This week we turn our attention to 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, “The Truth About Cultural Relevance”. No text (some would say pretext) has done more to shape contemporary approaches to mission. This morning we will take a fresh look at what the Lord, through the pen of the Apostle Paul, is and is not saying to us in this very important and timely passage of scripture.

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.

What are the building blocks of an effective and enduring ministry? So far we’ve looked at the foundation of the cross, the importance of keeping scripture front and center, the place and purpose of the Lord’s Supper as we come together as the Lord’s people on the Lord’s Day, and the priority and importance of content rich worship during our corporate gatherings. This week we turn our minds and hearts to Colossians 2:6-15, “A Sign and a Seal”, as we focus on the other (and only other) sacrament Jesus instituted prior to his ascension, commissioning us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.