"Sweep The House 2" Series

15 July 2007

"Sweep The House 2"

Luke 15:8-10

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris

First Baptist of Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove, CA

BIG IDEA: Believers are not just “out there” away from God; some are “Lost” in God’s House (where you don’t expect to find LOST SOULS).

REFERENCES: Luke 15:1-7 (Parable of The Lost Sheep); Luke 15:8-10 (Parable of the Lost Coin): These two are called Twin Stories; Matthew 17:24 (a “double drachma” is mentioned as the annual head tax paid into the temple treasury by every male); Matthew 3:12 MSG (God making a clean sweep of their lives); Luke 3:17 MSG (God making a clean sweep of their lives); Isaiah 14:23 (Isaiah’s prediction of God “sweeping Babylon with the broom of destruction …); Genesis 2:18-25 (First Marriage: God carries Eve to Adam); Acts 2:4-47 (The Day of Pentecost and Peter’s Preaching); Ec. 1:9 (The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun).;

Matthews 28:19 (Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:);

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: Luke 15: 8-10

II. READ THE PERICOPE: Luke 15:8-10

III. READ THE TEXT: Luke 15:8 (Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she finds it?)

IV. PURPOSE: To motivate the hearers to affirm to others that, AT THIS MINUTE, the “ONE COIN” that is lost (or in danger) IN THE HOUSE is more valuable than the other nine.

V. SERMONIC THEME: “Sweep The House 2”

INTRODUCTION: Good Morning Pastor Nance and all of you that make-up this Historical First Baptist Congregation. I am indeed aware of your place in Monterey County History, and I salute you for your efforts in this community and in America.

To God Be The Glory! I am honored that you have asked me to speak on this “The Lord’s Day”.

And I’ve stopped-by here to succinctly share with you that every since Jesus’ proclamation of the Great Commission in Matthews 28:19 ….

(Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: )

… Men and Women of God have been interested in not only REACHING AND TEACHING the “lost sinners of the world “, but also in “FINDING” THE LOST. Consequently, within the last 20 years, Mega-churches have been BORN and suddenly topics regarding CHURCH GROWTH have resurfaced.

With the onslaught of ministries that are budding fast around the country, it behooves “pastors” and churches everywhere to re-examine …. and in some cases re-define and re-design what CHURCH GROWTH means; And how CHRUCH GROWTH looks in their community of faith.

*******************TAKE 5 BEATS********************

MOVE 1: As avid readers, I’m sure that you’re aware that Pastors (like Rev. Rick Warren … of THE SADDLEBACK CHURCH and Orange County CA along with Bishop TD Jakes … of Dallas Texas and THE POTTER’S HOUSE) are on the cutting-edge of CHURCH GROWTH and Evangelism in The 21st Century.

a. So, I’ve stopped-by here to remind you (my First Baptist Brothers and Sisters) that although it’s important that our membership increase and the church … collectively … learn to contextualize its message, and EVANGELIZE OUTSIDE THE GATE OF THE CHURCH;

b. It’s ALSO IMPERATIVE THAT EVANGELISM OCCURS WITHIN OUR GATES AND INSIDE OUR HOMES … AND INSIDE OUR CHURCHES.

c. In the Parable of the Lost Coin … Jesus is concerned about the “ONE”.

d. In fact, if the truth is to be reveal today; Let it be known throughout the streets of Pacific Groves and the Counties of Monterey …

e. … that in a sense this morning … the ONE THAT IS LOST, OR IN DANGER, IS MORE VALUABLE THAN THE OTHER NINE.

*******************TAKE 5 BEATS*****************

MOVE 2: Because Jesus Cares!

a. He is concerned about THOSE THAT ARE LOST AND ARE ALREADY APART OF OUR various MINISTRIES.

b. Jesus is concerned ABOUT THE LOST, IN THE HOUSE, …. WHERE YOU DON’T EXPECT TO FIND LOST THINGS.

c. Therefore, He reminds us, today, that LOST SINNERS ARE NOT JUST OUT THERE (in the four corners of the earth);

d. BUT, LOST SINNERS ARE SITTING IN OUR CHOIR STANDS. LOST SINNERS ARE SERVING ON OUR DEACON AND USHER BOARDS.

e. LOST SINNERS ARE PREACHING FROM OUR PULPITS … AND TEACHING IN OUR BIBLE STUDIES.

f. My brothers and sisters … LOST sinners aren’t just “out there” anymore; but they’re IN HERE too!

g. And, we have to FIND THEM! Because they’re not telling us where they are … neither are they telling us WHO they are!