Characteristics Of A Pew Sitter On A Sunday Morning

A few years ago, a group of youth worship leaders got together and formed a group Casting Crowns. They were based out of Eagle’s Landing FBC in McDonough, GA. Their Youth Pastor, Mark Hall, penned these words:

But if we are the Body

Why aren't His arms reaching

Why aren't His hands healing

Why aren't His words teaching

And if we are the Body

Why aren't His feet going

Why is His love not showing them there is a way

There is a way

Church, today, I believe that there is no greater time for our church to experience revival than right now. God has led us to this point to go one of three ways. We are either going to go forward and follow God’s leadership– go backward and follow our own wants – or sit still and do nothing. There are many who are broken hearted – there are many who are pride-filled – there are many who are stone-hearted/cold-hearted – who make up this fellowship.

But today I have good news. Jesus Christ died for me and He died for you! Better than that – Jesus Christ rose from the grave for me and rose from the grave for you! That’s our hope! Jesus is our peace!

In the State of Alabama, the population is roughly 4.6 million. According to recent research, as of this week, only 2 million are involved in church. Once you plug in Dr. Billy Graham’s 50% formula – that means out of 4.6 million, that there are only 1 million Christians or Believers in Alabama. These stats should be a reminder to you and I that people need the Lord Jesus Christ.

Think of this:

Where there is sickness – People need Jesus

Where there is bondage – People need Jesus

Where there is trouble – People need Jesus

Bottom Line – People need Jesus

Friends – if you have truly accepted Christ and Surrendered your life to Him today – You have Jesus – Show It!

Our text leads us to 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 this morning. Let’s stand for the reading of God’s Holy, Divine, Inspired, and Infallible Word this morning.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled is to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”

This morning, I submit unto you – Characteristics of Church Attendees on this Day.

First – let’s expose what this text really says in verse 17:

a. IF a man be in Christ – key word being IF

b. He is, not will be but is, a new creature (A change has taken place)

* Visible/Obvious Change

* Glorious Change

Romans 12:1 – I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

* Continual Change

Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

c. Old things are put away

* Attitudes of destruction (your ways vs. God’s ways)

2 Corinthians 10:17 – But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

* Actions of destruction (gossip, drinking, drugs, cursing, murdering, adulterous)

2 Corinthians 7:1 – Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

d. All things are become new

* Colossians 3:1-3 – If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

So, if you are saved – there is to be a change – a change for the better!

Now, with that said – here is what we see each week at worship all across the world. To help us keep up this morning, each word begins with a “c”.

The first characteristic of a Christ-following believer that we see is one with a:

COMPASSIONATE HEART

A person filled with compassion is one who will do whatever it takes to help someone else. There are many in this fellowship that are filled with compassion. It never ceases to amaze me as to how we as Baptists minister to others in times of crisis. The compassion demonstrated is a direct showing of the love that God demonstrated to us in that (ROMANS 5:8) “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”