Sermon Central
-
The Big Question Series
Contributed by Mark Whitehead on Dec 2, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: We were created to CRAVE, Are we craving His Kingdom or are we to satisfied with the pleasures of this life?
Faith that Pleases God (series)
The Big ?
(Outline form is from Andy Stanley, Communicating for Change)
KNOW; God created me to CRAVE!
Do: CRAVE Him and His Kingdom!
(ME/Engage)
Christmas is a Season of Cravings!
Dressing, pumpkin pie… oranges, smell of christmas tree, Chocolate
(WE/Connect)
To crave is to eagerly and persistently desire something.
What do you crave?
Hot apple cider with cinnamon? Fruit cake? Football?
(GOD) (text)
(Read together)
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Luke 18:8 …when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
(thoughts)
Heb 11:6
Believe: have faith in
Diligently seek Him: Crave
“God made us capable of craving so we’d have an unquenchable desire for more of Him, and Him alone.” Made to Crave, Lysa Terkeurst
The Big ?
Luke 18:8 …when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
What would it look like?
A bunch of religious people in church with the doors closed?
Or - Doing the work of Jesus!
Work of God – believe in the one he sent. (Jn 6:29)
Believe in = have faith in
Faith is an action that moves us towards a destination, and we bring as many –people with us as possible.
Jesus said – I only do what the Father shows me (Jn 5:19)
He taught us to pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
Jesus was so intimate with the father through, prayer, and the Word that the Father showed him heaven – and Jesus just did it on earth.
He told us – Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…Matt 6:33
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness…Matt 5:6
(what does that look like?)
(YOU/Application/Challenge)
The challenge today is to begin pursuing that relationship with the Father that is pleasing to Him.
…To seek Him out.
…To crave Him more than anything else.
What would He show you if you asked?
The setting for Jesus comment in Luke 18:8
Unjust judge
“…grant me justice against my adversary…” (persistent)
“Will not God bring justice for His chosen ones?”
If you keep pressing in to see heaven
If you keep asking Him to reveal himself to this world
Won’t He honor that “just” request?
(WE/Vision)
What happens when we as a church set our hearts to see heaven,
…to model heaven here in Ceres?
Wording for flyer…
• If you don’t experience the presence and power of God—you shouldn't listen to a word we say!
If we aren't expecting a miracle – why should they?
If we aren't expecting His presence - why should they
It’s not about me wanting more-it’s about us craving more.
It’s not about how loud I shout – it’s about how passionately we desire Him.
What happens when we don’t?
Be careful the little foxes that spoil the vine… (SS 2:15)
• No Prayer
• No Word
• No witnessing
• No stepping out in faith to do the works of Jesus…
• …Then craving the world rather than the World Maker!
Will He find faith?
What will it look like?
(not if He comes, but, WHEN)
As we wind this down …
We need to Know: We were made to CRAVE!
What we need to Do: CRAVE Him and His Kingdom!
Ceres is a town that needs real FAITH.
Victory is a church that needs to CRAVE that Faith!
Altar:
• Where are you on your faith journey?
• What are you craving?
• Do you want to see miracles?
• Are you satisfied with yesterday’s victories – or do you crave fresh victories for the Kingdom?
