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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:

  1. We have talked about positive approach and dreams and hopes
  2. In order to have that attitude and reach those goals –
  3. There must be commitment and dedication
  4. Attitude and goals are good – but they must move to action.

 

Problem today

  1. Too many are not dedicated, too many uncommitted followers
  2. Gospel does not promise easy living, comfortable
  3. Church growth is not a magic formula
  4. We really need dedicated Christians

 

Hindrances to Commitment and Dedication

  1. Lack of Faith
    1. Numbers 13:30-33
    2. Many lack faith, not sure, no security
  2. Negative thinking, criticizing and grumbling
    1. Nehemiah 4:1-3
    2. Think about the enemies comments
    3. Nehemiah 4:4-5 – Nehemiah’s solution
    4. What would happen if prayed such a prayer

 

Things that Produce Commitment and Dedication

  1. Give yourself to God – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
  2. Sacrifice yourself – Mark 10:45
    1. Blaze some trails
    2. Start from the ground up
    3. Put yourself on the line

 

Conclusion

  1. With opportunity – comes choice
    1. Despair, thow in the towel
    2. Clap our hands, cheer
    3. Put our hands to the work, get things done
  2. 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



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