Sermon Central
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God’s Extraordinary Dream - For The Church Series
Contributed by Chris Jordan on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: God has an extraordinary dream for His Church. When we pursue that dream, and become everything that He has destined us to be, many people will come to faith in Jesus, and God will be glorified.
o “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (Romans 12:1-2, NLT).
o Challenge – at the beginning of this New Year, what changes do you need to make to live a life that glorifies God?
DREAM #2: to CONNECT Christians in loving relationships with one another. (fellowship)
Jesus said, “The second greatest commandment is: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39).
• We want to provide hope, healing and restoration for people’s broken lives.
• What does this look like?
o That people would experience love, acceptance and forgiveness at Church.
o That our Church family would exhibit the spirit of hospitality.
o That we would ‘do life together’ like they did in the New Testament – loving each other, helping each others troubles and problems, praying for each other, etc.
o That every member of our Church family would get involved in a home group. This is where we love and are loved, know and are known by others.
o That people with addictions would get involved in our Overcomers Outreach 12 step Recovery Program and find freedom in Christ.
DREAM #3: to help people to GROW in their faith through God’s Word. (discipleship)
“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
• God has called us to help His children to grow spiritually – becoming more like Jesus.
• What does this look like?
o This happens primarily through the ministry of the Word on Sunday mornings.
o That we would resource our people through teaching CD’s, books, a library.
o That every member of our Church would be committed to reading their Bibles on a regular basis (resource: The 5 Minute Challenge Bible Reading Plan).
DREAM #4: to challenge believers to DISCOVER their gifts. (ministry)
“God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” (1 Peter 4:10).
• We believe that God has given spiritual gifts to all believers. We want to help people discover and develop their gifts.
• What does this look like?
o From time to time throughout the year we will teach on spiritual gifts.
o One of the best ways people learn to do is by doing. Therefore, we want to give people the opportunity to learn to use their gifts by using them.
o Our hope is that every member of our Church would get involved serving somewhere in the Church in 2010. Where do you want to serve? (response form)
DREAM #5: to challenge believers to REACH people with the love of God. (evangelism)
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15).
• We have a responsibility to share God’s love with the people in our community, so that lost people can come to know Jesus personally as their Lord and Saviour.
