Building a Great Life! Part 1 of 7 Pastor Dave Martin, Cross Creek Community Church, Feb 8, 2015

Be Continually Growing 2pet 3:18 18  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

How to Prepare for a Miracle...

1. ADMIT I have a need Mark 6:34-37"When Jesus... saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them ... so he began teaching them. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came and said, `This is a remote place. Send the people away so they can go and buy something to eat.' But Jesus answered, `You give them something to eat!' They said, `That would take eight months of a man's wages!'"

Three reasons why I don’t: 1. We Procrastinate V35, By this time it was late in the day

Three reasons why I don’t: 1. We Procrastinate V35, By this time it was late in the day 2. We Pass the Buck V36, Send the people away

Three reasons why I don’t: 1. We Procrastinate V35, By this time it was late in the day 2. We Pass the Buck V36, Send the people away 3. We Worry about our problems V37, That would take eight months of a man's wages!

2. ASSESS what I have to work with Mark 6:38"How many loaves do you have?' Jesus asked, `Go and see.' When they found out, they said, `Five small loaves of bread and two fish.'"

2. ASSESS what I have to work with John 6:6"Jesus asked this only to test them, for he already had in mind what he was going to do."

What has God given to you?

3. Give God WHATEVER I have Mark 6:41"Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish... He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people..."

The boy gave what he had... willingly, cheerfully & immediately.

4. Expect Him to MULTIPLY it Mark 6:42-43 "Everyone ate and had enough. Afterwards they collected 12 baskets full of ... leftovers!"

4. Expect Him to MULTIPLY it Mark 10:27 "All things are possible with God."

4. Expect Him to MULTIPLY it Gal 6:7b “... A man reaps what he sows”.

Each sower decides what his harvest will be… Luke 6:38 38  Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Building For Life – Why?

1. To help us grow toward SPIRITUAL maturity 2 Cor. 8:7 "You are growing -- in faith, in speaking, in knowledge, in truly wanting to help, and in the love you learned from us. In the same way, be strong also in the grace of giving."

1. To help us grow toward SPIRITUAL maturity 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

2. To help everyone find a place of CONNECTION 2 Timothy 4:5"Complete the ministry God has given you."

2. To help everyone find a place of CONNECTION Eph 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

3. To impact our WORLD For Christ Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

3. To impact our WORLD For Christ Matthew 28:19a “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptize and teach them…”

4. To challenge us to give SACRIFICIALLY (2Co 8-9) 2 Corinthians 8:5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will [purposes].

5. To WORSHIP God by Celebrating together Celebration Sunday - March 22nd

5. To WORSHIP God by Celebrating together 1 Chron. 16:28-29 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

What Can I Expect During this Time? Expect to see some Miracles!

What Can I Expect During this Time? Expect to see some Miracles! Expect to grow Spiritually!

What Can I Expect During this Time? Expect to see some Miracles! Expect to grow Spiritually! Expect to fight some Battles!

What Can I Expect During this Time? Expect to see some Miracles! Expect to grow Spiritually! Expect to fight some Battles! Expect to experience Joy!

iGrow - Building a Great Life!

iGrow by Building a Great Life! A Great Life Impacts others for Christ! Next week: “Building a Life of Faith”