Sunday School Lesson Outlines

Is God's Passion Yours?

Is God's passion yours? It should be! Did you ever sit down to have a heart to heart with your kids, parents, friends, spouse, etc.? Did you do it with kindness & gentleness?

James speaks to Christians about good works. Although they aren't required to get into heaven, he says as a Christian we should have a burning desire to do good works and produce fruit. James 3:13 challenges us in the way we should live. Do your actions reflect wisdom and kindness? Those who are wise and understanding should show their works by good conduct because people are watching (both Christians and non Christians).

People can't pick an argument if you pray first for wisdom and then live your life with the wisdom and kindness like Christ did when He walked on this earth. If you have made a true investment in the kingdom of God and have accepted Him as your personal Savior you're going to feel obligated to this investment. As with any other investment (financial, marriage, family, church, etc.) we shouldn't feel like it's my church. Instead the focus should be that it's OUR church and we must all be going the same direction. We should all get on the same page - have the same agenda!

Remember our purpose as a church?

• Worship
• Praise
• Ministry
• Evangelism
• Fellowship
• Discipleship
• Encouraging one another
• Prayer
• Growing in grace
• Supporting missions around the world

Our purpose is to share a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ - even if that means keeping up with the times and remembering that traditions aren't as important as saving lives. We have to offer a place to magnify Jesus through worship by the preaching of his word, but please let's not forget Jesus is the one that said "come as you are." What is important is using God given wisdom, understanding and unconditional love. We don't have have to have a suit or a suit jacket on to be saved. Jeans and a dirty hat are fine because God sees the heart. Loosen up on the traditions and meet people where they are!

Some people invest in their investments out of:

• Obligation
• Because they know it's important
• Because it brings them enjoyment (Your happy when you're with believers!)

Some people invest in their investments out of:

• Enjoyment and then feel
• The importance and then realize
• The obligation

It doesn't matter where you start, it's all the same. God does have your heart and more importantly knows your heart!

Pray for your church leaders! Do you even know who they are?

• Secretaries
• Deacon's
• Woman's Missionary Union Folks and Leaders
• Children, Youth and Nursery Workers
• Choir and Choir Directors
• The Kitchen Committee
• And Many More

All the committees and organizations of OUR church need prayer. These people are our inspiration. Matthew 6:20 tells us some do it for earthly reasons; (the pat on the back - to be noticed or thanked) but some do it for eternal reasons (storing up treasures in heaven where moths cannot destroy). Remember God knows your heart!

Help OUR church keep their vision. Get creative - pray about it - is your heart in it? Matthew 6:21, Jeremiah 17:9-10 and l Samuel 16:7 reminds us that we influence others, and warns us that the human heart is deceitful. So we must work together in the vision of OUR church to see someone transformed!

• Our decisions must be intentional
  Proverbs 23:7
  
  
• We must have a strategic direction (Guard your heart!)
  Proverbs 4:23
  
  
• Our desire/passion must be ALL in. Put your whole heart in it. Quit saying "I don't have time!"
  Psalm 37:3-4
  
  

The leaders in OUR church working together towards one goal are making time because it's their investment! Like during Pentecost - all were of one accord.

• Matthew 5:8 and Psalm 51:10
  Tells us to have a pure heart be non judgmental. Stop thinking too much about work, where to eat, etc. Someone else will step up and do it, etc.
  
  
• Proverbs 17:22
  Tells us the prescription is to have a joyful heart.
  
  
• Psalm 9:1
  Tells us to Praise from your heart - don't fake it or hold it in - let people see it move you - raise your hands - sing out loud. Let the joy of the Lord show on your face at OUR church and everywhere, including at all organizations and committees
  
  
• Proverbs 14:30
  Have peace in your heart - people will see it!
  
  
• John 7:38
  Remember there is power if your heart is in it (Like flowing water)0
  
  
• 1 Peter 5:6-7
  Don't lean on anything else but Him (cast all your care's) = effectiveness.
  
  

I'm glad we had this heart to heart. OUR church is important, and lives need changing. It's okay if it's not how we used to do it. We drive cars now too, instead of horse and buggies, and it's a lot more effective! Our young people think differently. We thought different than parents did also. We need to reach them by age 18 or it becomes very difficult to reach them. Get out of your comfort zone and be creative. Spend time showing His love to a child or teen.

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