the big idea

Our church’s mission is to “share Christ’s victory with today’s people, loving them enough to meet them where they’re at”. In practicality, though, what does this mean? Who are “today’s people”? What does it mean to “meet them where they’re at”?

According to the Pew Research Center’s study in 2014, 30% of American adults report that they seldom or never attend church. Some reasons that people gave for not attend-ing church regularly are that they don’t believe, there’s no good reason to attend church, or they haven’t found a church they like. So how can we as a church and as the body of Christ reach these people?

In this series, we’ll explore how we can remain rooted in the truths of Jesus despite the pressures and criticism of modern society. We’ll consider some practical ways to fearlessly share these truths with others in honest and loving ways.

This series is based on “The Nine Manifestos We Can Embrace” from Hope of Nations by John S. Dickerson.

Series Breakdown

January 6, 2019: Rooted to Truth

A common argument against Christianity is the authenticity of the Bible. We know that the Bible is God-breathed and truthfully tells the story of God’s people and our salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In a world where truth is feelings-based, we will remain rooted to the Christian Scriptures and their life-giving direction.

Scriptures: Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Timothy 3:15-16
Sermon Text: Psalm 119:60

January 13, 2019: Train our Youth

One essential aspect of our church are the kids’ ministries. From birth into adulthood, we build relationships with our children and teach them about how we are saved through faith in Jesus. In a society of educated ignorance and blindness, we will train our young in the freedom, knowledge, and power of Christian truth.

Scriptures: Isaiah 26
Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 11:16, 18-21

January 20, 2019: Serve All People

From the early days of Christianity, followers of Christ have been known for doing good, serving the least of these, and loving our neighbors. In a world where people are treated as commodities or as opponents, we will dignify all people as image bearers of God.

Scriptures: Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:18
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 2:12, 15

January 27, 2019: Represent Christ

Christians are often labeled as bigots or backward. But, in a post-Christian world, we will be ambassadors to foreign tribes, behaving diplomatically to-ward neighbors who have been told the worst about Christianity.

Scriptures: Luke 10:25-37
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

February 3, 2019: Remain Strong

The media is riddled with images of the opponent being vilified and crucified. It is easy for Christians to see our persecutors as the “enemy”. But the true enemy is sin. In a world competing for limited resources; driven by fear, unrest, and scarcity, we will remain calm and love our persecutors, confident that God provides and cares for us.

Scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-18; Joshua 1:6-9
Sermon Text: Matthew 6:11

February 10, 2019: Share without Fear

In modern society, Christians are at best discriminated against and prejudged, and even persecuted at worst. To spread the Gospel with all God’s people, we will be invincible as we serve God’s purposes for which we are placed here and now. In a world divided by violence, terrorism, and war, we will be fearless.

Scriptures: Nehemiah 6:1-16
Sermon Text: Isaiah 8:12-14