Authentic Passion 4 "World" Series

AUTHENTIC PASSION 4

“World”

TEXT: Multiple

INTRO: Over the last 3 weeks we have been in our series “Authentic Passion.” Authentic Passion4: Worship, Word, Work, & World. This series is based on the 4 passions that every Christian should have in there lives. As a Christian we are marked by our passion… Our Passion for God. People are always looking and observing us all the time. This morning we want to finish our series by looking at:

“Having Authentic Passion 4 The World”

What is meant by having Authentic Passion for the World? Is not desiring the things of this world such as riches, power, fame or sex…. But having a passion for the world does refer to having a Heart of compassion, a zeal for the lost, and a love for seeing people come to Christ… it’s a passion for Reaching People, & Serving Others.

This morning I want to spend a few minutes looking at 3 things to help us in developing an Authentic Passion for the World.

I. JESUS MODELED IT…

Matt 9:35-38 with the Key vs. 36

35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

The Key found in this passage comes from vs. 36 “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd

Compassion is an earmark of a true Christian. I don't believe you can call yourself a Christ Follower and not be full of compassion.

Sure you may get upset and even have bad days from time to time. Trust me many of us do… were human. But there something inherited in us as we become more and more like Christ a desire to see people coming to know the grace & mercy of Christ. This heart of compassion that Jesus models for us can be seen in a changed life such as yours or mine.

(ILL) I am reminded of roller coaster that my life was before Jesus got a hold of me on Feb 5th 1995. I was a typical, rebellious young man wanting life my way. My heart was broken, my life felt like I was in the bottom of the barrel but Jesus lifted me up and rewired my life… I will forever be changed. I am not going back, I have never looked back because there was nothing left for me back in my old life.

Bottom Line: Jesus was moved with compassion and we who are called Christ followers should be looking at Jesus' life who modeled what true compassion is and what it looks like.

II. JESUS COMMANDED IT…

To have “authentic passion 4 the world” is to look at the world and not only see it and be moved with compassion but be apart of the world making a difference in the lives of your community. Jesus not only modeled it for us but he also commanded us….

Mark 16:15-20 you have the great commission given to the disciples.

“...He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. 16Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” 19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 20 And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Often you can count on one hand the amount of people that reach out to others, I have seen in many churches there is about 1% or less of most church... that do any type of outreach and discipleship.

(ILL) I think back to growing up and being a leader of the IMPACT street ministry team in the church I grew up in that out of a church of 450+ back then on any given Thursday night when we went to fells point up in Baltimore we would see only about 5 to 7 people who where willing to go out and do street ministry… this is sad! That is why here we have always tried to convey & promote 100% participation. We believe that every person has a part to play and everyone can do something. Even if you cant walk, stand, or speak to people you can still help by making food or packing bags for the homeless, or even making a phone call, or writing an encouragement letter. There is always something a person can do.