{"id":3617,"date":"2023-10-13T19:50:07","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T19:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.desiringgodchurch.org\/web\/?p=3617"},"modified":"2024-09-17T20:48:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T20:48:28","slug":"dgccs-vision-part-vi-showing-jesus-to-all-peoples-as-his-witnesses-in-our-neighborhood-in-charlotte-and-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.desiringgodchurch.org\/web\/2023\/10\/13\/dgccs-vision-part-vi-showing-jesus-to-all-peoples-as-his-witnesses-in-our-neighborhood-in-charlotte-and-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"DGCC’s Vision Part VI: Showing Jesus to All Peoples as His Witnesses in Our Neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preface<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why We Exist: Gospel Purpose<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Our mission statement at DGCC says the following:<\/p>\n

We exist to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This is why we exist. This has been DGCC\u2019s identity from the time it was planted twenty years ago. This is our gospel purpose<\/em>. And, by God\u2019s grace, this will be DGCC\u2019s gospel purpose for the next twenty years and beyond. The question is, though, what<\/em> exactly do we aim to do in order to live out this gospel purpose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What We Do: Gospel Pursuit<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

For the past several months the Vision Team here at DGCC has met regularly to pray and discern DGCC\u2019s vision for the foreseeable future. Essentially, the Vision Team aimed to articulate what we do<\/em>, that is, our gospel pursuit<\/em>. And, by God\u2019s grace, in our most recent members meeting, the Vision Team shared with our fellow members the vision we believe God has led us to. This statement below captures that vision.<\/p>\n

We glorify God by joyfully treasuring Christ and prayerfully pursuing Christlikeness in the love of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Scripture birthed this statement. Specifically, Ephesians 3:14\u201321 became the foundational text that informed and shaped this vision statement. I unpacked that passage over three previous posts: DGCC\u2019s Vision Part I<\/a>, Part II<\/a>, and Part III<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here I outline how<\/em> we accomplish our vision or our gospel pursuit. We do so through our gospel practice<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gospel Practice: How we do it<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

So our mission statement and our vision statement make clear what our gospel purpose is and what our gospel pursuit is, respectively, at DGCC. Our gospel purpose is who we are and our gospel pursuit is what we do. But how<\/em> do we aim to do this? Our Vision Team at DGCC felt it was necessary to answer this question as well. So to go along with our gospel purpose and gospel pursuit, we also articulated our gospel practice<\/em> to answer the question, \u201cHow will we glorify God by joyfully treasuring Christ and prayerfully pursuing Christlikeness in the love of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit\u201d? We, DGCC, will do this<\/p>\n

By seeing Jesus together as a family.<\/a>[1]<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

By sharing Jesus with one another as his disciples.<\/a>[2]<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

By showing Jesus to all peoples as his witnesses in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world.<\/em><\/strong><\/a>[3]<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

As you can hopefully see, to answer this question we aimed to not reinvent the wheel. The call of every Christian is twofold\u2014(1) love the Lord God with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength, and (2) love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34\u201340; Mark 12:29\u201331; Luke 10:25\u201328). These are the two most important tasks for us as Christians<\/a>. We only know God and carry out this call through Jesus<\/em>. The normative context for carrying out this call through Jesus is the local church.<\/p>\n

The three-dimensional life of the local church of Jesus Christ is the natural ecosystem in which we live out the call to love God and love our neighbor. The church exists to joyfully love and worship God together in truth, to build itself up in love and in truth by ministering to one another within the body, and to spread the love of God and love for God in truth to the lost (John 4:23\u201324; Ephesians 3:10; 4:1\u201316; Matthew 28:18\u201320; 1 Timothy 3:15). Or, in short, the church exists to worship God, buildup one another within the body, and evangelize the lost.<\/a>[4]<\/a> In the past, we\u2019ve expressed this three-dimensional purpose of the church here at DGCC as (1) expressing joy in Christ, (2) deepening joy in Christ, and (3) spreading joy in Christ. So this is what we aim to make our gospel practice. So you see, it\u2019s nothing novel. It is the same, simple, reproducible gospel practice and rhythm that the local church has embraced since its founding.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve considered the first two dimensions of our gospel practice<\/em>, seeing Jesus together as a family<\/a> <\/em>and <\/em>sharing Jesus with one another as his disciples<\/a><\/em>.<\/em> Here consider the third and final dimension of our gospel practice<\/em>, showing Jesus<\/em> to all peoples as his witnesses in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Showing Jesus to All Peoples As His Witnesses in Our Neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the World<\/strong><\/p>\n

This gospel practice speaks to our outreach. That is, it speaks to our participation in the advance of God\u2019s kingdom on earth through showing Jesus <\/em>via the spread of the gospel of Jesus. The word choice of showing<\/em> comes from the Greek \u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c9, which mean to make clear, visible, <\/em>or manifest<\/em>; to reveal<\/em>; or to disclose, <\/em>that is, to show<\/em>. This is how Paul captures Christian gospel witness in 2 Corinthians 2:14\u201316:<\/p>\n

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads <\/em>(\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c9; to make known<\/em>) the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Paul says that we are the aroma of Christ to God<\/em> among the world. That is, our very manner of life<\/em> testifies to the world of Jesus. Jesus himself says as much:<\/p>\n

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden\u2026 let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14, 16).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This means, for the Christian, our good works in the world are bound up with the gospel. Therefore, we do not separate our good works from our gospel witness. All of our good works point to and testify of and show Jesus<\/em>. Our good works are done with a view to showing Jesus<\/em>. So too, we are also always ready to show Jesus<\/em> not through our works merely, but through gospel proclamation.<\/p>\n

Paul makes clear that making known the fragrance of Christ relates directly to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus (2 Corinthians 2:17). Indeed, the task of Christian evangelism and outreach is to clearly<\/em> show Jesus<\/em>, or as Paul says, to make the mystery of Christ clear<\/em>.<\/p>\n

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison\u2014 that I may make it clear<\/em> (\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c9), which is how I ought to speak (Colossians 4:3\u20134).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christians show<\/em> Jesus<\/em> with their words both in bold gospel proclamation and in gospel-seasoned, wise speech that leaves outsiders thirsty for more. So Christians show Jesus <\/em>through gospel good works that organically connects to gospel proclamation. Therefore, we at DGCC aim to show Jesus<\/em> in our gospel good works and in our gospel proclamation. To whom do we show him? We show Jesus to all peoples<\/em>.<\/p>\n

We show Jesus to all peoples<\/em>. Jesus commanded his people in his final commission to \u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all nations<\/em> (\u1f14\u03b8\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2<\/span>)\u201d (Matthew 28:19). Nations<\/em> can also be rendered peoples<\/em>. Christians aim to take the gospel and make disciples of every<\/em> people group. Jesus chose this word for a reason. By divine design, this great commission fits into the overarching redemptive narrative. God promised to bless all the families<\/em>, that is, all the peoples<\/em> of the earth through Abraham\u2019s offspring (Genesis 12:1\u20132; 22:15\u201318). God fulfills this through Jesus. Therefore, we at DGCC have always sought to be a church of the nations, of peoples<\/em>. It\u2019s our prayer that our body would testify to this in a diverse makeup, and it is our aim to always carry the gospel to the nations. In this way, we participate in God\u2019s unified, diverse kingdom on earth right now, while anticipating the coming heavenly reality when \u201ca great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages\u201d stands before the throne of God giving glory to God in Christ (Revelation 7:9\u201310). In Jesus, God makes good on his ancient covenant promise of blessing for all peoples, and he has invited those of us who are in Christ to take part in carrying that blessing out as Jesus\u2019 witnesses<\/em>.<\/p>\n

When we show Jesus to all peoples<\/em>, we do so as his witnesses<\/em>. Jesus called his disciples his<\/em> witnesses<\/em> (Luke 21:12\u201313; 24:45\u201348; John 15:26\u201327; Acts 1:8). Jesus says to his followers in Acts 1:8<\/p>\n

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses<\/em> in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Amazingly, Jesus has fulfilled this declaration. Jesus bore witness of himself to the end of the earth through the Holy Spirit working in his original followers. That is, the original disciples, as witnesses of Jesus, have ultimately passed the gospel baton down to us, those at the end of the earth. Thus, we fall in line with past saints and bear gospel witness to those around us. At DGCC, we aim to show Jesus to all peoples<\/em> as his witnesses <\/em>both near and far. That is, we show Jesus to all peoples as his witnesses in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world<\/em>.<\/p>\n

God in his sovereignty has placed DGCC in a particular time and place. And, God in his providence has brought peoples from all nations close to us. Therefore, at DGCC, we want to lean into God\u2019s providence regarding our place by showing Jesus in our neighborhood<\/em>. We do this by bearing gospel witness as a unified body in our church neighborhood, and we do this by bearing gospel witness as individual members in our individual neighborhoods. We do not look past the neighborhood God has placed us in. But we do look beyond it by seeking to show Jesus to all peoples as his witnesses in Charlotte<\/em> as well. We aim to bear gospel witness in all corners of this city by working cooperatively with other gospel-centered local bodies and by raising up and sending out mature believers to plant theologically robust, gospel-centered, Christ-treasuring, Holy Spirit empowered,\u00a0 local churches. And finally, we strive to show Jesus to all peoples as his witnesses in the world<\/em>. While we make every effort to bear gospel witness locally, we also look to global horizons by sending and supporting missionaries, especially those who labor among unreached peoples.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Showing Jesus to All Peoples as His Witnesses in Our Neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the World<\/em><\/p>\n

So taking this aspect of our gospel practice<\/em> and adding it to our gospel pursuit,<\/em> we at DGCC joyfully treasure Christ and prayerfully pursue Christlikeness in the love of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit by showing Jesus to all peoples as his witnesses in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trinitarian Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

I hope it has become clear by now that our vision at DGCC takes on a Trinitarian tincture. We glorify our\u00a0triune<\/em> God<\/em> by knowing the Father\u2019s<\/em> love for us through the grace of the Son, Jesus<\/em>, by the power and fellowship of the Holy Spirit.<\/em> Paul\u2019s final greeting to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 13:14 outlines our Trinitarian salvation:<\/p>\n

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Regarding this passage, Bavinck notes \u201cIn the love of the Father, the grace of the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is contained the whole salvation of men.\u201d[5]<\/a> Thus, through the time-tested gospel practices of corporate worship, ministry and discipleship within the body, and local and global outreach\u2014seeing Jesus, sharing Jesus, and showing Jesus\u2014we at DGCC aim to know more of God the Father\u2019s love through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we would be ever-treasuring Christ and ever-growing in Christlikeness for God\u2019s glory. This is what God has created us for, and this is our destiny, his glory and our joy (Psalm 16:11).<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>[1]<\/a> \u201cseeing\u201d <\/strong>Exod 33:18\u201319; 34:5\u20139; Isa 6:1\u20135; Ps 27:4; John 14:810; 2 Cor 3:18; 4:6; \u201cfamily\u201d<\/strong> Gen 12:3; 28:14; 2 Sam 7:12\u201313; 1 Chr 17:11\u201314; Ps 22:27; 87; Jer 32:39; Mark 3:31\u201335; 10:29\u201331; Acts 3:38\u201339; Rom 8:15\u201316, 29; Gal 3:28\u20134:7; 6:10; Eph 2:19\u201322; 1 Tim 5:8; Heb 3:6; 1 Pet 2:5<\/p>\n

<\/a>[2]<\/a> The various Greek words that convey \u00a0\u201csharing\u201d <\/strong>occur often in the context of the faith community. That is, Christians share in Christ with one another in the faith as disciples<\/em>. And therefore, they share with one another Christ, his gospel, his good gifts, etc. For example 1 Thess 2:8\u2014So, being affectionately desirous of you we were ready to share<\/em> with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.\u201d Christians, then, as disciples share Christ through love, service, and building up\u00a0one another<\/em>. For examples of this concept see:\u00a0John 13:34\u201335; 15:12, 17; Acts 2:42\u201347; Romans 12:3\u201313; 15:7, 14; 1 Corinthians 12:4\u20137, 25\u201326; 13; 14:1\u20133, 12; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Galatians 5:13; Eph 4:1\u201316; 5:19, 21; Colossians 3:1\u20134, 12\u201317, 18\u201325; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9, 18; 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Titus 2:4\u20138 ; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25; James 5:16; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:8\u201310; 5:1\u20135, 19; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12; 2 John 5<\/p>\n

<\/a>[3]<\/a> \u201cshowing\u2026as witnesses\u201d <\/strong>particularly the Greek \u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c9 (show, make known) often occurs outside the context of the faith community. That is, Christians \u201cshow\u201d Christ and his gospel to those in the world, those outside the faith and outside the Church. For example, \u201cBut thanks be to God who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads\/shows <\/em>(\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03cc\u03c9) the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere\u201d (2 Corinthians 2:14). Also, \u201call peoples\u201d; and \u201cwitnesses\u201d; Genesis 12:1\u20133; 22:15\u201318; <\/strong>Leviticus 19:18, 34; Psalms 22:27; 87; Isaiah 49:1\u20137; 52:7; 61:1\u20132; <\/strong>Joel 2:28\u201332; <\/strong>Matthew 5:16; 9:37\u201338; 10:18; 24:14; 28:16\u201320; <\/strong>Luke 21:12\u201313; 24:45\u201348; <\/strong>John 1:7\u20138, 15, 32, 34; 3:11; 13:35; 15:26\u201327; <\/strong>Acts 1:8; 2:22; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39, 41, 43; 13:31, 46\u201347 (cf. Isa 49:1\u20137); 26:16; Romans 1:16; 10:9\u201310, 14\u201315; <\/strong>2 Corinthians 5:20; <\/strong>Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:6; <\/strong>1 Peter 3:15\u201316; <\/strong>2 Timothy 2:15; 4:5<\/p>\n

<\/a>[4]<\/a> Time Challies offers simple, helpful, and thoughtful insight that cuts through the common misconceptions of the day regarding the local church. See “What’s the Purpose…of the Church?”<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Herman Bavinck, The Wonderful Works of God: Instructions in the Christian Religion According to the Reformed Confession<\/em> (Glenside, PA: Westminster Seminary Press, 2019), 143.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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