How to Build a Great Church  2 Chron. 7:14 – EBC   7/10/05

  A great church is one that is built upon the Word of God, the will of God and the ways of God. A great church is one that exalts the Savior, edifies the Saints and evangelizes the sinner. A great church is one where the people are ready and willing to go where God wants them to go.

  God’s promise to Israel is a great promise to us today in building a great church.

I. Acknowledge Our Connection to God (7:14a) My people

  A. It is an intimate connection

    1. 1 Peter 1:18-19 -

    2. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 – there is an intimate relationship that is acknowledged here that of a Father and Son.

      a. Rom. 8:15 -

      b. Heb. 12:7 –

  B. It is an identifying connection- called by my name.

    1. Not only have we been redeemed by the Lord but also we identify with Him. We bear His name before a world that does not know Him. We carry with us the responsibility to live like we belong to Him (women said one problem she had with this church is that we tried to get them to live higher than they could)

      a. 1 Peter 2:21 -

      b. Eph. 4:1 –

II. Accept the Challenge of God 7:14c)

  A. It is a challenge to be dependent – humble themselves

    1. We need to come to the understanding we can’t help ourselves out of our problems.

      a. John 15:5 – without me …..

      b. James 4:6-10 –  

      c. Phil 4:13 – when we acknowledge our weakness then we will see God use us in greater ways.

      d. Josh. 5:13-15 – Joshua was saying, “Lord I can’t fight this battle but you can”.

  B. It is a challenge to be devoted – Seek my face – a desire to enter into the presence of someone.

    1. We are to live our lives with a hunger for Him. Our heart should settle for nothing but His best for us. What distracts you from seeking His face (presence)? Get rid of it. 

      a. Phil. 3:10 -

      b. Psa. 27:4 -  

      c. Psa. 42:1-2 –

        1. Do you get the picture? Seeking the Lord’s face is about wanting Him more than anything else in the world. Wanting to spend time in prayer and Bible study.

  C. It is a challenge to be different – turn from their wicked ways

    1. We are talking about repentance. To live clean and holy lives before the Lord. To make an about face in our lives that causes us to walk in a different direction.

    2. What separates us from God? Money, Job, Possessions, Position, Lust, Habit?

III. Anticipate Confirmation from God – (7:14d)

  A. He will hear us – when God’s people get serious about our relationship then He will hear us.

  B. He will help us – these effects will reach beyond the borders of the church house the world around us will be impacted (Missionary Chris War wanted what he saw in His friend). What needs to change in your lives today? Anything need to get out of first place?