Sunday, August 18, 2013

C3 Church: All In


Speaker: Matt Fry

Jesus is trying to explain what the final judgment will look like.

Matthew 25:31-40 (NLT)

The one thing that separates sheep from goats is the one that serves the hurting. So, when we are all in, it means that we are serving others. In this passage, Jesus says that if you’re all in, then prove it. Are you living a life of service or are you living for yourself.

Question, who should we serve? The answer is EVERYONE.

John 3:16 (NIV)

God loves the world. It doesn’t matter the color, creed, or background, everyone matters to God. Jesus was kind of radical because he cared for everyone.

Jesus modeled what service should look like.

Matthew 9:9-13 (MSG)

The church that Matthew grew up in was more legalistic. It was more about what you looked on the outside than what you looked like on the inside. One example was the length of men’s hair. In the 70’s Pastor Matt got his haircut at the barbershop. When he went to church the next Sunday, someone said, “Matthew, you got your hair cut. Now you look like a man of God!” This comment really messed with Matt.

No matter what kind of background you have, God’s grace is sufficient and he will chase you down.

C3’s message is Real Hope for Real People in a Real World. It’s fun to reach people who are new Christians or have no real knowledge of how the church works.

Pastor Matt recalls a story of a time that they were fasting and one guy says that he “gave up marijuana.” “Wait…isn’t that illegal?” Matt asks. (Congregation laughs) In the end, it doesn’t matter your background. God loves you and so do we.

Anyone can serve on our “Dream Team.” One of the values of this church is that you can belong to the church before you believe. They may not teach our kids (he laughs), but they can still serve. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those who are available and willing.

Remember the disciples? These imperfect people were not highly educated nor all that knowledgeable about religious practices. Still, they turned the world upside down. They were real people like you and me.

Matthew 4:18-20

God is not always looking for the most talented, gifted, or wealthy. He wants to use you where you are.

So, what is the best time to get involved? Answer: RIGHT NOW!

You are God’s masterpiece and he wants to use you. Every single one of you has value. Question: Why not you, why not here, why not now, why not work together to change the world. (Congregation applauds)

To apply the “All In” concept, Pastor Matt talks about serving on a Ministry Team here at C3 Church.

There are a lot of benefits for using your gifts and talents.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (MSG)

How many know that when we serve and get out of our comfort zone we all benefit. Here are 10 benefits of serving:

  1. Fun
  2. You can live out your purpose in a practical way.
  3. You get to know other people.
  4. You experience God’s power when you get out of your comfort zone.
  5. It makes coming to church even more meaningful.
  6. You begin to live your life on mission the other 6 days that you aren’t at church.
  7. You make lifelong friends.
  8. You see God do miracles in people’s lives.
  9. You model for your family a servant’s heart. Future generations are impacted.
  10. We are on the front lines of seeing the miracle of salvation and grace very week!

Do You Need A Fresh Start?

If you would like to make a fresh start in your life and receive God's love, pray this prayer:

Dear God, I realize I've sinned and I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising from the grave. Come in to my heart and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal and abundant life. Help me to live for you, for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

To share your story, want more information about next steps, or just in need of prayer, please contact Pastor Matt Fry.

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Damond L. Nollan, M.B.A.

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