January 31 2016 Let's Get Going

LET’S GET GOING

Matthew 28:16-20

Five observations about ministry:

1. They needed to let God in before going.

Acts 1:4-14 – Ver. 5 – In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

2. Their ministry was beyond their abilities.

Zechariah 4:6-9

How we live beyond our means:
(a) Great works are always done by God’s Spirit.
(b) Through us.
(c) To glorify God.

3.  Ministry strengthened by unity and commitment.

Acts 2:42-47

Coming together is the beginning of Ministry.

Learning together is the progress of Ministry.

Ministering together is true success.

4. Their Ministry was not problem free.

Problems:

  • They had chosen the wrong leader. Acts 1:23-26
  • Accused of drunkenness. Acts 2:13-15
  • Some credited the miracles to leaders. Acts 3:11-12
  • Some hated the Gospel. Acts 4:1-4
  • Some in the Church were deceitful. Acts 5:1-5
  • Some were jealous of the Church’s success. Acts 5:17
  • Some people felt neglected. Acts 6:1

5.Their Ministries expanded until others were needed.

LAY MINISTRY COMMISSION

Congregation unison:
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4)

Pastor Galen:

Realizing our responsibility to equip you for the ministry, I, as pastor of Great Plains Community Church commit myself to this task by standing:
    Before you as a Model of Ministry;
    Among you as a Teacher of Ministry;
    Behind you on Encouragement in Ministry.

Congregation unison:
Understanding our responsibility to use our gifts for the glory of God, we commit ourselves to this task by standing:
    Before God in consecration of these gifts;
    Among each other in the using of these gifts;
    Behind our Pastor in his oversight of these gifts.

Congregation unison:
Together Pastor and People, we commit ourselves to Great Plains Community Church proclaiming the Word of God and we purpose to make Disciples of Christ by:
    Exalting God
    Encouraging Christians
    Equipping Christians for Ministry
    Evangelizing the World for Christ

I Thessalonians 5:24 - “Faithful is He who calls you, He also will bring it to pass.”

January 1 2012 Handling Obstacles

Handling Obstacles

Joshua 1:9 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whoever you go.

Four Steps To Face Your Difficulties

I. Be willing to face your problem.
Verse 9 - Be strong and courageous.

How To Face Your Problems

1. Face them in spite of self doubts
Exodus 3:11 - But Moses said to God, who am I that I should go to the Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?
Jeremiah 1:6 - Lord, I said, I do not know how to speak, I am only a child.

2. Face them when their unfamiliar.
Acts 1:10 - They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going. 

3. Face them in spite of the effort it takes.

II. Be willing to keep an open mind.
Verse 9 - Do not be terrified.

How To Keep An Open Mind

1. Take time to investigate the problem.
Joshua 3:6 - Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.
Joshua 2:1 - Sent two spies.

2. Keep an open mind through communication.
Joshua 2:8-11
Prov. 11:14 - Many advisers make victory sure.

III. Be willing to get others to help you.
Verse 9 - Do not be discouraged.

Hebrews 10:25 - Let us encourage one another.

Examples of Help
• Joshua 3:6
• Joshua 6:1-8
• Genesis 2:18
• I Kings 19:10
• Matthew 26:38

IV. Be willing to face your problems with God’s promises.
Verse 9 - For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Why Promises Are Important

1. Promises comfort us.
Isa. 40:31 - Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

2. Promises encourage us.
Romans 8:39 - Not anything else will be able to separate us from the love of God.

3. Promises motivate us.
Acts 26:19 - I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.

4. Promises help us hold steady.
Matthew 28:20 - And surely I will be with you always.