How Did We Do?
Introduction:
This
has been a great year for our family. 11 baptisms; 2 restorations; 5 people moved their memberships here. Our
congregation is at peace and a spirit of love and spiritual growth can be
easily seen. We have so much to be thankful for! We must never be content to just be a Christian. Let’s keep dreaming
of what we can yet become as a Christian! In a sermon on January 1 of this
year, I challenged us individually within the congregation. We were challenged
to become a better: servant; worshipper; bible student; and pray-er. Let’s
review the areas we were challenged in for 2006 and see how we did.
I. We were challenged to become
more prayerful.
A.
Mt.
7:7-8 – prayer is important.
B.
1 Tim.
2:1-4 – 4 types of prayer here.
1.
Entreaties,
prayers, petitions, thanksgivings.
2.
Let’s
continue to learn how to better pray all these types of prayer.
C.
We were
challenged to make more time to pray than ever before.
D.
Challenge
us again…let’s work to better understand what prayer is and how to pray.
II. We were challenged to grow to
a new level of worship.
A.
Heb.
13:15 – no more worthy priority than giving God center place in our
lives.
B.
Think
of our worship services over the last year…
1.
Our
hearts are in it.
a)
Our
worship should declare God’s place in our heart & life!
2.
Let’s
renew our commitment to attend all worship assemblies.
a)
Come
together for a goal to praise & honor God.
b)
We do
that by our actions, voice, heart, and mind.
III. We were challenged to reach
a new level of service.
A.
Mt.
20:28; Phil. 2:3-4
B.
As we serve,
it can remind us that we belong to God.
C.
Think
of how it helps us build positive attitudes; motivation; and an uplifting
spirit.
IV. We were challenged to grow to
a new level of closeness in our association with the family at Brownsburg.
A.
Rom.
12:10-13 - Think of the warmth, love, and sense of caring that IS our
congregation.
1.
This is
a place where people can feel connected, a place to belong!
B.
Challenge
us afresh to
1.
work to
generation powerful relationships
2.
help
others build relationships
3.
Encourage,
uplift, brothers and sisters at every opportunity.
V. A New Challenge
A.
Let’s
work to become more holy & spiritual. 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 Tim. 4:12; Phil.
2:15
1.
Challenge
all of us to become completely dedicated to holy living.
Conclusion:
2.
We can
continue to grow – even to levels never before seen.
3.
1 Cor.
15:58
B.
No more
great way to end 2006 than with a positive relationship with God. Do you need
to become a Christian?