WHO WE ARE: A PEOPLE ON MISSION
Part 2 – Why Are We Here?
Acts 1:8-14
August 12, 2018
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor
INTRODUCTION
Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all things done under the sun; most of them meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
1. WE HAVE A MISSION.
A. Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)
B. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (NLT)
C. Life Change simply means coming to know Christ as Savior and then letting God change us to become more like Jesus.
Romans 8:29 For those whom God foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son… (NASB)
2. WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT OTHERS?
A. A person who dies without Christ spends eternity in hell.
John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (NIV)
B. Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.
C. The Bible says that for all those who put their trust in Christ, will not perish but have eternal life.
D. Acts 26:18 God has called me to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins.
E. 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (NIV)
3. WE MUST EMBRACE OUR MISSION!
A. God always uses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary mission.
B. Alone you can make an impact, but together we can change our world.
C. Churches driven by God’s purpose have God’s blessing on them. (Acts 1:8)
The key to our church being blessed by God is for us to clearly understand why we are here and passionately embrace God’s mission.
Action Steps I will take this week …
° I will recommit myself to being a part of reaching and discipling others.
° I will help my church to continue being outwardly focused and reaching others.
° I will attend one of the Gatherings at the Sugar Land Campus with Pastor Mark.