Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
As the years went by, the new station experienced the same changes that had occurred in the old. They
evolved into a club and yet another lifesaving station was founded.
If you visit the seacoast today you will find a number of exclusive clubs along that shore. Shipwrecks are still
frequent in those waters, but now most of the people drown!
-- Taken from Personal Evangelism 101, by Brent Hunter
3. As the songs and the parable point out, the mission of the church is similar to that of a
lifesaving station; unfortunately, with the passing of time many churches...
a. Lose sight of their original mission
b. Gradually evolve into something different than what Christ intended when He said: “I will build
my church...” - Mt 16:18
[Lest we forget and succumb to the dangers that can befall a growing church, let’s review...]
I. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
A. TO BRING TO LIGHT THE GOSPEL OF GOD...
1. This was Paul’s mission as an apostle - Ep 3:8-9
2. This he did as a functioning member of the church
a. Which has as a primary purpose to make known the wisdom of God - Ep 3:10
b. A purpose planned by God for the church from eternity - Ep 3:11
3. The mission of the church is no different than was the mission of Christ
a. Christ came to save sinners - 1 Ti 1:15
b. He came preaching the gospel to lost and dying sinners - Mk 1:14-15
-- Therefore Jesus wants the gospel made known to every person - Mk 16:15
B. TO PROCLAIM THE PRAISES OF GOD...
1. God has made us a holy nation, His own special people - 1 Pe 2:9a
2. Our purpose? To proclaim the praises of God - 1 Pe 2:9b
3. What are the praises of God we are to proclaim?
a. How we were called from darkness into His marvelous light - 1 Pe 2:9c; Co 1:12-14
b. How we have become the people of God - 1 Pe 2:10a
c. How we have obtained mercy - 1 Pe 2:10b
-- How do we proclaim this? By proclaiming the gospel of Christ!
[Our mission as the church, as the people of God, is a glorious mission! To proclaim the praises of God,
which we do by bringing to light the gospel of God! But consider...]
II. HOW WE CAN FAIL OUR MISSION
A. THROUGH MISPLACED EMPHASIS...
1. By placing emphasis on the material rather than spiritual aspects of the church
2. A problem experience by the church in Laodicea - cf. Re 3:14-19
3. A problem often experienced by churches today
a. Evidenced by the time and energy spent...
1) On the physical aspects of the church (e.g., the building)
2) Compared to fulfilling the true mission of the church
Topical Sermons 254