there; however, we have to evaluate everything we do based on our mission and vision.

• One HUGE mistake a church in this day and age can fall prey to is trying to simply to seek to fill everyone’s calendar with well-meaning events.

• People are not looking for the church to fill their calendar with activities; however, they are willing to be a part of an activity that is well-prayed over, and well-planned.

• People will respond to events of which they KNOW the purpose and how the event helps the church fulfil our mission and vision as a church.

• Mission and vision are a vital part of a growing church. Jesus stayed focused on His mission, He did not allow anything to sidetrack His mission. In a typical church, anything and everything can distract a church from her true calling.

• We can fill people’s calendars with events for everyday of the week and yet even if well-attended, the events could still be a failure because they do not enhance the Christ-Centered mission and vision of the church.

• Today, we are going to examine what kind of Church is FCC. I want to begin with a passage in Matthew 10. This passage comes on the heels of Jesus selecting the 12 disciples.

• Once He selects them, the first thing He does is give them a mission and vision.

• SLIDE #2

• Matthew 10:5–14 (HCSB) — 5 Jesus sent out these 12 after giving them instructions: “Don’t take the road leading to other nations, and don’t enter any Samaritan town. 6 Instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, announce this: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge. 9 Don’t take along gold, silver, or copper for your money-belts. 10 Don’t take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a walking stick, for the worker is worthy of his food. 11 “When you enter any town or village, find out who is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12 Greet a household when you enter it, 13 and if the household is worthy, let your peace be on it. But if it is unworthy, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.

• SLIDE #3

SERMON

I. Who are we? The mission of FCC.

• From the calling of the 12, Jesus did not just tell them to follow Him and do whatever popped into their heads, nor did He tell them to do whatever everyone else thought they should do.

• Jesus gave them a mission and vision