Great Is His Faithfulness Series

FB, Cherokee

January 18, 2004

Sunday Morning

Part 2

“Great Is His Faithfulness”

Intro.: As we continue in the year of 2004 and recognizing our churches Centennial it has been good to look back and to see the things that have stayed the same and the things that have changed.

Last week we looked in detail about things that did not change: Jesus, the Bible and Spiritual Needs. We also looked at the changes made. We Change As We Grow Older, The Way Our Culture Views Itself and The Way We Process Information has changed. All of these things have had an impact on the ministry of this church – some good and some bad.

Over these 100 years the physical and spiritual elements have changed. Obviously, many of them for the better. People’s lives and needs have changed. Ministry opportunities have changed. Many things have changed but one thing has stayed the same. The message of the gospel has always been “saved by grace through faith alone!”

Last week I shared with you part 1 of a message “Great Is His Faithfulness – Lord Of Our Past, Love Of Our Life, and Light Of Our Future.” This morning I want to take the last part and share with you some watershed moments for our church. Every point I share with you will need this preface statement; If God is to remain faithful and be the Light Of Our Future - - -

I. . . . We Must Stay Intentional With The Teaching of Scripture.

A. THE BIBLE

1. We teach the Bible so that lives may experience the power of the gospel.

2. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

3. The word of God is a living, life-changing tool for man’s needs.

4. With the incisiveness of a surgeon’s knife, God’s word reveals who we are and what we are.

5. We must not only listen to God’s word we must also let it shape our lives.

6. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

Doctrine – what is true? What does this rightly teach?

Reproof – what is wrong with me?

Correction – how can I literally straighten out what’s wrong?

Instruction in righteousness – how do I live routinely in the will of God?

7. We are not only to be hearers of the Word but also doers.

8. The only way that is going to happen is if we stay intentional with the teaching of Scripture.

9. We must not, cannot and should not back down, roll over, push aside, water down, ignore, reject, disregard, or refuse the teaching of Scripture if God is to remain faithful and be the light of our future.

B. SALVATION

1. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Way, the truth and the Life. John 14:6.

2. Today more than ever we are living in a pluralistic society.

3. Pluralism is an attitude that boasts of being totally non-judgmental and absolutely tolerant.

4. In the arena of religion you choose whatever religion works for you and I’ll choose what works for me and we’ll all live together in peace and harmony.

5. The problem with that attitude is that it contradicts Scripture.

6. Our pluralistic world teaches that Jesus is “a way.”

7. Many religions also teach that you can work your way to heaven by doing things that please God.

8. Other religions are teaching that if you’re a good person you get to go to heaven.

9. Illus. Video “Word on the Street.”

10. Jesus isn’t a way; He is the only way to heaven.

11. If God is to remain faithful and be the light of our future we must teach the truth – we must teach Jesus.

C. PRAYER

1. Prayer is the privilege of speaking to God AND listening to God.

2. Prayer is one avenue of discovering God’s will and purpose for our lives.

3. John 17 – Jesus prays for His disciples and for future believers. I Timothy 2:1-4.

4. We should never discount the importance and power of prayer in our church and in our lives.

5. PRAYER IS WHAT CONNECTS US TO THE VERY ACT OF WHAT GOD IS ALREADY DOING.

6. Strategic Planning Committee – 5 year vision for our church.

7. I will continue to emphasize prayer groups, prayer meetings, prayer chains, and prayer walks in order to connect to what God is already doing in our midst.

D. DISCIPLESHIP

1. According to Mark 3:14 a disciple is one who spends time with Jesus that we may become like Him.