All In for Jesus

Opening

Good evening everyone! Are you all having a good time? I know it is hot out here. We are going to have a treat to cool you down soon

It would be nice if we had a giant community pool out here.

Have any of you spent time in a pool or at the beach yet this summer?

I recently went to a waterpark with my family. Our favorite is the lazy river - just floating around in a raft. Except for my son who likes to walk and swim through it. He missed the “lazy” part of the attraction.

Whether its a pool or ocean, I think its fun to see how people get into the water

Some people like to just dip their toes in, get their feet wet. That’s Easy - low commitment.

Others go in to their knees. A few splashes on the shorts - not a big deal

Some of you get in slowly. When the water is cold, it’s torture doing it that way! Especially as the water first hits your waist and then you have to get your shoulders under.

Do any of you like to keep your hair dry?

I had a friend that could jump in the pool without getting his head underwater. That was impressive!

But then there are the ones who go all in. They dive right into the pool. Maybe even do a flip or something cool. Can any of you do flips? I can do a pencil dive and a cannon ball. That’s about it.

Or the same people when they’re at the beach they run right into the water and jump into the waves

God’s Desire

When it comes to our faith, God wants us to be like that last group - ALL in with Him.

I want to give you an opportunity tonight to respond and say “yes, I’m all in”

With Christianity, too many people dip their toes and never commit. They go to God when it is convenient. When there is a need of some kind.

Others are a little more dedicated and go in waste deep to offer part of their life to Christ . . . but not all of it.

They like Jesus being their savior, but NOT their Lord (or King) over their life.

God for blessings . . . Peace, health, and provision yes!

But God speaking into what I do with my money, my relationships, my career, and entertainment? Not as many will say yes.

But those of us who have been willing to go ALL IN . . . know that it is worth it. We know that it is far better with Christ.

That’s why we have it in our mission at Centerpoint. Believe, Belong Become. Everyone matters to God. So we exist to help you Believe in Jesus, Belong to the Family and (here’s the all in part) Become fully devoted to Him.

Now let me clarify . . . being “all in” does not in any way mean that we are earning God’s favor. His love is unconditional.

For those who believe, the Bible makes clear.

We are saved by grace (undeserved) through faith in Jesus. Not by works! He did it all!

Jesus paid the ultimate price for our lives by dying on the cross for our sins. And it’s more than a “get-out-of-hell-free” card

He wants us to have the fullness of life in Him. To be ALL IN.

Not remaining in bondage to sin or to anything less than He has to offer.

Consider what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 6

Romans 6:1–5 NIV

What shall we say, then? (He’s writing to Christians who are saved, but not all in yet) Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

See we identify with Jesus in death and in life.

In Death because . . .

We accept that Jesus died a physical death on the cross, paying for our sins so that we don’t have to. And 2 . . .

2. We identiy “In his death” because he also calls us to die. But in a different way. Die spiritually to ourselves . . . meaning to let go of selfishness and be willing to sacrifice short-term pleasures for greater things, as Jesus demonstrated through His ministry on earth.

We identify with Him in His death. . . And we also identify with Him in Life because Jesus is alive! The tomb is empty!

Those who follow Jesus get to participate in His resurrection. Not only will we be in heaven for eternity with Him, but there is true life here and now. Peace and joy and hope and love and goodness. I’ve experienced these things even in the midst of trials.

Miracles around us and the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. A friend gave me this shirt - “Jesus Christ Miracles Tour.” It lists 32 examples of Jesus’ incredible miracles in the Gospels. And our God is still working miracles today. His Spirit dwells in His people.

And if you want to experience it in fullness - you’ve got to get all the way in!

Note how Paul spoke about being baptized into Christ and into his death. Tonight there are people who are going ALL IN, not just dipping their toes. When they are baptized they are entering the water to demonstrate that their old nature is dead. That’s who they were, but now they are made NEW in Christ, RAISED to new life in Him..

They are demonstrating outwardly what God has done spiritually in their lives

Galatians 3:27 NIV

for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Isn’t that cool? Paul is speaking to every believer. If you have received Christ. He covers you!

When God the Father sees you, He sees His son.

Or think about it from another angle. When the enemy, the devil sees you, he sees Jesus covering you . . . the one who is infinitely stronger than him. . . and the devil hates that.

He’ll still try to tempt you and discourage you, but he knows he can no longer touch you . . .

Because you’ve ben bought at a price . . . with the blood of Jesus.

Call to Receive Christ

Let me remind you that this privilege is for those who put their faith in Jesus.

We have to receive it before salvation and new life can take effect.

Romans 1:16 NIV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel (that’s the good news about Jesus), because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.

Do you believe? Have you decided to follow Jesus?

No one else can make that decision for you. We can lead you to the water, but you must choose if you’ll get in and how far you’ll go.

We have a prayer tent to the side of the stage. If you have never received Christ as your Lord and Savior, let tonight be the night! We would love to pray with you!

Some of you are on the fence. What is holding you back?

At some point you’ve got to go all in. The reality is that someday the water will dry up and it will be too late. Please don’t delay!

Confess your faith in Jesus while there is still time to enjoy better life this side of heaven. Life may not be easier with Him, but it’s better.

Never alone! Joy in the midst of trials. Peace even in our chaotic world. Deeply loved. Guided with purpose. Friends, if you have not received Christ, please hear my invitation and dive into a relationship with the living God!

The water is nice. It is so refreshing.

We are here to help you do that.

You don’t even have to wait for me to finish speaking. If Christ is calling you to a relationship with Him. Go! Respond!

Call for Believers to Be All In

And for any here who believe in Jesus. You’ve been a Christian for a while now, but are only part way into the water. What is holding you back from fully following Jesus?

You worship on Sundays, but you are a different person on Mondays.

You come and listen, but you don’t engage.

You’ve been playing it safe.

It is time to move on to greater maturity in your walk with Jesus.

I say this in love: Don’t wait for another season before you get all in!

Friends, we need to take our faith seriously. This half-way-in approach is no good. God desires more for us!

It’s no coincidence that tonight when we baptize, each person enters fully into the water. They are all in! And when it comes to our day to day faith in Jesus we need to do the same.

Maybe it’s time for you to literally be baptized. This may feel a little crazy if you didn’t plan this, but the water is here. We have extra towels. Talk to us at the prayer tent after this message.

If your faith is in Jesus and you understand what baptism is . . . then let’s go.

Jesus was all in

Let’s not forget that before any of us were all in for Jesus - He was all in for us

The Bible says Jesus was there at creation, so he left the comfort of heaven for you.

Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mt 20:28)

He was obedient to all that the Father asked of Him and served His full purpose during His time on this earth

He willingly went to the cross for sinners like you and me, knowing that it would bring eternal life for all who believe

This happened long ago. Long before you were born. But Christ had you on his mind as well. And every day of your life God has been there for you.

Even today God is pursuing you. He has done and continues to do everything in His power, short of taking away your free will (your ability to choose) to give you life in His Name, to give you hope, to give your purpose, to give you the strength you need to navigate this crazy life and remain in Him.

Jesus is all in for you.

If you believe this, then my appeal to you is to be all in for Him.

Again, if you are ready to receive Christ or take the next step, we want to help you do this now. Make your way to the prayer tent.

Let’s pray!