Explosive Enthusiasm

28, August 2005

Dakota Community Church

Explosive Enthusiasm

Introduction:

We all want our lives to count for something.

What chance do most of us have to really make a difference in the world?

I went into the ministry in response to God’s call because I want to help people have better lives. I know that that is only accomplished through encountering God.

Don’t you want to do that?

Don’t you want to bless others?

Don’t you want to see people break free into joy and abundance?

We can do it.

How does it happen?

- When someone meets Jesus.

- When deliverance from bondage comes.

- When there is healing of all kinds.

- When financial burdens are removed and needs are met.

We can do it.

These are spiritual realities, as the Body of Christ we work together to minister God’s goodness.

What if we don’t feel like we can?

Definition:

Enthusiasm: strong interest or admiration, great eagerness. [Greek – entheos, in god, inspired by god].

What can we all do now to get that explosive enthusiasm spreading?

1. Let’s get ourselves stirred up.

2Timothy 1: 6-8

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.

Get bold!

- Remember who you are.

- Remember who lives in you.

Do some positive praying, thinking, talking, and praising.

Mark 11: 22-24

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen; it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Philippians 4: 4-8

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Jake recently gave me the Switchfoot CD which has been stirring me every time I drive.

2. Let’s encourage each other.

Hebrews 10: 24

Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10: 22-25 (The Message)

So let’s do it – full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps His word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big day approaching.

Colossians 3: 16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

- Admonish means to warn or to solemnly challenge.

- Word of Christ richly dwelling is key.

10 / 10 / 80 Principle

There is at work in every church what is known as the ten, ten, eighty principle.

20% are leaders 80% are followers.

Of the 20% - half are positive leaders and half are negative leaders. The whole church rides on which 10% is the strongest.

3. Let’s get out of the salt shaker.

Matthew 5: 13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Luke 15: 1-10

Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear Him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable:

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Let’s get heaven rejoicing.

PowerPoint available on request - dcormie@mts.net