How can this church move forward? A series of sermons

The Series 1. Challenges to Accept 2. Enemies to Defeat 3. Dangers to Avoid 4. Opportunities to Take

Introduction The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious Have you ever missed a golden opportunity?

Introduction There was a very cautious man Who never laughed or played And when he one day passed away His insurance was denied Since he never really lived They claimed he never died.

Introduction What are the OPPORTUNITIES before us?

Key to Success Mark 1: And 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 Success Mark 1: Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Key to Success Mark 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! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary?

Key to Success Mark 10: And 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 Success Mark 10: Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Key to Success John 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 Involved Ability to see the possibilities Ability to eliminate the negative thinking and attitudes Ability to risk failure

Principles Involved Ability to make the effort with zeal and determination Ability to sacrifice for something better

See the Opportunities What is this church trying to do? What is our business? We need to focus on what God intended for the church

See the Opportunities Our Business involves: Evangelism – teaching the lost Edification – building faith among believers

See the Opportunities Teaching the Bible – Classes, one-on-one, VBS, mission trips Training – Teach the next generation to be elders, preachers

See the Opportunities Application – Making the message of the Bible relevant to everyday life

Opportunities Ahead of Us Communication – Computer – , website, Bible Course – Radio / TV / Satellite – Print – Newspaper, tracts

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

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

Opportunities Ahead of Us Failure of Others – Government, social programs – Science has not / will not find all the answers – Poor, children, needy

Opportunities Ahead of Us People – We often think in “mass” – reach millions – Every individual has needs, questions, issues

Opportunities Ahead of Us Location – 3 Keys to starting a business – location, location, location – We have – property, building, room to grow

Dead Poets Society Movie with Robin Williams He shows poetry class photos of past, dead poets

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

Dead 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!