A missional church is a church designed to reach members of a non-Christian culture. America, especially urban America, is becoming increasingly post-Christian and needs missional churches in order to engage those whose worldview is profoundly non-Christian. Yet, a missional church is much more than a church with an evangelistic program. It means creating a church where all ministry is conducted with the mindset that non-Christians will be present.

Christians need to be devoted to cities. Cities have a disproportionate impact on the wider culture. The population of cities around the world is exploding, and Christians need to be wherever people are. Christians can effectively reach cities through proclaiming the Gospel, through acts of mercy and justice, and through living in such a way that embodies racial reconciliation.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Genesis 12:1-3; Jeremiah 29:4-7; Acts 4:32-34; Acts 6:15; Acts 7:60.

How does a Christian live as a believer in an unbelieving world? God calls His people to be spiritually bi-cultural. God does not want His people to either assimilate or segregate. He wants them to become part of the city, to pray for the city and seek its peace and prosperity. Yet, God also insists that His people retain their distinctiveness and not compromise their allegiance to Him. Christians are called to love the city of man for the sake of the city of God.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Jeremiah 28-29; Daniel 3; Hebrews 11:10.

Many people say they like Christianity, but they don’t understand why Christians evangelize others. Behind this line of thinking is a misconception about Christianity. Christianity is not a series of instructions about how we should live. It is primarily an announcement about the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. This is what leads Peter and John to say that there is no other name under heaven by which people can be saved.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: 1 John 1:1-3; Matthew 26:39.

What did the fall do to humanity? By tracing the descendants of Cain and by studying the city they created, we see the violence and oppression that resulted from turning away from God—including the Bible’s first instance of polygamy. However, we also see that God has not given up on humanity.  God has a vision for a different kind of city—a city built on worship and grace instead of self-aggrandizement and power.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Jeremiah 29:7; Jonah 4:11; Revelation 21:2; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12; Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 9:58; Mark 15:34.

Revivals have spanned nations and denominations. Distorted views of revival, such as heterodoxy, dead orthodoxy and emotionalism, become obstacles to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When a church has an assurance of God’s love, reflects a theological and intellectual balance, exemplifies understanding, participates in anointed worship, exhibits compassion, and reaches out through evangelism, it can become spiritually dynamic and inspire revival.

Five key components - vibrant worship, doctrinal teaching, theological depth, devoted fellowship, and evangelism — can keep a church balanced and healthy, ready for revival. Accompanied by prayer, these characteristics sustain the church as a living body, rather than just an organization.

A crucial strategy for dynamic church renewal and growth in a city is through church planting. Following in the footsteps of Paul and Titus, church planting is mandated in the Bible according to the Great Commission. It fosters a kingdom mindset as well as concern and commitment to renew, not displace, existing churches. As neighborhoods change, a planted church can effectively respond to new communities and new generations of people.

In Isaiah, we are reminded of the promise of God’s everlasting covenant for those who truly encounter him. When you allow him to change your heart, you receive a new mission: to give testimony and witness to others. This is a sign of conversion in your life, and God gives us the power and motivation to share the message of his unconditional love and promise of new life.

The gospel of Jesus Christ transcends cultural and socioeconomic differences. Here we have three examples of conversions in Philippi: of the religious, the oppressed, and the secular. The gospel is presented through rational discourse, a power encounter, and through practical embodiment of a gospel-changed life. The message of Christ liberates and transforms lives, and unites people who once had nothing in common into one family.