1 Cor. 16:9
1 Corinthians 16: 1-9 The Church, raising money and making plans!
Vs. 9 Open Doors and Opposition
A Wide Door for Effective Service Has Opened for Us!
Exp – Notice the passive verb… Paul did not open it, God Did.
We stand before such a Door Now…
The LORD has gathered tremendous Resources to Us
ν People and Money
The LORD has placed us in a position of Influence…
ν Favor, Partners, Network…
App – He expects us to Impact our City and the Nations.
Imagine the long term impact of this missionary mother church
(Half million free in Budget… Culture of Generosity!)
There are Many Adversaries
Exp – Paul at Ephesus in Acts (riots, false accusations, deception)
His opponents resisted him at every turn. (political & spiritual)
That is How you know you are a Threat!
App – If I were our Adversary, What would I do?
a) Usual schemes of discouragement and disobedience; especially among leaders. PRAY FOR ME, for our Leaders.
b) Special Opposition in light of this gift:
ν Divide (fussing over the money and my pet project)
ν Deprive (rob others of Joy and blessing of Stewardship)
ν Distract (turn attention away from basic Gospel Mission)
The Lord has not given us this money to change our direction, but to Affirm it!
So We Will — Move through this Open Door with
Unity Generosity Simplicity of Focus
Invitation and Prayer Time
Public Decisions (ministers Available)
Prayer (come to Altar)
• Sing Invitation; continue singing…
