In this sermon series, we will explore the call of the church to join in God's work that is ongoing in the community. Rather than simply calling the community to "come in", we will be encouraged to go out and participate in the work that the Holy Spirit has initiated. In order for this to become a reality, we have to slow down and listen to God and to the people. And in joining in the work that God has already begun, we become fused together with the heart of God in the city. This is much more than a call to evangelize. This is a call to impact and influence our community and this current generation.
An understanding of God's mission may come from grasping that his incarnational mission as Jesus - The Word - became flesh and lived among us. Coming to grips with that God has uniquely placed us in this community initiates our journey to join in with God in mission.
We hear these words at the start of the race. The word "go" signifies it is time for action, time to do something and time to move. When Jesus gave the great commission, he echoed the call given to Abraham to leave his familiar surroundings to go outward. As a church determined to fuse with God's mission in the neighborhood, we need to step out of comfort, out of familiarity, out of the building and out into the neighborhood.
The community in which we reside contains a wealth of needs. Perhaps one of the simplest ways of understanding our community is asking simple questions like, "How can we help?" Joining God in the neighborhood continues with listening to the answers and jumping into action to meet the needs.
Joining God in the neighborhood is a collective call to the body. It is not the goal of this collective experience to exclude members but to work together to hear the voice of God. The goal is that his message of love and reconciliation is communicated to the community.
God called Abraham to join him in his mission to redeemed and renew the creation. In doing so God would bless Abraham, and through Abraham God would bless the world. As we conclude this series, we will explore how living "missionaly" in Character, Calling, and Community will result in a message of Blessing, Belonging and Belovedness.
It's Our Time video courtesy of Igniter Media.