Sermon Notes 24 May 2026

What God Has Done, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going –
One Year of Grace, Growth, and Mission

Pastor Ryan Perry
Good Hope Baptist Church
24 May 2026

Primary Texts: Matthew 5:13–16
Key Supporting Texts: Philippians 1:3–6; 1 Corinthians 3:6–9; Ephesians 4:11–16; Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Psalm 127:1; Zechariah 4:6
Additional Texts Used: Acts 14:26–27; Acts 2:42–47; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Matthew 20:28; Matthew 25:14–30; Mark 10:45; Luke 12:48; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Peter 4:10; Isaiah 40:31

Big Idea
This past year has not been about what we have built, but about what God has done. He has made Good Hope Baptist Church more visible in the community, brought children, youth, and families among us, raised up leaders, strengthened ministries, and clarified the mission before us. Now we must respond with gratitude for His faithfulness, humility about our dependence, and faithful stewardship of the people, gifts, space, and opportunities He is entrusting to us.

Introduction — A Church Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Acts 14:26–27

• God’s people are called to remember and testify to His work.
• GHBC stands in a long legacy of Gospel ministry and faithfulness.
• The purpose of remembrance is renewed trust and future obedience.

Central Question: “If Good Hope Baptist Church did not exist tomorrow, would the community notice?”

I. What God Has Done
Matthew 5:13–16 — The Church as Salt and Light

Key Truth: The church exists to make Jesus visible in the world.

A. God Has Built Gospel Partnership {Philippians 1:3–6}

• Ministry is shared Gospel work.
• Faithful servants have prayed, given, taught, and persevered.
• God continues the work He begins.

B. God Has Given the Growth {1 Corinthians 3:6–9}

• We plant and water.
• God alone gives spiritual growth.
• Ministry success belongs to the Lord.

C. God Has Opened Doors for Ministry {Evidence of God’s Faithfulness}

• Community outreach and school partnerships
• Evangelism and baptisms
• Good News Clubs and discipleship ministries
• Care for widows and grieving families
• Growth in children, youth, and young families
• New leadership and ministry development

D. God Calls Us to Continue Faithfully {1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8}

• Remain steadfast.
• Do not grow weary.
• Trust God’s sustaining grace.

II. Where We Are
Psalm 127:3; Deuteronomy 6:4–9

Key Truth: Growth is both a blessing and a stewardship responsibility.

A. The Church Is Being Strengthened {Ephesians 4:11–16}

• Christ equips His church through leaders.
• Ministry belongs to the whole body.
• Healthy churches mobilize every member.

B. The Church Must Steward Growth Faithfully {1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:14–30}

• Faithfulness matters more than comfort.
• Vision 2030 is about stewardship, not preservation.
• Buildings and resources serve the mission of Christ.

C. Every Member Has a Role {1 Corinthians 12:12–27; 1 Peter 4:10; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45}

• The church is one body with many gifts.
• Jesus modeled servant leadership.
• Ministry is not spectator Christianity.

D. Dependence Upon God {Isaiah 40:31; Luke 12:48}

• Greater blessing brings greater responsibility.
• The church must move forward in humility and dependence on God.

III. Where We Are Going
Matthew 28:18–20

Key Truth: The church is sent by Christ to make disciples.

A. The Mission Is Spirit-Empowered {Acts 1:8; Zechariah 4:6}

• Ministry advances through the Holy Spirit.
• God’s mission cannot be accomplished through human strength alone.

B. Vision 2030 Priorities
Evangelism - Sharing the Gospel faithfully.
Worship - Glorifying God in spirit and truth.
Discipleship - Forming mature followers of Christ.
Charity - Demonstrating Christ’s love through service.

C. The Road Ahead

• Strengthen worship and discipleship.
• Raise up leaders and servants.
• Care for children, youth, and families.
• Expand ministry opportunities and outreach.
• Steward resources faithfully for future mission.

Conclusion
Matthew 5:16

Final Challenge: “May Good Hope Baptist Church be a church our community would notice if we were gone, not because our name is great, but because Jesus has been made visible through His people.”