Ch 10 The Church Had No Clear Purpose

Autopsy of a Deceased Church  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Intro:

Miracle on Ice
read or show pg 72

The Churches Did Not Get It

Rd pg 73

They Did Not Carry Out the Great Commission

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV
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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Make Disciples of all People
baptizing them
Make disciples of all nations
bringing them into the church
Leading them to identify with Christ
teaching them
Baptizing them
training them to obey Christ’s commands
Ultimately, maturing them to become disciple makers themselves.
This mission is given to ALL of us!
Yet in dying churches, no one was talking about making a difference in the world around them.
rd 74

They Were Not Obeying the Great Commandments

Matthew 22:36–40 ESV
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 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. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
mt 22:36-
Jesus summarized the OT (Law and Prophets) in 2 commands:
Love God
Love Others
What do these 2 commandments mean? What is it to love God with all we have and love our neighbor as ourselves?
To me, it is about priorities:
God is to be the most important person in our lives.
He is preeminent. HE is supreme. His will is more important than our own.
Others come next.
We live for others.
To serve them.
To care for them.
To meet their needs.

When the Church Has a Biblical Purpose

Philippians 1:3–5 ESV
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
What did Paul mean when he thanked the Philippians church for their partnership in the gospel?
They lived the gospel
They functioned and served as a gospel witness
They each walked in a way which glorified God
Matthew 5:13–16 ESV
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Look at 17
Live before others
See Your good works
Glorify God
They proclaimed the gospel
Romans 10:14 ESV
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
14
Someone must proclaim!
Can you explain the gospel?
Man sins
Sin deserves death
Jesus Died and rose again
He saves all who call on His name in faith and repentence
They partnered with Paul in the gospel
They helped Paul in his missionary endeavors
They shared:
Prayer
Finances
Philippians 4:10–23 ESV
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Prayer Support
Philippians 4:10-23
Rd pg 75

Prayerful Commitment 10

God, reignite the hearts of our church members, including me, to have a passion for the gospel. Teach our church to share the gospel with others. Teach us to live as men and women who are true bearers of the good news of Jesus Christ. Remind us of our purpose. Convict us of our purpose. Empower us to live our purpose.
How does the Miracle on Ice illustrate the need of churches to have a clear purpose?

Conclusion:

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