Catalyst The Purpose for the Church Catalyst The

Catalyst The Purpose for the Church

Catalyst: The Purpose for the Church Matthew 5: 13 -16 (Msg) "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the Godcolors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. ”

These images define who we are. Two images of our purpose: 1. Salt 2. Light

What is salt good for? “The Purpose Question” • Adds flavor • Preserves • Creates thirst • Heals

What is our purpose? • Grow the kingdom of God in partnership with the Holy Spirit. • God will do this as we: • Create a thirst for God in others • Make a difference in the places God plants us • Ask for healing in others

How do we apply this in The Sycamore? • We invest our lives in others • We focus on relationships not programs • We teach for life change • We grow leaders from within • We start new Life Groups and ministries

What does light do? “The Identity Question” • Light exposes • Light reveals what exists • Light brings warmth • Light gives direction

How do we apply this in The Sycamore? • We call things as they are: God vs. not-God • We love and accept people who God brings to us • We teach for life change

How can we embrace who God has created us to be? • Remember who we belong to • Pursue our relationship with God • Allow our relationship with God to shape our spirit, our character, and our behavior

Remember, there are people all around us looking for the city (Kingdom of God) we live in and take for granted every day.