The Externally Focused Church

The Externally Focused Church

Luke 14:15–23

BELIEVES THEIR COMMUNITY CANNOT BE HEALTHY APART FROM THE LOCAL CHURCH

Everywhere Jesus went, He made a difference. Everywhere His disciples  went, they made a difference (Acts 17:6).

“As the soul is to the body, so Christians are to the world.”

CHRISTIANS DO NOT GROW OR FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE UNTIL THEY BEGIN SERVING

Information alone does not produce maturity.

We each have two stories:

1. Ephesians 2:8–9 — our salvation story

2. Ephesians 2:10 — our purpose story

Every believer is shaped for ministry (S.H.A.P.E.):

S – Spiritual maturity

H – Heart

A – Abilities

P – Personality

E – Experiences

Only when your passion intersects with God’s purpose, do you become fully alive.

THERE IS TREMENDOUS POWER IN SERVICE

Serving others does not save them, but it does open doors. 

“Good deeds create good will, which opens the door to the good news.”

Service prompts two questions:

1. Who are you?

2. Why are you doing this?

CONCLUSION

We may not know why bad things happen, but we always know how to  respond.

Final question: What ministry am I involved in that blesses others? / Am I  fulfilling the purpose for which God saved me? 

Saved by grace.

Created for good works.

Sent into the world.