What Is The Purpose For Our Church?

NEW HOPE’S CHARTER MEMBERSHIP SERVICE

JUNE 4, 2000

TEXT: Matthew 16:13-19

INTRODUCTION: This morning we are here to charter our church’s membership. We have been called to build a church in this community upon the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ!

God has called us to do a great work. We are doing what few do today and that is start a church. It will not be easy, it will have opposition from Satan, but it will be rewarding.

What is the purpose of this church? What are our goals? How will we achieve them?

I. TO WIN SOULS TO JESUS CHRIST

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The most important purpose for the existence of this church or any other church for that matter, is to win people to Jesus Christ. Our souls are immortal, they will exist for all eternity in either heaven or hell. It is our job as Christians to witness to those around us.

It is my job as Pastor to tell everyone that comes through our doors that they are sinners in need of a Savior. Some people don’t like to hear that. They come to church to feel good. Well, if they are not saved they should walk out these doors scared to death, not happy.

Ezek 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

If I fail, if we fail to warn people of the eternal damnation that awaits them if they reject the salvation that God provides through Jesus Christ, then they’re blood is on our hands. I don’t care what I am preaching about, if I think there might be a lost person in the service, I will get the Gospel in my message one way or another. I will tell them that they are sinners in need of a Savior. I will not worry if they are offended.

I don’t want them to point a finger of accusation at me at the Great White Throne saying I didn’t warn them. I would rather have them mad at me for telling them the truth now then mad at me for not telling them then.

I’m not the one that offends them anyway, even though I may be the object of their offence, it is the cross that offends them.

1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

THROUGH MISSIONS

“Go ye into all the world.” We will also as a church support missionaries that go out and preach the Gospel. This is how we reach the world for Christ.

When we give to missions, we are taking a part in winning souls. We have a reward in heaven when the missionaries we support win others to Christ. Our financial support, and our prayer support, go toward fulfilling the Great Commission.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

So our first and foremost purpose is winning people to Christ.

II. TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

2 Pet 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

God wants us to grow spiritually. He does not want us to remain baby Christians. He wants us to mature in our faith and walk with Christ. There are Christians who have been saved for years that haven’t gotten past the ABC’s of Christianity.

They are as;

Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.