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 5. Attitudes to Have

Introduction “Its roots are inward but its fruit is outward. It is our best friend and our worst enemy. It is more honest and more consistent than our words.”

Introduction “It is the librarian of our past; the speaker of our present; prophet of our future. What is it? It’s our attitude.”

Why is Attitude Important? Definition – A person’s tendency to respond favorably or unfavorably to an object, person, group or event. Most common – Positive or Negative

How is Attitude Expressed? Facial Expressions Voice – tone, inflection, volume Behavior – how we perform, energy we put into it Interest we have in the person or activity

How is Attitude Expressed? General Douglas McArthur, on his 75 th birthday “In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, and courage, so long you are young.”

How is Attitude Expressed? “When the wires are all down and your heart is covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then, and then only are you grown old.”

How is Attitude Expressed? “I would hate to wear glasses.” “Not if they are like grandma wears. She can see nice things to do on rainy days.”

How is Attitude Expressed? Two Frogs in a Can of Cream Two frogs fell into a can of cream – or so I’ve been told The sides of the can were shiny and steep, The cream was deep and cold. “Oh, what’s the use?” said No. 1, “tis fate – no help’s around - -

How is Attitude Expressed? Good-bye, my friend! Good- bye, sad world!” And weeps till he drowned. But No. 2 of sterner stuff, dog paddled in surprise, The while he wiped his creamy eyes.

How is Attitude Expressed? “I’ll swim awhile, at least,” he said, - or so it has been said - - “It wouldn’t really help the world if one more frog was dead.”

How is Attitude Expressed? An hour or two he kicked and swam - - not once he stopped to mutter, But kicked and swam, and swam and kicked, then he hopped out, via butter.

What is Power of Attitude? It reflects what we believe It shows what we are, will do, are willing to sacrifice It demonstrates how hard we will work, how much of ourselves we will give It is a major factor in success

Attitude in the Bible Look for these words - - – Mind – Heart – Countenance

Attitude in the Bible Genesis 31:2 – Laban was not friendly toward Jacob Philippians 2:5 – Have the mind (attitude) of Christ 1 Kings 11:11 – Attitude of Solomon cost him his kingdom

Attitude in the Bible Ezra 6:22 – God changed the attitude of the king of Assyria Ephesians 4:22-23 – Put off old self, have a new attitude 1 Peter 4:1 – Since Christ suffered for us, we should have the same attitude

Attitudes Toward What? God – How interested are you? – Are you willing to grow? Church – Do you talk up, promote? – Do you love the people? – Do you support the work?

Attitudes Toward What? Assemblies – Is attendance important to you? – Do you bring visitors? Being Different – We are a peculiar people – We are different from world

Attitudes Toward What? Life – Problem – overcome them or they will overcome you – Life gives us an opportunity to serve others

Concluding Thoughts 1. Your attitude is not a secret 2. It is all over your face and your actions 3. How you feel toward something – will show

Concluding Thoughts 1. Moving Forward requires a church with a positive attitude