what does it mean to be committed to a cause?

What does it mean to be committed to What does it mean to be committed to

a cause?a cause? Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) 24“No one can 24“No one can

serve two masters; for either he will hate serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.You cannot serve God and mammon.


a cause?a cause? It means that you will purse it. It means that you will purse it.


a cause?a cause? It means that you will purse it. It means that you will purse it. It means that you will build associates It means that you will build associates

based on that commitment.based on that commitment.


a cause?a cause? It means that you will purse it. It means that you will purse it. It means that you will build associates It means that you will build associates

based on that commitment.based on that commitment. It means that your greatest joy will cone It means that your greatest joy will cone

from successes in this cause. from successes in this cause.


a cause?a cause? Luke 15:4-7 (NKJV)Luke 15:4-7 (NKJV) 4 “What man of you, 4 “What man of you,

having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found found it,it, he lays he lays itit on his shoulders, on his shoulders, rejoicing. rejoicing.


a cause?a cause? 6 And when he comes home, he calls 6 And when he comes home, he calls

together together hishis friends and neighbors, saying friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.repentance.


a cause?a cause? The church is filled with committed people. The church is filled with committed people.

But But whatwhat are they committed to? are they committed to?

Without vision there is no Without vision there is no commitmentcommitment

We cannot see because we are not We cannot see because we are not “seeing” by our faith. “seeing” by our faith. (Heb 11:24-27)(Heb 11:24-27)



If we judge by our sight then the world If we judge by our sight then the world around us is doing just fine.around us is doing just fine.



If we judge by our sight then the world If we judge by our sight then the world around us is doing just fine.around us is doing just fine.

I challenge you to open your eyes and see I challenge you to open your eyes and see what Jesus sees. what Jesus sees. (Jn 4:34-35)(Jn 4:34-35)


John 4:34-35 (NKJV)John 4:34-35 (NKJV) 34 Jesus said to 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and not say, ‘There are still four months and thenthen comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!for they are already white for harvest!

We need to change how we We need to change how we see this world.see this world.

We will respond when we clearly see We will respond when we clearly see the need.the need.


We will respond when we clearly see We will respond when we clearly see the need.the need.What if We lived in Samaria at the time of the What if We lived in Samaria at the time of the

Syrian siege? Syrian siege? (2 Kgs 6:24-25)(2 Kgs 6:24-25)



Syrian siege? Syrian siege? (2 Kgs 6:24-25)(2 Kgs 6:24-25) In despair four leprous men find an empty In despair four leprous men find an empty

camp! camp! (2 Kgs 7:4-5)(2 Kgs 7:4-5)




camp! camp! (2 Kgs 7:4-5)(2 Kgs 7:4-5)Can you imagine a camp filled with provisions Can you imagine a camp filled with provisions

for over 200,000 men? for over 200,000 men? (2 Kgs 7:8)(2 Kgs 7:8)


We will respond when we clearly see the We will respond when we clearly see the need.need.What if We lived in Samaria at the time of the What if We lived in Samaria at the time of the


camp! camp! (2 Kgs 7:4-5)(2 Kgs 7:4-5)Can you imagine a camp filled with provisions Can you imagine a camp filled with provisions

for over 200,000 men? for over 200,000 men? (2 Kgs 7:8)(2 Kgs 7:8)Even the lepers knew what any decent person Even the lepers knew what any decent person

would do. would do. (2 Kgs 7:9)(2 Kgs 7:9)


2 Kings 7:9 (NKJV)2 Kings 7:9 (NKJV) 9 Then they said to 9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This one another, “We are not doing right. This day day isis a day of good news, and a day of good news, and we remain we remain silentsilent. If we wait until morning light, some . If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”king’s household.”


Do we have this same decency?Do we have this same decency?


Do we have this same decency?Do we have this same decency?We do not have to guess, we face a We do not have to guess, we face a

greater famine and we have the greater famine and we have the provisions. provisions.


Do we have this same decency?Do we have this same decency?We do not have to guess, we face a We do not have to guess, we face a

greater famine and we have the greater famine and we have the provisions. provisions.

What is the greatest need of all men What is the greatest need of all men today? today? (Rom 1:16-18)(Rom 1:16-18)


We must believe that there is a hell.We must believe that there is a hell.


We must believe that there is a hell.We must believe that there is a hell.When was the last time you seriously When was the last time you seriously

considered the Bible teaching on Hell? considered the Bible teaching on Hell? (Rom 1:16-18; Mark 9:42-48; 2 Cor 5:10-11)(Rom 1:16-18; Mark 9:42-48; 2 Cor 5:10-11)


2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (NKJV) 10 For we 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the of Christ, that each one may receive the things things donedone in the body, according to what in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade menwe persuade men; but we are well known ; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. your consciences.




If we really believe this, what will be in our If we really believe this, what will be in our hearts when we see those whom we love? hearts when we see those whom we love? (James 2:14-17)(James 2:14-17)




If we really believe this, what will be in our If we really believe this, what will be in our hearts when we see those whom we love? hearts when we see those whom we love? (James 2:14-17)(James 2:14-17)

We need a sense of urgency! Listen to the We need a sense of urgency! Listen to the concerns of our Lord.concerns of our Lord. (Jn 4:34-38) (Jn 4:34-38)


We need to see clearly where our We need to see clearly where our opportunities are.opportunities are.


We need to see clearly where our We need to see clearly where our opportunities are.opportunities are. `In the last 50 years the growth of the church `In the last 50 years the growth of the church

in this country has slowed. Why is this so?in this country has slowed. Why is this so?



in this country has slowed. Why is this so?in this country has slowed. Why is this so?We are failing to teach, train and lead We are failing to teach, train and lead

individuals in personal evangelism.individuals in personal evangelism.



in this country has slowed. Why is this so?in this country has slowed. Why is this so?We are failing to teach, train and lead We are failing to teach, train and lead

individuals in personal evangelism.individuals in personal evangelism.How many are we converting from the How many are we converting from the

community? community?

Most teaching is done by Most teaching is done by individuals in home settingsindividuals in home settings

Jesus expected houses to be opened Jesus expected houses to be opened in His personal ministry. in His personal ministry. (Mt 10:11‑15)(Mt 10:11‑15)


Jesus expected houses to be opened Jesus expected houses to be opened in His personal ministry. in His personal ministry. (Mt 10:11‑15)(Mt 10:11‑15)

Jesus taught many in personal Jesus taught many in personal settings. settings. (Lk 10:38-42)(Lk 10:38-42)


Growth of the church came from Growth of the church came from personal teachingpersonal teaching


Growth of the church came from Growth of the church came from personal teaching personal teaching Those on the day of Pentecost Those on the day of Pentecost

(Acts 2:41‑42,47)(Acts 2:41‑42,47)



(Acts 2:41‑42,47)(Acts 2:41‑42,47)Later growth at Jerusalem Later growth at Jerusalem

(Acts 5:42, 8:3‑4)(Acts 5:42, 8:3‑4)




(Acts 5:42, 8:3‑4)(Acts 5:42, 8:3‑4)The conversion of Cornelius. The conversion of Cornelius.

(Acts 10:24,48)(Acts 10:24,48)


Acts 10:24 (NKJV)Acts 10:24 (NKJV) 24 And the following 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close called together his relatives and close friends. friends.


Acts 10:24 (NKJV)Acts 10:24 (NKJV) 24 And the following 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close called together his relatives and close friends. friends.

Acts 10:48 (NKJV)Acts 10:48 (NKJV) 48 And he 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.stay a few days.




(Acts 5:42, 8:3‑4)(Acts 5:42, 8:3‑4)The conversion of Cornelius. The conversion of Cornelius.

(Acts 10:24,48)(Acts 10:24,48)The church and the imprisonment of Peter. The church and the imprisonment of Peter.

(Acts 12:5,12)(Acts 12:5,12)

We must commit to build a We must commit to build a strong faith.strong faith.

The issue is not just how much The issue is not just how much knowledge and experience I possessknowledge and experience I possess. .


The issue is not just how much The issue is not just how much knowledge and experience I possessknowledge and experience I possess. . Where does successful teaching come? It Where does successful teaching come? It

comes from a heart of faith. comes from a heart of faith.


The issue is not just how much The issue is not just how much knowledge and experience I possessknowledge and experience I possess. . Where does successful teaching come? It Where does successful teaching come? It

comes from a heart of faith.comes from a heart of faith. Many have great knowledge, but that does Many have great knowledge, but that does

not assure one that he will have a not assure one that he will have a strong faith! strong faith! (1 Cor 8:1-2)(1 Cor 8:1-2)


Consider two examples during the Consider two examples during the ministry of Christministry of Christ..


Consider two examples during the Consider two examples during the ministry of Christministry of Christ..Would you have sent a previously maddened, Would you have sent a previously maddened,

demon possessed man back to the people to demon possessed man back to the people to teach having almost no knowledge? teach having almost no knowledge? (Mk 5:17-20; Lk 8:40)(Mk 5:17-20; Lk 8:40)


Mark 5:17-20 (NKJV)Mark 5:17-20 (NKJV) Then they began to Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. plead with Him to depart from their region. 18 And when He got into the boat, he who 18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit himJesus did not permit him, but said to him, , but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and “Go home to your friends, and tell them what tell them what great things the Lord has done for yougreat things the Lord has done for you, and , and how He has had compassion on you.”how He has had compassion on you.”


Mark 5:17-20 (NKJV)Mark 5:17-20 (NKJV) 20 And he departed 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and Jesus had done for him; and all marveledall marveled..


Mark 5:17-20 (NKJV)Mark 5:17-20 (NKJV) 20 And he departed 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Luke 8:40 (NKJV)Luke 8:40 (NKJV) 40 So it was, when 40 So it was, when Jesus returned, that Jesus returned, that the multitude the multitude welcomed Himwelcomed Him, for , for they were all waiting they were all waiting for Himfor Him..


Consider two examples during the Consider two examples during the ministry of Christministry of Christ..Would you have sent a previously maddened, Would you have sent a previously maddened,

demon possessed man back to the people to demon possessed man back to the people to teach having almost no knowledge? teach having almost no knowledge? (Mk 5:17-20; Lk 8:40)(Mk 5:17-20; Lk 8:40)

What made this man successful? How many What made this man successful? How many of you of you have greater knowledgehave greater knowledge than this man?than this man?


Consider two examples during the Consider two examples during the ministry of Christministry of Christ.. (John 4:25-30) (John 4:25-30) – Again, would you use this – Again, would you use this

woman in evangelism?woman in evangelism?


Consider two examples during the Consider two examples during the ministry of Christministry of Christ.. (John 4:25-30) (John 4:25-30) – Again, would you use this – Again, would you use this

woman in evangelism?woman in evangelism?There is not a Christian among us who cannot There is not a Christian among us who cannot

be as effective as these if we would have the be as effective as these if we would have the same measure of faith! same measure of faith!


The resurrection of Christ was the The resurrection of Christ was the foundation of evangelism for the 1st foundation of evangelism for the 1st century church.century church.


The resurrection of Christ was the The resurrection of Christ was the foundation of evangelism for the 1st foundation of evangelism for the 1st century church.century church.They heard the evidence and were changed! They heard the evidence and were changed!

(Acts 2:32; 3:14-15; 13:27-31)(Acts 2:32; 3:14-15; 13:27-31)



(Acts 2:32; 3:14-15; 13:27-31)(Acts 2:32; 3:14-15; 13:27-31)Genuine faith is never a blind faith. Genuine faith is never a blind faith.

(Heb 11:1)(Heb 11:1)



(Acts 2:32; 3:14-15; 13:27-31)(Acts 2:32; 3:14-15; 13:27-31)Genuine faith is never a blind faith. Genuine faith is never a blind faith.

(Heb 11:1)(Heb 11:1)The resurrection assures us of the judgment. The resurrection assures us of the judgment.

(Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor 4:13-14)(Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor 4:13-14)


The resurrection of Christ was the The resurrection of Christ was the foundation of evangelism for the 1st foundation of evangelism for the 1st century church.century church.


The resurrection of Christ was the The resurrection of Christ was the foundation of evangelism for the 1st foundation of evangelism for the 1st century church.century church.We too are “raised” because of our faith in the We too are “raised” because of our faith in the

resurrection. resurrection. (Col 2:12-13)(Col 2:12-13)


The resurrection of Christ was the The resurrection of Christ was the foundation of evangelism for the 1st foundation of evangelism for the 1st century church.century church.We too are “raised” because of our faith in the We too are “raised” because of our faith in the

resurrection. resurrection. (Col 2:12-13)(Col 2:12-13)Could you teach someone who is not sure the Could you teach someone who is not sure the

Bible is from God the evidence that Jesus is Bible is from God the evidence that Jesus is the son of God? the son of God? (1 Pt 3:15)(1 Pt 3:15)


1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always God in your hearts, and always bebe ready ready to to givegive a defense a defense to everyone who asks to everyone who asks you a reason you a reason for the hope that is in youfor the hope that is in you, , with meekness and fear;with meekness and fear;


We must have a clear understanding of We must have a clear understanding of the grace of God.the grace of God.


We must have a clear understanding of We must have a clear understanding of the grace of God.the grace of God.What ultimately are we teaching? We want What ultimately are we teaching? We want

others others to trust in Godto trust in God..



others others to trust in Godto trust in God.. It is the love of God that brings men to God. It is the love of God that brings men to God.

(Psa 36:7; 1 Pt 2:1-3; 1 Jn 4:19)(Psa 36:7; 1 Pt 2:1-3; 1 Jn 4:19)



others others to trust in Godto trust in God.. It is the love of God that brings men to God. It is the love of God that brings men to God.

(Psa 36:7; 1 Pt 2:1-3; 1 Jn 4:19)(Psa 36:7; 1 Pt 2:1-3; 1 Jn 4:19)More specifically we must center on the cross More specifically we must center on the cross

of Christ. of Christ. (Gal 6:14; Phil 3:7-9)(Gal 6:14; Phil 3:7-9)


We must have a clear understanding of We must have a clear understanding of the grace of God.the grace of God.


We must have a clear understanding of We must have a clear understanding of the grace of God.the grace of God.Again, we must have a clear view of where we Again, we must have a clear view of where we

stand before God or we will present a false stand before God or we will present a false view of the Christian life! view of the Christian life! (Psa 51:7-11; 1 John 4:17-19)(Psa 51:7-11; 1 John 4:17-19)


Psalm 51:8 through Psalm 51:13 (NKJV)Psalm 51:8 through Psalm 51:13 (NKJV)8 Make me hear joy and gladness, 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, ThatThat

the bones You have broken may rejoice. the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. not take Your Holy Spirit from me.


Psalm 51:8 through Psalm 51:13 (NKJV)Psalm 51:8 through Psalm 51:13 (NKJV)12 Restore to me the joy of Your 12 Restore to me the joy of Your

salvation, And uphold me salvation, And uphold me by Yourby Your generous Spirit. 13 generous Spirit. 13 ThenThen I will teach I will teach transgressors Your waystransgressors Your ways, And sinners , And sinners shall be converted to You.shall be converted to You.


Will there be those committed to Will there be those committed to evangelism at Charlottesville?evangelism at Charlottesville?


““I am only one, but still I am one. I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can still I cannot do everything, but I can still do something. do something.

And because I cannot do And because I cannot do everything, I will not fail to do everything, I will not fail to do

something that I can do.”something that I can do.”

what does it mean to be committed to a cause?

Documents

committed people

syrian siege

leprous men

greatest joy