TITLE: The
Future of this Church: Commitment and Dedication (3 of 5)
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
PROPOSITION: The future of the church rests with giving ourselves to
God.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Demands
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
- We have talked about positive approach and dreams and
hopes
- In order to have that attitude and reach those goals –
- There must be commitment and dedication
- Attitude and goals are good – but they must move to
action.
Problem today
- Too many are not dedicated, too many uncommitted
followers
- Gospel does not promise easy living, comfortable
- Church growth is not a magic formula
- We really need dedicated Christians
Hindrances to Commitment and Dedication
- Lack of Faith
- Numbers 13:30-33
- Many lack faith, not sure, no security
- Negative thinking, criticizing and grumbling
- Nehemiah 4:1-3
- Think about the enemies comments
- Nehemiah 4:4-5 – Nehemiah’s solution
- What would happen if prayed such a prayer
Things that Produce Commitment and Dedication
- Give yourself to God – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
- Sacrifice yourself – Mark 10:45
- Blaze some trails
- Start from the ground up
- Put yourself on the line
Conclusion
- With opportunity – comes choice
- Despair, thow in the towel
- Clap our hands, cheer
- Put our hands to the work, get things done
- Poem says it well
I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do,
By the grace of God I shall do!
- - Edward Everett Hale