MISSION STATEMENT
Then those who glady received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:41-47
- To live our lives in such a way that people are drawn into a personal relationship with Jesus the Messiah and connected with the larger family of God in a vital way.
This passage in Acts reveals a clear sense of community among the believers that was rooted in their new found relationship with Jesus.
- ...they were added to them.
- ...they continued steadfastly, in fellowship.
- ...now all who believed were together.
- ...so continuing daily with one accord.
- ...breaking bread from house to house.
- ...the Lord added to the church.
We apply this truth in our lives through...
Taking steps that leads us into the body life of a church family. Church is made up of people who have come into a new birth relationship with Jesus and as a result have been brought together in a new life relationship with other believers. Becoming a member of a church family is an important decision that moves one beyond "attending services" to "participating in serving" together. You'll notice that as a result of being added to the Church, and being together in one accord that the Early Church experienced an incredible flow of compassion and divine power operating amidst their assembly. That is what membership is really all about! When a congregation gets a hold of who God is and what the Church is about then watch out, because God is going to pour out His love and power in a way that will begin to turn things upside down! That's what they said about the Early Church and that should be the testimony of every church that names the name of Jesus Christ.
- To encourage all toward the common pursuit of Christ-like maturity in every aspect of our lives.
The passage reveals a clear pathway for spiritual growth that was understood and established by the Early Church from its very beginnings.
- Those who gladly received his word were baptized.
- They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and prayer.
- They worshipped God with meaningful praise and through the generous giving of their resources.
We apply this truth in our lives through...
Taking steps that move us forward in our spiritual maturity. Spiritual growth is more than a believer merely growing "older" in years but rather the result of our intentional pursuit expressed in our hunger for knowing God more and more and having Him become an increasingly larger influence in our daily life.
- To nourish, sustain and train all believers for their unique God-given calling and ministry in the church and mission in the world.
This passage reveals the presence of a "ministry mindset" in the Early Church. They possessed a compassionate concern for their fellow believers as well as for all people within their community. As the book of Acts unfolds we also see that this ministry mindset was not limited to the local area but was soon to include the "uttermost parts of the world." Their ministry was seen in...
- The sharing of God's truth as they testified and exhorted the people.
- The loving embrace of the three thousand souls that were added to their congregation.
- Their prayers and the manifestation of God's powerful presence made known through signs and wonders.
- Sharing with anyone who was in need.
We apply this truth in our lives through...
Developing and maintaining a "ministry mindset" through our walk with Jesus. Jesus is our Savior and He is also our model for how to live our lives as believers. He maintained a ministry mindset and clearly understood that He did not come to be served but rather to serve. Ministry can occur anywhere you are. That can be in the supermarket, your home, volunteering at the church or helping the poor in a third world nation. There are no limitations as to where God wants to use you to minister His life-giving presence. If we are too busy for ministry then "friends we are TOO BUSY!" Ministry is our God given priority and we are called to maintain its flow through our lifetime. We are kingdom people with kingdom purpose called to glorify the King of Kings both now and forever.
- To bring the maximum glory to God throughout our lifetime.
During His earthly life and ministry, Jesus focused on one essential goal - to glorify His Father on the earth. He accomplished this by being true to who He was and by finishing the work that He was given to do by His Father. Jesus' life provides the pattern for all believers of all time. We too are called, commissioned and empowered to live a life of glorifying God in all that we are and do. As followers of Jesus the Messiah, we too have the opportunity and responsibility to live our life completely for His glory.