Sermon Cloud

    Series: Rise to Serve
Serve – Now!
Mt. 21:18-22
FCOCLH 2/24/08

INTRODUCTION:  

1.    Appearances are secondary.  It is not appearances that matter.  It is not that they are unimportant.  They are secondary.  A good question might be: “What are people’s first perception of us?”   That first perception will be based on reputation and appearances.  Reputation will supercede appearance in the long run.
    a.    Appearances can help or hinder
        i.    Older
            (1)    Some of the greatest buildings ever built have been built as church buildings
            (2)    In times of war & disease people look for strength & permanence the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages provided that, among other things.
        ii.    Modern
            (1)    New churches are made not to look like a church
            (2)    reasoning is the same – the building should be attractive & meet a present need
    b.    Appearances aren’t the result God is looking for – appearances are for people
        i.    By our appearance we tell people how serious we are about God & the church
        ii.    Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. John 7:24
    c.    Christians should look the part & not disappoint
        i.    There is no “typical” way a Christian dresses, etc.
        ii.    There are principles that are universal to all Christians – they will know we are Christians by our love.
    d.    Serve Now!  Don’t wait until everything looks right.

2.    Fruit is necessary. It is fruit (It is the results)
    But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is not law. . . . Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23, 25
    a.    Fruit in keeping with repentance – personal righteousness.  Do the right thing
        i.    The fruit we bear should is a consequence of the change within & the nourishment we are taking in.  If an apple tree is in poor soil & doesn’t get enough sun or rain you cannot expect good fruit. The difference between us and the apple tree is we control what we nourishes us.
        Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Mat 3:8 (John the Baptist speaking)
    b.    Fruit of saved souls (James 5:19-20 bringing people back to church
        i.    Those brought back to Christ – My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.  James 5:19-20
        ii.    New Christians – not everyone is an evangelist, but we should all lead someone to Christ in our lives.  Friend’s Day Plug!
    c.    Fruit of seniors
        The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock and there is no wickedness in Him. Psalm 92:12-15
    d.    Serve now!   It is the only way to bear fruit in God’s Kingdom.

3.    Faith and Prayer are primary. faith and prayer are indispensable (It is who you know)
    a.    Believe, don’t hesitate or deliberate.
        And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.  Heb 11:6
        i.    We believe he will reward our efforts.  – God’s word doesn’t return empty.
        ii.    We believe it is better to serve than not to serve – even if that means our serving subjects us to discomfort in some way.  Sometimes I need to be reminded of that.

        If you don’t take your stand in faith, you won’t have a leg to stand on. Isaiah 7:9 MSG

    b.    Prayer is not hesitation or deliberation.  When we deliberate or hesitate, it is usually self-examination or questioning.
    If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. 1 John 5:16a

CONCLUSION