People tend to relate to God in one of two primary ways. There are those who are grateful and then there are those who are grabby. Two characters in the Bible help us understand the difference.

Introduction

Our world is damaged because of sin. Cultures, governments, living conditions, and even nature itself feel the effects of the Fall – we’re not in Eden anymore. What hope do we have to in the face of such overwhelming brokenness?

The church, as God’s people, has the unique opportunity to be used by God to rebuild lives. We need to give credit where credit is due. However, often we think that lives are rebuilt because of our diligent work. God’s Word shows us the truth we need.

One of the most important missions of a church is to join in God's work of rebuilding broken lives. The Lord rebuilds people into Christlikeness. His means of rebuilding often involves suffering.

Matthew 5:17-20 is the key to understanding the Sermon on the Mount, and maybe the entire book of Matthew. In these verses we find the principles behind what Jesus wants to make of our lives.

Adam devastated a once intimate relationship with God. Adam’s children have yearned to be reconciled ever since. Augustine prayed, "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you." Our mission is to share the message of this reconciliation.

Jesus instructed the early Christians to remain in Jerusalem. From there, they would reach out to the entire world. This morning’s passage looks at what they did while they were in Jerusalem.

The message is based on our reading in the Community Bible Experience for this last week. The passage helps us understand that it is difficult to do a job when we lack the power or tools with which to do it.

We launch the Community Bible Experience this week. The sermons during this series will focus on how we reach our community for Christ. We are calling the series Mission Longview. It will also be our theme for 2017.