Illus: For example, Dr. Robertson McQuilkan’s commitment in marriage was severely challenged when his wife, Muriel, contracted Alzheimers disease.
Dr. McQuilkan was president of Columbia Bible college and seminary when he was faced with a big decision. He could not continue as president and take appropriate care of his wife who at this point could only speak in phrases and words and was prone to irrational behavior. She was afraid when she was not with her husband. Even his most trusted and godly friends advised him to put his wife in an institution for the sake of his ministry. After all, how could he retire when things were going so well and he was only 57 years old?
When the time came, McQuilkan’s decision was firm. It took no great calculation. It was a matter of integrity. He commented, "Had I not promised, 42 years before ’in sickness and in health... till death do us part’?" Later he would go on to write of the joys and blessings he had received as a result of the special time spent with Muriel.
Illus: Also, when it comes to commitment someone wrote, The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful in life than a boy and girl clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage?" And the answer is given, "Yes-there is a more beautiful thing; it is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled but still clasped; their faces are seamed but still radiant; their hearts are tired and bowed down but still strong. They have proved the happiness of marriage and have vindicated it from the jeers of cynics."
But there is another kind of commitment that we hear about these days and we need to be careful not to adopt this kind of commitment.
Illus: For example, A photographer tells of a young man who wanted duplicate copies of his girlfriend’s picture. The photographer noticed the following inscription on the back of the portrait, "My dearest Tom, I love you with all my heart. I love you more and more each day. I will love you forever and ever. I am yours for all eternity." Signed, Dianne.
P.S. “If we ever break up, I want this picture back."
Two examples of commitment, both declaring terms of love and devotion forever, one demonstrating love and devotion and the other one only use words of love and devotion.
Quote: Arthur Gordon acknowledged, “Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.”
Commitment today is almost unheard of because we live in an age of DISPOSABLE THINGS!!!
That is, forget about commitment, you can always find:
• Another spouse
• Another job
• Another home
• Another church
This seems to be the way a lot of folks think these days. They do not know the first thing about commitment.
Illus: In this age of disposable things we now have…
• Disposable needles
• Disposable milk containers
• Disposable diapers
• Disposable gloves
• Disposable paper plates and cups
• Disposable forks and spoons
• Disposable cameras
• Disposable hand towels
• Disposable shaving razors
• Disposable bibs
• Disposable bottles
Illus: Thinking of disposable diapers, a woman’s group said, “Do you know what would have happened if it had been three wise WOMEN that arrived at Baby Jesus’ Manger instead of three wise men?” They would have:
• Asked for directions
• Arrived on time
• Helped deliver the baby
• Cleaned the stable
• Made a casserole
• And brought disposable diapers as gifts
This disposable age in which we live has caused some serious problems, especially:
(1) IN MARRIAGES –
Many enter marriage with the idea that if it does not work out, divorce and find someone else.
Listen, every marriage has problems but these problems are to be worked out.
Illus: That reminds me of the woman that a judge was interviewing about her divorce.
• He asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"
• She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."
• "No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?" "It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.
• "I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?" "I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."
• He said, "Do you have a grudge?" "No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."
• "Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?" "Yes," she responded, "About twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."
• Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"
• "Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He says he can't communicate with me!"
For whatever reasons, many today have the attitude that if you can not get along with your mate, GET RID OF THEM and find another one.
This lack of commitment has also affected us-
(2) IN JOBS -
The attitude today in the job market seems to be, if it does not work out, quit and find another one.
Listen, there was a time when a young man or young woman went to work at a job and they stayed at the same job their entire life.
There was a time a young preacher set out to build a church and he dedicated his whole life to the building of that church.
He loved all Bible-preaching churches but he was dedicated to the building of this one church.
But today we have pastors that have a resume of going from church to church for a $25.00 dollar increase in salary.
But today we have those who will get a job, and in a short time they are looking for another one.
This lack of commitment can also be found-
(3) IN THE CHURCH -
If it does not work out, there are plenty of churches around, just find another one.
Church feuds today are something we hear a lot about in this DISPOSABLE AGE!
Illus: In one church, the pastor and the congregation had a feud going.
• One week the pastor preached on commitment and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. During the invitation, the choir selected "I Shall Not Be Moved" as the final hymn.
• The next week, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The choir selected "Jesus Paid It All" as the final hymn.
• The next week, the pastor preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The choir selected "I Love To Tell The Story" as the final hymn.”
• The next week, the pastor, being disgusted over the situation, told the congregation that he was considering resignation. The choir selected "Why Not Tonight" as the final hymn.
• The pastor resigned the next week and told the congregation that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was now leading him away. The choir selected "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" as the final hymn.
A lack of commitment is doing more to hurt God’s Work than anything else on the face of this earth.
One of the things that made the New Testament church such an outstanding church was that people were committed to the Lord. That is, they were STEDFAST.
WHAT DOES STEDFAST MEAN?
• Stedfast means being solid, stable, strong, sure, firm and reliable.
• So much good could be done for Christ if God’s people knew how to be STEDFAST, STRONG and RELIABLE!
The church in Jerusalem was a STEDFAST CHURCH.
Look at Acts 2:42-47, we read, “And they continued STEDFASTLY in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Notice, this stedfast church the Bible tells us that the church steadily grew.
God has never been able to bless a church that was not stedfast.
From this passage of Scripture, let’s look at some of the ways they were STEDFAST and the ways we as a church should become STEDFAST. First, we should be STEDFAST -
I. IN LOOKING FOR HIS RETURN
Listen, from what this Bible teaches, we could be the generation living when Christ returns for His church. We need to be STEDFAST in believing that each day we live may be the day Christ may return.
Illus: A little boy with a stedfast look stood at the foot of the escalator in a large department store, intently watching the handrail. He never took his eyes off the handrail as the escalator kept going around and around. A salesperson saw him and finally asked him if he was lost. The little fellow replied, “Nope. I'm just waiting for my chewing gum to come back around.”
We need to keep our eyes on the eastern sky, the Lord Jesus could come back anytime!
The Bible teaches us that Christ is going to come back the same way He left.
At His Ascension in Acts 1:9-11, we read, "And when ( Jesus ) had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold , two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."
HOW WILL HE RETURN?
He was taken up IN A BODY and He promised, "He shall so come in like manner,"
The Bible teaches the literal return of Christ. Any day now, He might be splitting the clouds of glory and coming back for His church. We who know the Lord as our Savior, are looking forward to that time when He returns. WE NEED TO BE STEDFAST!!!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHURCH IS LOOKING FOR CHRIST?
They live very differently than those in the world.
I can understand why some today are not in the house of God, they are not looking for Christ to come any time soon. But we who are looking for Christ to come back any day, live each day as if this might be the day.
Illus: Have you ever heard the story of (insert two names) first date? She was expecting him to show up. She was dressed up and waiting patiently. However, by the time he was an hour late, she figured she had been stood up. So, she took off her makeup, put on her pajamas, gathered all the junk food in the pantry and sat down to watch TV with the dog. As her favorite show was just coming on, the doorbell rang. It was him. He stared at her wide eyed and said, "I’m two hours late, and you’re still not ready?"
Don’t let the return of Christ surprise you. Be ready all the time. Listen, many professing Christians would not be living the way they are living if they thought that Christ may come back today.
We should be stedfast IN LOOKING FOR HIS RETURN. But also, we should be STEDFAST-
II. IN OUR FELLOWSHIP
Look at Acts 2:42, we read, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship...”
Our fellowship is our CHURCH ATTENDANCE.
Illus: Some see the church as a ship, because it is like a group of fellows in a ship. So we call it a FELLOWSHIP.
Many churches are a lot of fun to attend. That is, some very unusual things happen sometimes.
Illus: It’s like the Lutheran pastor who always started each service with "The Lord be with you." The people would respond, "And also with you.”
But, one Sunday the PA system wasn’t working so the first thing he said was "There’s something wrong with this microphone." The people responded, "And also with you." (Richard Jones)
Thank God for the church. Can you imagine what it would be like as a Child of God, if you had no spiritual brothers or sisters to help you?
Attending God’s church is like attending a “Family reunion” each week, because believers are the family of God.
Most churches are a lot of fun. We often see people come in tired and weary, but leave with a smile on their face and a leap in their walk. Why? During the church service, the Holy Spirit of God did a work in their heart.
We draw strength and encouragement from each other.
Many churches are uplifting, but I must confess you can have more fun at a funeral home than you can have in some churches. It is always interesting to find out what boys and girls think of the church.
Illus: A Sunday school teacher asked her class why a lot of churches serve coffee. One little boy said, “I think it is because it will wake the folks up before they drive home.”
Illus: Everyone needs to know there are some rules for attending church. For example, there are CHURCH NEVERS. That is we:
• Never ask an usher to break a $20
• Never do a cannonball into the baptismal tank
• Never tell the pastor, "We love your church and we might even come back next Easter"
• After a soloist of impressive size sings "Love Lifted Me," never suggest we should next sing. "It Took a Miracle"
(From "Bible Humor Top Seven Lists" by Dave Veerman and Rich Anderson)
Every week when the church meets together, we become a force for the devil to reckon with. There is not too much we can do alone, but together we become a mighty force.
Illus: In a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy demands that Linus change TV channels and then threatens him with her fist if he doesn’t.
• "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus.
• "These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they are nothing, but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold."
• "What channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can’t you guys get organized like that?" (Dan Erickson)
This is what God wants us to become, A MIGHTY FORCE!
We often hear about some of the awful people that attend church every week. We can not deny that a lot of bad folks attend church every week, but also we can not deny the fact that some of the best people on this earth are church attending people.
Illus: A little old lady was amazed at how nice the young man was next door. Every day he would help her gather things from her car or help her in her yard. One day the old lady finally asked the young man, "Son, how did you become such a fine young man". The young man replied, "Well, when I was a boy, I had a drug problem". The old lady was shocked, "I can’t believe that". The young man replied, "It’s true, my parents drug me to church on Sunday morning, drug me to church on Sunday night and drug me to church on Wednesday night" (Bobby Layton)
This New Testament church knew all about COMMITMENT. Listen, when it came time for church, you did not have to wonder where they were, they were in the house of God.
What a bad testimony it is to our families and neighbors, that many profess to be saved and they call Christ Lord, but when church time comes they are somewhere else.
Many of them are home watching television. The least they could do to protect the work of God is to go into their homes and turn the lights off so that their lost neighbors and family won’t know that the television programs they are watching are more important than the God they claim to serve.
We should be stedfast
I. IN LOOKING FOR HIS RETURN,
II. IN OUR FELLOWSHIP,
and also -
III. IN OUR PRAYERS
Look at Look at Acts 2:42, we read, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Illus: Two men were walking through a field to go to church when they spotted an enraged bull. Immediately they ran toward the nearest fence. The storming bull ran after them in hot pursuit, and they realized that they were not going to make it. Terrified, one man shouted to his friend, “Say a prayer, John. We’re in trouble” John said, “I’ve never prayed out loud before. I don’t know what to say.” “But you have to because the bull is gaining ground on us ” John said, “All right, I’ll say the only prayer I know. My father used to say it at the table: Oh Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.” (Jonathan Busch)
Listen, when we are in the right place spiritually with the Lord, prayer changes things in our life.
Illus: A lady was out hitting all the local garage sales, when she came across an old needlepoint picture that read, “Prayer Changes Lives.”
• She bought it, took it home and began to look for just the right place to hang the new picture. Finally, she decided that it went well in the dinning room over the dinning room table. With great pride she admired her garage sale discovery and could hardly wait to show it to her husband. That evening when her husband arrived home from work, she showed the picture to him but he made no indication one way or another of his likes or dislikes of the new picture.
• The next day as the lady was cleaning the house, she discovered that the new picture was gone. As she continued to clean the house, she discovered the picture behind a bookcase. She thought, “That’s strange,” and hung the picture in its original location.
• The next day, to her dismay, she discovers the picture gone again and again discovers it behind the bookcase.
When the husband arrives home, she confronts her husband and asks him if he is displeased with the art of the needlepoint. He responds, “No, not at all, it is a great work of art.”
• She continues, is it the right place? Do you not like the place it is hung? He says, “No, not at all, it is in a great location.”
• She concludes that it must be the message and asks him if it’s the message that he doesn’t like. He says, “No, not at all, the message is great.”
Finally, she said, “Then what’s the problem with this piece of art that says, ‘Prayer changes things?’” He said, “I just don’t want to change.” (Mike Hamilton)
Listen, if you are willing to change, prayer will change you. If you are satisfied with the way things are with you, do not spend anytime in prayer, because prayer will change you.
The early church recognized that PRAYER IS POWERFUL!
Illus: Paul Harvey told about a 3-year-old boy who went to the grocery store with his mother. Before they entered the grocery store she said to him, "Now you’re not going to get any chocolate chip cookies, so don’t even ask."
She put him up in the cart & he sat in the little child’s seat while she wheeled down the aisles. He was doing just fine until they came to the cookie section. He saw the chocolate chip cookies & he stood up in the seat & said, “Mom, can I have some chocolate chip cookies?” She said, “I told you not even to ask. You’re not going to get any.” So he sat back down.
They continued down the aisles, but in their search for certain items they ended up back in the cookie aisle. “Mom, can I please have some chocolate chip cookies?” She said, “I told you that you can’t have any. Now sit down & be quiet.”
Finally, they were approaching the checkout lane. The little boy sensed that this may be his last chance. Just before they got to the line, he stood up on the seat of the cart & shouted in his loudest voice, “In the name of Jesus, may I have some chocolate chip cookies?” And everybody round about just laughed. Some even applauded. And, according to Paul Harvey, due to the generosity of the other shoppers, the little boy & his mother left with 23 boxes of chocolate chip cookies....(Melving Newland)
Conclusion:
1 Cor. 15: 58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, ALWAYS abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Look at the word “Always”. This speaks of “Commitment. We need to be:
• Committed to the doctrines of the Bible
• Committed to attending church
• Committed to support God’s word through Sunday School
• Committed to being on time
• Committed to supporting God’s work with His tithes and our offerings
• Committed to prayer
How? The Bible says, “Always”.
But as we are told to do these things, the Bible tells us also why we should do these things. “…ALWAYS abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as YE KNOW THAT YOUR LABOUR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD.
Conclusion:
When it comes to commitment, there are really only four types of people:
1. Cop-outs. People who have no goals and do not commit.
2. Hold-outs: People who don’t know if they can reach their goals, so they’re afraid to commit.
3. Drop-outs: People who start toward a goal but quit when the going gets tough.
4. All-outs: People who set goals, commit to them, and pay the price to reach them.
We need to BE STEDFAST -
I. IN LOOKING FOR HIS RETURN
II. IN OUR FELLOWSHIP
III. IN OUR PRAYERS
