Sermon Cloud

“The Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engage-
ment with God’s world for the sake of the whole of God’s creation.”  David Filbeck Yes, the
God of the Gentiles Too: The Missionary Message of the Old Testament, pg. 10
 
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill
your ministry.  2 Timothy 4:5
 
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the sal-
vation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10
 
The Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do
not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in
this city who are my people. Acts 18:9-10

14 -  Dwell Conference - NYC -  April 2008
Principles for Dwelling
 
Intentional Incarnation
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of
the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
 
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all mean-
ing the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then
you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with
anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an
idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to
do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God
judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
 
• Attend community connecting events
• Create community connecting ministries
• Discern specifics aspects of culture you enjoy
Contexual Communication
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of
them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I be-
came as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those
under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside
the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the
weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people,
that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share
with them in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
• Presentation – The way you adapt the gospel message to fit the person
• Identification – The manner in which you inhabit the world view of the person
• Style - The method you use to bring the gospel to a person
Principles for Dwelling
Sacrificial Investment
 
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the
gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 
1 Thessalonians 2:8
 
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they, “Look at him! A glutton and a drunk-
ard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!”  Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.  Matthew
11:18-19
 
• Our friends need time to see how much we are like them
• Our friends need time to see how much we aren’t like them
 
Gospel Astonishment
"There is no commitment we will make as church planters of greater importance than living
close to Jesus. For church planting can become an idol factory; a prostitution ring; a cruel
taskmaster; a breeding ground for addictions...we need church planters who will love Jesus
with abandon, and who cultivate a lifestyle of growing in His grace and knowledge. Until you
know yourself to be slow of heart to believe the gospel, you will never cultivate a burning
heart for the gospel.  Churches planted with the DNA of the gospel will be led by those who
live a life of gospel astonishment."  Scotty Smith
 
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to every-
one who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentle-
ness and respect.  1 Peter 3:15
 
The gospel erodes our self-righteousness
The gospel empowers our evangelism