Where Are We Going?
Proverbs 21:5
January 2, 2005
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
An Honest Evaluation
As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.
Romans 12:3 (NLT)
Strengths
• Friendly people
• Everyone gets involved
• Kids/Teenagers
• Selfless giving
Weaknesses
• Corporate prayer life
• Depth of personal commitment
• Personal witness
• Financial limitations
• Follow through on ministry initiatives
3 Areas of Focus
• Corporate Prayer
• Personal Spiritual Growth
• Relationship Building with Unchurched People
Praying Together
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:20 (HCSB)
Why Corporate Prayer?
• The presence of Christ
– Matthew 18:20
• Prayer taps into the very power of God
– 2 Chronicles 7:14
– Acts 4:31
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
Acts 4:31 (HCSB)
When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.
Why Corporate Prayer?
• The presence of Christ
– Matthew 18:20
• Prayer taps into the very power of God
– 2 Chronicles 7:14
– Acts 4:31
• Prayer changes circumstances and people
– Acts 12:11-12
Acts 12:11-12 (NLT)
Peter finally realized what had happened. "It’s really true!" he said to himself. "The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jews were hoping to do to me!"
[12] After a little thought, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.
Corporate Prayer Is Not An “Organ” Recital
• Pray for boldness in sharing Christ
– Ephesians 6:19
Ephesians 6:19 (NLT)
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too.
Corporate Prayer Is Not An “Organ” Recital
• Pray for boldness in sharing Christ
– Ephesians 6:19
• Pray for others to join us in our “Kingdom” work
– Matthew 9:38
Matthew 9:38 (NLT)
So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields."
Corporate Prayer Is Not An “Organ” Recital
• Pray for boldness in sharing Christ
– Ephesians 6:19
• Pray for others to join us in our “Kingdom” work
– Matthew 9:38
• Pray for others
– 1 Timothy 2:1
1 Timothy 2:1 (HCSB)
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.
Passion Jesus
• Moving from fondness for Jesus to a passionate love relationship
– Revelation 3:15-16
Revelation 3:15-16 (MSG)
I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot – far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit.
Passion Jesus
• Moving from fondness for Jesus to a passionate love relationship
– Sunday morning Christianity is religious practice, not a vibrant faith
– Revelation 3:15-16
• Every member consistently spending time with Christ...daily
– Revelation 3:20
Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
"Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.
Engaging The Unchurched
• God loves people
– 2 Peter 3:9
2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.
Engaging The Unchurched
• God loves people
– 2 Peter 3:9
• They are Jesus’ priority
– Mark 2:17
Mark 2:17 (NLT)
When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough."
Engaging The Unchurched
• God loves people
– 2 Peter 3:9
• They are Jesus’ priority
– Mark 2:17
• We are commanded to be a continual witness
– Matthew 28:19
Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Engaging The Unchurched
• God loves people
– 2 Peter 3:9
• They are Jesus’ priority
– Mark 2:17
• We are commanded to be a continual witness
– Matthew 28:19
Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Engaging The Unchurched
• God loves people
– 2 Peter 3:9
• They are Jesus’ priority
– Mark 2:17
• We are commanded to be a continual witness
– Matthew 28:19
• Getting on their turf
– 1 Corinthians 9:20-22
1 Corinthians 9:20-22 (NLT)
When I am with the Jews, I become one of them so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with those who follow the Jewish laws, I do the same, even though I am not subject to the law, so that I can bring them to Christ. [21] When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
[22] When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ.
Summing It Up
• Passion
• Prayer
• People
**Powerpoint available on request
