HOW TO COUNT

Ephesians 3:20-21

Introduction:

1.      Cereal ad – Tony the Tiger says, “Great!”

2.      Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong in the Lord, power of His might.

Some standards to count greatness are improper:

1.      Count noses

a.      Gideon did more with 300 than 32,000

b.      Matthew 7:21-22

c.      Matthew 7:13-14

2.      Count money

a.      Many groups have big budgets – do little with that money

b.      Remember Jim Bakker and the PTL TV program?

c.      Remember Jimmy Swaggert?

d.      Mark 12:41-44 Widow’s mite

e.      2 Corinthians 8:1-5

3.      Count celebrities

a.      Seek just the rich, famous, movie stars, politians

b.      Seek business owners, doctors, lawyers

c.      Remember – 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 – not many mighty are called

d.      Nothing wrong with teaching rich or famous – teach the lowly also

4.      Count our blessings

a.      We must be right – we have been blessed.

b.      We don’t have any financial troubles

c.      Some preach a “health and wealth” gospel

Greatness is a growth process, not a gift.

A great church has:

1.      Truly converted Christians

2.      Giving and forgiving people

3.      Loyalty to Christ, Bible

4.      A willingness to work

5.      A love for each other and the lost