The Future Of This Church

1
The Future Of This Church

• Positive Approach
• Philippians 47-9

2
Introduction

• Future
• Opportunity yet unmet
• Life yet unlived
• The MOST IMPORTANT decision you can make
  Choice of Attitude

3
Introduction

• Attitude is more important than
• Bank account, what others think
• Success, failure
• Circumstances, fame
• Pain, position in life
• Positive Approach A way to do things, a way of
  dealing with people, a way of shaping the future
  of this church

4
A Positive ApproachBegins with Sincere Faith

• Daniel 316-18 - 16Shadrach, Meshach, and
  Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, O
  Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in
  this matter. 17If that is the case, our God whom
  we serve is able to deliver us from the burning
  fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your
  hand, O king. 18But if not, let it be known to
  you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor
  will we worship the gold image which you have set
  up.

5
A Positive ApproachBegins with Sincere Faith

• You cant discourage these men
• We need this kind of faith today
• Do you have a Serious and Sincere Faith?

6
A Positive ApproachBegins with Sincere Faith

• Hebrews 1117-40
• Think about all the people on this list
• They lived (and died) in faith
• The future of this church is set by our faith
• Lose faith this church is gone, dead
• Grow in faith this church is strong, growing
  and alive

7
A Positive ApproachAtmosphere of Love

• Matthew 2337-39 - 37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the
  one who kills the prophets and stones those who
  are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather
  your children together, as a hen gathers her
  chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
  38See! Your house is left to you desolate 39for
  I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you
  say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the
  Lord!

8
A Positive ApproachAtmosphere of Love

• John 1334-35 - 34A new commandment I give to
  you, that you love one another as I have loved
  you, that you also love one another. 35By this
  all will know that you are My disciples, if you
  have love for one another.

9
A Positive ApproachAtmosphere of Love

• Romans 129-12 - 9Let love be without hypocrisy.
  Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10Be
  kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly
  love, in honor giving preference to one another
  11not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit,
  serving the Lord 12rejoicing in hope, patient in
  tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer

10
A Positive ApproachAtmosphere of Love

• The future of this church is failure UNLESS love
  becomes real
• People who love God never tire of God
• People who love one another and learn that love
  is more than a word
• A church full of love behaves with love not
  just a claim of love

11
A Positive ApproachGod has a Purpose for Us

• Illustration Farmer framing a building
• Visitor asks What will it be?
• Farmer If I can rent it rustic cottage.
• If I cant rent it a cow shed
• Psalm 3311 - The counsel of the LORD stands
  forever, The plans of His heart to all
  generations.

12
A Positive ApproachGod has a Purpose for Us

• Acts 222-23 - 22Men of Israel, hear these
  words Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God
  to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God
  did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves
  also know23Him, being delivered by the
  determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you
  have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and
  put to death

13
A Positive ApproachGod has a Purpose for Us

• What are Gods plans for this church?
• Preach the gospel to the world
• Be salt and light
• Ease the pain of suffering help others
• Worship, praise, and glorify God

14
Our Future As A Church

• Great things are possible right?
• The key to success is having a positive attitude
• What can you do to get aboard?
• More faith
• Greater love
• Meeting Gods purpose in your life