Cross Plumb Line IV

Cross Plumb Line IV – Sent from Calvary - nv 3/30/08am (Luke 10)

OS:1 – Jim and his work…God expects His church to grow numerically.

I.      2 Luke 10 - What is certain is that Luke wanted to demonstrate to his readers that the work of missions was not restricted to the Twelve.

II.   3 One of the most important aspects of the cross plumb line is the effect it has not only on our relationship with God, but also our relationship with people. (personal/ forgiveness / bitterness / ect.)

A.   4 If you behold the cross of Calvary you eventually realize that the Greatest work you will ever do in life will be a work centered on people and their relationship with God. PRICE! (prayer, encouragement, study, hospitality, teaching, etc.)

B.    The cross is enough – but there is also the joy of seeing God transform the lives of people.

III.            Northview History – many of those who first met 36 years ago have gone on, but their work has continued and we are blessed –

A.   We also have that opportunity to be a part of something that will live far beyond our life – who will be blessed 40 years from now?

B.    But, it is up to us! – We must join, unite, and be about the Father’s business.

C.   Let’s sit down together with Luke and behold the cross of Calvary and as we behold the cross of Calvary we will eventually realize that the Greatest work we will ever do in life will be a work centered on people and their relationship with God.

TS]  Why? (Text – Luke 9:51, Set His face toward Jerusalem; 9:57-62, cost; 5 10:1-4)

I.      6 Because God’s work is eternally significant

A.   Text:

                 1.     Luke 10:10-12, But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

                 2.     There is a strong sense of Judgment here.

B.    Those things that are eternal in nature should have the first priority.

                 1.     7 2 Peter 3:10-13

                 2.     Ecclesiastes 12:7, …the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

C.   8 People – Service – talents - time – effort. Etc.

TS] When we behold the cross of Calvary we realize that the Greatest work we will ever do in life will be a work centered on people and their relationship with God.

II.   9 Because God’s work is Urgently important.

A.   Text:

                 1.     Message: The Kingdom of God is near – at hand!

                 2.     9:57-62…Mission demands commitment

                 3.     “do not greet anyone on the road”  hurry!

B.     Culturally we have what has been called “an impatient emphasis on the immediate present” ever get flustered waiting on the microwave popcorn to finish? We need that same urgency about God’s work.

C.   Urgent because

                 1.     We don’t know when Jesus will return

                 2.     Life is like a vapor…

                 3.     Without Jesus people cannot get to heaven! (Jn. 14:6)

                 4.     People experience terrible pain when they live apart from Jesus. Every day there is a delay that is one more day of pain. (note: “Peace” in the text)

D.   Application –

TS] When we behold the cross of Calvary we realize that the Greatest work we will ever do in life will be a work centered on people and their relationship with God.  Why? Eternally significant / and Urgent…..Therefore:

III.            10 God’s work is worthy of support

A.   Text: Luke 10:7, Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

B.    God’s work that we have to do here is worth every penny, drop of sweat, sacrifice, etc. Behold the cross and tell me it is too much!

                 1.     Don’t you think the sacrifices made by those first members was worth it?

                 2.     Those members who purchased that small piece of property on Museum Road sacrificed – comparative it was very similar to what we have done.

C.   11 The Harvest is not the problem – the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few. (ACROSS THE STREET)

                 1.     Sobering thought – 12 The harvest is not harvested unless the workers come.

                 2.     Cotton that’s one thing, but souls? That is another!

                 3.     God has chosen to put that in our hands – He has prepared the harvest, there is prime picking, but unless we become workers in the harvest….

D.   So … can you see…

                 1.     A parking problem?

                 2.     Two services?...Three services with two Sunday schools?

                 3.     1000 people gathered to worship in this place on Sundays?

                 4.     Multitude of new smiling faces who sing with gratitude to God for using Northview to bring peace to their lives?

Concl: Where do we start? Prayer – working together – tonight…