Francis Chan: The Mission of the Church

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes that true unity within the church is not achieved by trying to develop unity for its own sake, but rather by having a common goal that becomes the obsession of our lives. When we focus on loving and serving others, particularly those who do not know Jesus Christ, unity naturally follows.

Key Scripture References

• John 17:20-23 - In this passage, Jesus prays for his disciples and all believers to be united, so that the world may believe in him. Jesus' prayer is not just about unity, but about the world seeing God's love through our unity.
• 1 John 4:12 - This verse reminds us that loving one another is evidence of being born of God. When we prioritize loving others and serving them, it demonstrates our faith in Jesus Christ.
• John 17:22-23 - In this passage, Jesus says that he wants believers to be brought to complete unity, so that the world may know that the Father sent him. This is a strange truth to us, but it highlights the importance of our relationships with one another in demonstrating God's love.
• 2 Timothy 4:7 - Paul writes about fighting the good fight and finishing the race. He has confidence in his faithfulness and knows that there will be a reward for him in heaven.
• John 17:4-5 - Jesus says that he has brought glory to God on earth by completing the work given to him. This is a model for us to strive for, as we seek to bring glory to God through our lives and ministry.

The Importance of Having a Mission

This message emphasizes the importance of having a mission or purpose in life. When we know that God has something specific for us to do, it gives us direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. It also helps us to prioritize our lives and make decisions that align with God's will.

Finishing the Work

The passage from 2 Timothy 4:7 reminds us that finishing the race is not just about completing tasks or achieving goals, but about staying faithful to God throughout our journey. When we finish the work given to us, it brings glory to God and gives us confidence in our faithfulness.

Conclusion

This message encourages believers to focus on loving and serving others, particularly those who do not know Jesus Christ. By prioritizing this mission, we can experience true unity within the church and demonstrate God's love to a watching world. As we strive to finish the work given to us, we can have confidence in our faithfulness and look forward to the reward that awaits us in heaven.