How can this church move forward?

A series of sermons

The SeriesThe Series

1.1. Challenges to AcceptChallenges to Accept

2.2. Enemies to DefeatEnemies to Defeat

3.3. Dangers to AvoidDangers to Avoid

4.4. Opportunities to TakeOpportunities to Take

IntroductionIntroduction

The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious

Have you ever missed a golden opportunity?

IntroductionIntroductionThere was a very cautious manWho never laughed or playedAnd when he one day passed

awayHis insurance was deniedSince he never really livedThey claimed he never died.

IntroductionIntroduction

What are theOPPORTUNITIES

before us?

Key to SuccessKey to SuccessMark 1:16-18 - 16And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

Key to SuccessKey to SuccessMark 1:16-18 - 17Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Key to SuccessKey to SuccessMark 6:2b-3a - “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary?

Key to SuccessKey to SuccessMark 10:47-48 - 47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Key to SuccessKey to SuccessMark 10:47-48 - 48Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Key to SuccessKey to SuccessJohn 4:35 - Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

Principles InvolvedPrinciples InvolvedAbility to see the possibilities

Ability to eliminate the negative thinking and attitudes

Ability to risk failure

Principles InvolvedPrinciples InvolvedAbility to make the effort with zeal and determination

Ability to sacrifice for something better

See the OpportunitiesSee the OpportunitiesWhat is this church trying to do?

What is our business?We need to focus on what God intended for the church

See the OpportunitiesSee the OpportunitiesOur Business involves:Evangelism – teaching the lost

Edification – building faith among believers

See the OpportunitiesSee the OpportunitiesTeaching the Bible – Classes, one-on-one, VBS, mission trips

Training – Teach the next generation to be elders, preachers

See the OpportunitiesSee the OpportunitiesApplication – Making the message of the Bible relevant to everyday life

Opportunities Ahead of UsOpportunities Ahead of UsCommunication

–Computer – email, website, Bible Course

–Radio / TV / Satellite–Print – Newspaper, tracts

Opportunities Ahead of UsOpportunities Ahead of UsPublic Interest in Spiritual Life–Many are NOT interested–But, many ARE–Drill where there is oil

Opportunities Ahead of UsOpportunities Ahead of UsPublic Interest in Spiritual Life–News sparks interest–Terry Shievo case – What is life about? Where from? Where headed?

Opportunities Ahead of UsOpportunities Ahead of UsFailure of Others

–Government, social programs

–Science has not / will not find all the answers

–Poor, children, needy

Opportunities Ahead of UsOpportunities Ahead of UsPeople

–We often think in “mass” – reach millions

–Every individual has needs, questions, issues

Opportunities Ahead of UsOpportunities Ahead of UsLocation

–3 Keys to starting a business – location, location, location

–We have – property, building, room to grow

Dead Poets SocietyDead Poets SocietyMovie with Robin Williams He shows poetry class photos of past, dead poets

Dead Poets SocietyDead Poets Society“We are food for worms, Lads! Believe it or not each and every one of us in this room one day will stop breathing, turn cold and die.”

Dead Poets SocietyDead Poets Society“They were just like you are now. Their eyes are full of hope. But, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils.”

Dead Poets SocietyDead Poets Society“Seize the day boys! Make your lives extraordinary.!”

We need to dream bigger dreams.

We must see the great opportunities that lie ahead

Seize the day!