The Mission Of The Church

Temple Baptist Church - 9-5-2010

Matthew 28:18-20

Intro: One of the main problems with the end-time church is that of priority and purpose. That is the reason for the confusion, conflict, and casualness of God’s people. Their priorities are wrong which leads to selfishness. Selfishness leads to conflict. Conflict leads to confusion. Confusion leads to failure of purpose!

A. The Church Has Become A Recreation Center For The Sinner Place Where He Is Comfortable, Not Convicted, A Place Where He Is Placated, Not Preached To

B. The Church Has Become An Entertainment Center For The Carnal Saint Encourages Carnality, Not Crucifixion Produces Apathy, Not Ardor

C. The Church Has Become A Fast Food Joint For The Shallow Saint Pumps Their Flesh, Not Their Faith

D. The Church Has Become A Rest Home For The Backslidden Saint They Are Careless In Their Sin, Not Convicted In Their Service

JUST WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH?

1. Soul Winning - The Church For The Sinner: A Rescue Mission

“When a congregation stops winning souls, it loses the primary purpose for existence.”

a. The Work Of The Saviour

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

b. The Wisdom Of The Saint

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

c. The Waste Of The Sinners

Matt. 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

d. The Wealth Of The Soul

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

2. Missions - The Church For The World: A Place Of Reaching Out

The Command To Go – Through Missions

a. Where – All The World

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

b. How – Through Missions

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

c. Why – Preach And Teach

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

3. Preaching and Teaching - The Church For The Saint: A Restaurant

a. There Must Be Feeding (Consistent Bible preaching with power and boldness.)

1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

b. There Must Be Feasting (The pastor can feed all he wants but unless there is a feasting, all is in vain.)

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

4. Restoration - The Church For The Weary Servant: A Place Of Refreshment

a. There Is Encouragement – Restoration For The Failing

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

b. There Is Edification - Reassurance For The Fainting

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.