Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A Spirit-Filled Passion for a Passion-Filled Mission

February 24, 2013
A Spirit-Filled Passion for a Passion-Filled Mission
Acts 7:54-8:4
Scott Howard

One Truth: God desires for SRWC to have a Spirit-Filled passion that moves Hickory and all the nations for the glory of Christ.

If Acts 1:8 is our mission we should not get comfortable in our customs, traditions and routine.  We will look at four questions to ask ourselves; two this week and two next week.

1.  Will we choose the Mission over maintenance in the Church?

     The church is NOT about settling for a routine, monotonous motion of religious activity.

     The church is about sacrificing every facet of our lives to make the salvation and glory of Christ known in all nations.

     So then, how do we do that?  We should ask ourselves:
  • How will I pray?  (to impact my family, friends, coworkers, the nations)
  • How will I study?  (study God's Word, sharpen my mind)
  • How will I give?  (use my resources for His glory)
  • How will I go?  (be obedient to God's leading)
  • How will I mobilize?  (make disciples, teach and lead)
2.  Is our worship driven by a God-centered passion or a man-centered production?

     We think worship happens at OUR place on OUR terms for OUR glory.  Do we limit our worship of Almighty God to a certain place, a certain style to make ourselves feel good?  It's not about us.

True worship...
  • Sees the glory of God in Christ
  • Proclaims the goodness of God in Christ
"'Look', he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" 
--Acts 7:56
Stephen didn't just see the glory of God, he shouted it out and did not keep it to himself even when he was being persecuted.

Where is our passion?  We serve the eternal God Almighty!  And He has chosen us, adopted us into His kingdom. Isn't that something to be passionate about and something we'd want to share with others? 

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