DEVELOPING A DESPERATE HEART --II Peter 3: 8-14

Knowing that others care is music to the soul

II Peter 3: 8-14 (Message Bible) Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. [9] God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.

II Peter 3: 8-14 (continued) [10] But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment. [11] Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? [12] Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—

II Peter 3: 8-14 (continued) [13] but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness. [14] So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace.

Points to Ponder The final tally will soon be made, will I be ready? Will my friends? We'll need to be much more active in helping others get on the Heaven Train. Helping people put their hand in Jesus' hand is the main purpose of the church.

Dear Father, please forgive me for keeping the Good News to myself. I will actively seek ways to share Jesus' love with others. I'll pray for opportunities to be your ambassador, and for courage to speak of you. Help me see people as you see them. Commitment:

THE IMAGE OF LOST SOULS PERISHING SHOULD SEND SHIVERS UP MY SPINE!

WE SWIM IN MURKY WATER. THE STORY HAS BEEN SO DISTORTED (and the witness of the church tainted) THAT WE HAVE TO BE AS WISE AS SERPENTS IN CONVEYING THE GOSPEL TO PEOPLE WHO MAY HAVE A BIAS AGAINST THE CHURCH.

Fanatics and Weirdoes often make a mess of the Gospel, causing all Christians to look foolish. This isn't virgin territory. People may think they have heard the gospel, whereas they may have only heard Christianeze.

WHAT IS NEEDED IS A CLUSTER OF BELIEVERS WHO REALLY MEAN BUSINESS WHEN FOLLOWING JESUS AND WHO PRACTICE GENUINE LOVE. John 13:35 (Message Bible) This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."

OUR BUSINESS IS DISPENSING THE GOOD NEWS, GOD'S LOVE AND HIS OFFER OF RECONCILIATION. EVERYBODY IS A MINISTER! II Corinthians 5: 17-20

2 Cor. 5:17-20 (Message Bible) Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! [18] All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. [19] God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins.

2 Cor. 5:17-20 (continued) God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. [20] We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

Develop genuine loving relationships. Expect rejection. Pray for lost friends and enemies, that's what Jesus did, even on the cross. Pray for opportunities to share your faith. Rehearse! I Peter 3:15 WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?

Be flexible in how you present your testimony, we deal with a mixed bag of listeners. I Corinthians 9:19ff Be willing to 'close the deal' with seekers. Check door knobs. Read the Word. Know addresses of key scriptures. WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?

Walk your Talk. Give God the glory. Invite friends to meet and mix with your church family. Practice 'outside the walls' worship with family and friends WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?

Being a Good Friend means inviting others in

Keep reminding ourselves why we are here! Practice patience and understanding. Learn the language of the pre- Christian. WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?

Preach the gospel, using words when necessary. Expect skepticism, evidence of pain, big questions and misconceptions of God and the church. Hang in there! View the fellowship as God's emergency ward for wounded souls WHAT'S A PERSON TO DO?

THE OFFERING is a Heart issue Your heart is where your treasure is… Therefore, store up treasure in Heaven…

Take a Moment with God

Points to Ponder The final tally will soon be made, will I be ready? Will my friends? We'll need to be much more active in helping others get on the Heaven Train. Helping people put their hand in Jesus' hand is the main purpose of the church.

Dear Father, please forgive me for keeping the Good News to myself. I will actively seek ways to share Jesus' love with others. I'll pray for opportunities to be your ambassador, and for courage to speak of you. Help me see people as you see them. Commitment:

God “is holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.” Go and help others know Jesus.