Mercy Hill Church Sermons

Psalm 87 has a lot to teach us about global missions. We see, first, that it's all ultimately God's doing; second, that it's for all peoples (even our enemies); and, third, that it advances as an overflow of joy in him!

Jesus calls all of his disciples in one way or another to go and make disciples of all the nations. But what does this "going lifestyle" look like for us?

Jesus calls on his disciples to wait for the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Certainly the Spirit of God has been active through all generations, but at Pentecost, in view of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, it's as if the levee breaks and a flood of living water is unleashed on the world!

We can faithfully and diligently follow God because He is gracious and sovereign.

Since the fall, God has been promising a coming day where he will pour out his Spirit-bringing forgiveness of sin, softness of heart, fullness of joy, life from the dead. And this promise he's now fulfilling for us in Jesus!

Our culture pushes back on the testimony of these apostles concerning the resurrection of Jesus. Some say it's all just a myth. Others chalk it up to mischief on the part of these men. Still others claim they were well-meaning but must have misapprehended the facts. But, when we truly commit ourselves to follow the facts, we come out at last with a sense that Jesus really is who they claim him to be. He's the Messiah, the King, our Savior, Lord, and God!

A mission is birthed out of conviction and comes to fruition through prayer, planning and action under God's sovereignty.

All authority has been given to Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords. And, as our risen and ascendant King, he issues commands. He commands us to go and be his witnesses among the nations. But, before that, he commands us to wait.

Before you head into the forest, sometimes it's good to get above the trees. When we survey the landscape of the book of Acts, we find that it's ultimately about how the gospel of Jesus Christ establishes Faith, Community, and Mission . . . here, there, and everywhere. Buckle up!

The start of anything significant always begins - continues, and ends - with prayer. Prayer is a (spiritual) response and a reflection of our convictions.