GO BACK, STAND STILL, GO FORWARD

Exodus 14:11-16

Introduction

1. At the Red Sea

2. People: Go back to Egypt v. 11-12

3. Moses: Stand still v. 13-14

4. God: Go forward v. 15-16

Application for us

1. Each of us has the same options every day

   1. Back up

      1. Remember the “good old days”

      2. We resist change and new things

      3. Who wants to go back?

   2. Stop

      1. We often go before we know the direction

      2. Think before you speak

      3. Railroad crossing – Stop, Look, Listen

      4. In a hole? Stop digging

   3. Go forward

      1. Stop signs don't change – don't park at the stop sign

      2. when you are ready – let' move forward in the right direction

      3. God looks for growth, fruit, increase

   4. Challenges, problems, obstacles

      1. Will come to each of us

      2. What will we decide to do?

2. This church has the same choices

   1. Back up

      1. Shrink, shrivel up and eventually die

      2. Many congregations are dying of old age.

      3. The Graying of the Church - sermon

   2. Stop

      1. Many churches are on a plateau (level)

      2. Not shrinking, but not growing

      3. Focus becomes internal rather than forward

      4. Keep the aquarium, rather than fishing for men

   3. Go forward

      1. Church is a living body

      2. It is expected to grow –

         1. number, larger classes, more children, more adults

         2. spiritually, love, faith, fellowship