The Mission Matters Most

Intro Series

Today we are going to kick off a series titled, “Back to Basics”

In it, we are going to look at our Core Values

Let me illustrate what I mean by Core Values

Do you see this vase? This vase represents our lives. There’s only so much room. The things we do, the way we spend our time - they fill us up

add golf balls - you could say that this vase is full right? no more golf balls will fit

add small rocks - once again, you could say the vase is full now right? no more rocks will fit

add sand - and again, the vase is full right? no more sand will fit

add water - okay, now… the vase really is full. not only will no more water fit, nothing else will fit

Now here is the thing… what if we filled up the vase with water first? would anything else fit? What about the sand or the rocks? would the golf balls fit? No!

The golf balls represent our core values - things that should be of highest priority. And if they are going to fit in our life, they have to fit first

Expound

So, as we spend the next few weeks looking at Core Values, I want to make a couple things clear

These are values for both the church and the believer - they aren’t separate

We are going to use this series as an opportunity to take inventory of the life of our church:

What is there to celebrate?

How can we continue growing?

I encourage you to take inventory of your own life

What is there to celebrate?

How can you continue growing?

Alright, so with the stage set… let’s pray.

Prayer

Intro/Context

All of our Core Values come from Acts 2:42-47

Acts 2:42–47 (CSB)

“42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Now let me give the context of this passage

Jesus died, rose from the grave, appeared to the disciples, commissioned them, promised the coming of the Holy Spirit

The disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches the first message, three thousand are saved

It’s here that the church begins its formation - and the very next text is what we just read from Acts 2:42-47

expound

Let’s go ahead and throw our 6 Core Values on the screen

The Mission Matters Most

Rooted in Scripture

Prayer is Powerful

Selfless Generosity

Church without Walls

We don’t Maintain, we Multiply

Today we are going to briefly look at the first Core Value, “The Mission Matters Most”

This is the most important Core Value, but why?

expound

This mission can best be summarized by Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 28:16–20 (CSB)

The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What is this “mission” that matters most?

This is the important question isn’t it? Well… I believe it can be answered

Its two parts:

Verses 16-18

Jesus came near! God wants to you to know Him - expound

Verses 18b-20

Go and make disciples! God wants the nations to know Him - expound

This “mission” that matters most is God’s mission to make Himself known to you and people from all nations!

But why does it “matter most”

Why does it “matter most?”

This question too can be answered

Also in two parts:

Verse 18 - authority in heaven

God has the ultimate authority

Verse 18 - authority on earth

God is eternal life

Verse 19

It is a mission that is needed

Verse 20 - with you always, to the end of the age

It’s where we find God’s presence

Practical Application

What is there to celebrate?

Church we’ve seen 5 salvations and 5 baptisms this year!

How can we continue growing?

We want to see more!

Share testimonies more frequently!

Invitation/Closing Thoughts

Holy Spirit Led