The secret club’s of life
• Little Raskels “He man women haters club
• Adult Clubs – Masons
• These clubs just wont let you in on what is happening inside
It seems like in life churches tend to do this also
• We don’t let the outside world know the secrets of Christianity
• Members of our churches act in many different ways
• Some members claim to be Christians but the problem is they don’t act like one.
• Some of these members were baptized as a child and think ‘once saved always saved’
• Life long members- and they will always be members no matter what they do
• I’m in
Some people think they are legacies
• There parents are Christians and members of the church so they believe this is good enough to get them in as well
• Some people get saved but continue on the same path they were on before salvation
• They have no regards to the sins they are committing
• Because They don’t count any more
• I’m Saved
What we need to understand is that None of us are finished products,
• Every Christian, every person here is in a process called growth
• If you came here today looking for the perfect church your not going to find it
• Because we are a building in progress.
• There is always construction going on in our lives ELAB
• Nothing stays the same
• Were on a journey
• We have to put forth effort if we are going to grow
Three things have to understand about growing as a Christian
1 Our faith must be exercised
• Stagnant – Joints Stiffen Up – When You Need Strength It’s Not There
2 Parts of our lives have to be torn down and reconstructed
• We always have opportunities to grow
3 There will always be obstacles to over come and temptation to resist
First we need to have a plan or a blueprint to follow that tells us how to build
• You don’t start building a house without a blue print / Skyscrapers (New York)
Acts 2:42 gives us that blueprint
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
If we are going to continue to grow as Christians
• One of our highest priorities must devotion and perseverance
Once upon a time there was a small train engine (smaller than the rest) and one day while it was out it came to a great hill and he though to himself I think I think can, I think I can.
Not one to be discouraged he said this over and over to himself until the next thing he knew he has half way up the hill
He continued on saying I think I can, I think I can and in the end perseverance paid off and he made it over the top
Life is always easier on the downside of the hill as opposed to the uphill struggle
• We must not be stopped by discouragement
• Because it happens, life as a Christian is not a happily ever after story,
• It is filled with hard work, devotion, perseverance
• We should never allow hurt feelings or discouragement to stop us,
• To slow us down or make us give up
• We must never stop to struggle against sin and temptation
This is what Acts 14:22 tells us
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God Acts 14:22
Hebrews 12:1
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1
The Christian life is often compared to a race
• IM not talking a 50 or 100 yard dash Some short wind sprint
• The Christian life is an all out 10k run
• Were gonna Sweat / Have to move / and it takes time / a lifetime
• That is why we must run with Patience / Perseverance / Determination
• And there Is a prize to be won
The prize Isn’t Heaven because
• We have already gotten that prize
• Salvation is a gift we receive
• Salvation was Bought and paid for by Jesus Christ when He went to the cross
The prize we get is .....The redemption of others
Acts 2:47
47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:47
Reminds me of a man
That told his fellow employees that he could not attend a party because he had to go to church. One of the ladies spoke up and said you won’t go to Hell if you miss Church for just one night.
And the man said no....but somebody else might
Parents go and watch croos country meets
• God watches how we run our race in fact he is our biggest fan
• And when we cross that finish line the greatest thing we could ever have happen is for Him
• God the Father pat us on the back and tell us what a great job we did, great race, I’m proud of you.
The problem today is that To many people go to church to be entertained
• They want to know what kind of PROGRAMS the church has,
• How friendly the PEOPLE are
• Now don’t get me wrong its great to do fun things
• It’s great to and enjoy the company of friendly people
• But the most important part of going to church is the preaching and the teaching
Now I want you understand that this isn’t an egotistical statement on my part
• So to back it up up with scripture this is what Matthew tells us in
Matthew4:4 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew4:4
Again
1Peter2:2 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1Peter2:2
One more time
2 Timothy 3:16 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
We all need the doctrine,
• We all need instructions on how to live right,
• We need the teaching and the preaching of Gods word to GROW as Christians
Preachers are not called to preach what is popular in the world today.
• People know what is popular ,
• People know what is happening in society, our homes or our families any good
What We need in the world today is to preach the word of God
• We need this more than we need going out to lunch
• We need this more than that brand new car
• We as Christians need to know what God has said!
• We desperately need to hear Gods word brought to us honestly, and accurately
• So we don’t hear what we want to hear but what God really has to say!!
The Bible tells us that
1 Everyone has flaws
2 Everyone has faults
3 Everyone has sinned against God
4 We grow up trying to please ourselves instead of pleasing God
Finally
• We need to grow in partnership with other Christians
• And we do this Through fellowship and the breaking of bread
Fellowship blesses us three ways
A: We benefit from the Godly example of our fellow Brothers and Sisters
B: We receive encouragement and support through them as we are going through hard times
C:We have the ability to use our spiritual gifts to testify to others
And we continue to grow through prayers to God
Conclusion
• We should never try and hide the way we feel as Christians
• Why would we want to keep our relationship with Jesus a secret?
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew :5:14-16
So I ask you today
Are you a Christian? Have you received his salvation
Will you persevere
And are you convinced that you need the word of God in your life
