WHY WE ARE HERE
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Jan. 24, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
WHY WE ARE HERE
Scripture Reading: Acts 26:9-18
Text: Acts 26:16
Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Introduction: Notice the words in Acts 26:16, “for THIS purpose.” What I am going to give you this morning is what the organizations of this world call a “purpose statement.” I have often said that success is finding and doing the will of God. What IS the will of God for our church? We need to KNOW that will, or purpose, that God has for us, if we are to evaluate our success in DOING His will.
I’ve used alliteration to help us remember what I believe is the purpose of God for our church, and I want to preach to you about it this morning:
Gospel Light Baptist Church Exists Solely to Exalt the Savior as We Evangelize the Sinner and Edify the Saint.
Gospel Light Baptist Church
I. EXISTS SOLELY
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto thosethings which are before,
Note the words, “this one thing I do”
A. We really have ONE purpose
B. We really have ONE plan
C. We really have ONE program
Gospel Light Baptist Church Exists Solely to
II. EXALT THE SAVIOR
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
A. The Lord Jesus Christ should be PREEMINENT
B. The Lord Jesus Christ should be PRAISED
C. The Lord Jesus Christ should be PLEASED
D. The Lord Jesus Christ should be PREACHED
Gospel Light Baptist Church Exists Solely to Exalt the Savior as We
III. EVANGELIZE THE SINNER
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
A. Every member should get involved
* Every member should pray
* Every member should participate
* Every member should produce
B. Every ministry should be instrumental
C. Every miracle (conversion) should be important
* Even children
* Even black people
* Even the poor
* Even prisoners
Gospel Light Baptist Church Exists Solely to Exalt the Savior as We Evangelize the Sinner and
IV. EDIFY THE SAINT
Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
The word, “edify,” means “to build.” It refers to strengthening God’s people. I believe it exalts the Savior to save sinners and build believers. THAT is what we are about.
A. Let’s turn outsiders into partners
* Visitors into members
B. Let’s turn onlookers into participants
C. Let’s turn the obscure into powerhouses for God
Gospel Light Baptist Church Exists Solely to Exalt the Savior as We Evangelize the Sinner and Edify the Saint