What’s Next? – Matthew 28:18-20

Feb 14, 2021

We need to know what God is already doing before we look at this. God is making redemption available.

God’s love is faithful, patient, and kind. There are times when I am not. We all make mistakes.
Romans 3:23-25
Hebrews 12:2
What did Jesus’ death accomplish?
Romans 5:8-9
Ephesians 1:7
Ephesians 2:13
1 Peter 2:24
1 John 1:7
Romans 4:25

Our understanding of who we are must be informed by who God is.

Why am I on earth? What are we doing here? What is a church? What are we doing? Where are we going?

God loves you!

In God we find identity, value, purpose, pleasure, life-long committed loving relationship.

Jesus says this to people who were with Him assembled as wholehearted followers.

Matthew 18:18-20
“urge people of all nationalities and cultures to become my followers and take next steps in this journey.”

We read about their response to the direction of Jesus in Acts. This brings guidance to us today.

Everything about our church should flow from this.

Jesus is the starting point, foundation, and leader.
Matthew 16:18

We have purpose in our church relationships.
Ephesians 2:20-22

Everything the early church did was a response to God’s love, Jesus, and Jesus’ teaching.

Communion, loving relationship, understanding truth, covenant agreement.

Water baptism in public confession, natural sign of spiritual cleansing.

Prayer conversation with God in relationship.

Meeting needs in the community.

Forming inclusive community around following Jesus.

Body with each part essential, equal value, suffer together and celebrate together. – 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

What did they see happen? Healing miracles, freedom from spiritual darkness, life change, freedom from sin. Used to be nasty, toxic selfishness.

Ephesians 4:16
God’s purpose has not changed. God’s methods have a wide variety. God is most creative!

As Jesus followers, everything we do should be in alignment with the will and work of God. This includes God’s purpose and pleasure.

We should be asking: What is God saying? What does God have for us this year?

There should be shared values and vision among us.

God has revealed things to us, not in a vacuum, in keeping with where God is already at work.

This includes where God is already at work within you, and your unique gifts, strengths, passions.

God is bringing us into melody and harmony with Him and each other.

Here and now for City Harbor Church,

We see a church…

Loving Jesus in a way that people talk about.

Where people find salvation & healing in Jesus.

Helping people find careers & peaceful homes.

Where everyone can find a place that they fit.

Serving the city with love that works.

Skip to content