The Changing Church

Scripture

Mark 16:14–18 CSB

14 Later he appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he had risen. 15 Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.”

Mark 16:14–18 The Message

14 Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. 15 Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned. 17 “These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, 18 they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.”

Introduction

Recent Pew Research Group shows:

One in Three Americans are now religiously unaffiliated.

63% down from 75% in 2007

45% of US Adults pray daily

41% of US Adults consider religion important

25% or US Adults attend religious services once a week (7% twice)

Observation

He finds them RECLINING

Those that walked with him intimately missed the shift

They have the experience, and the information and still didn’t believe.

Jesus flips there ministry outlook inside out.

Mark 16:15 CSB

15 Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

The Evolving Church still needs the Early Church’s power

Maybe your church is empty because it can’t be identified.

Application

Post-Quarantine Church by Thom Rainer

Gather Differently and Better

1 Corinthians 12:27 CSB

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.

Matthew 18:20 CSB

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

Seize Your Opportunity to Reach the Digital World

John 14:12 CSB

12 “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.

Matthew 8:5–13 CSB

5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.” 7 He said to him, “Am I to come and heal him?” 8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith. 11 I tell you that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment.

Reconnect with the Community Near Your Church

Matthew 25:40–46 CSB

40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t take me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of me.’ 44 “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?’ 45 “Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

4. Take Prayer to a New and Powerful Level

Acts 4:31 CSB

31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.

5. Rethink Your Facilities for Emerging Opportunities

6. Make Lasting Changes that Will Make a Differences

Prayer