Diligence
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DescriptionA Family Meeting Ephesians 4: 1-6Intro: I love the Church, I love this church! The Bible describes Church in several ways: Flock of God; Body of Christ Family of God… His Household! As we begin 2010… A Family Meeting. (guests, be patient, long introduction…short sermon) Look Back Look Forward LOOK OUT Look Back We turn 60 later this year. God has blessed us! • Lumber Yard; growth; good to Pastors (4); Relocation Six Years ago… Clarified Vision with a Mission Statement that Describes Balanced, Biblical BodyLife READ Together A wonderful Season in the life of QSBC Numerical Growth! Bodies; Baptisms; Budgets SS Chart First ever… over half million to missions By school out…reach goal More Substantial Growth! Unity; Purity; Maturity and Ministry ILL – Nehemiah leader in return from Exile and Rebuilding in Jerusalem… “God’s good hand was on us!” t/s – An old preacher taught me how to Evaluate…. We’re Doing Better than we think. We could do Better, Don’t you think? We will do Better, If we Think! Our Planning Team… Evaluated our Ministries last year… (Do Better) • Evangelist Impact of our Community! • Racial Diversity of our Congregation • Every Member Needs a Meaningful Ministry Look Forward (We want to do better!) We as a congregation adopted Five Ministry Initiatives… • Read from Slide! While continuing to embrace our basic ministries (bread & butter); we will be pursuing these initiatives in 2010! • Expanding Ministry Staff and Facilities (in response to above) • Develop a Spanish speaking ministry (class already) • Fourth Sunday AM worship service launch Feb. 7 • Gather 1,500 people for Sunday School each week in 2010! T/S – An exciting Season in the Life of QSBC Family.. Not to Us, O LORD, not to us; but to Your Name give Glory ILL – Dr. Kelly Quote that provoked this family meeting… I hope you appreciate what is going on in the life of this Church right Now. I hope you don’t take it for granted. Look Out! The Shepherd feeds; cares for; protects…. Warns of Danger! This Morning --- A Call to Diligence! • Diligence – Constant, Earnest Effort… • NT Word = Speed…effort… zealous, active concern ILL – Like walking a Child through Minefield Our Text Today calls us to Diligence… Ephesians 4: 1-6 Read Vs. 1 - Three Key Words in Vs. 1 Calling = What we claim Jesus is doing, has done in our lives (individuals and corporately) Our beliefs; our doctrine… Our Talk! Chapters 1-3…. God’s People saved by grace Adopted; forgiven; Reconciled; made one. Walk = Our Daily Way of Life… Manner… Behavior! Chpts. 4-6… Bodylife; Family Life; Business; community Worthy = “Axios” = bringing Up the Beam of a Scale Picture a balancing Scale in Commerce… 3 pounds of grain. • Appropriate; Comparable; Equivalent Our Beliefs and Our Behavior should Balance! Read Ephesians 4: 1-6 t/s – in this context Paul issues… The Command for Unity (3) Exp – Preserve the Unity of the Spirit (created by Spirit) by living In Peace….in right relationships. Paul’s first thought when it comes to Christian Behavior! ILL – Suppose Billy Graham were asked, “What most important thing for us to do as a Church?” Long pause for reflection… “First of all…” You would hold your breath to Hear! App – If we cannot walk as One, all our efforts are Tainted/Wasted! If we cannot back up this most basic claim, why should Our community belief anything we say?! • The Devil, our enemy, Always attacks, undermines our Unity! Note: More than a passive, “I won’t make waves…” Active, Careful, Diligent concern for Unity of the Body! Strengthening Relationships; Showing Grace; challenging those who create division… The Reality of Unity (4-6) Exp – “Preserve the Unity of the Spirit” …. Not Create! Remember, “He Binds Us Together in Fellowship!” Unity Is Reality in Christ Jesus. We share Common Ground… All the Most important Aspects of our Lives! ILL – Robert Lindgren (Julie’s great uncle…. Old man spoke Loudly) “Hanz, Is that a Swedish name?” “Are your from the North Country?” “Are you a Farmer?” Without a word, he turn around and walked away! No Common Ground! App – Do differences Exist within the Body? (More and More) • Age; passions; preferences; positions in society… • More and More…. If we accomplish our stated Goals! No Common Ground in matters of Ethnic Background; Oklahoma Heritage; Vocation… Ask Questions using Vs. 4-6 as a guide… (Take Time!) Do you love the Church? Me too! The Reality of Life Together (2) Exp – Paul lists five character qualities essential for preserving unity In the life of a Church… these five tell us something… It Is Not Easy! We will disagree; we will offend each other… Contrast: Arrogant; Unrestrained; Short-tempered; Judgmental App – Be Diligent! It is not Easy to Walk as One. Conclusion: Preventative Medicine; Preventative maintenance; Preventative Pastoring God’s good hand is upon us. The only one that can keep this good work from continuing… Is Us! |