Scripture References: Matthew 4:19; John 13:35; Zechariah 7:9-10; Psalm 68:5-6; Isaiah 58:6-12
Intro: Welcome to today's sermon. We explore a crucial question: Is our community our ultimate mission, or are we a community on mission? Community is a precious gift from God, but it's meant to point beyond itself. When good things become God things, they become idols. Let's discern if our focus is primarily inward comfort or outward mission.
Key Points:
- Mission of Community vs. Community on Mission:
- Signs of a "mission of community": Prioritizing comfort over change, putting community ahead of conviction (like a "coexist" mentality overriding truth), sticking to the same people/seats, focusing inward ("circling up facing each other"), aiming to "keep" the faith instead of sharing it.
- A "community on mission" embraces change, faces outward (or at least shoulder-in/shoulder-out), understands community is the means to reach others, not the end goal.
- You're Not a Fisherman, You're a Fishing Net:
- Jesus called disciples to be "fishers of men." First-century fishing wasn't about a single rod/lure; it was about casting nets.
- The key wasn't technique, but the strength of the net. Fishermen spent time mending nets.
- The Church is God's web of connected relationships—His net. He strengthens our connections (mends the net) to cast us into the world, colliding with whole groups ("schools of fish").
- Our love for one another (John 13:35) should "catch" people, making them notice God at work. Strong relationships are our apologetic (Francis Schaeffer).
- Mission Must Include the Quartet of the Vulnerable:
- Scripture consistently highlights God's heart for the widow, the fatherless (orphan), the immigrant (foreigner), and the poor (Zech 7:9-10).
- God introduces Himself as their defender (Ps 68:5). Serving them reveals His character to the world.
- Isaiah 58 promises that if we spend ourselves on behalf of the hungry and afflicted, then our light will break forth like the dawn, and healing and guidance will follow. This is how God promises His presence and power will manifest through us.
Conclusion: Community is vital, a gift to be cherished and strengthened. But it finds its true purpose when it becomes the net God casts into the world. Our interconnected love and service, especially towards the vulnerable, are how God intends to draw people to Himself. Let's be a strong net, ready to be cast.
Call to Action:
- Examine your connections: Who is beside you? Are you strengthening those bonds?
- Mend the net: Reconcile broken relationships. Intentionally connect with new people.
- Look outward: Where is God casting your web of relationships (work, neighborhood, hobbies)?
- Serve the vulnerable: How can you, individually and as a community, pour yourselves out for the widow, orphan, immigrant, and poor, reflecting God's heart?
with Travis Aicklen
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