Return to 2004 Sermons

TITLE:  The Future of this Church: Taking the Positive Approach (1 of 5)
TEXT:  Philippians 4:7-9
PROPOSITION:  Our faith and love must be positive.
QUESTION:  What?
KEY WORD:  Approaches
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Series – Sunday AM during August – Our Future as a Church
  2. Future = opportunity yet unmet, path yet unraveled, life yet unlived
  3. The most important decision one can make each day is my choice of attitude
    1. More important than bank account, success, failure, what others think
    2. More important than circumstances, fame, pain, or position
  4. Positive Approach = A way to do things, a ways of dealing with people, a way of shaping our future as a church

 

A Positive Approach

 

Begins with Serious and Sincere Faith

  1. Daniel 3:16-18
    1. 3 Hebrew men – furnace of fire
    2. You can’t discourage these men
    3. We need this kind of faith today
  2. Hebrews 11:17-40
    1. These people lived (and died) in faith
    2. The future of this church is set by our faith
    3. Lose faith – This church is done, gone, dead
    4. Grow in faith – This church is strong, growing, and alive

 

Thrives in an Atmosphere of Love and Respect

  1. Matthew 23:37-39
  2. John 13:34-35
  3. Romans 12:9-12
  4. The future of this church is failure unless love becomes real
    1. People who love God and never tire of God
    2. People who love one another and learn that love is more than a word
    3. A church full of love behaves as it that is true – not just claim it

 

Believes that God has a Purpose for Us

  1. Farmer framing a building – What is it? – Rent it = rustic cottage; Can’t rent it = cow shed
  2. Psalm 33:11
  3. Acts 2:22-23
  4. What are God’s plans for this church?
    1. Preach the gospel to the world
    2. We are to be salt and light
    3. We are to ease the pain of suffering – help others
    4. Worship, praise, and glorify God

 

Conclusion

  1. Great things are possible – Right?
  2. The key to success is having a positive attitude
  3. What can you do to get aboard –
    1. More faith
    2. Greater love
    3. Meeting God’s purpose

 

Return to 2004 Sermons