A Firm Foundation – Sermon 6

Over these first few weeks worshiping together we have taken a close look at the most essential elements on which to build a firm foundation for an effective and enduring ministry. Beginning this coming Sunday, and for the next several Sunday’s, we’ll turn our attention to the important subject of mission. Nowhere has the impact of business and marketing had a more profound and pervasive influence than on the church’s approach to outreach and evangelism. Mission is vitally important, and of great concern to God. After all, the book of Acts begins with the birth of the church at Jerusalem and ends with Paul in Rome, the then known capital of the world, where for two whole years “he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ–with all boldness and without hindrance!” (Acts 28:31). Indeed, the Lord God is a missionary God. But what are the how-tos of mission? And is scripture itself a reliable and adequate enough guide to instruct and equip us? In answer to that question we’ll look first this week at Acts 2:42-47, “In Praise of the Ordinary”, as we seek to understand the ways and means by which God empowers his church for soul saving, kingdom building, mission.