Clear Your Throat, Its Time To Roa Series

BECOMING LAMBS THAT ROAR (#1)

CLEAR YOUR THROAT: IT'S TIME TO ROAR!

Gen. 41: 39-40 (p 332) May 1, 2011

INTRODUCTION:

I have a concern I need to share with you this morning…its one that absolutely burdens my heart when it comes to the church…and I'm not talking about the building that sits at 9419 Seatonville Road….or any other building for that matter….I'm talking about the people who make up the "the body of Christ", those whom God has called to His family."

Despite the fact that 70-80% of Americans claim to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, we're not doing so hot. Collectively, as the church of Jesus Christ---the church against which the gates of hell shall not prevail - we're struggling.

I've received a couple of letters lately, had some conversations with committed individuals. even answered some question on Facebook that got me to thinking about "Why the Church Jesus is struggling?"

Is it because we're not taking the stands against sin that we should? Maybe….there have been many churches that bear His name that have become "super tolerant"…no longer believe certain things are sinful…so let me say plainly. I believe God's word teaches that homosexuality is a sin…I believe that life is a gift of God and it begins at conception according to Palms 139. I believe it's wrong to steal, to lie, to murder, to gossip and to commit adultery.

Spreading the truth of God's unchanging Holy Nature is absolutely important…but I'm not sure I believe this is where conservative churches are struggling the most.

Here at Fern Creek Christian for example…this morning in our sanctuary…I'd bet the majority…I mean 99% of us hold many of the same views when it comes to huge moral" issues that divide our country outside the churches walls. We believe the Bible is God's inspired word to his people…it's view of sin being sin is our view.

I could get fervent Amen's about abortion and homosexuality being horrible sins that have impacted our Nation…after all this is my home court…and we're the home teacm.

It reminds me a little bit of this story:

There is an old story about a church of ducks. Every week they would waddle to Sunday services, open the duck book, sing duck songs, and listen to the duck preacher expound on the meaning of being a duck. One particular Sunday all of the ducks waddles in the service began. Shortly after, the duck preacher opened the duck book and began to preach. This Sunday, however, the message was different. With a new determination and fire in his eyes, the duck preacher began to convey a new message.

"We are ducks!" he said with confidence.

"Amen!" said all of the ducks. 1.

We have waddled too long!", he continued. "We have wings! We can fly!" he shouted as all of the ducks joined together in a resounding "amen!" The service came alive as all of the ducks began to see their potential. "We have been confined to this mundane existence of waddling for far too long!" exclaimed the duck preacher. "We can spread our wings and fly!" The service continued with enthusiasm for over an hour as shouts of "amen" filled the duck church.

When the duck preacher concluded the service, the congregation of ducks applauded and closed their duck books. Then they all waddled home.

If I share with you that we've waddled too long…We have been given wings to fly…All the "Amens" in the world don't mean a thing if "you waddle home".

I believe with all my heart that the church of Jesus Christ is struggling primarily because of our "waddle" outside these doors.

It's what's convicted to me to put together this series of messages called "Becoming Lambs that Roar"

Our text this morning from the book of Genesis is about Joseph's ability to soar like an Eagle in the culture of Egypt….Most of us know the story…Joseph is Jacob's favorite son…"remember that coat of many colors…He's a dreamer…even telling his brothers that his dreams had them bowing down and serving him…not well taken…they sell him into slavery…he ends up in Egypt…He distinguishes himself in Potiphera's house. .but ends up falsely accused of "attempted rape" and in prison…seemingly forgotten…but his ability to interpret dreams brings him to Pharoah's attention…he ends up as 2nd in power…when a famine hits the land he devises a God inspired plan…And the plan seemed so good to Pharoah and his officials…Pharoah says…."Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God" (v 38)

And then our text:

"Then Pharaoh said to Joseph. "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you"