Building . . .

Yesterday, we celebrated a milestone in the life of our church. We dedicated a brand new worship center to the glory of God. We gathered in a building. Because we gathered in a new building, we talked about building. The building we talked about had very little to do with bricks and mortar.

Building a life, building a family, building a church. Every follower of Jesus Christ daily makes choices that impact how well he or she is building. Jesus, as he was wrapping up his sermon on the mountainside said,

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash." Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)

Many strive to build their lives and families on thier own. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 16:25, NIV) Striving to build without God's help is futile. "Without the help of the Lord it is useless to build a house . . . " (Psalm 127:1, CEV).

Building is hard work, in Proverbs 14:4 we read "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." What does that mean? If you want to live a life of significance you must get your shovel out. Life God's way is not about leisure, it is about being purposeful and productive. If your barn never needs mucked out, then you aren't building the life God intends for you.

So, How do you build a life, a family a church?

1. By Surrendering to Christ

SURRENDERING TO HIM ONCE FOR ALL

Romans 10:9 (NLT)

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

SURRENDERING TO HIM DAILY

Matthew 6:10 (NASB-U)

'Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

2. By Fasting From . . .

Ephes. 4:29-32 (NLT)

Don't use 1)foul or abusive language. . .

[30] And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

[31] Get rid of all 2)bitterness, 3) rage, 4) anger, 5) harsh words, and 6) slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.

3. By Practicing Kindness

Ephes. 4:29&32 (NLT)

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [32] Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Building God’s Way Happens as we are Empowered by the Holy Spirit! Ask God for the Power to Build!

Luke 11:13 (NASB-U)

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

Where Are We Going?

Are We There Yet?

Acts 2:42-47

We exist to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who . . .

•Express love to God through worship.

•Bring the lost to Him for salvation.

•Join the membership of His church for true community.

•Engage in a process of developing Christ in self and others.

•Serve one another and the community in His name.

(Taken from the MBBC Purpose Statement.)

Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Fulfilling God’s Purpose, We will Participate in . . .

1. EXUBERANT, INSPIRATIONAL WORSHIP

And day by day, attending the temple together . . . 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. Acts 2:46-47

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Psalm 33:3

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I, whom you have redeemed.

Psalm 71:23

[ Hallelujah! ] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Revelation 19:1&6

2. EXPECTANT, IRRESISTIBLE INFLUENCE

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:47

3. AUTHENTIC, RELATIONAL SMALL GROUPS

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. . . . and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, Acts 2:42, 44-46