CHURCH ON MISSION: PRAISING TOGETHER

Church on Mission

Praising Together

The Mission of the Church is the Great Commission. The Church’s Execution

Growing Together

Going Together

The Ministry of the Church is the Great Commandment. The Church’s Expression

Loving Together

The Message of the Church is the Great Mystery. The Church’s Exaltation

Praising Together

The Great Mystery

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32)

Mystery – hidden thing, secret. Something not obvious to the understanding.

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:19)

The GOSPEL = Good News

What is the good news?

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

(Romans 16:25-27)

This message is a message of heart, a message of healing, and a message of hope.

1. The Message of Heart – Ephesians 1:3-14
   1. God’s Plan 1:3-6
   2. God’s Pursuit 1:7-10
   3. God’s Promise 1:11-14
2. The Message of Healing – Ephesians 1:3-14
   1. Redemption 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14)

• 1. Restoration 1:7
  2. Reconciliation 1:10

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

1. The Message of Hope – Colossians 1:24-29

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (Colossians 1:24-29)

• 1. Conviction
  2. Change
  3. Comfort – Colossians 2:2

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (Colossians 2:1-2)