New Year, Same Mission

Introduction:

We believe the mission of the church is to:

Love God, love others and make disciples.

2 Timothy 4:5 (NASB)

5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Matthew 22:36–40 (NASB)

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 28:18–20 (NASB)

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Loving God

37 And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NASB)

5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Mark 12:30 (NASB)

30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’

John 14:15 (NASB)

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

1. I will strive to show my love for God…

by spending time daily in the scriptures

by spending consistent time in prayer

by living in loving obedience to Christ

by participating in worship services joyfully and faithfully

by becoming equipped to serve God and others well

by seeking regular accountability from my brothers and sisters in Christ

by being a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to me

Loving Others

39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Leviticus 19:18 (NASB)

18 ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

John 15:17 (NASB)

17 “This I command you, that you love one another.

Philippians 2:3–4 (NASB)

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Matthew 5:43–44 (NASB)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

2. I will strive to show my love for others…

by acting in love toward family, friends and foes.

by speaking the truth in love

by refusing to gossip or slander

by contributing to the health and unity of the church

by fellowshipping with church family inside and outside the building

by encouraging and supporting my fellow Christians

by lovingly keeping my brothers and sisters in Christ accountable

by respecting church leadership

by helping those in need

Making Disciples

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The Greek for “go” actually means… “as you go” or “going”. The Great Commission is a command, sure enough, but it doesn’t mean you stop what you are doing to make disciples. It means that in everything you are doing you are to be looking for opportunities to make disciples. It isn’t a thing you do, it is the only thing you do.

Matthew 9:37–38 (ESV)

37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

3. I will strive to make disciples…

by praying for those that don’t know Jesus

by doing my part to be a godly example for others to follow

by intentionally sharing the Gospel with those God places in my path

by walking alongside baby Christians in order to help them follow Jesus

by inviting and encouraging others to be a part of the church

We need to remember that, yes, this is a new year, but we have the same mission. Let’s recommit to it and make 2023 our best yet.

Let’s love God, love others and make disciples.

Ok. Let’s pray.

Memory Verse of the Week:

2 Timothy 4:5 (NASB)

5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Bible Study Questions:

What does this Scripture teach us about God?

What does this Scripture teach us about ourselves?

What does this Scripture teach us about the world?

Do you see any commands to obey or principles to apply?

Do you see any promises to claim or blessings to enjoy?

Do you see any truths to meditate on or Gospel messages to share?

Did anything else in the passage stick out to you?