1. How can this church move forward? A series of sermons

2. The Series Challenges to Accept Challenges to Accept

3. Introduction We are either going forward or falling behind Standing still is not an option Standing still = falling behind

4. Introduction Text Text – Philippians 3:13-14 - 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

5. Introduction Avoid stagnation Move ahead There are challenges to accept

6. Accept the Challenge - Focus on these verses Matthew 5:13-14 - 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 1 Making a difference in the world

7. Accept the Challenge - Matthew 5:15-16 - 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 1 Making a difference in the world

8. Accept the Challenge - 1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Making a difference in the world

9. Accept the Challenge - If you live by the Bible - - World makes us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable I have news – You are not welcome in the world Christians are uncomfortable 1 Making a difference in the world

10. Accept the Challenge - And it won’t get much better We must not let them - - – Shut us up – Shut us down – Shut us in – Shut us out 1 Making a difference in the world

11. Accept the Challenge - Do not use ungodly actions Show the world – we have the answer they are looking for Oppose abortion Don’t kill abortionists 1 Making a difference in the world

12. Accept the Challenge - Same way Christians did in the past Teach / preach the gospel Live the message we preach Show them changed hearts, lives, and minds 1 Making a difference in the world

13. Accept the Challenge - In every place I have lived – some have said, “This area is not open to the gospel.” Usually this is n ot based on failure of many attempts Not because of animosity 2 Evangelizing this Community

14. Accept the Challenge - We have not failed because nobody is interested in God Let’s be honest – We have not really made the effort 2 Evangelizing this Community

15. Accept the Challenge - Mark 16:15-16 - 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 2 Evangelizing this Community

16. Accept the Challenge - Coca-Cola –well known around the world Motto: Think globally, but act locally We must learn this lesson 2 Evangelizing this Community

17. Accept the Challenge - I preached for a large church that fully supported several missionaries – US and abroad Each was required to have a plan – 5 yr, 10 yr Local church had no such plan 2 Evangelizing this Community

18. Accept the Challenge - Have you thought about who will lead this church in 10, 20, or 30 years? 2 Timothy 2:2 - And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Leadership Development

19. Accept the Challenge - Paul trained Timothy So Timothy could train others Elders, Deacons, preachers – have a duty to train their replacements I conducted 3 seminars to train Russian preachers 3 Leadership Development

20. Accept the Challenge - Teens, young adults – Are you willing to “learn the ropes” to be a preacher, elder, or deacon? 3 Leadership Development

21. Accept the Challenge - Do not forget the basis of our existence Recently, some seek to change our worship and work 4 Following God’s Word

22. Accept the Challenge - Entertainment Abandon male leadership Instrumental music Baptism not important Compromise doctrines 4 Following God’s Word

23. Accept the Challenge - Deuteronomy 12:32 - Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. 4 Following God’s Word

24. Accept the Challenge - Revelation 22:18 - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 4 Following God’s Word

25. Accept the Challenge - People add or subtract to meet their own desires We MUST be rooted in the book – Know God’s will – Not tied to tradition – Quick to find new methods 4 Following God’s Word

26. Accept the Challenge - Moving Forward involves every member The church is people The church moves forward as the people of God advance

27. Accept the Challenge - This is my church – It will be as friendly, as involved, as generous, as loving, as faithful, as forgiving, as loyal - - As I am. If this is what I want: This is what I must do and be.