How Come
August 5, 2007
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- How come this church has the ability to grow? How come we’ve seen great change? Nov 20th ‘05, P&G ‘06, “Give thanks Sunday ‘06, “Baptism Sunday” - How come from 2 baptisms to 24? Lots of change - lots of growth?
- What I believe about this church - great church - Why I believe it - Vision and values - GOD IS BUILDING A CHURCH - I believe each person has value, purpose and a plan! I believe God has given us a process - TELLING,TEACHING, SERVING
I BELIEVE God changes people and that change causes change! - How do we keep this how come? How do we keep this constant of change - where God keeps building and expanding His kingdom through us? Even in the face of difficult decisions?
A) Integrity in leadership
Mistrust in church leaders - Psalm 78:72 - Integrity requires courageousness, Goliaths in the church? Things that threaten the vision and values. Must hold to the vision and values at all costs! Culture of the church? Grace at all costs! Gossip, pride, unforgiveness kill change! Blamelessness - being able to apologize, and forgive, and give forgiveness - If they don’t know, they can’t change! Skillfulness - do what you can do and to the best of your ability!
One thing we do well is love God! People are coming expecting God!
B) Living beyond lip service
Newspaper article - Phony or for real? Isaiah 29:13
God knows your heart! God will bless the heart that draws near to him! He will change you!
Believe he exists - Hebrews 11:6
James 4: 8 - he will respond! Stay consistent in your expectation! Hearts that honor God will be changed and bring change! Encouragement!
”Preach the gospel. And if necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi
C) Trusting in the Changer
People are choosing His way and will - marriages, etc
- Acts-4:8-13 - The change is seen when people trust in the one name! JESUS! No other name
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things because of the Savior! - Acts 2:38 - A change in course! Where real life begins! This change inspires change! Look at the change! V41 - How come? God does the changing!
Conclusion
There’s a change in the wind! Leaves – walnuts – school – daylight - Will we embrace the fresh winds of God? Will we face the grief and pain of growth - empty nest? Will we be willing to make change so God’s kingdom will increase? Will we continue to have the “good ole days?“ How come OHC is growing? Because Jesus our King and builder, Savior and leader instills:
Integrity in leadership - courage and blamelessness – skillfulness
Living beyond lip service - not what you say but what you do
Trusting in the changer! He is the healer, savior and King!