Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind of Church Are We?

Proverbs 28:9 (NASB)
⁹  He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

Smyrna, The Suffering Church

(the shortest letter written)

Revelation 2: 8-11

Revelation 2:8-11 (NASB)
⁸  “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
⁹  ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
¹⁰  ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
¹¹  ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Job 36:15 “But those who suffer HE delivers in their suffering; HE speaks to them in their afflictions.”

1 Peter 1:6 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

1 Peter 3:14 “But even if you suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”

1 Peter 4:16 “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

1 Peter 4:19 “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

“Smyrna” comes from the root word “myrrh” which means “bitter / death”

Myrrh was present at the birth of Jesus – Matthew 2:11

Myrrh was present at the death of Jesus – Mark 15:23 / John 19:39

1.  Smyrna was a church “rich” in “poverty.”

Revelation 2:9 (NASB)

9  ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Luke 6:27-31 (NASB)
²⁷  “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
²⁸  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
²⁹  “Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.
³⁰  “Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
³¹  “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.

1 John 2:15-17 (NASB)
¹⁵  Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
¹⁶  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
¹⁷  The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Proverbs 28:6 (NASB)
⁶  Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.

2. Smyrna was a church “rewarded” through their “persecution.”

Revelation 2:10 (NASB)

10  ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Romans 8:28, 34-39 (NASB)
²⁸  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
³⁴  who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
³⁵  Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
³⁶  Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”
³⁷  But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
³⁸  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
³⁹  nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 30:1-5 (NASB)
¹  I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
²  O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
³  O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol; You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.
⁴  Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, And give thanks to His holy name.
⁵  For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

Message by Dr. David Drake

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What Kind Of Church Are We?

A study of the seven letters to the seven churches in the Revelation

 Revelation 2:7 (NASB)
⁷  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 2:1 (NASB)
¹  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:”

Jesus Christ was the master letter writer. The Gospel accounts (Matthew-John) reveal Him to be a wonderful teacher, healer, encourager, and friend to saints and sinner alike. He was, however, the Savior of the world and for that reason, He has a story to tell. He states in Matthew 16:18 that He was going to build His church and for that church He died. Therefore, the church is very important to our Lord and because it is, He desires to communicate to the church on intimate terms. The seven letters written and addressed to seven different churches located in Asia Minor happen to give us the backdrop for this study. Notice as we introduce this study the three unique characteristics concerning these churches:

1. Each letter had a primary ASSOCIATION, meaning, they were written to specific churches.

2. Each letter had a personal APPLICATION, meaning, they had a direct message to each follower of Christ.

3. Each letter had a prophetic ANTICIPATION, meaning, there is a word proclaimed to each church and their specific situation, plus, there is a word proclaimed to all seven churches collectively.

Ephesus, The Back-Slid Church

Revelation 2:1-7

(Reminder: The Ephesus Church fits historically in the Apostolic Age of the Church -From Pentecost to AD 160)

The Assembly (to whom the letter was written)

*Ephesus (defined): “desirable”

* Ephesus (described):  The largest city of Asia Minor and the residence of the Apostle John before he was banished to Patmos. It was home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the temple of Artemis (Diana). Ephesus was one of the greatest religious, political, and commercial centers of the modern world.

 * Ephesus received two (2) letters from two biblical authors:

1. The Apostle Paul writes a letters to the Ephesians describing ”¦ What The Church Is

2. Jesus Christ writes a letters to the Ephesians describing ”¦ What The Church Needs

Revelation 2:1-7 (NASB)
¹  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
²  ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
³  and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.
⁴  ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
⁵  ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place””unless you repent.
⁶  ‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
⁷  ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

The Author (the writer of the letter)

The One who holds the messengers ”¦ vs. 1b

The One who walks in every church…vs. 1c

The Approval (the praise given in the letter)

He (Jesus) approves their “service”…vs. 2a

He (Jesus) approves their “suppression” (i.e. strength) ”¦ vs. 2b

He (Jesus) approves their “spiritual discernment”…vs. 2c

 He (Jesus) approves their “steadfastness” ”¦ vs. 3

The Admonition (the rebuke submitted in the letter)

Left their love of commitment

Left their love of devotion / loyalty

Left their love of fellowship (with God and man)

The Appeal (the invitation given by the One writing the letter)

“Remember” ”¦ we are to “recognize”

“Repent”…we are to “confess”

“Remove” ”¦ we are to “abstain”

Five (5) Applications From The Letter Writer To This Church / To His Child

1. You and I have a “message / letter” to be read and obeyed.
2. Jesus Christ is serious about what He has written for you to read and obey.
3. Jesus Christ loves and accepts you for who you are.
4. Jesus Christ will not allow anyone or anything to take His place.
5. Make sure that His “message / letter” is applied in your life ”¦ TODAY!

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Introduction and The Mural of Majesty

Revelation

Introduction

Someone has once said that the purpose of the Book of Revelation was to present a broad, sweeping portrait of future events in order to strengthen the Church, promote endurance in the face of trials, and encourage suffering believers. John wrote to urge his readers to obey the Word of this prophecy.

An Outline to the Book of Revelation

Chapter 1…The Things Which Thou Hast Seen

Present, Active, Indicative (“write and keep on writing…”).

John is seeing the vision of the glorified Christ as King/Priest.

Chapters 2-3…The Things Which Are

John transcribes the letters written to the seven churches

concerning their spiritual condition

and perhaps points toward the future of the church.

Chapters 4-22…The Things Which Shall Be Hereafter

The Rapture of the Church…Chapters 4-5

The Tribulation of Seven Years…Chapters 6-19

The Millennial Kingdom Of Christ…Chapter 20

The New Heaven and Earth…Chapters 21-22

And Then There Were Seven

Revelation  2 – 3

Part 1…Seven Ages of Church History

1. Ephesus – Pentecost to AD 160

2. Smyrna –  AD 160 to 312

3. Pergamum – 312 to 600

4. Thyatira – 600 to 1500

5. Sardis – 1500 to 1750

6. Philadelphia – 1750 to 1925

7. Laodicea – 1925 to precent

Part 2…Seven Characteristics of the Seven Churches

1. John reveals that Jesus Christ is still the Lord of His Church.

2. These seven churches are actual and historic and located in Asia Minor.

3. A special note expressed to the true believers in each church.

Chapter 2:7,11,17,26; Chapter 3:5,12,21

4. Satan is mentioned in connection with four churches.

Chapter 2:9,12,24; Chapter 3:9

5. Six “dangers” in these churches.

Chapter 2:6,9,14,15,20; Chapter 3:9

6. Each letter is addressed to the pastor (i.e. Angel) of the church.

7. Each church was under severe Roman persecution.

I. THE PRAISE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH

1. Ephesus – ENDURANCE…Chapter 2:2-3
2. Smyrna – FAITHFUL…Chapter 2:10
3. Pergamum – UNDENYING…Chapter 2:13
4. Thyatira – COMMITMENT…Chapter 2:19
5. Sardis – CONSISTENCY…Chapter 3:4
6. Philadelphia – DEVOTION…Chapter 3:8, 10a
7. NO PRAISE FOR THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA

II. THE PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO THE CHURCH

1. Ephesus – Out of Focus…Chapter 2:4
2. Smyrna – Out of Harmony…Chapter 2:9
3. Pergamum – Out of Fellowship…Chapter2:14-15
4. Thyatira  – Out of Fidelity…Chapter 2:20
5. Sardis – Out of Life…Chapter 3:1
6. Laodicea – Out of Character…Chapter 3:15-16
7. NO PUNISHMENT FOR THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA

III. THE PROMISE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH

1. Jesus Christ will build His Church…Matthew 16:18
2. Jesus Christ will protect His Church…Matthew 16:18
3. Jesus Christ will endow His Church…Ephesians 4:11-16
4. Jesus Christ will purify His Church…Ephesians 5:25-27
5. Jesus Christ will claim His Church…1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Message by Dr. David Drake

The Christian And Spiritual Gifts

Romans 12 / Ephesians 5:17

Romans 12:3-4 (NASB)
³  For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
⁴  For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,

* 7 Reasons why every Christian should know his / her spiritual gift

1. To help you understand God’s will for your life

Romans 12:2 (NASB)   ²  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 5:17 (NASB)
¹⁷  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

2. To help you understand how the Holy Spirit works through your life

3. To help you know what God has “NOT “called you to do

4. To relieve you from serving God out of “DUTY”

5. To fulfill your deeper / inner spiritual need

6. To build “UNITY” within the Body of Christ

7. To add spiritual self-acceptance in your journey (a purpose-driven life)

“A spiritually – gifted oriented church family starts with its people, finds out exactly what their needs are; and designs all programs, teaching, and preaching to meet these needs. This is being people-centered … rather than program centered.” 

* 5 Important truths to remember surrounding Spiritual Gifts

Romans 12:5-8 (NASB)
⁵  so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
⁶  Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;
⁷  if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;
⁸  or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1. Spiritual gifts are not humanly developed talents – vs. 6
2. Spiritual gifts are given for personal spiritual growth
3. Spiritual gifts are given for corporate spiritual growth
4. Spiritual gifts are revealed through the lives of spiritual believers / disciples
5. Spiritual gifts are used in service to glorify God and builds up His people

* 3 Fundamentals to focus on when realizing the impact of spiritual gifts in our lives and churches

1 Corinthians 12:1-4 (NASB)
¹  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.
²  You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.
³  Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
⁴  Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1. The Holy Spirit is the AUTHOR / SOURCE of these gifts – vs. 11

Corinthians 12:11 (NASB)
¹¹  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

2. There is not a hierarchy in the arena/distribution of spiritual gifts – vs. 15-18

1 Corinthians 12:15-18 (NASB)
¹⁵  If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
¹⁶  And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body.
¹⁷  If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
¹⁸  But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.

3. When we use our spiritual gifts, the Body of Christ profits – vs. 7,12,25-27 

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NASB) ⁷  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:12 (NASB)
¹²  For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NASB)
²⁵  so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.
²⁶  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. ²⁷  Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NASB)

¹¹  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
¹²  for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
¹³  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
¹⁴  As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
¹⁵  but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
¹⁶  from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

Message by Dr. David Drake

I was to preach this morning at the Cross Road Christian Fellowship and continue our series: “Every Member A Minister.” The weather and the traveling conditions around our county determined that we would not corporately meet at our worship site, but that we should spend some time at some point in our day to worship and fellowship with the Father, whether individually or as couples …etc. Maybe you are in for the day as well. The material below would have been shared at our worship time at CRCF, but in the wake of the present circumstances, allow me to assist any of you as to what we would have studied today in Every Member A Minister … part # 3 …

Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Minister

Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)
³⁹  One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”
⁴⁰  But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
⁴¹  “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
⁴²  And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”
⁴³  And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

 Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Jim Elliot was killed by tribal Indians as he shared his faith and love for them and for his Savior. In some ways, Jim Elliot was an example of the ultimate servant as he gave his life serving others.

It is amazing that at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, He remained on mission … loving others to His Father. This gruesome scene at the cross of Calvary finds the ultimate servant serving to the end. But isn’t that just like Jesus?

I. NOTICE THE LIFE OF JESUS …

1. He Lived In Submission … Luke 2:49 / Luke 19:10
2. He Lived In Obedience … Philippians 2:8
3. He Lived By Faith … John 8:29 / Hebrews 11:6

II. NOTICE THE EXPRESSIONS OF JESUS … Luke 23:43

1. He Expressed Love … His words were words of love because He desired to be “RELATED” to this man
2. He Expressed Truth … His words were words of truth because He desired to be “REAL” to this man
3. He Expressed Power … His words were powerful words because He desired to be the “REDEEMER” of this man

And finally … NOTICE THE PURPOSE OF JESUS

1. His Life Was Given … COMPLETELY … Philippians 2:7-8
2. His Life Was Given … SACRIFICIALLY … Matthew 20:26-28
3. His Life Was Given For The Sake Of ETERNITY … Luke 19:10

“A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransome of the world. It was a perfect act.” – Mahatma Gandhi speaking of Jesus Christ

“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” – C.T. Studd

An old gospel song we used to sing would be a fitting challenge for each of us. “Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus … Anywhere, everywhere, I will follow Him. Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus … Anywhere He leads me I will follow on!”

Why heed this challenge?

Because Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Minister and He is our example and worthy to be followed.

Message by Dr. David Drake

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“Divine Power”

Mark 2:1-12 (NASB)
¹  When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.
²  And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.
³  And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.
⁴  Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
⁵  And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
⁶  But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,
⁷  “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?”
⁸  Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, *said to them, “Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?
⁹  “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?
¹⁰  “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”””He *said to the paralytic,
¹¹  “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.”
¹²  And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

 “Syllogism” (defined):

“An argument or form of reasoning in which two statements or premises are made and a logical conclusion drawn from them.”

Examples of syllogisms

Major Premise – All Bankers Wear Blue Suits

Minor Premise – Helen Smith Is A Banker

Conclusion – Helen Smith Wears Blue Suits

Major Premise – Reading Is Important

Minor Premise – Reading Makes You Smarter

Conclusion – Being Smart Is Important

MAJOR PREMISE – GOD HAS DIVINE POWER

MINOR PREMISE – BELIEVERS MUST REACH THEIR WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST

CONCLUSION – GOD’S DIVINE POWER THROUGH BELIEVERS WILL REACH THEIR WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST

DO YOU WANT YOUR CHURCH TO GROW?

Three hard questions to process:

1. Do you think God wants His church to grow spiritually as well as numerically?
2. Do you want your church to grow spiritually and numerically?
3. Are you willing to pay the price to see this church grow spiritually and numerically?

Now that you have formulated an answer to these three questions, let’s place these questions before you and please respond honestly.

1. I have been impacted by the ministry of CRCF?     Yes       No        Somewhat

2. Someone at  CRCF was, in the past, or is presently very instrumental in my spiritual  journey        Yes       No       I don’t know

3. In my opinion, there is a “missing ministry” at CRCF and I believe that to be …

          _______________________________________________________________

4. I really believe that God wants everyone to be available and willing to step up and serve        Yes         No       I’m not sure

5. On a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high), being a part of the “serving team” for God and others is important to me … 1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    1o

Five Questions We Must Ask

As We Become Servants Experiencing Divine Power

Will I Get  Involved?    Mark 2:3a 

Will I Pay The Price?   Mark 2:3b  

Will I Take A Risk?   Mark 2:4

Will I Believe  Jesus?   Mark 2:5  

Will I Let God Get All The Glory?   Mark 2:12 

Matthew 28:18 (NASB)
¹⁸  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 

If Not Here, Where?

If Not Now, When?

If Not You, Who?

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Every Member A Minister – Part 1

“Finding your place in this place!”

Divine Involvement

1 Timothy 1:12 (NASB)

12  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,

The Character of the Kingdom

Matthew 16:13-18 (NASB)

13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15  He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17  And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18  “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

“I will build My Church…”

“I” ”¦ This divine design is personal.

“Will” ”¦ This divine design is promised.

“Build” ”¦ This divine design is progressive.

“My” ”¦ This divine design is passionate.

“Church” ”¦ This divine design is people.

Very Important Note

We (His people / followers / disciples) need to say: “We will build His church”

Acts 2:41-47 (NASB)

41  So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43  Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45  and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46  Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Our building “involvement” begins with a Faith Foundation.

Acts 2:41-43

BE

Our building “involvement” continues with a Faithful Following.

Acts 2:44-47

DO

Divine Demand

The Call of the Kingdom

Matthew 13:3-9 (NASB)

3  And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to sow; 4  and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. 5  “Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil.

The Sower…The Christian

The Seed…The Word of God

The Soil / Field…The World

Matthew 13:18-23 (NASB)

18  “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19  “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20  “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21  yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22  “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23  “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

The Call of the Kingdom is…

1. For the sower to be faithful to sow the seed (the Word of God) to the world.

2. For the seed to be faithfully spread to the world by the sower.

3. For the sower and the seed to impact the world with the purpose of changing the world for the glory of God.

PLEDGE:

Together, together!