Blooming In Christ

“Blooming In Christ”

Text: Colossians 2:1-10

Objective: Every Believer must be rooted, built up, & strengthened in the Faith and can begin this process through genuine repentance.

HAVE JOHN READ THIS TEXT DURING OPENING

1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority

INTRO:

I have been led by the Holy Spirit to bring a series of messages designed to lead this church into a period of great Spiritual growth and revival.

I do believe that we are on the right path here at CHBC.

As I look back over the past couple of years, I can clearly see signs of flowers beginning to bud, trees beginning to put little shoots out, and I believe that the time is coming when many, many here will blast into full bloom in their faith.

A few men have begun to get serious with God, here at CHBC.

A few women have desired to understand their role in God’s Kingdom.

Seeds have been planted, and early spring-time signs have begun to sprout.

Church, be encouraged, the signs are clear that we are on the brink of revival!

With that said, I also believe that satan does not want to see that happen here.

He does not want to see this church effectively bringing people into God’s Kingdom.

And, I believe that he is working overtime to keep us depressed, discouraged, and afraid to succeed.

So, this morning, I’d like to talk with about blooming where we are planted.

I want to share with you how we can grow right here at 49 Bingham Road.

Much has been discussed in the past about our need to move out of this building.

Previous pastors, outside consultants, and even some here have suggested that if we move to a more visible location, more people will come.

Listen, that may be true, who knows for sure?

But let me tell you clearly where I stand on that issue.

The principle of Shiloh Christian School in the movie FTG told the coach of the football team that God had opened a door for him to serve at the school.

In spite of all of the critics, and a losing season, the principle made it clear that coach had an open door at the school, and encouraged him to “bloom where God has planted you”.

Friends, let me be clear. The time may come when out of necessity we move out of this building. But, until that time comes, I want to bloom where God has planted me.

I want to build the kingdom of God right here, right now.

Critics have said that our building is too old – I agree.

Critics have said that it is falling apart – I agree.

Critics have said that we are not visible enough – I agree.

Critics have said that our driveway is horrible – I agree.

I think that all of those things are true – but listen – we have an open door here.

We have a group of men who have allowed this church family full access to this building and this property.

I want this church to bloom right here.

We have spent the past two years examining different ways to help our church grow.

We have discussed planting a new church, adding services, bringing in this younger pastor.

We have done a lot to try and grow.

What I want to say this morning is this: It is time for us to stop trying. I think we can all admit that we have failed.

Every single one of our attempts at church growth have failed.