Personal Jesus? Series

April 29, 2007

Me: Really into 80’s music.

Depeche Mode 1989 hit “Personal Jesus”

Your own personal Jesus

Someone to hear your prayers

Someone who cares

Your own personal jesus

Someone to hear your prayers

Someone whos there

Sometimes we have this idea that Jesus is our own personal little God who we can do with what we choose. What we need to understand is that Jesus came for all humaity and it is our job as his followers to demonstrate who he is to those around us.

We: As followers of Christ, we must work together to help others discover God’s love and desrie for them.

Love cares about the eternal condition of others.

God: “Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, "Come along with me." Matthew stood up and followed him. 10 Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. 11 When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riff-raff?" 12 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? 13 Go figure out what this Scripture means: ’I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." Matthew 9:9-13 (The Message)

1) Jesus is dining with sinners.

We are often so afraid that their sin is going to wipe off on us that we don’t want to be around them.

As followers of Christ, we must develop authentic relationships with non-Christians.

***Not vacuum cleaner salesmen

They may never come to Christ. Jesus never told us to love people until they came to him. He said love people no matter what.

“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love.” 1 John 3:18 (The Message)

2) Religion should not get in the way of relationship.

The religious people of the day were so concerned about being “unclean” that they overlooked the needs of the people.

3) We must learn to love unconditionally.

Love does not wait until people are “acceptable.”

Love also means there is no guarantee our love will be returned.

4) We must speak the truth about Jesus.

There comes a point where our attitudes must connect with our words.

To fully demonstrate the love of Christ, we must be verbal and visual in our love.

Illustration: Bill reaching out to club owner.

When we never step out of our comfort zone, we limit God to working on our agenda instead of his.

***Lauren Hughes mission trip details

No support from outside of our church realy. Deep desire to go and serve. Church can play a part in eternity through Lauren.

You: How are you doing in demonstrating Christ’s love? Who are you reaching toward?

We: Practical Steps

1) Invest in those who need Jesus. (Practical Needs)

2) Pray for a natural opportunity to share.

3) See people’s eternal need.

This week, I commmit to pray for ______________________.