1. Matthew 22:36-40 Page 1535 Matthew 28:18-20 Page 1550
Why Are We Here?
Matthew 22:36-40 Page 1535
Matthew 28: Page 1550

2. Why are we here? What are we doing? Where are we going?
3 Sermon Series:
Why are we here?
What are we doing?
Where are we going?

3. The Format: Looking to Jesus. 2 Key Passages –
Matthew 22:36-40 Page 1535
Matthew 28: Page 1550
Good, Better, and Best Motivations for being here.

4. Looking to Jesus:
Jesus knew why he was here and he often let the people around him know his reasons and motivation for connecting.
Do you know who you are, why you are here, and who you want to please?

5. Jesus Knew Why He Was Here!
John 8:12 page 1662 Jesus says: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

6. Jesus Knew Why He Was Here!
Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Matthew 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Mark 1:38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."

7. Jesus Knew Why He Was Here!
Luke 12:49 "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

8. Jesus Knew Why He Was Here!
John 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 12:46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

9. Did You Notice?
These statements show his connection to the father and other people?
Jesus was here for God’s glory and the benefit of others.
Do you share the same vision for your life, or are you living for you and God is on the back burner?

10. Think About It:
How does last week measure up to this standard?

11. Matthew 22:36-40 on page 1535
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”

12. A Life of Love:
The greatest command is to live a life lived out of love.
In John 13:34-35 on page 1675 Jesus says: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

13. Matthew 28:18-20 on page 1550
Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”

14. Vision Statement:
Living for Jesus by surrendering to His will, serving in His kingdom, and sharing His message.

15. Why are you a part of this congregation?
Think About It:
Why are you a part of this congregation?

16. “Good Reasons”
If you are here because someone invited you, because your family is here, it is convenient for you to come here verses another building, because of the friendly people here, because people here are kind to you, because you are curious about the church of Christ, or because this is the church of Christ and that is where you have always gone.

17. “Better Reasons”
If you are here to learn God’s word, to be changed, to set your life in order, to have a life that is more focused on God than on self. If you here because of what is taught here and you find this to be a group that is trying to live like Jesus and we help you become more Christ focused.

18. “Best Reasons”
Because this is a place that helps and challenges you to love God and to love others. This is a place where you are committed to putting God’s love into action. This is the place where you know God’s word is presented and you are committed to become more like Jesus and to help others by God’s grace on the same journey.

19. Why Are We (you) Here?
I would challenge you to consider your answer honestly and carefully and to make the changes so that you are here for the best reasons and enjoying the benefits that these reasons bring.

20. Next Week: What are we doing?
What focus and opportunities do we have in place to help people connect to Christ for the best reasons?