A Testimony of the Faith
Dec. 30, 2007
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State of OHC
Text: Philippians 1:3-11
Why I value the church? My experience - Your experience - the value it has to you? God - His design and plan - and the value he places on it? God is at work in us! OHC is a work in progress, and, "A work in progress is a testimony to the faith!"
This coming year let us continue to be a work in progress - testifying for the faith! How?
1) Our thinking
V3-4 - "every remembrance" Our church family - Our mutual Savior - Our mutual battles - Focus on others! Do you see them making progress? A Heart of thanks and Joy - A GREAT TESTIMONY! Do not get down on people! Battle pride and religiosity! Holier than thou on the outside but inside dirty!
2) Our Serving
V5-6 - "Our Partnership in the Gospel" This is our purpose! These people have a mission and a goal! There is a fellowship in the faith. Finish strong!! Do what only you can do - not just what you want to do! The easy button! Sacrifice – devotion - V6 - God is working in you and His Church! He is faithful! A concrete confidence in the Father! A GREAT TESTIMONY - faithful! Amateurs built the Ark - experts the Titanic. You are doing a good work!! Nehemiah on the wall.
3) Our Loving
V7-8 - "have you in my heart" . People of Grace - sharing God’s grace - having the best interests of others in our hearts! Expressing Godliness! Pastor of OHC! There is love here! "Partners in grace" - Kindness, favor, gifts, good news. Value people! Don’t lie! How Christians are perceived as judgmental and hypocritical.
4) Our Growing
V9-10 - "love will keep on growing" As we grow in love we grow!
Me - Never talking, now preaching? When we grow in Christ we make better decisions! People making bad choices? Don’t know the Gospel! "Determine what really matters." SIGNIFICANCE! - what really matters to Christ, to God? Will matter to you!
Living blameless and pure! A Testimony of Growth - V11 - Fruitful and worshipful! Impacting the world and worshiping God! This is the life God has planned for you!
How stagnation occurs? No fresh water in a pond? It is up to you to get fresh water!
Conclusion
Goals - Our Vision - Our Process - My goals this year - We will testify to the faith!
GOD IS AT WORK HERE! When people grow spiritually the kingdom grows numerically!
OHC is a great church, and will be a great church until Jesus comes!