Why Are We Here & What Should We Do?

Have you ever asked yourself why is the church here and even if you don’t know exactly why it’s here have you ever thought what is our purpose as a church? What is my purpose as a Christian?

Have you ever just thought about what is our purpose as a church in the grand scheme of Christianity? Well, hopefully after today you’ll wonder no more about what we should be doing as a church or what we should be doing as a Christian.

Let’s look at our text today, Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) Where there is no vision the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Now most of us have heard this verse used in the context of a vision for the direction a church should go or for a preacher to set a path or direction that he feels the church should be headed. Hey I know, I’ve used this passage of scripture in that context in the past to cast a vision.

But today I want us to look at vision in the context of this scripture as something that is a Revelation from God or as the New Living translation puts it Divine Guidance from God. Let me read this verse from the NLT version. (Read text from NLT)

Now when we look in Webster’s New World Dictionary we find that Vision means something seen by other than normal sight; something perceived in a dream or trance or supernaturally revealed, as to a prophet. And the experience of having such a perception or revelation.

The NIV & the NKJV both have this scripture as follows; Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint, But happy is he who keeps the Law.

Personally I like this translation because I think it truly puts real meaning to the text and remains true to the Hebrew interpretation for vision. You see the truth is I may have a vision, you may have a vision and we both may have the same goals and outcomes in mind, if there is no revelation of God getting to the people , if there is no divine guidance from God , the people run wild.

Let’s face it , it’s obvious , if people are ignorant of God, If people are ignorant of the saving power of Jesus, If people reject the Holy Spirit , Crime and sin run rampant and it might seem like the world is going to Hades in a Handbasket. Look around, it’s happening people are acting crazy, fighting, killing, and rioting. This world seems so full of hate and dissatisfaction and we wonder what is wrong.

I think there is a lack of Revelation or divine guidance. Friend’s public morality depends on the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. In order for people and nations to function well people must know the ways of God & Christ and keep their rules. Think about it if we kept the two most important commandments that Jesus gave. You remember what they are?

They are found In Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus was asked this question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Now the Law or Torah numbered 613) and scripture says Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Now we may set a vision or a goal but it must first and foremost fall into the revelation of God. Folks we are here to be a ray of light, a beacon of hope or dare I say a place to worship and learn about God and Christ in order for us to introduce others to the greatest thing that ever was and ever will be, and that is the salvation afforded us through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

That’s why the church is here, it’s a place for folks to learn about God, and we as Christians should be teaching them by example and words if necessary. A church shouldn’t be a country club, a church shouldn’t be inward focused a church should be taking the knowledge of God and the Love of Jesus out into a broken and hurting world.

So back to the question of the sermon title this morning;

1. Why are we here? Why is Coy United Methodist Church Here? To give a revelation of God and introduce people to Christ. That should be our greatest desire and we should be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.

2. What should we do? Or better yet ask yourself “what should I do?” Well I’m glad you asked. Love folks, invite them to church, no matter if you think they are the greatest person on earth or the lowliest, everyone needs Jesus. Pray that God will put you in front of people who need to know about Him, and then tell people your story of where Christ has brought you from.