The Bible explains God's purpose for the local church. Jesus outlined our reason for existing with His great promise; His great commandment; and His great commission.
The Great Promise of Jesus is in Matthew 16:18: "I will build my church; and... hell shall not prevail against it." It is His Church and we must follow His example for ministry. Jesus is motivated by love (John 3). His purpose is to recover, reconcile, and restore humanity's relationship with the Father (2 Corinthians 5). His message (both words and works) showed the love, rulership, and authority of God and His Kingdom (Mark 1).
The Great Commandment is in Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. This is the... greatest commandment... the second is: Love your neighbor as yourself."
The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20; "Go... make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name...Father...Son...Holy Spirit... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Consequently our the purpose of our church is summarized in a single sentence:
"THE HILL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP EXISTS TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY LIVING THE GREAT COMMANDMENT AND DOING THE GREAT COMMISSION."
1. According to the GREAT COMMANDMENT, we exist to:
2. Likewise, according to the GREAT COMMISSION, we exist to:
In Acts 2:42-47, the early church was fulfilling the the design of Jesus. In essence, they were a "Spirit Filled Community". In this type of community:
THIS IS OUR PURPOSE, AND THE KIND OF COMMUNITY THAT WE ARE SEEKING TO DEVELOP.
The Great Promise of Jesus is in Matthew 16:18: "I will build my church; and... hell shall not prevail against it." It is His Church and we must follow His example for ministry. Jesus is motivated by love (John 3). His purpose is to recover, reconcile, and restore humanity's relationship with the Father (2 Corinthians 5). His message (both words and works) showed the love, rulership, and authority of God and His Kingdom (Mark 1).
The Great Commandment is in Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind. This is the... greatest commandment... the second is: Love your neighbor as yourself."
The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20; "Go... make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name...Father...Son...Holy Spirit... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
Consequently our the purpose of our church is summarized in a single sentence:
"THE HILL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP EXISTS TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY LIVING THE GREAT COMMANDMENT AND DOING THE GREAT COMMISSION."
1. According to the GREAT COMMANDMENT, we exist to:
- Love, seek, and honor God's presence through Worship and Prayer. This is why we sing, kneel, raise our hands, clap, dance, and call upon the name of the Lord. God has called us to place a heavy emphasis on the importance of being with Him. We want our entire life to be an expression of love through worship and prayer.
- Demonstrate God's love through Ministry. This is why in our worship services, and the community life of various ministries, we serve and pray for one another; our city; and our world. We must express God's tender mercy to people by being anointed, gifted and enabled of His Spirit to touch their lives and meet their needs.
2. Likewise, according to the GREAT COMMISSION, we exist to:
- Communicate God's Message of Love and Salvation through Evangelism. This is why we give people and opportunity to meet Jesus. We must be a "sending" church, that is "salt and light" to the world. Thus we are actively involved in our community and foreign missions. Jesus came to "seek and to save what is lost". We must do likewise, because God loves people and people need God.
- Equip God's people through Teaching and Training. This is why we have a strong emphasis on teaching and preaching God's Word. God has a destiny and a purpose for everyone! As Believers, we walk in the purpose of God as we "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)." We grow by actively feeding upon His Holy Word, The Bible.
- Incorporate God's Family in Fellowship. Water baptism powerfully expresses the identification of Believers with Christ and each other. Additionally, we need to continually walk in the refreshment, strength, and accountability that comes from being with other Followers of Jesus. This is why we have times of greeting, eating, fellowship and fun, as well as, Ministry Groups and Home Fellowships, etc., to strengthen each other.
In Acts 2:42-47, the early church was fulfilling the the design of Jesus. In essence, they were a "Spirit Filled Community". In this type of community:
- Worship is meaningful, Christ is honored, and commitment is undeniable.
- Believers become Disciples as The Body is equipped to do the ministry.
- The Gifts of the Spirit are released; miracles happen; and people's need are met on all levels.
- Friendships are real. The Family of God is strengthened and unified.
- The community is impacted. The Lost are saved and the Kingdom of God is advanced.
THIS IS OUR PURPOSE, AND THE KIND OF COMMUNITY THAT WE ARE SEEKING TO DEVELOP.