TITLE: My Church

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:2-4 ²for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. ³Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; ⁴lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.

PROPOSITION: Each member should feel a vital part of the local congregation.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Criteria

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. “My church” is wrong (ownership, authority, control) - belongs to Christ

   1. Loved it

   2. Died for it

   3. Purchased it

   4. His by right

2. “My church” is right – (spirit, excitement, membership)

   1. I am a part of this church.

   2. It is a part of me.

   3. "Mine" like my bank, my school, my sports team, civic club

3. Three criteria for this to become "My church."

Pride – 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

1. Bad kind = arrogant, boastful, puffed up

2. Good kind = satisfaction, accomplishments

   1. admit worth and value

   2. accepting "us" for who we are

3. Learn to talk in "we" not "they" terms

4. Pride of my church is in:

   1. The Past accomplishments, growth, programs of work

   2. The Present - What we are doing now

   3. The Future - Where we are headed

Presence – 2 Corinthians 8:24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

1. Develop a desire to be here.

   1. Sometimes you have to be gone.

   2. Don't WANT to be elsewhere.

2. Out of town = hurts -

   1. Me

   2. The church

   3. Class

   4. Visitors who come

3. Think what you will miss:

   1. Class

   2. Singing

   3. Prayers

   4. Communion

   5. Fellowship – encouragement, support, edification

   6. My sermon – I have one super sermon – you might miss it!

Promotion – Cheerleader – 2 Corinthians 9:2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

1. VBS song - Be a BOOSTER!

2. Remember your school spirit?

   1. Do that for the Lord.

3. Speak only GOOD things. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

4. Be a cheerleader.

   1. Make others wish they attended here.

   2. Express your loyalty to this church.

Conclusion:

1. This is YOUR church. Give to support, sing, pray, work for its growth.

2. Have Pride, be Present, be a Promoter.