Spectators Or Participants

Spectators or Participants

September 28, 2014 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We must not be benchwarmers in the Kingdom.

Focus Passage: John 5:17, 19-20

Supplemental Passage: "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in the vineyard.' "And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he regretted it and went. "The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, 'I will, sir'; but he did not go. "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They *said, "The first." (Matthew 21:28-31a NASB)

Introduction: If you are a parent, you know the frustration of asking one of your children to do something and they may put up a fuss and make every excuse in the book not to do what you’ve asked them to do. (that was me growing up, btw)

I. God is at Work

a. Jesus joins Him there

b. God is at work in our church

II. Christians are called to serve/work

a. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NASB)

b. Your WORKS are EVIDENCE of your FAITH “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:17-18 NASB)

c. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (James 1:22 NASB)

III. We should Join God where He is Working

a. Sharing the Gospel is a way for anyone of any age to join God where He is working

i. Inviting someone to church is not the same as sharing the Gospel with them

b. We recognize it is God working and the ministries are His: NO TURF-ISM!!

c. Opportunities for service: (Detail opportunities for service in YOUR church; these are ours)

i. Food Pantry: kitchen hostess, grocery pushers- pray-ers, stockers, unloaders/stockers

ii. Youth: 1 or 2 adults, or a couple to help, esp on Wed nights

iii. Extended Service: 6-8 adults

iv. Children’s SS: 4-6 adults

v. Van Drivers: 1-2 on Sundays and 1-2 on Wednesdays

vi. Custodians: need volunteers to clean the building

Application/Invitation: In order to join God at work, you must first join God. The only way to do that is to trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior.