GFC Challenge for 2005

INTRODUCTION:    

What are people’s motives when they direct others to different passages of scripture?

My History with Hebrew 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

TRANSITION:           I believe that we have become lax and we have become comfortable.

TRANSITION:           This morning, I want us to embrace two challenges and a life verse for 2005

Challenge #1 – Choose to Expand Your Capacity.

1 Timothy 4:14-15

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

            TIMOTHY, DO NOT BE SATISFIED WITH WHERE YOU ARE, GROW!!!!  EXPAND YOUR CAPACITY.

      Paul charged Timothy to expand his capacity in his ministry skills, is this the only area of expanding our capacity?

Look at 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 – knowledge, faith, understanding, prayer, giving, etc…

    Use the container illustration

Challenge #2 – Restore/Maintain Your Spiritual Fervor.

Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

If I were to take your spiritual temperature, what would it be?

What is God’s thermometer?  (The 2 Greats – Mark 12:30 & Matthew 28:18-20)

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Life Verse For 2005 – 1 Corinthians 1:2

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

CONCLUSION:  

Well, we have talked about two challenges and a life verse for 2005 --- WHAT’S THE MOTIVE?