Restoring Human Flourishing Through the Gospel: A Church’s Mission

In today’s message, we explore the profound concept of restoring human flourishing through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This vision is not just about individual transformation but encompasses families, societies, and economies, fostering a world that reflects God’s love and justice.

Introduction to Human Flourishing

Human flourishing is a concept deeply rooted in the understanding of what it means to live a full and meaningful life. It encompasses not just individual well-being but also the health of families, communities, and societies at large. The idea is that every person is created with inherent dignity and purpose, and when we align our lives with God’s design, we can experience true flourishing.

This flourishing is characterized by peace, joy, and a sense of belonging. It is not merely the absence of suffering but the presence of thriving relationships, justice, and freedom. To restore human flourishing, we must engage with the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls us to a higher standard of living that reflects God’s love and justice in every aspect of life.

The Kingdom of God: Present and Future

The Kingdom of God is a multifaceted reality that encompasses both present and future dimensions. It is essential to recognize that the Kingdom is not solely a future hope but is actively at work in the world today. Jesus taught that the Kingdom is at hand, meaning that it is accessible and available to us now. This present reality urges us to live in alignment with God’s will, fostering environments where human flourishing can occur.

However, the Kingdom also has a future promise. It assures us that a time will come when God’s reign will be fully realized, eliminating all suffering, injustice, and sin. This dual understanding empowers believers to work towards restoration today while maintaining hope for the future. By participating in God’s mission, we can bring glimpses of His Kingdom into our communities, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Nature of Sin: The Primary Enemy

Sin, at its core, is the primary enemy of human flourishing. It distorts God’s intention for creation and leads to suffering and separation from Him. Understanding sin as a force that undermines life and dignity is crucial for addressing the root problems in our society. Sin manifests in various forms, including oppression, injustice, and broken relationships, all of which hinder flourishing.

Recognizing sin as a pervasive issue allows us to confront it with the Gospel’s redemptive power. When we understand that sin is contrary to what God desires for humanity, we can actively work towards restoration. This involves not only personal repentance but also advocating for systemic change in our communities and societies to combat the effects of sin.

The Transformational Power of the Gospel

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most powerful agent of transformation available to humanity. It offers forgiveness and healing, not just on an individual level but also collectively. The message of the Gospel empowers us to confront sin, both personally and societally, allowing for true restoration and flourishing. Through Christ, we are invited to experience a new way of life that reflects God’s love and purposes.

As individuals encounter the Gospel, they are transformed from the inside out. This transformation ignites a ripple effect, leading to changes in families, communities, and ultimately the world. When lives are changed by the Gospel, the impact is profound, as transformed individuals become agents of change, advocating for justice and flourishing in their spheres of influence.

The Role of the Church in Restoration

The Church plays a vital role in the mission of restoring human flourishing. It is called to be a community that embodies the principles of the Kingdom of God, providing a space for healing, growth, and transformation. As a collective body, the Church is tasked with proclaiming the Gospel and living out its implications in tangible ways.

This involves fostering relationships that reflect God’s love, promoting justice, and advocating for those marginalized by society. The Church must not only preach the Gospel but also demonstrate it through acts of service and compassion. By doing so, it becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating what flourishing looks like in a broken world.

Empowering Individuals for Change

Empowering individuals is at the heart of transforming lives and communities. Each person holds unique gifts and talents that, when activated, can lead to significant change. The Church must not only recognize these gifts but also create environments where individuals feel encouraged to explore and utilize them.

When we empower people, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This empowerment leads to creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to contribute to the collective mission of the Church. By providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth, we can unleash the latent potential within each member.

Strategies for Empowerment

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing seasoned members with newcomers can facilitate growth and confidence.
• Workshops and Training: Offering various workshops allows individuals to develop skills that can be used within the Church and beyond.
• Encouraging Initiative: Create a culture where members feel empowered to propose and lead new projects.

These strategies not only build individual capabilities but also strengthen the entire Church community. As people step into their God-given roles, they become catalysts for change, impacting their families, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Activating the Latent Power of the Church

The Church possesses a latent power that remains largely untapped. This power lies in the collective gifts and abilities of its members, waiting to be activated for the glory of God. When we understand that every individual is a vital part of the body of Christ, we can begin to harness this power effectively.

To activate this latent power, we must first recognize the importance of unity and collaboration within the Church. Every member plays a role, and when we work together, we can achieve far more than we could individually. This unity creates a strong foundation for growth and transformation.

Practical Steps to Activate Power

• Encouraging Collaboration: Create teams that leverage diverse skills and perspectives to tackle challenges.
• Celebrating Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and groups, fostering a culture of appreciation.
• Promoting Vision Alignment: Ensure that all activities align with the Church’s vision, helping members see how their contributions matter.

By taking these steps, we can create an environment where the latent power of the Church is unleashed, leading to transformation in our communities and the world.

Building Meaningful Connections: The Net

Building meaningful connections is essential for the Church to thrive. These connections form a net that supports and nurtures individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The strength of this net lies in authentic relationships, where members genuinely care for one another.

Intentionality is key in forming these connections. The Church should encourage members to reach out, engage in meaningful conversations, and cultivate friendships that extend beyond superficial interactions. This approach creates a supportive environment where individuals can grow in their faith and contribute to the Church’s mission.

Ways to Foster Connections

• Small Groups: Establish small groups focused on various interests, where members can connect and grow together.
• Community Events: Organize events that encourage interaction and relationship-building among members.
• Personal Outreach: Encourage members to reach out to one another, fostering a culture of care and support.

As these connections deepen, they create a robust net that draws people into the Church. When individuals feel connected and valued, they are more likely to engage actively in the mission of restoring human flourishing.

Unity in the Spirit and Making Disciples

Unity in the Spirit is fundamental for the Church’s mission. It transcends doctrinal differences and focuses on the shared goal of glorifying God and making disciples. When members recognize the presence of Christ in one another, they can work together harmoniously, despite their differences.

This unity is essential for effective discipleship. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the importance of teaching and nurturing others in their faith journey. The Church must prioritize discipleship as a core component of its mission, equipping members to share the Gospel and build others up in their faith.

Steps to Enhance Unity and Discipleship

• Focus on Common Goals: Align the Church’s activities with the mission of making disciples, fostering a sense of purpose.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create spaces for discussions that allow members to express differing views while maintaining respect and love.
• Invest in Discipleship Programs: Develop programs that train and equip individuals to share their faith effectively.

By enhancing unity in the Spirit and prioritizing discipleship, the Church can fulfill its mission of restoring human flourishing through the Gospel. Together, we can build a community that reflects God’s love and purpose, transforming lives and impacting the world.

Restoring Human Flourishing Through the Gospel

(Preaching Outline)

MISSION:
Becoming a community that restores the world by reproducing the life of Christ with imperfect people growing in grace and serving through the gift of the Spirit.

VISION:
To restore human flourishing through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A series on our mission and vision

• Can we bring human flourishing through the gospel is an important question
  1. The gospel of the future or present Kingdom?

1. WLM, At Hand, Good News, Etc.
2. “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven breaks forth and those breaking forth are pursuing [seeking] it” (Matt 11:12).[1]
   1. What is the primary enemy of human flourishing?
3. Sin – But how we communicate and treat that word matters.
   • A two-edged sword spreading cancer.
   • A condemned word
   • People
4. Jesus
   • Matthew 1:21 (NKJV) — 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
   • Romans 1:16 (NKJV) — 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

• That is super exciting, but how do we accomplish it?
  1. Transform lives, transform the world…. how?
  2. Matthew 16:18 (ESV) — 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  3. “We are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15–16, NASB)
  4. Transform the Church, transform the world.

1. The latent power of the church.
   • According to Google – (of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed.
   • The discovery and impact of free markets motivated and regulated by prices.
2. We are attempting to find the latent power of the church hidden in the body of Christ.

• We also need practical ways we can contribute to our mission and vision.
  1. THE NET AND THE NETWORK

1. Mark 1:17 (NKJV) — 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
2. Acts 2:46–47 (NKJV) — 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

• Galatians 6:9–10 (NKJV) — 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
  1. The unity of the Spirit

1. Ephesians 4:1–8 (NRSV) — 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. 7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.”
   1. Go into all the world – plant the world with the seed of Christ
2. Matthew 10:5–8 (NKJV) — 5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

• Restoring human flourishing through the gospel
  1. Transform lives, transform the world.
  2. Transform the church, transform lives and we will transform the world.
  3. Building with what we have – us

[1] Young, Brad H.. Jesus the Jewish Theologian (p. 92). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.