THEME: 2012: The Church that is Glowing, Going, and Growing on Purpose (Matt. 5:14-16, 28:19-20,Lk 14:16-23, Romans 10:9-10)
Focus: A Church That Goes
After this lesson is shared, the participants should be able to better appreciate the importance of being more progressive and proactive in their efforts to share the gospel message with those that they encounter in their day to day lives.
Let s get going! This is an expression that every child of God should have as their Mantra for Ministry. In point of fact, if you don t go anywhere you will never get anywhere. This is one of the very reasons that many churches plateau in decline and isolation, relegating themselves to being a reactive, non-progressive, and closed culture, otherwise known as a clique. However, we are not called to be a clique, but rather the church, which is progress and proactive with regards to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. So, how about it; Let s Get Going!
Matt. 28:19-20 KJV Message
Matt 28: 19 20 ;Message Translation 18 20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: The Bible in contemporary language (Mt 28:18-20). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Matt 28:18 20 1. Jesus authority (28:18) : He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 2. Jesus assignment (28:19 20a): They are to reach and teach all nations. 3. Jesus assurance (28:20b): He will always be with them!
Universal Utterances: A. All Power (v.18) B. All Nations (v.19) C. All Things (v.20) D. Always (v.20)
As we go forward in fulfilling the Great Commission that Jesus Christ has commended into our care, we may be presented with the expression of prohibitive circumstances. Luke 14:16-23
The prohibitive circumstances pertain to: Unavoidable Causality (v.18) In-expendable Mentality (v.19) Relational Technicality (v.20 cf. Deut. 20:7; 24:5)
Jesus Non-Restrictive Policy: Luke 14: 21 Urban Ministry City Folk The Able and the Disabled
Non Restrictive Policy V 22 24 Suburban/ Rural Ministry Country Folk Whomsoever Will
The Gospel of Inclusion: Jesus Style (Each table is asked to compile a list of those individuals to whom the Gospel of Inclusion according to Jesus would apply 5 min.)
The Gospel of Inclusion: Mt. Horeb Style (Each table is asked to collaborate on the Gospel of Inclusion relative to our church family 5 min.)
The Spirit of Open-ness / Inclusion - v.21-24 cf Luke 4:16-19, Rev. 4:6 Luke 4:16 19 Rev. 14: 6
Inclusion: Sin and Salvation - Romans 5: 12-21 (emp. 18) Comparison: Adam v Jesus Christ
1.The reality of his act (5:12a): When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. 2. The scope of his act (5:12b 13): So death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 3. The nature of his act (5:19a): Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners.
4. The results of his act (5:14 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, 21a) a. Imputed judgment on Adam s posterity (5:14) : They all died anyway b. Eternal judgment on all unsaved (5:15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, 21a): Adam s sin brought death and condemnation upon all people. 5. The relationship of the law to his act (5:20a): God s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were.
1. The Reality of his Acts: (5:15b, 16b, 17b, 18b, 19b, 20b, 21b): Because of Christ s death, people can be saved in spite of their sin. 2. The scope of his act (5:15b, 18b) a. Brought forgiveness to many (5:15b). b. Made all people right/gives them life (5:18b). 3. The nature of his act (5:19b): Because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God s sight.
4. The results of his act (5:16b, 17b, 21b) a. Justification (5:16b): All people can now be accepted by God. b. Sanctification (5:17b): All people can now be made righ-teous in God s eyes. c. Glorification (5:21b): All people can now have eternal life. 5. The relationship of sin to his act (5:20b): As people sinned more and more, God s wonderful kindness became more abundant.
Alexander Dumas All for One and One for All
Immigration Policy Biblical: Gospel of Inclusion National/ Political: American: Past v Present
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free; The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, Tempest-tossed to me I lift my lamp beside the golden door! (most relevant 1892-1954)
Currently: Policy of Protectionism Causes: Struggling Economy Competitions: Jobs, Positions, etc,. (cf. Isolationism and Segregation)
Ecclesiological Protectionism What does this look like in the church?
As we move forward, let us do so as a church that goes according to the mandate of Jesus Christ. Among other things, the gospel message of Jesus Christ is one of salvific inclusion. Thus, we should invite and embrace all that we encounter to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, regardless of their race, age, social status, and or sexual orientation. This is the manner with which we should share the Good News with the world. That being said, let s Get Going!
Q & A