1. Looking at the Big Picture
Knowing the Big Picture Helps Us to Answer Life’s Big Questions - Who? What? How?
1. Who am I?
2. What is my purpose?
3. How do I accomplish my purpose?
The Big Picture
Jesus
  
  
Gospel  Church  Mission
What is the Church?
The church is not a building! Ekklesia is the Greek word from which we get our word "church". An "ekklesia"
is a gathering of people who have been called out for a purpose.
What are God’s Purposes for the Church?
1. Bride for His Son
2. House for the Father
3. Body for His Son
4. Family for the Father
The Big Picture - The Mission
Goal  Mission  Purpose
Glorify God and Jesus
  
  
Proclaiming  Discipling  Love
  
  
Kingdom of God
The Foundation and Goal
Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The
time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good
news!”
Matthew 6:10, 33 (NIV)
10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… 33 But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Ephesians 1:20-22 (NIV)
…which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in
the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can
be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under
his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
Summary of Our Goal
Our goal is to bring the reign and rule of God over all aspects of His creation.
1

2. The Mission
Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Mark 16:15 (NKJ)
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Acts 1:8 (NLT) (see Luke 24:48-49)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses,
telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends
of the earth.”
John 20:21 (NIV)
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT) The Great Commandment
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You
must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first
and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The
entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Summary of our Mission
Like Jesus we are to go out in the power of the Holy Spirit and proclaim the gospel and make
disciples who love God and people of all those who respond to the gospel.
Our Ultimate Purpose
Ephesians 3:21 (NLT)
Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NLT)
... as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will
receive more and more glory.
Summary of our Purpose
The ultimate purpose of all we do is to bring God glory. When God is glorified people worship Him.
The Westminster Confession
“Chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
What is the glory of God?
John Piper
“The glory of God is the infinite beauty and greatness of his manifold perfections.”
Everything that comes forth from God is His glory. Example: The light, heat, radiation and
everything else that comes forth from the sun.
The ultimate expression of God’s glory is His Son dying for our sins.
2

3. What does God say life is all about?
God’s Will for Us
1. Goal - to bring the reign and rule of God over all aspects of His creation.
2. Mission – to share the gospel in order to make disciples of Jesus who love God & people.
3. Purpose – to bring glory to Jesus and the Father so they may be worshiped.
Could be summed up in the saying- To know God and to make Him known
Concluding Thoughts
1. Follow, serve and obey Jesus.
2. Take a hold of the gospel so Jesus can take a hold of you.
3. Don’t just go to church, be the church.
4. You are called by Jesus to join Him in His mission to establish His kingdom.
3