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.

Few themes reoccur throughout the Bible as frequently as God’s concern for justice. Unlike other ancient religions, the Biblical God does not favor the ruling classes, but is especially concerned with society’s treatment of the poor and the marginalized.

Additional scriptural references made in this sermon are: Micah 6:8; Leviticus 24:22; Proverbs 31:9; Job 29: 12-17; Job 31: 17-22; Proverbs 14:31; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; 2 Kings 5; Numbers 22-24; Matthew 5: 21-22; 2 Timothy 4: 16-17; Isaiah 61: 1-2; Luke 4: 14-19; James 2: 14-17

The Bible depicts demonic powers vying against God and attacking His creation and His people. This means that every Christian needs to understand the strategies of the devil in order to resist him. Satan is fundamentally a liar. He lies to us about God and attempts to persuade us to worship anything rather than God. However, ultimately satan is vulnerable. He cannot withstand the truth of God.

What was it about early Christianity that made it spread like wildfire through the Mediterranean world? There was something astonishingly attractive in the inclusiveness of a religion that drew people from across all racial, cultural, economic, intellectual and philosophical divides.

Money will always reveal what you truly worship. As God’s money managers, we are called to share the money he has provided to us with those who do not have as much. However, money exercises great power over us and we are often oblivious to this power. If you feel unable to part with your wealth, meditate upon the radical generosity of Christ on the cross and he will become the treasure of your heart.

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.

Seasons of spiritual dryness and disillusionment are inevitable in life, and may derail your faith. They don’t seem to fit with a just and holy God. Psalm 42 offers a prescription for your soul when it seems impossible to feel close to God and sense his lovingkindness.

The identity and mission of the church centers around human relationships, and we need to be in relationships with each other to understand God. As "spiritual temples" we become the dwelling place of God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As part of a "royal priesthood" we are called to worship and offer spiritual sacrifice to God. All of this is done in community with the past, present, and future body of believers.

The subplot of Jonah's story is his relationship with the sailors on the ship to Tarshish. The sailors rebuke Jonah for not using his faith for the common good. When his behavior alters, it creates a change in them. Too often the church is like Jonah: asleep to the people standing right in front of them.