The Unseen Side

Matthew 25:15-30

 A SAFE CHURCH:

STRIVES TO KEEP THE MEMBERS HAPPY

AVOIDS CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

GUARDS THE STATUS QUO 

OUR MISSION:  To make Christlike disciples in Greenville, TX. 

THE UNSEEN QUALITIES OF A DANGEROUS CHURCH 

1)      PAIN

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first…you do not belong to the world…That is why the world hates you. John 15:18-19

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. 1 Peter 4:1 NLT

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the (pain of the) cross… Hebrews 12:2

2)      RISK

Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Acts 19:16

Your willingness to risk is based on potential return.  

3)      LOSS

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

Definition of sacrifice: Giving up something that you love for something that you love even more.  

So (the disciples) pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed (Jesus).  Luke 5:11 

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8

Questions for reflection: 

1)      Has God called you to endure something painful?  What is the “joy” set before you? 

2)      What faith risk is God calling you to take?  What is the potential return? 

3)      What is God calling you to lose?  What are you supposed to give up for something you love even more?