I recieved this idea from my mentor Jerrie Barber.
I Want the Church to Grow-But Do I Want Any More People? , #5
Luke 9:51-56
Introduction:
Review
I want the church to grow because it was in God’s plan, Jesus taught that it would, Jesus commanded sowing which produces growth, and growth is normal.
But-I may not want people that I fear, people of a different race, people who haven’t been through the same process of growth that I have, and people that my friends don’t want.
How can I deal with the struggles between what I want to do and what I actually do?
When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Romans 7:19 NLT
I. I WANT THE CHURCH TO GROW BECAUSE I WANT TO SEE PEOPLE SAVED-WHICH WILL CAUSE THE CHURCH TO GROW.
A. We have two destinations when we leave this earth. Eternal life or death.
1. Shame and everlasting contempt or Everlasting life.
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
2. Outer darkness or Joy.
’Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21
As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 25:30
3. Everlasting punishment or Eternal life.
"And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46
4. Condemnation or Resurrection of life.
" Don’t be surprised at this: A time is coming when all who are dead and in their graves will hear his voice. Then they will come out of their graves. Those who did good will rise and have life forever, but those who did evil will rise to be judged guilty. John 5:28,29
C. This process indicates a change of place, relationship.
For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.. Colossians 1:13,14
D. When this happens, we are added to the church-the church grows.
"So, all the people of Israel should know this truly: God has made Jesus--the man you nailed to the cross--both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they felt guilty and asked Peter and the other apostles, "What shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself." Peter warned them with many other words. He begged them, "Save yourselves from the evil of today’s people!" Then those people who accepted what Peter said were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the number of believers that day. were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the number of believers that day.
They praised God and were liked by all the people. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers. Acts 2:36-41,47
II. BUT - I MAY NOT WANT THOSE WHO ARE NOT IMMEDIEATLY RECEPTIVE TO THE MESSAGE OF JESUS.
A. James and John failed to realize Jesus’ mission.
And it came about, when the days were approaching for His ascension, that He resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him. And they went, and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make arrangements for Him. And they did not receive Him, because He was journeying with His face toward Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But He turned and rebuked them,
1. It is true that those who reject Jesus will be condemned.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:18,19
2. But Jesus’ mission was not one of condemnation, but of salvation.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved John 3:16,17
B. The trouble with God is that He is too good.
1. The City Of Ninevah repented and Jonah complained. Jonah 3:10-4:11
2. Eleventh hour workers. Matthew 20:1-16
3. Barren fig tree.
Then Jesus used this illustration: "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ’I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s taking up space we can use for something else.’ "The gardener answered, ’Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.’".’" Luke 13:6-9
4. Woman taken in adultery, “Go and Sin No More.” John 8:3-11
C. Fire from heaven is a quick solution to the problem of unresponsive people but we probably burn up many good people.
D. Patience is the ability to put up with people you’d like to put down.
Conclusion:
A. I want to the church to grow, but do I want any more people?
How many? What kind? Do I want more people in the church if God will check with me before He lets them in?
What does God want?
All who are burdened with sin?
"Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.". Matthew 11: 28-30
All who want to be saved?
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let each one who hears them say, "Come." Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. Revelation 22:17
How will I cooperate with Him?
What is your response to God’s call?
Are you weary?
Do you have the desire?
Will you come?
