TITLE: My Church

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:2-4 2for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.

PROPOSITION: Each member should feel a vital part of the local congregation.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Criteria

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1.     “My church” is wrong (ownership, authority, control) - belongs to Christ

1.     Loved it

2.     Died for it

3.     Purchased it

4.     His by right

2.     “My church” is right – (spirit, excitement, membership, participation, support)

1.     I am a part of this church.

2.     It is a part of me.

3.     "Mine" like my bank, my school, my sports team, civic club

3.     Three criteria for this to become "My church."

Pride – 2 Corinthians 7:4

1.     Bad kind = arrogant, boastful, puffed up

2.     Good kind = satisfaction, accomplishments

1.     admit worth and value

2.     accepting "us" for who we are

3.     Learn to talk in "we" not "they" terms

4.     Pride of my church is in:

1.     The Past accomplishments, growth, programs of work

2.     The Present - What we are doing now

3.     The Future - Where we are headed

Presence – Involvement – 2 Corinthians 8:24

1.     Develop a desire to be here.

1.     Sometimes you have to be gone.

2.     Don't WANT to be elsewhere.

2.     Out of town = hurts -

1.     Me

2.     The church

3.     Class

4.     Visitors who come

3.     Think what you will miss:

1.     Class

2.     Singing

3.     Prayers

4.     Announcements

5.     Communion

6.     Fellowship – encouragement, support, edification

7.     My sermon – I have one super sermon – you might miss it!

Promotion – Cheerleader – 2 Corinthians 9:2

1.     VBS song - Be a BOOSTER!

2.     Remember your school spirit?

1.     Do that for the Lord.

3.     Speak only GOOD things. Philippians 4:8

4.     Be a cheerleader.

1.     Make others wish they attended here.

2.     Express your loyalty to this church.

Conclusion:

1.     This is YOUR church. Give to support, sing, pray, work for its growth.

2.     Have Pride, be Present, and be a Promoter.