Fruitful Church

Pray

Well yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending my first Ohio State Buckeyes Game… Which, do we have any buckeye fans here this morning? And in the midst of watching the marching band out on the field, and the 100,000 screaming fans… we as one stadium gathered together, for the excitement before us…

You see, as someone that enjoys watching sports. I’ve been to many games and every time, there’s excitement, and anticipation, for the game ahead…

You see, many of us this morning, we can relate with my excitement. Many of you also share the passion for watching sports, and really much of our excitement is not only for just the big time, game moments… but really, for the entire day.

And in this excitement, the excitement behind the game… it causes us to act… because we look forward to what’s ahead, or excitement then effects not only what we think in here (head)... but also what we do here (feet)

we start to plan for where we might grab dinner… we think about our favorite jersey we put on... If it’s a later game, we figure out a hotel to stay at that night, and get excited by the details of the day…

But here’s the key…… The games that we watch on Saturday afternoons, the games that we watch perhaps on Sunday when the new England patriots are on, the excitement that we have… is only because the teams actually run the plays… you see The expense of attending the game, the long drive to the stadium, the logistics of figuring out all the plans, and not to mention the $5 bottle of water, or $12 chickenfinger basket… it’s only worth it, because we get to watch the plays unfold…

I mean, ask yourself, would you be as excited to go watch a bunch of men in tights, if all they did was meet in their huddle, then walked away… and then…. Jump back in for another huddle? Would you pay to watch a game that never happened?

You see, what’s exciting about football, is not the huddle… but rather the action. We get excited by the big moments, but the strategy involved, and by each and every play that we get to experience.

And yet friends, for some of us this morning…. We’ve gone to many huddles; we’ve attended many church services but after the huddle lets out… we’ve simply came back to another huddle a week later…

Friends, this morning, God is calling us back on the field… and we gather once more for our own huddle… but after the huddle lets out, God is calling us to run the plays that he designed. And if we choose to do so, we can have a great… lasting impact as we as one church move forward in missions.

I mean just imagine with me what it would look like if each week, we had people coming to service having their lives changed, who were giving their hearts to Christ…

Imagine the missions trips we could go on together as we serve the King in places, we never even thought of visiting… Imagine the type of kingdom impact that would make in our community and in our schools… What types of lives would we touch? What impact would we have?

With this in mind, turn with me to James 2. As we see that. A fruitful church is alive. 2. A fruitful church is exciting to be a part of 3. A Fruitful church produces fruit that lasts

1. Beginning with point one Fruitful faith is alive

James 2:14-17 explains: 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Goes on to say: James 2:21-24 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

As we look at the text for a moment, we see that James the brother of Jesus… is writing this book, primary to a group of Jewish believers who have dispersed and endured persecution…. And he’s writing largely to encourage them in their faith, as the live out their Godly lives.

He goes on to say, what Good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds… and so from the start… the importance of this verse centers, not only around faith… but also the necessity of deeds. (Or fruit) it’s not just one… or the other… but both…

When we look at the Greek language this morning, we see the word deeds (or works) some of your translations say is the Greek word Ergon: 1. the that which one undertakes to do, 2. Employment which produces a product or an action…

In fact, one of my favorite bible verses. Is Matthew 5:16 which says: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

And again, that same word for deeds we see here again… and the point of the deeds is so that others would see them… and then give glory to our Father in heaven, because of them…

Now notice, a deed is not simply something that we have in our mind; it’s not something we just imagine. but rather… our deeds are what we do outwardly that others see.

You see, I’m reminded of the fall colors as they’re beginning to change outside… this time of year especially in certain parts of the country there is just absolutely magnificent foliage and beautiful colors of red, orange and yellow. (Picture) In New Hampshire, where I’m from… people will travel from miles and miles away, to take in the refreshing scene of the fall foliage and beautiful trees.

But unlike these trees that are very much alive… There are other tree’s that take the form of a tree (picture) and yet at a closer look. These trees are dead. There’s no foliage, there’s no fruit that’s being produced… instead, they are simply taking up space and waiting to be used as firewood… (add john the Baptist?)

Now I want us to remember that Ephesians 2:8-9 says: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. But… it goes on to explain in the next verse 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

And again, that same word for works is the same word ergon that we saw earlier for works… is the same word that we see here in verse 10... but, it’s something that we produce on a personal level. In fact, Galatians 5 talks all about the fruit... of the sprit and… but as a church, this principle remains… is no different…

You see, in the book of Revelation we see 7 churches that that God writes a letter to… and this morning, we’re going to look at 3 of these churches, but the point is what was one right compared to the others… ?

First, we’re going to be looking the church of Sardis. We read in Revelation 3:1-3

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

You see God instructs this church and says: wake up … strengthen yourself … remember where you came from … obey … and repent.

In fact, part of the remedy for this church was to remember its glorious past… when it had been spiritually alive and when it had its early years, there’s this idea of get back to where you came from and do the former things you did before…

we also see a church, called the church of Laodicea. the Lord writes to them an says: 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen (the words of God), the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

You see this church, they were wealthy… they had a lot of possessions… yet in their walk with Christ, they were neither hot nor cold... Instead, they’re simply lukewarm… and God says, I’m going to spit you out…

Still, we see another church, this one is smaller… and yet, this church receive praise from the Lord. The congregation of Philadelphia was small. Its members had little strength, but God found favor with them.

Revelations 3:7-8 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

The bible explains that God loved this church Since they had kept His command to endure patiently…

Here’s the point, it’s not that the church of Philadelphia was perfect… but church that Got the basics right… The people of Philadelphia, true to this day in our American city… were a people of love… they loved each other, and they got the basics right as a church…

Friends, the Point this morning is not to say that weare this church or that church… But rather, to show you that God was considers not only the effectiveness of our lives individually, but also… of our church as a whole.

And the question I would have for you this morning is…If God were to write a letter to Kenton alliance church today… what would he say? How would he classify us? Would he be pleased? Would he say that we are lukewarm? Would he say that we are alive? Or what would he right to us?

And again, I won’t answer the question for us, that’s not my job… My job is simply to preach what God tells me to preach… but I do know God showed me that I should discuss this very idea this morning… You see God, ultimately wants us to be alive… to be on mission… and moving forward as one unit… as we share the gospel with those around us.

2. A Fruitful Church Is Exciting To Be A Part Of

I have to let you guys know that this very topic of being a fruitful church. is really exciting to me, you see I was actually talking to my wife on the phone on Wednesday, and I said: “do you think the church will actually be excited about hearing this message?” You see, for me as a pastor, there are few things that I get more excited about then talking about church growth, and talking about vision, and where God is calling us… But I asked Kim, I said: “will others be excited by this?”

In fact, just so you, there’s an old saying in ministry that screaming from the pulpit is heard as a whisper in the pews, but church, I’m super excited for what God wants to do here with us as a church in the coming years.

You see, as we build upon the foundation of what God has already established… I believe that God Is going to do some exciting and extraordinary things in and through us as a church in the time to come… and my belief is that, as I’m excited, and as we cast vision… that you too would be excited… because ultimately, you’re not just watching the plays… but you’re the ones running the very plays that God designed for us here as a church.

Proverbs 29:18 explains: Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he…. You see friends, as you pastor. I have been called to cast vision, and guidance… and not just based on what I dreamt up one day, but ultimately, What God has called us to as a church.

I’ve also recently been reading the purpose driven church by Rick Warren… and one key point that he explains is: “one of the fastest ways to build new excitement and growth into a church faster is to refocus on its purpose.”

So, especially in the coming months… we’ll truly be focusing on why we as a church body exist. Why do we do the things we do?Is it just because we’ve always done them that way? You seem one of the key ideas of our church, is the necessity to bear fruit… and to serve the Lord as His hands and feet.

Rick Warren explains in his book that a fascinating study was done involving churches all over America. He writes: This studysurveyed members of nearly a thousand church asking the question, “why does the church exists?” The results of the church members surveyed, 89 percent said, “the church’s purpose is to take care of my family’s and my needs.” For many, the role of the pastor is simply to keep the sheep who are already in the “pen” happy and not lose too many of them. Only 11 percent, said “the purpose of the church is to win the world for Jesus Christ.” You see, then the pastors of the same churches were asked why the church exists. Amazingly, the results were exactly the opposite. Of the pastors surveyed 90 percent said the purpose of the church was to win the world and 10 percent said it was to care for the needs of the members. He goes on to says:

But here’s what we do know: the bible tells us: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)

You see, here’s the point… we must of course take care of the need of ourselves… but listen… we must also take care of the needs of others.

Philippians 2:3-5 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

You see friends, there’s this idea of being on mission together… and serving the community around us… even if it means we have to take risks, or get our hands dirty… or go outside of our comfort Zone.

And one of the questions could be well how do we go about serving others… and I think one of the key ideas is that we take faith filled risks.

You see the Alliance has 7 core values and one of them is (picture) Achieving God’s purposes means taking faith-filled risks. And then it goes on to say: “This always involves change.”

Rick Warren puts it this way: “What is faithfulness? Usually, we define it is in terms of beliefs. We think that by holding orthodox beliefs we’re fulfilling Christ’s command to be faithful. We call ourselves “defenders of the faith!” But Jesus meant far more than adherence to beliefs when he used the term. He defined faithful in terms of behavior – a willingness to take risks…(that require faith)… in order to be fruitful….

So, here’s the point, as we sum up the last few months of studying on faith together… we must be willing to take faith-filled risks together. That is what God has called us to… and we must be willing to reach the lost… and to be on mission together…

You see, I think of a child riding a bike for the first time… Which has a bit of risk involved.... But at first, a child riding a bike has to use training wheels to get them comfortable with being on the bike… but as they get confident… they learn to one day… ride their bike without the training wheels… you see, in this tense moment for parents… we understand the anxiety of letting our kids take the training wheels of for the first time and pushing them along as they go for it all on their own…

but friends, a bike was never designed to have the training wheels on forever. You see, sometimes our kids may crash… and they may fall, and get bumps and bruises… but once you learn how to ride a bike; it’s worth it!

Today, as we serve the Lord together, things may not always go perfect… Someone may get their feelings hurt, or who knows… you could be serving the Lord by doing something up on a ladder and then, fall off… of course I hope this doesn’t happen … but to not take risks is like never driving to work, because… well, we could get in a car accident…

Friends this morning, God wants us to shift our thinking that, hey, its okay to take faith filled risks… and it’s okay to be reaching out to others…

Because ultimately, the fruit that is produced by what the Lord does through us is fruit that lasts…

3. A Fruitful Church Produces Fruit That Lasts

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

You see ultimately, the bible tells us that He chose us and appointed us to Go and bear fruit… fruit that will last… You see we understand that individually we are to tell others about Jesus… but should we not do the same as a church? Matthew 28:19-20 puts it this way

19 Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Notice it doesn’t say stay… or think about making disciples… but rather Go… But here’s the key, he is with us always to the very end of the age. You see, we’re not doing this alone! We’re not going by ourselves, but he’s here… cheering us on! The bible says one someone comes to salvation there is rejoicing up in Heaven!

The reason behind the fruit is because Jesus calls us to bear fruit.

so, in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

You see, in our own individual lives, as believers… we are to bear fruit… in everything we say and do. -

But as a church, we must be bearing fruit together… WE must Go together, Wemust be on mission… But here’s the key, if we’re not on mission when we’re together… How can we expect each other to be on mission when we’re apart?

Friends this morning, I’m excited because I know God is calling us to take faith filled risks… and to be on mission together… but I would challenge us this morning is in a few specific ways.

· First, I would challenge us to shift our thinking, (and while we know that it is about others…) would we become all things, to all people that we might save some? As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 9…

· And second… would we allow our faith, to align with the fruit that God expects from us… and together, as one church be missional?

You see, in just a few weeks… we have the opportunity in different capacities to serve our community.

1. opportunity is to go caroling with us as a church on December 3rd. If you enjoy singing, or even if you don’t this is one specific step that you can take to serve those around us.

2. On Sunday December ____ we are going to have a group from HardinCrest who are here with us at church. We’re going to encourage the whole church to come out and bring a meal out and sit with some of the members from HardinCrest right after service…

3. On January 8th, upward basketball will be returning to our church. You see we’re going to be moving back to the sanctuary in time for Christmas and the great room will be able to host hundreds of kids and their families… but we need volunteers to help.

4. I believe God is calling us to begin really thinking about forming a mission’s team. And I know that we’ve had that in the past, but I believe meeting every month… and then doing quarterly missions work of site is where God is calling us… You see, I would love to see a team that goes to envision Cleveland later this summer and partners with their church for a night or 2… or in a couple years, maybe the Lord would even open the door for us to go to Africa, and serve as a mission’s team from the church…

5. Finally on your chair when you walked in today, you have a piece of paper… and here’s what I want you to do right now… I want you to write down one or two names of people that you can be sharing the gospel with over the next month or so…. You see around the holidays; people are receptive to the gospel… Can you be encouraged to write down 1 – 2 names of people you can be praying for their salvation?

We’re going to close out in one moment… but here’s what I would like… as the music plays, take one moment right where you are… and right down 1-2 names of people we can pray for…

On the way out… we’ll have some of the members of the missions team meeting back there and I would encourage you to connect with them… also, there are sign ups for caroling, the HardinCrest meal and upward basketball… and whether you want to serve in 1 way 2 ways or all 5… friends my encourage is that we are the church today.

I’m going to Pray. And on your way out, please take a moment and consider stopping by the table that we’ve set up in the back… and ask the Lord how he’s calling you to serve at this time.

Pray