Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12 NIV)
Today’s blog comes from my notes from Pastor Jason’s sermon yesterday. They are reproduced here for those who missed church on Sunday and those who didn’t take notes. Hope they are helpful.
We all have a God-given, natural desire for greater things whether it be more money, grandkids or a bigger house. This desire can be negative. Child molesters and rapist starts with porn and a desire for “greater things” can lead to their criminal behavior.
Greater Things is a biblical concept. Life is not about getting saved and sitting on it. We all have a mission. The vision of church is to see multitudes become devoted followers as we grow, connect and serve. It is about numbers. Numbers that can be effectively discipled.
Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Our church has ordered plenty of bright green service shirts. We will wear these as we serve in the community. Crime, divorce, suicide are higher than ever before. Our communities need to see the church in active service.
HOW CAN WE GET GREATER THINGS.
1. WORSHIP – After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. (Acts 16:23-32 NIV)
Worship shrinks our world and enlarges His kingdom. He speaks to us during worship. It gives us correct (God) perspective.
2. FELLOWSHIP – The early church met regularly in each other’s homes. We will be influenced by those we hang with. Even if we are sitting home watching TV, we are being influenced. We need the positive influence and example of our fellow Christians.
3. MAKE A MOVE – Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not pay any attention to you. But now bring me a harpist.”
While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came on Elisha and he said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands. You will overthrow every fortified city and every major town. You will cut down every good tree, stop up all the springs, and ruin every good field with stones.” The next morning, about the time for offering the sacrifice, there it was—water flowing from the direction of Edom! And the land was filled with water. (2 Kings 3:14-20 NIV)
We can’t sitting around waiting for God to move. He already has. We need to act. We need to prepare for the move of God.
Focus and move on to Greater Things and be blessed.
Nick
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