TITLE: NIMBY (A Fireside Chat)

TEXT: Hebrews 13:20-21

PROPOSITION: We must change our attitude about who is to do the will of God.

QUESTION: Which?

KEY WORD: Assumptions

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

          1. New word in dictionary - NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard)

                    A. Nuclear waste dump - Landfills - Prisons

                    B. Same is true in the church

          2. Problem in society

                    A. Want things done

                    B. Want others to do them

          3. Many assume that "somebody" will do it.

I. In the Bible - Negative

          A. Moses at burning bush

          B. Jonah

          C. Elijah at Jezreel - "Enough is enough"

          D. Jeremiah - Sit by the road - watch the traffic

II. In the Bible - Positive

          A. Samuel - "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth"(1 Sam. 3:10)

          B. Isaiah - "Here am I, send me" (Is. 6:8)

          C. Paul - "Ready to spend and be spent" (2 Cor. 12:15)

III. In the church today

          A. Teachers                                G. Benevolence

          B. Visitation                                 H. Support building pro.

          C. Greeters                                 I. Carry out responsib.

          D. Conduct Bible Studies              J. Care for shut-ins

          E. Stay in nursery                        K. Programs of local ch.

                    DO YOU WANT:                         BUT, YOU DON'T:

          To go along for the ride                Don't want to drive.

          To see success                           Work for it.

          Church to grow                            Willing to work for it.

          Strong preaching, classes            Attend regularly.

          Programs of work                        Count on me to help.

          F. We want what is convenient for us.

          G. BUT NOT IT IT COSTS US ANYTHING.