The State of the Church (B)

Joshua 1:1-3; 5-7a; 9 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses aide: 2 Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

What was the Mission God assigned to the former Hebrew slaves?

Move into a large territory and build a nation called by God s name. It would come to be known as Israel.

This assignment of the Mission is an example of God s Heartbeat for mankind. It is also part of His Character.

John 1:35,36,12 How? The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God! to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God God s Heartbeat and His Own Mission God sent Jesus into our territory (earth) to build a family, called by His Son s Name!

Matthew 28:18-19 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 28:20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

James 2:14a What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?

Fulfilling God s Mission in 2018 1. We shall increase our efforts to reach our community by fourfold. 2. We shall focus our congregation to pray John 17:20-23 as an ongoing prayer effort. 3. We shall make a concerted effort to abandon the entitlement mentality. 4. We shall pray for hearts that would be willing to accept new methods and ways of thinking.