Go Sow and Grow In The Marketplace - Pastor Joe Robinson

Sermon Outline: "Go, Sow, and Grow: Your Purpose in the Marketplace" Preacher: Pastor Joe Robinson I. The Reality of the Modern Mission Field The Barna Research Shift: According to Barna Research, 46% of Americans identified as practicing Christians in the year 2000. By 2025, that number dropped to 24%. In today's marketplace, 3 out of 4 people encountered do not attend church. Facts vs. Truth: While statistics show declining church engagement in the natural, the spiritual truth remains supreme: believers hold the ultimate victory through Christ (Mark 16:15-20). Signs Following Believers: The Great Commission promises that signs, wonders, and healing will follow all believers who step out in faith—not just pastors or evangelists. II. The Core Process: Go, Sow, and Grow Going (Movement & Action): "Going" means advancing into your everyday sphere of influence—your workplace, neighborhood, schools, and daily routines (Acts 1:8). Sowing (Investing Truth & Value): Sowing requires active engagement with others through practical service, encouragement, and sharing the gospel. Growing (Kingdom Expansion): Growth happens both in individual spiritual maturity and in expanding the kingdom of God as fruit is produced over time. III. The Three Valued Pillars of Every Believer Pastor Joe invited "Dr. D" (Dr. Decker) to demonstrate how simple and accessible a 60-second elevator testimony can be, outlining three things every Christian must value and guard: Your Testimony: Your personal story of how Jesus saved you. It must be packaged simply so it can be shared concisely anywhere. Your Truth: The Word of God. Truth must be shared with love and humility; a "5-pound Bible with a 10-pound bad attitude" alienates people in the marketplace. Your Treasure: The spiritual wisdom, life convictions, and gifts placed inside your heart by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:7). IV. Seeing the Harvest & Embracing the "Whosoever" Lifting Your Eyes (John 4:35): Modern distractions (phones, social media, schedules) pull eyes downward. Believers must actively look up to see the hurting people right in front of them. Beach Encounter with Milo: Pastor Joe shared a personal testimony from a recent beach trip where he sat under a pier with a young, unhoused man named Milo who was raised in a cult. By taking 45 minutes to listen and care, Joe and his wife Kirsten invited Milo and his dog to church, bringing joy and hope into his life. Overcoming Religious Formalism: Relaying the story of a youth pastor bringing an outcast into a formal church, Pastor Joe emphasized that Church of the Harvest must always remain a house for the "whosoever"—welcoming anyone regardless of background, appearance, or status. Placing a Demand on Yourself: Spiritual maturity requires placing a intentional demand on your life to serve, write, give, and minister, regardless of age or personal comfort. Scripture Index Mark 16:15-20 > "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature... And these signs shall follow them that believe... They went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." 1 Kings 19:11-12 (Referenced) – The Lord speaking to Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still, small voice. Acts 1:8 > "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Hebrews 4:12 > "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword..." 2 Corinthians 4:7 > "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 > "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation..." John 4:35 > "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."   Galatians 6:9 > "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."   Acts 10:38 > "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." "Thanks for listening! For more information, visit churchoftheharvest.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube @cothcleveland.