Core Activities
Rusty Wirt   -   August 30, 2026

Sermon 1: Core Activities 

Main Passages: Matthew 16:13-20, Acts 2:42-47 

 

Introduction

During Jesus ministry He made a prediction that, at the time it was spoken, seemed highly improbable. Jesus predicted that His rag-tag group of followers would help launch a global movement that would alter the course of human history. Jesus had no deep financial resources, no military might, and no backing from Rome; so, this statement would seem ludicrous to any casual observer. How could a bunch of nobodies create a worldwide operation that would impact millions of people for over 20 centuries? This seems to be the very definition of impossible.

 

But it happened. We know it happened because we, the church, are here- in almost every nation on every continent. And from the get-go, the church has existed as a community- a network of individuals working together for God’s glory. To better understand how this community operated we should examine some key passages from the New Testament. Here we will discover how the early disciples handled the complexities of relationships and togetherness. These truths should instruct and inspire us toward greater community. Because all of us need community. And our community needs you.

 

BIG IDEA

We are in community in here to help our community out there.
The healthier our community is in here the more helpful we are to the community out there.

BIG THINGS IN OUR COMMUNITY

  • Project 10:2
    • Starting October 12, we are asking you to pledge to the following
      • Pray daily for our church (set an alarm)
      • Invite at least 10 people to attend a church service (take a few invite cards)
      • Share your faith at least 2 times (review your testimony)
      • Commit to this for 12 weeks (attend our Prayer of Dedication Service on Sunday, September 27)
  • DRIVE Campaign
  • Elder Selection Process
    • Request to nominate up to four Elder Candidates
    • If we have only two, these two will be alternates
    • But if we have one or two additional nominees these will become active

 

Into the Text

  1. Jesus’ unlikely prediction came true. Jesus did in fact build His community. (Matthew 16:13-20)
    1. Peter is a small pebble
    2. Jesus is the large, unmovable rock
    3. Even death will not stop the church
  2. Jesus’ Church invested in core activities (Acts 2:42-47)
    1. Devoted to teaching
    2. Fellowship
    3. Lord’s Supper and Prayer
    4. Sharing and Caring
    5. Worshipping God
    6. Having favor with all the people

The results: God added people.

 

Application:

Take a step into one of these.