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.”

November 18 2012 The Choice Of Attitude

THE CHOICE OF ATTITUDE

Matthew 5:10 - Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires, the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

I. The Reality of Persecution

Matthew 5:11 - When men insult you.

II. The Reason for Harassment

Matthew 5:11 - Because you are my followers.

John 15:20 - No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.

2 Timothy 3:12 - Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

III. My Response to Persecution

1. Recognize the source.

Ephesians 6:12 - We are not fighting against human beings, but against wicked spiritual forces.

Revelation 12:10

2. Refuse to retaliate.

Romansans 12:17, 19 - If someone does evil to you, don’t pay him back with evil, never take revenge, let God’s wrath do it.

3. Respond positively.

Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:44 - Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

4. Rejoice over it.

Verse 12 - Be glad and happy

Reasons to Rejoice

• It means God’s Spirit can be seen in my life.

1 Peter 4:14 - If you are insulted because of Christ, you are blessed, for God’s spirit rests on you.

• It means God can trust me.

Acts 5:41 - The apostles (were) full of joy that God considered them worthy to suffer disgrace for Jesus’ Name.

• It is only temporary.

2 Corinthians. 4:17 - These troubles won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever.

5. Remember God’s reward.

Romans 8:17 - Since we are God’s children, if we share Christ’s suffering, we will also share in His glory.

6. Remain faithful.

1 Peter 4:19 - So these who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.