Build - Vision
Notes
Transcript
Re-Set
Re-Set
March 2020 changed everything - for churches and people
The world literally stopped
It forced us to rethink and refocus as church
Prior to this - church in decline - 80% of churches declining, 5,000 churches closing each year, 60% not a single baptism
There are those that wish to just get back to normal, to the good ole days
If that’s normal, then what’s the point, the days weren’t that good.
The shutdown forced us to ask tough questions, to look into what we were building and what was most important
Jesus gave us His picture of His church:
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Church as an unstoppable force, building God’s kingdom
We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.
- G.K. Chesterton
Somehow we got the idea that we are here to just defend Jesus - our command is to proclaim Jesus
Those are two different approaches but I believe we are called to be on offense.
That’s what I want to focus on today
This picture of the church - and how we as Family Church are building towards that
We must be able to answer the question of who Jesus is and why is he so important to people, families, and the world
Turn to Matthew 16: 13-18
Let’s pray
Everything Jesus ever said, or places went to had purpose.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Jesus..... Has purpose in the location
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
This is a very interesting place to preach from
Multiple temples - horrible things like child sacrifice done here
Many Jews believed it was the opening to hell
Here he ask the question - who do people say I am
Jesus always ask a question that leads to a decision
Jesus..... Seeks a Proclamation from the disciples
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
This is not a wish or a hope, but this is a life altering belief
Jesus says, "I want you to follow me so fully, so intensely, so enduringly that all other attachments in your life look weak by comparison" - Timothy Keller
This is not just words - this is a life growing and becoming more like Jesus
If i believe He is who He claims to be, then I must become who I was made to be
That’s being a disciple
On that commitment Jesus makes His own proclamation
Jesus..... Gives a Promise to the church
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
Satan has no defense against a church on mission
Family church must and will focus on Building families and thus disciples, having facilities that meet the needs and focus of our mission, continued vision for the future
Build
Build
We want to be a part of building God’s kingdom
There is an urgency -
Covid - has isolated and unconnected so many people - depression and loneliness is at all time highs
We are losing this coming generation - more claiming to not believe than claim to believe then ever before
Orlando/ Central Florida is the 4th most de-churched area in the country
We are all part of the solution
People are God's method. The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better people.
- E.M. Bounds
We are going to talk over the next few weeks - Building Families, Building Facilities, Building a Future
We are asking that each family and person prays
God has blessed us with resources, time talents and treasure to be used for His kingdom
We are asking for commitments and asking you as families to ask how do I do my part
If you have never given before - now is the time to start, if you have been giving - maybe it is time to up it a little
We give because we have been given so much - this is not tithe - this is above an beyond because we believe in this vision.
I trust that God will speak to all of us about where we fit in - the question always is do I trust God with what I can and cannot see
Together we are going to Build for God’s glory and His kingdom
Let’s Pray