BIG IDEA
Church is not just for consuming, but for contributing.
MESSAGE NOTES:
WHAT:
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m just not really getting much out of church these days”.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John3:16-17 NIV
It could be that the reason you feel like you’re not getting anything out of church is because you’ve focused on the eternity part of eternal life… but not the today part…
The crazy thing is… God actually designed us to experience this kind of life largely THROUGH the church.
SO WHAT:
As is often the case with Jesus, we won’t find what we’re looking for the way we thought we would.
Maybe you’re hoping for better music, a cooler vibe, better teaching or more games. Those things are great, and can be really important to create an irresistible place to encounter God. But they won’t sustain you.
A good example of being a part of a sustainable church comes from the book of Acts. The people in that first church experienced the kind of life that has purpose, freedom, love and hope that Jesus promised.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47) NLT
NOW WHAT:
Jesus invites us to a BETTER QUESTION…
A better question than “what am I getting out of church” is “what am I putting in to church?”
This principle applies to all of life –
Want to get more out of school…. Put more in
Get more out of your car… put more gas in.
Get more out of that friendship… put in the effort.
Work….. put in the hard work.
Sports/Instrument…. put in the practice.
This is especially true with church. I can promise you with almost 100% certainty that no one in that first church thought… I’m just not getting much out church these days. Because they were putting everything in.
“I have come that you may have life and have it to the full!” -Jesus (John 10:10)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Q1: Am I following Jesus or asking Him to follow me?
Q2: Am I investing in my small group?
Q3: Am I practicing sacrificial generosity?
Q4: Am I serving other people as much as I’m being served by others?
Q5: Am I inviting friends to encounter Jesus?