The Upward Call of God Pt 2
Phil 3:12-14
V12 Christ laid a hold of you why- take a hold of why
V13 Do not allow your past to determine your future
V14 There is an upward call of God on every believer.
2 Tim 1:8-9
V8 Live sacrificially to further God’s Kingdom
V9 Our calling is according to God’s purpose
Why and How do I live my life?
What has God called us to do as a church and what unique role has He given each one of us?
Why do I do what I do?
Why do I live my life the way I do?
Is there an overriding principle that guides the way I use my time and my resources?
Does life just happen and then I respond to it?
Or- are there values that I have adopted that funnel my life in a specific direction?
Running Naked? (ancient Greek athletes ran naked)
Does God have a vision for mankind- if so, what is it?
Pro 29:18 Where there is no vision (revelation), the people perish (unrestrained): But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
(Because we have- revelation of God- put on restraint)
Perish-uncover (make naked), out of control, disorder.
Vision is a “picture of a possible future that God is inviting us to join.” Russ Hutto
What is God inviting you/COTRM to join?
God’s vision statement-
Heb 8:8, 10-11 (God’s vision for mankind)
God’s vision is a restored relationship w/humanity.
What is His mission? (how will He fulfill His vision?)
Mat 28:19-20
He is inviting us into a future with Him where-
each of us knows God and God knows us, and
we help others be reconciled to God.
As a church, our mission statement is-
Encounter God, Love People, Share Life
To have a supernatural Encounter with God so we can Love People, as God has loved us, and Share with others the Life God has given to us.
Time is short- in eternity- does anything else matter?
That does not mean we do not have jobs/careers, pursue education, but it does establish priorities.
You may feel God has moved you into a particular career field and you have a mission in that setting.
You may have a job where you-
can earn lots of money- sow it into ministry,
can write/publish your writings-affect thousands
be a source of light in great darkness (trades).
As a church we want to see people-
give their lives to God and become disciples,
to see marriages restored, and people walk away from addictions.
In Melbourne/Palm Bay, Guatemala, Haiti, Israel-
wherever God gives us influence.
40 years ago- gave my life to- mission- build- church.
Are you prepared to give your life to the mission?
Jesus did and He is asking us to do it as well-
Mk 8:34-35 (cross was a form of execution)
V34 are we willing to sacrifice for God’s Kingdom?
V35 lose life for- Jesus AND the Gospel (Kingdom)
Lay a cross on the persons back- make them carry it through the city to the place of execution.
In the same way- God is asking us to take our cross-
into our city, and into every area of our lives, and
become fully devoted followers of Christ.
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The Pattern in the First Century Church
1st church- said they would be fully devoted to God.
Act 2:42-43
Continually devoting- steadfast, persistent, ongoing
Everyone was feeling a sense of awe- there was-
excitement about what God was doing and
expectation of what God was going to do.
Act 2:44-45 great generosity in early church
Act 2:46-47 people coming to Christ everyday
People- committed to- vision/mission- of the church.
This church transformed their community.
God wants to increase our effectiveness in our city.
We want to be a church where-
1. Everyone is Changed
Rom 10:13 (NAS) for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
We all come with baggage and pain, we have our own story with our own hurts.
We can come as we are, but if we truly call on the Lord, we will be changed by the power of God.
When God had called Saul to become a King in Israel, there had to be a change in his life-
1 Sam 10:6 (NIV) The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.
We will be a church where everyone is changed.
Second, we want to be a church where-
2. Everyone is Welcome
Revelation 22:17 (NAS)
17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.
Regardless of-
who you are,
what type of pain you are experiencing,
how you dress or the color of your hair,
whether you have tattoos, pierced ears, lips-
you are welcome! All are welcome!
You are welcome with your doubts, fears, poor decisions, whatever or whoever you are-
you are welcome!
We want to be a church that welcomes everyone.
This is where each of us can have a part-
welcome people into this church- regardless of-
their history/their present circumstances.
Notes- list three people you need to invite to church.
People are hurting and lives need to be changed.
1 Pet 1:21-22 NLT
We have-vision-be a church where everyone-welcome.
Third, we want to be a church where-
3. Everyone is Needed
1 Cor 12:4-7 God has given each one- gift/talent
If you are not using your gifts- then there are things God has called this church to- are not getting done.
God has given us- gifts to build the local church as we minister to people and invite them into the family.
Every handshake/diaper changed- makes a difference.
1Cor12:20-21 church-need every member-function
If you are not serving God/being a witness, please commit yourself to the mission before you leave.
Every one is needed.
Conclusion
We will be a church where-
everyone is changed- Encounter God,
everyone is welcome- Love People, and
everyone is needed- Share Life.
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We have talked about God’s vision for people and His mission to fulfill that vision.
We have looked at our mission as a church, NOW-
Will you give your life to the call of God?
In the language of last weeks sermon-
will you be true to what God- appointed you to?
Hab 2:1-3
V1 picture-being on the alert, in the battle, intercession
V2 understand the vision/mission we can run after it
V3 over the years- received prophetic words for our county, COTRM, for our lives personally-
God will bring about His Word.
Take a hold of that for which God has taken a hold of you and give yourself to His vision and mission.
