Something Better

The Church God Blesses

By Jim Cymbala

Something Better—Prologue

“Every advancement in the way people live has come about because someone saw what could be and was no longer willing to accept what is.”

1. There are many examples in the bible when God gave someone a vision of something better. We have some great examples of this in the Old Testament with Abraham , Moses , Joseph, and David.

2. There are also many examples in the New Testament within the Church such as The Apostle Paul and some whose names aren’t mentioned in Acts 11:19-21.

And there we have it, Some unknown and unnamed men catching the vision of the Good News of the Gospel and beginning the great Christian church in Antioch.

3. What was the real secret of it’s wonderful birth? “ The Lord’s hand was upon them.”

4. What were some of the factors and realities they faced?

A. No New Testament yet written.

B. Surrounded by hostile Jews and Romans.

C. No benefit from legalized religion or formal church buildings.

D. No apparent source of income.

E. No printed materials, sound systems, choirs, or seminary training.

And yet anonymous believers started one the most dynamic congregations of the Christian era.

Prayer

Prayer brings change and develops vision. Prayer opens the ears of understanding and the heart of the doer “ as we are called to be doers of the Word” establishing a relationship between the Giver of the vision and the one to accomplish it.

Quote

“ Since the birth of the Church is Acts 2, the gospel is preached, lives are transformed by the Holy Spirit’s power, and a congregation is formed as shepherd’s are carefully placed over God’s flock. This spiritual sequence is repeated in city after city.

Quote

“Heaven’s great concern is for the extension of God’s Kingdom, the spreading of the gospel, the world coming to understand who He really is, and all of this depends on local Christian churches like ours. “

What are some of the warnings and concerns for the churches in the New Testament?

A. 1 Cor. 3:1-9. Are we worldly?

B. Gal. 1:6-10.  Are we trying to please men?

C. Rev. 2:4-6.    Have we lost our first love?

D. Rev. 3:16-17.   Are we lukewarm?  What happens when we examine ourselves in the Word of God? Are we complacent? Do we receive words of affirmation or correction and rebuke?

Thankfully there is nothing too difficult for our Lord to transform and empower bringing dramatic change thus salvation and discipleship. Rev. 3:20-22.

Are we willing to open the door to Christ in more than just our personal lives and open the door for Christ in the church as well? ( What are some examples of how we can open the door of the church?)

Are we willing to step out in faith like some of the examples given earlier and not settle for the status quo-hence complacency, comfortableness, or being afraid of the unknown? Are we striving to see what God can supernaturally do in a church He blesses?

Short Testimony

Will we continue to be a church that God blesses?

Prayer