The Life Giving Church
Thesis: A life giving church has members who live their lives by doing the will of God. A life giving church dwells and lives in the Spirit. A life giving church is full of people who are committed to Jesus Christ.
Introduction:
Opening illustration: Dead Poets Society
Time 14:00-18:22 Mr. Keating gathers his English class in the hallway of the school, telling them to look closely at the pictures of the alumni on the wall: all photos of once invincible, hopeful students, now dead. Mr. Keating asks the students what they plan to do with the rest of their lives. He challenges them to seize the day (carpe diem), to live every moment to its fullest, and make their lives extraordinary.
Mr. Keating in our clip is challenging his students to seize the day and to do something that will leave an eternal legacy forever. He is an unorthodox style teacher which eventually ends up in him losing his job but he does radically change the lives of his students. My hearts desire here today is to do the same thing with all of you. I have a vision of New Life Community Church becoming a life giving church. A church that is so dynamic so God centered and God empowered that it impacts peoples lives in an extraordinary way. I desire to see this church be so spirit led that no one will ever want to leave it. We have had many people come through those doors and say to me “You have a nice church!” But then we never see them again. I have had people attend church here for a year and then move on some were else. I have observed others come every once in a while to church but I have never seen them impacted by the Gospel. I have seen people say your sermon was good but then I never see a changed or transformed lifestyle. I had one person tell me once that they were leaving New Life so that they could go find the perfect church. I thought to myself man I want to find the perfect church so I can pastor it!
Have you ever dreamed of finding the perfect church? I have! I have daydreamed about being the pastor of this perfect church. I imagined what it would look like! I have to admit I smile when I think about it. I have to admit I get really excited picturing what it is doing. I daydream and think man I am missing it! Have you ever dreamed of this kind of place? Have you ever wondered were it is? Some people today are in search of the perfect Holy church, they are looking for a church that is alive. They are looking for a church that is life giving, one that breathes the breath of God, one that radiates the beauty and the presence of the Lord.
There are Christians and non-Christians who are looking for a church that they can be apart of that is alive. They want to find this church-I want to find this church! - and – we – yes- me -- want to discover this little bit of Heaven on earth. Why? So I then can run to this place and become a part of it! Why? So I can leave an eternal legacy and make a life changing impact on others lives. Why? So I can please God. I understand that my job is to do the will of the Father and to do everything that honors and praises his name through my life.
The question could be asked, ‘What is a Christian’s real job?” I want to answer that question with 1 Peter chapter 4:1-11 today. I really believe that the real job of a Christian is not their vocation but their commitment and involvement in the work of the Kingdom of God. I honestly believe that New Life Community Church can become the Life Giving Church. New Life can become the kind of church that people are dreaming of and looking for. But here is the key to this dream becoming a reality- it will not happen without you. Yes, it takes you!
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-11
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I. The life giving church is a church full of people who follow the plan and will of God for their lives.
a. They do not follow their own agenda because they have had an attitude adjustment.
i. They do not impose their self will on others because they have become transformed by the suffering of Jesus. Their self no longer rules and controls instead God rules them and controls them. They have chosen to die to self and to live for God.
a. A person with this type of attitude says, “Lord order my steps today,” “Lord use me for your Kingdom today!”
ii. They do not manipulate and try to control others. Instead they act like Jesus and seek to see others delivered and set free.
1. They are always going the extra mile with others. They let others know how much Jesus loves them and they love them.
2. People look at this type of a church and say “They really do love me and they really do love each other!”
iii. They do not yell and scream “Do it my way or it’s the highway.”
1. Instead they say, ”Not my will be done but yours Lord!”
2. Reaching true obedience to God and birthing a Life Giving Church comes from having the right attitude:
a. What does your attitude look like and sound like?
*I’ll do what I want. I don’t care what God wants me to do.
*If God will give me what I want first, then I’ll give him what he wants.
*I’ll give God what he wants first, with faith that he’ll then give me what I want.
*I’ll give God what he wants, regardless of what he gives me.
b. People understand in a Life Giving Church the importance of Biblical Community and the necessity of everyone committing to it.
i. Ortberg stated, “God created human beings because he was so in love with community that he wanted a world full of people to share it with” (38).
ii. Believers is a Life Giving Church follow the wisdom and insight of the word of God which say’s “Do not forsake the assembly of the brothers.”
iii. They understand that God wants them to be apart of the local body of Christ and in doing so they make a difference in the people around them.
iv. White gives 4 signs of a life giving church that has community flowing like Jesus wants it to.
1. Love and be loved
2. Know and be known
3. Serve and be served
4. Celebrate and be celebrated (111).
a. He notes how the Acts chapter 2 church understood and mastered the art of Biblical community.
b. The church here in Acts 2:42-47 was a church that had a pleasant atmosphere. Everyone seemed to care about one another. No one was in hurry to run out when the sermon was done. People actually talked and fellowshipped with each other. Everybody seemed to support each other, care for each other, and accept the as-is tags on everybody’s shirts.
c. A life giving church has people committed to following God and doing what He directs them to do with their daily lives.
i. They understand the importance of following the teaching and directives of God’s word.
1. I believe an example of this is Judge Morre in Alabama. This man chose to follow the will of God over a Godless court system that has thrown God out of the life of this country.
a. We see the Democrats refusing to accept President Bush’s nominees for judges because the majority are Christian.
b. I heard one Democrat say that the problem with these individuals is they are too zealous in their Christian walks. They don’t separate their lives from their religion and therefore it affects how they will judge and make decisions. That’s not right!
2. Here me as I say, ”Judge Morre’s willingness to follow God’s law over man’s evil law will be rewarded. I believe within a year you will see God bless this man for his stand.”
3. I Peter 4: 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
4. This is what is happening to Judge Moore and to President Busch’s nominees for judge.
a. We have men and women in Congress who are discriminating against committed Christians. They are so blinded by deception that they cannot see that what they are doing is going to lead to downfall of this nation.
b. But the Bible says they will give account for what they are doing. They will be held accountable in God’s court.
c. Our text reminds us today that these types of actions and attitudes will occur in a godless society. It says they will even be disgusted with us because we don’t act and live like they do.
d. Individuals in a Life Giving Church will live by the Spirit of God not by selfish evil desires.
i. You see the problem I see today is people who claim to be Christian but do not follow the Spirit of the Lord.
1. I see people using the name of the Lord in vain by saying God told me to do this when it is contrary to Scripture.
a. Don’t break the commandment to use the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
2. We need to make sure we live by the Spirit!
3. How do we know when the Spirit is directing us it will align us with the word of God.
a. Self will not be an equation in our decision making process. The Spirit’s direction will be the guide of our lives.
e. Boardman reminds us that commitment to the will of the Lord does require action on our part.
i. “True commitment will mean not only turning to something, but also turning from something, just as Paul commended the Thessalonians for turning “to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thes. 1:9).”
ii. “For the disciple of Jesus Christ, commitment means turning from serving self to serving others, for Jesus said the one who would be first must be the servant of all.”
T.S.- A Life Giving Church has the attitude prevailing in its members of doing life God’s way. But they also have a sincere desire to serve God and those he loves with happy and grateful hearts.
II. The life giving church of my dreams is one that has an attitude of serving and not grumbling.
a. What does it mean to serve?
i. They use the gift and or gifts for the Lord’s community. It means we act like Jesus did.
ii. We seek to help out others rather than to think only of ourselves.
1. The Bible teaches that everyone is a minister not just the clergy (Ephesians 4:11-12).
2. The Bible teaches that every believer is given at least one gift for the purpose of ministry (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:1-16).
3. The Bible teaches that we are to operate – use these gifts to minister to others so that their lives may be changed and God praised (1 Cor. 12:7).
iii. These members of a Life Giving Church say “yes” to serving rather than “no!”
1. Why? Serve-Why not just take and take and take? This is the philosophy of many in the world. They say taking is better then serving. But the Bible teaches us this:
a. Phil. 2:3 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
b. James 3:16 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
2. Problem with many who are in the church today- no one wants to serve-they all want to be served. This is not Biblical and a church with this type of member will never be a Life Giving Church!
a. James White states: Church growth consultant Win Arn has observed something even more disturbing. Arn conducted a survey in which he interviewed the members of nearly one thousand churches in regard to what they perceived to be the mission of the church. Eighty-nine percent said the church exists ‘To take care of my family’s and my needs.’ Only 11 percent said it existed to win the world to Christ. This points to a disturbing reality: Many churches fail to have any sense of mission at all, and those that do may fall far short of having a mission that is biblical in its scope (30).
b. The church in America is at a crisis point. Those attending churches today all across America are going so that they get- they receive their wants and needs met. But they do not go to church to serve God and one another like Jesus said to do. Many go to church for selfish reason rather than for selfless reasons of serving God and others.
i. Barna noted in one of his latest poles that serving and committing to the life of the church is at an all time low in America.
ii. Why? Reason is no one wants to serve they all want to be served. This leaves no one to lead the church.
3. We need to use the gifts that God has given us and serve Him. We need to commit to this!
4. What would happen in Polk County if people made a commitment to use their gifts for the Lord?
5. Boardman reminds what happens when people commit. listen to what he says:
a. There are others today who show total commitment to various causes. While on a train in the Soviet Union my wife and I met a Russian schoolteacher who worked in the summer handling mail on the train. She spoke some English, and we talked. As far as I could tell by her sincerity and her words, she was entirely committed to communism.
b. Her commitment reflected the zeal of Lenin, who, while meeting with a small group of people in London in the early 1900s, set down these four “totals”: total acceptance of the cause, total dedication to the cause, total discipline in the cause, and total action for the cause. In those days in London the communist movement was only a handful of people. Today it embraces a third of mankind. That’s what total commitment can do.
Bob Boardman stated: The world has seen what real commitment can do. From biblical heroes to the twentieth century’s Lenin, we have ample proof that the truly committed are the truly effective.
Is there anything lacking in your commitment to the Lord: Is it strong enough that you can endure suffering, now and in the future? Is it strong enough to ensure your part in carrying out the commission Christ gave us to make disciples of all the nations?
T.S.- To have a Life Giving Church you must be committed to serving one another and be willing to use your God given gifts to serve His church. The third element to creating a Life Giving Church is we must be committed to speaking the words of Jesus and then live by them.
III. The life giving church of my dreams speaks the words of Jesus with their tongues and with their lives.
a. They speak the truth not lies.
i. What is Truth? – It is that which is absolute and right and that only comes from God. What is connected with God is truth! All else is a lie!
b. People who make up the Life Giving Church live the truth in everyday life, they model it in the workplace and in the schools. They live it at home and in public.
i. The life giving church lives by the Spirit which always leads to truth. And the people around them will see them live the truth and they will become curious.
ii. The life giving church loves deeply and this overlooks the flaws of others. This is best way to model it!
1. Ortberg says, “In certain stores you will find a section of merchandise available at greatly reduced prices. The tip off is a particular tag you will see on all items in that area. Each tag carries the same words: “as is.” This is a euphemistic way of saying, “These are damaged goods.”…These items are not normal…When you deal with human beings, you have come to the ‘as-is” corner of the universe” (13,14).
2. When you know the Spirit of God you come to understand that everyone on this planet is flawed and comes with a tag “as-is!”.
a. The truth is there is no such thing as a perfect person. We all have flaws. We all have irregular flawed parts of our lives and personality.
b. Just read your Bible and you will discover that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
c. Just listen to what the Bible reveals about the lives of some of the great heroes of the faith.
i. Cain is jealous of Able and kills him.
ii. Lamech introduces polygamy to the world.
iii. Noah gets drunk and curses his grandson.
iv. Lot offers his daughters up to a crowd that wants to rape some angels.
v. Abraham plays favorites with his sons Isaac and Ishmael and they end up disliking each other.
vi. Abraham has sex with his wife’s servant.
vii. Moses committed murder.
viii. Samson commits fornication.
ix. David has sex with another man’s wife and then has him killed.
x. Solomon walks away from God because of all his wives and allows idol worship back into to Israel.
xi. The list could go on! The Spirit of the Lord puts these truths in the Bible to show us we are all flawed!
3. Ortberg notes, “Everyone of us pretends to be healthier and kinder than we really are; we all engage in what might be called ‘depravity management’”(17).
a. Truth is we are all capable at any moment to fall into sin if we do not fully commit to God and His word.
4. Oswald Sanders says this about Love, ”The word love as it is used today in literature and movies and on television is being sadly debased. Its connections are mostly with the romantic and the erotic. But in the Bible we see love as the sacrificial, self-imparting quality of God’s nature. “God so loved the world that he felt a warm glow in his heart”—no, the Bible doesn’t say that. God so loved the world that he plucked out his heart and gave his only Son. That’s the kind of love spoken of in 1 Cor. 13.”
a. And this is the kind of words and deeds we are to promote and live in a church if we want to be a Life Giving Church.
Conclusion:
Lets come back to our opening illustration about Mr. Keaton’s challenge to his young students. . Mr. Keating asked his students what they plan to do with the rest of their lives. He challenges them to seize the day (carpe diem), to live every moment to its fullest, and make their lives extraordinary. That is my question to you today,”Do you want to be apart of A Life Giving Church?” Before you answer this question I want to ask you a series of questions and answer them honestly to yourself.
Of what use am I to God? (Ephes. 2:10; 1 Peter 2:9)
Am I helping to create a life giving church?
Am I willing to do something extraordinary with my Life?
Am I willing to die to self to serve God and make a difference for eternity?
Am I willing to lead people from here to eternity?
Am I willing to love the unlovable?
Am I willing to be led by the Spirit?
Am willing to love like Jesus loved?
Am I willing to overlook the flaws of others like Jesus did?
Am I willing to be committed to?
The Bible?
God’s will?
God’s plan for my life?
Jesus?
The Great Commission?
The Truth of Scripture?
The Holy Spirit?
Biblical Community?
Am I willing to make a commitment to helping create A Life Giving Church?
How many want to commit? The raise your hand and lets pray!
For those of you who may not be ready yet I would like you to do something this week please come up and get this little Bible exercise and answer these thoughts with what the Bible has said about commitment to the cause. Then re-visit this question about committing to helping create a Life Giving Church.
Challenge to the Congregation:
Read through the passages below and summarize in your own words what Paul says about . . .
commitment to God’s word (2 Tim. 2:15; and 2 Tim. 3:14–17):
commitment to God’s will (2 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:8–12):
commitment to loving and obeying Christ (2 Tim. 2:1; 2 Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:8):
commitment to making disciples (2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:2):
commitment to endure suffering (2 Tim. 1:8; 2 Tim. 2:3; 2 Tim. 2:12; 2 Tim. 3:10–12):
