Growing One Step Closer
Biblical basis for Refuge's Mission Statement
(NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
We’re Built for This!
Refuge’s Mission Statement: We are a safe place where everybody can grow one step closer to Jesus Christ every single day.
(JUpton Paraphrase)
19 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people:
20-22a religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized, when I am with those who are weak, I share their weaknesses — whoever;
when I am with those who are weak, I share their weaknesses
— whoever;
I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ — but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view, for I want to bring them to Christ.
22b I try to find common ground with everyone, I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means, by every possible means, doing everything I can, to save some.
What will it look like to operate in our Mission Statement?
(NLT)
On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
(CSV)
There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs
The Crowd
“The Sound” - a unique move of the Holy Spirit that allows people to hear God in ways relevant to their specific & unique situations
We ought to continually pray for a distinct & authentic move of God happen among us EVERY week.
We must invite people to be our guests at church, BELIEVING & HAVING FAITH that our guests will hear Him in their own “language”!
(NKJV)
And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
(NKJV)
we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
The Curious
What moved them from the Crowd to the Curious was an EXPERIENCE that drew them one step closer.
The Curious are seeking a head explanation for a heart experience.
We have to come to church with a dual-purpose mindset: we are here to GET and GIVE.
(MSG)
and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
(NLT)
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
The Convinced
What moved some from the Curious to the Convinced was an ENCOUNTER that drew them one step closer.
The Convinced are looking for next steps and pathways to belong.
We need a clear pathway & communicable next steps that people can follow towards transformation and maturity as Jesus-followers.
We need people to help them along the path.
(NLT)
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
(CSV)
And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!”
(NKJV)
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
The Committed
What moved some from the Convinced to the Committed was an ENVIRONMENT that drew them one step closer.
(NKJV)
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
They will continue on a path of growth and transformation
(NIV)
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
They will share a sense of awe / expectation
(NLT)
And all the believers met together in one place
They will regularly be at public worship
(NLT)
and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
They will support the ministry financially
(NKJV)
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
They will take part in Community Groups (#CGroupLife!)
a (NKJV)
praising God
They will get comfortable with praising God
(NKJV)
and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.