Sunday Evening, June 28, 2009
IMPLEMENTING CHANGE
2 Cor 5:17-21

Introduction
This morning we looked at why saved people don’t change. Another way of putting it is why saved people don’t become Christians.

Now by God’s grace I want to talk about how to implement that change. It’s pretty simple if you just take the opposites of these 5 points:
1. See a need to change
2. Cast off the old man
3. Give it a greater and better effort
4. Quit hanging around those who drag you down
5. Christ’s blood is precious

That seems simple enough, doesn’t it? In addition to those things, we need to keep in mind some principles if we are to allow the Lord to perfect His work

I. Watch Out For Distractions
Eph 6:5 singleness of your heart; singleness means The state of being one only or separate from all others; purity of heart
Col 3:22 singleness of heart
1 Chron 12:33 there was a reason they were experts: they were not of
double heart
A. Television—Ps 101:3 I will “set” as in T.V. set
B. Internet
C. Worthless books
D. Friends—Amnon had a friend
How about a church service?
Why Sit Near the Front?
Question: When you buy a ticket to a concert, theater or a sporting event, do you ask for the seat farthest away? I have come to the conclusion that you will never be motivated to sit toward the front until you convince yourself of the value of doing so. Here are some of the reasons for sitting up front that you might consider.
1. Because it is considerate of other people. People who come in late, especially visitors, want to be seated as quickly as possible. If they have to walk to the front of the auditorium to find a seat it is quite embarrassing.
2. There are fewer distractions during worship. By sitting toward the front, I avoid a lot of distractions that disrupt my concentration during worship. I do not see the latecomers filing in, nor the darling baby perched on mother’s shoulder. My mind is clear to marvel at the cross of Christ during the Lord’s Supper and to sing with “understanding!”
3. The singing is more enjoyable. Sitting up front means that all the voices are pointed in your direction. You are surrounded by the sound of harmonious voices singing praise to God. I am stirred to sing more enthusiastically myself.
4. The preaching is better. I am serious. You miss a lot in the back of the auditorium. The expression on the face of the speaker (and the song leader) adds depth to the message being communicated. I feel more a part of the message, as if the speaker were talking directly to me.
5. It makes a positive statement about my interest and involvement in what is happening.

II. See Failure As A Learning Experience
A. Failure is only failure if you stay down.
B. Failure shows that you are doing something, you are going to fail at times
Gen 4:1-8
Cain failed, he should have used it as a learning experience
1. He should have used God’s feedback, since it is perfect, to change
2. He should’ve used it as an opportunity to develop a sense of humor (what an idiot I am!)
3.He should’ve taken the opportunity to practice and perfect; but most practice and perfect how not to get caught again
4. Do you know how to see failure as a learning experience? Commit to the cause.
Total Commitment
The difference in a contribution and total commitment is usually the difference in failure and success.
III. Set Some Goals
Do you have a list of goals that you are working on at this moment? Goals place you in a small group of achievers. If you do not have goals for your life, let me share some basic reasons why you need to set goals.
1. Goals will provide a clear target for your life. I press toward the mark, Phil 3:14
2. Goals will help you develop a plan of action for reaching your goals. God gave Moses plans on the tabernacle.
3. Goals are exciting because they keep you active. Work is a sure way to success and happiness. Pro 10:16; 13:11
4. Goals produce results. They are not just exercises in futilities.
5. Goals help keep you young and interested in life. There is hope and expectation in the future.
6. When you work on your goals you help to encourage others to do the same. When Nehemiah began work on the wall, they were all encouraged by everyone doing work.
7. Good goals help you know where you are at each month. You have planned your journey in life. You have a map to check each action by.
8. When you set meaningful goals you are following the pattern of all great leaders who have gone before. They work.
10. Goals get us involved in the present. The steps to accomplishment must be taken today.
11. Goals provide a procedure for doing things decently and in order. It eliminates the “hit-and-miss” approach to life.

IV. Submit
Gen 16:7-9 submit to her
1 Cor 16:15-16 submit to those who are addicted to the ministry; an addict is someone who applies himself habitually; to devote time and attention by customary or constant practice; sometimes in a good sense.
You need to submit to those type.
No harm will come to you, you’ll be spared.

Conclusion
Watch out for distractions
Use failure as a learning experience
Set some goals
Submit

Sunday Morning, June 28, 2009
WHY THE SAVED DON’T BECOME CHRISTIANS
2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Introduction
I have often wondered why is it that when a person gets saved, or at the least makes a profession of salvation, there is no change, or at the minimum an evidence of change.
Our text tells us that we are new creatures.
Rom 8:5-8 then the things of the flesh should no longer be a concern to us 2 Cor 5:1 the tabernacle is our body (2 Pet 1:13-14 tells us that),
Pro 14:11 so it can flourish; Act 11:26 because a disciple is called a Christian, for he was Christ-like. So why don’t saved people become Christ-like? Christ is in you, according to 1 Cor 6, and Col 1:27. You can become like Him, Phil 1:6 a good work performed in you; 1 Thes 2:13 effectually worketh in you; so why don’t saved people change?
Let’s look at one more, Rom 6:6-7 now you have the power to become Christ-like, so why don’t you?

I. Don’t See The Need To Change, 2 Cor 5:15
A. Quite a bit of people are not happy with there situation
1. But are not willing to attempt anything different
2. Insanity—doing the same thing expecting different results
B. A new creature doesn’t give us the assurance that we won’t be
tempted and fall into that temptation, but rather gives us the assurance
that before we had no choice in the matter, we were going to serve sin,
but now through the power of Christ we don’t have to
II. Don’t Want The Old Man To Be Dead, 2 Cor 5:16
I’ve got news for you: he’s already dead! You’re carrying around a corpse!
III. Tried It, But It Didn’t Work, 2 Cor 5:18-19
A. God has committed to us the word of reconciliation
B. To reconcile is to bring back into union.
C. So you “tried” this church thing, here’s what you have to ask yourself
a. Did I really try? Did I give it a heartfelt effort?
b. If it didn’t work, is it the Bible, or is it me?
If you really want to succeed, form the habit of doing the things that people who are failures don’t like to do.

IV. Hang Around Those Who Don’t Want You To Change, 2 Cor 5:20
A. We are ambassadors now, a saved person represents the dignity and
Power of the Lord Jesus Christ
B. You are now a dignitary, why do you hang around commoners?
C. You should be hanging around those who also hold the same status, 2 Cor 6:14-18

V. They See No Value In Christ, 2 Cor 5:14, 21
Wow, and you see no value in what Christ did? He became a serpent for you and me!
Rom 8:35-39 do you know why many Christians of yesteryear, and today, are suffering torture? They see value in Christ. 1 Pet 1:18-19 it is precious
You don’t change because church is just something to do, it is not part of your life like football is, or baseball, or basketball, or your job!

Conclusion