Reach out with purpose

It is said by many

What the mind can conceive, and believe, it can achieve."

What the mind can conceive and believe is why we achieve. "Aim for nothing and you will hit it every time with an amazing amount of accuracy."

"Shoot for the stars. Even if you miss, you’ll be among the stars."

. So, last week we introduced the idea of being God’s Church on purpose–instead of just letting things happen, we want to put forth some effort that will encourage growth in God’s Church

. When Jesus Christ was born into this world He had a purpose

The angel told Joseph that the babe was to be called Jesus because He would save His people from their sins

Our main purpose is to lead people into a saved relationship with Jesus Christ

4. As we start putting some feet on this idea of being God’s Church on purpose I believe that it is fitting that we put first things first

. As we continue putting more focus on this idea of being God’s Church on purpose I believe that it is fitting that we put first things first

There are two different kinds of people in the world–there are pessimists who see a problem in every opportunity and there are optimists who see a purpose in every problem

1.Our purpose is to reach outward with power, Joy, and pleasure,

b. Say that with m

Say joy and pleasure with me

Despite David having a problem with consistent focus on the Lord. He knew where his path was meant to be.

 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Not only is the Lord at our right hand, We are at his right hand.

Jesus sits where?????

Be it in spiritual battle, or reaching out to those who are lost, with our focus on HIM, the purpose is clear!

Paul also had this understanding on lock down!!

1 Corinthians 15:5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

Paul knew it was time to do God’s work, however he didn’t realize how great of an opportunity it really was.

He ended up staying there 3 years which is twice as long as he stayed anywhere else as he traveled establishing churches.

2. We need to be willing to remain in our purpose God has appointed.

The reason that Paul stayed so long was because God had opened a door of opportunity. Opportunity in a place of spiritual decay.

1. That’s the kind of city that Ephesus was

That’s the kind of city that Ephesus was

It was a happening place

It was a financial and commercial center and there was a lot of money that went through that city

Ephesus also was the home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world–the temple that was dedicated for the worship of the goddess Diana–the goddess of fertility

a. How do you worship a goddess of fertility? Through a variety of immoral practices

How do you worship a goddess of fertility? Through many immoral practices

The temple was full of immorality and legalized prostitution

The people believed in magic and were very superstitious

d. They were constantly looking for soothsayers and fortune tellers to guide their lives

They were constantly looking for fortune tellers to guide their lives

e. It was a very wicked city

2. We need to be willing to do our part in the purpose

A. Paul not only saw the open door, but he felt obligated to walk through it

.VS 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me

a. He didn’t say it was open to Timothy or Barnabas or anyone else

He felt a personal responsibility to stay and preach the Word of God to them

B. As Christians we need to take a personal responsibility for the ministry of the church

Although I am appointed to do the work of the church, I am not responsible to do the work that God intends for you to do

Do you understand that you have an obligation to share Jesus?

1. I know that that very idea just scares some of you to death

I know that that very idea is scary for some and exciting for others.

You may not be gifted in this area of evangelism as others are, but you still have influence in the lives of people around you

If one of your children or grandchildren were about to run out in front of a speeding automobile, would you remain silent and say, "Well I really don’t have the gift to warn people."

No, you would do all you could to protect them from harm

3.Do we realize the urgency of the Purpose at hand

Realize that people without Christ are lost

1. Maybe we need to be a little more blunt than that

People who have never made a commitment to Jesus Christ will spend their eternal lives in hell–away from a loving God

Until we realize that, we will never develop the passion to do anything about it

If we simply believe that everyone is going to heaven–that all you have to do is be good–then we won’t be motivated to encourage anyone to change

Pray for opportunities

Look for the open doors

There are times when people are open to hearing about Jesus

Each situation is different

Be prepared

 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Now we have connected the Church on purpose and our purpose, the next weeks we will see how we develop the ability to be ON PURPOSE

Lets pray

2. Since we are wanting to be a church that is doing things on purpose, we are going to shift gears on Wednesday night and spend a few weeks teaching you some ways in which you can share your faith

1. See yourself as an instrument of God