Fully Devoted - 2

Subject - Fully Devoted To The Fellowship

by Rick Welborne

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
–Last week we looked at the value of the church as in regard to being devoted to the teaching of the Word of God.
–We looked at what we are eating and examined if we were still babies when it came to the Word of God...still drinking milk when we should be eating meat. Adult Diapers!
–As disciples who are growing in Christ we also looked at who are we feeding. Are we happy to have the Bread of Life but not willing to share it with others.
–We also looked at eating for two (example of an expecting lady)...we need to be so full of the Word of God that we are spilling over on others.
–Something I do not want you to miss...this is all in regard to the value of the Church of Jesus Christ...a living, breathing, reproducing organism not an organization.
Fellowship - association, especially with people who share one's interests.synonyms: companionship, sociability, comradeship, camaraderie, friendship, mutual support; togetherness, solidarity; informal chumminess - a community bound together in fellowship.
–When we speak Biblically we are speaking of fellowship or companionship with God the Father, the Son, Holy Spirit, and with each other.
–So, as the body of Christ, as a fellowship of believers what are the benefits to the Kingdom of God and to me personally to be in this Fellowship?
1. The greatest privilege we have in all of life is to be called into fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ...to be fully devoted to fellowship with Him.
1 Corinthians 1:9 (NKJV)
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
–I hope you understand what this verse is saying...God because He is faithful and because He loves us, has provided a way we can have fellowship with His Son. What a privilege!
John 3:16 (NKJV)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
–This is almost impossible to understand or to comprehend that we can have companionship, camaraderie, friendship with Jesus Christ the Son of God. How can we?
–One of the reasons Jesus said it was imperative for Him to go away was so Holy Spirit would come and make it possible for everyone to have intimate fellowship with God.
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT)
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
–One thing I want to drive home to you is this fact...you are more likely to have an encounter with God or have fellowship with Holy Spirit in the context of church.
–Tricia and I constantly are remarking about how (on the news) that some young girl leaves a bar at 2 or 3AM by herself (after drinking) and something bad happens to her.
–Or maybe some guys are hanging out late at night in some club drinking the night away and a fight breaks out over who was looking at the other person’s girl...people are hurt.
–Here is the conclusion of the matter: When you are where you should not be at a time you should not be there, doing what you should not be doing...bad things happen.
–On the positive side of being at God’s House...having fellowship with God by Holy Spirit...Being with others having sweet encounters with God...something great can happen.
–I am dealing with someone right now who confesses that what they need is an encounter with God to boost their faith and to make them a true believer. A Saul to Paul encounter.
–I keep telling them that if you really want to have this collision with God you would have a greater chance at church than being out partying with your friends.
–You probably would have a greater chance of seeing Stephen Curry at a Golden State Warrior game than to see him at a bar in Orlando. Go to his house to find him.
–The New Testament believers (after Pentecost) made sure they were together worshiping God and encouraging one another.
Acts 2:44 (NKJV)
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
–They were together...they were in church and they were the church...there is such power when believers come together in communion and to fellowship with Jesus.
–I’m lonely...come to church. I am depressed...come to church. I need to be healed...
Come to church. Come to Church and talk to God and let your family encourage you.
Acts 2:42 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship...
Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV)
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
2. Another great privilege we have as believers is that we are called into the fellowship with one another...to be fully devoted to one another.
1 Corinthians 1:9-10 (NKJV)
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
–Jesus reminds the believers at Corinth that they are called into fellowship with Jesus but then he goes on to tell them...this is how you flesh out being the body of Christ.
–Paul says...Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing (one)...that is why being fully devoted to the apostle’s teaching...
–How can we speak the same thing if we are not learning the same thing...how can we be one if we are not together...there is such safety when we are together...show the video.
–Notice the calf in the middle...imagine if it was isolated...it would be dead...notice the buffalo coming around to protect the calf...what safety is found in being together.
–Notice in the background...those just observing...what would have happened if they would have jumped in...the enemy would have to run! It is time to jump in!
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
–Imagine the enemy coming in...imagine Jesus is there...imagine the church is there...can you please imagine that the devil would have to flee...Resist the devil...he will flee!
–Let me point out here that it is extremely important who we fellowship with...who we say the same things with and who we have no divisions with.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NLT)
14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?
16 And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.
18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty."
Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV)
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
–Why would you endanger yourselves and hang out with those who would devour you?
3. Another great privilege of be fully devoted to the fellowship is so we can have a greater impact in missions...this is the result of the first two.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
–I hope you see missions in these verses like I do...I see missions through out the entire Word of God.
–The churches in Macedonia (the District - the Section) decided to give even though they had their own issues financially. They gave willingly to minister to those in need.
–They (the fellowship) gave according to their ability and with God’s help they gave beyond their ability...they were stronger together. Look again at verse 4...
2 Corinthians 8:4 (NKJV)
4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
–The power to become great givers to missions was enhanced because of the fellowship ...all of them wanted to give and all of them wanted to make a difference.
–The power of unity is so clearly displayed by the willingness of the churches in Macedonia to work together...work because they were in the fellowship.
–Last year Life Church gave close to $300,000 to Missions...that’s good but...
–The District...the Fellowship of churches was able to give over 12 million dollars.
We are definitely more powerful together than apart. Florida number one!
–When a missionary comes to our church and we receive an offering for him or her we (this fellowship) are making a difference in reaching the world. Verse by Paul:
Romans 15:24 (NLT)
24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.
–Conclusion of the matter:
Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if anyfellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
–Let me end with this illustration...I am in fellowship with Jesus (a large man comes up).
–I am in fellowship with other believers...four more big men come up.
–Choose a couple of people to be enemies coming after me...with fellowship with Jesus and these guys the enemy can’t get in.
–We decide to support a missions work Jesus wants us to do...I can only do so much but together we are more powerful...the guys show me their money...we make a difference.

–We rescue others who the enemy is trying to attack.

Leadership - Will You Lead? 3 Continued

Subject: Being A Leader Wherever You Are

by Rick Welborne

Luke 6:39-42 (NKJV)

39 And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?

40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
–Last week we looked at John Maxwell’s Law of Influence...as a reminder:
Maxwell - "The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."
2. Eight Ingredients To Building Leadership Credibility or Influence

A. Character (Session 2)
B. Competence (Session 2)
C. Clarity of Direction (Session 2)
D. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Communication.
E. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Conviction.
Favorite Quote of Pastor Rick: We don’t smoke and we don’t chew...we don’t go with girls that do...we ain’t got no girlfriends!
F. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Courage.
Josh 1:6-9 (NLT)
6 "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.
8 Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.
9 I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
G. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Care.
–Everybody wants to know that someone cares about them and have their best interest in mind. When people sense that someone cares, they tend to trust that person.
–In the same way, congregations and employees trust leaders who demonstrate their care.

Theodore Roosevelt: People really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
–Care is the leader’s demonstration of concern for the well-being of his or her followers that flows from love for them.
–God cares for His people and He wants us to care for them too.
Ex 4:31 (NLT)
31 The leaders were soon convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. And when they realized that the LORD had seen their misery and was deeply concerned for them, they all bowed their heads and worshiped.
John 21:16 (NLT)
16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
–In 1Peter 5:2 Peter points out that our followers are under our care. Care involves respecting them and having their best interest at heart.
–We need to try to be aware of people’s needs, hurts, and fears and be willing to help them deal Scripturally with these matters.
–When we do, we shouldn’t be surprised that these people trust our leadership and grant us the credibility (influence) that we need to lead them on behalf of our Savior.
H. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Composure.
–Unfortunately most Christian leaders (except for some Christian counselors) have largely ignored the emotional dimension of leadership in ministry.
–Because of our John Wayne culture - ‘don’t let-em see ya cry’ - mentality we have cultivated men that are not in touch with their emotions.
–Satan has convinced the average male in America that masculinity is all about being emotionally tough...men are not supposed to show much emotion except for anger.
–So what’s the big deal? This mentality can have a devastating effect on a congregation or a family.
–Because the way leaders handle their emotions creates a culture that sets the mood or climate for a ministry, business, or the home.

Malphur: A healthy composure creates a climate where information is shared, leaders are trusted, learning flourishes, and risks are taken. An unhealthy emotional composure creates a setting swarming with fear and anxiety.
–Composure is the leader’s consistent display of appropriate emotional health or maturity that sets a positive ministry mood, especially in difficult or crisis situations.
–In light of our discussion, strong, healthy composure builds leadership credibility, while poor composure, or the expression of inappropriate emotions, is the silent killer of credibility...Be angry and sin not!
–To have a composure that leads to ministry credibility and influence, a leader must develop emotional well-being that fosters a positive, healthy ministry culture.
–One of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible:
John 11:35 (NKJV)
35 Jesus wept.
Leading Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges
A. The most persistent barrier to leading like Jesus is a heart motivated by self interest.
Phil 2:1-4 (NIV)
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Quote: Blanchard and Hodges: "A heart motivated by self-interest looks at the world as a ‘give a little, take a lot’ proposition. People with hearts motivated by self-interest put their own agenda, safety, status, and gratification ahead of those affected by their thoughts and actions."
1. As you consider the heart issues of leadership you should be willing to ask yourself, "Am I a servant leader or a self-serving leader?"
2. Many of us have no problem considering others, but considering others better than ourselves, now that is another story.
3. Paul surely must have been kidding when he said to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit...doesn’t he know that is how we are wired?
4. The fact is that we all fall short of perfection and give in to the temptation to behave as self-serving leaders in certain situations.
5. This is not only true of churches or businesses, it also applies to our homes...if we are not careful, our family members are just supporting cast members helping us to be where we want to be.
B. Another factor that needs to be considered is whether we are driven people or called people...These are identified by Gordon McDonald in his bookOrdering Your Private World.
McDonald says of driven people:
1. Driven people think they own everything. They own their relationships, they own their possessions, and they own their positions.
2. In fact, they perceive their identity as the sum of their relationships, possessions, and positions.
3. As a result, driven people spend most of their time protecting what they own.
4. We see this in the family when a parent makes sure everyone knows that he is the father (or she is the mother) and demands that everyone else cater to his or her authority without questioning. The spouse is simply another child in their mind.
5. Driven people think and act as if "he who dies with the most toys wins." And if you mess with any of their toys, you’re in trouble.
6. The possessions of driven people become an important expression of who they are and end up possessing them.
McDonald says of Called people:
1. Called people, on the other hand, believe everything is on loan.
2. They believe their relationships are on loan; they know that we have no guarantee we will see those we love tomorrow.
3. Called people also believe their possessions are on loan and are to be held lightly, to be enjoyed and shared with an open hand.
4. Finally, called people believe their positions are on loan from God and the people they are attempting to influence.
5. Rather than protecting what they own, called leaders act as good stewards of what has been loaned to them.
Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)
14 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.
15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more.
17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.
18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.
20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 "The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 
23 "The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate.
25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 "But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate,
27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 "Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.
29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Fully Devoted

Subject - What It Means To Be A Fully Devoted Christian

by Rick Welborne

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 

44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 

45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 

46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 

47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

–As a God called pastor...I could take you to the place where God called me to preach if the building were still there....I obviously have a burden for the church.

–Having been the Lead Pastor here at Life Church has been and is such a privilege but during this 25+ years I have seen trends that concern me.

–I recently listened to a pod cast of a pastor who also was concerned about the church and he gave some alarming statistics and asked some tough questions.

–One statistic was that here in America the average person who considers themselves to be born again only attends church once a month.

–He asked the question...based on that information, how can a pastor or congregation build a church that really can do anything for God that has any substance to it.

–Now I know here at Life Church that most of you are here at least four times a month...if it is convenient and nothing else comes up...family comes in, sickness, free day, tired.

–Others are here eight to twelve times a month and that helps us in building the Kingdom of God and reaching the world (here at home and abroad).

–As some of the staff and I have been speaking we have asked some pertinent questions in regard to Life Church.  How can we grow to one thousand plus?

–Why are we not growing like the Church in Acts?  Are we adding to the Church daily?  Are the people connected...are they giving of themselves wholeheartedly?

–We kept asking the questions until we finally hit on something...

Acts 2:42 (NIV) 

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

–Then it hit us...The Church in Acts it says they devoted themselves to teaching, to fellowship, to breaking of bread, to prayer, and to worship.

–Then the big question came...are we fully devoted to these things...thus the name Fully Devoted!  We are going to look at a five part series dealing with being fully devoted.

–Today let’s look at...Being fully devoted to teaching...the apostles doctrine...the Word!

1. In regard to being Fully Devoted to teaching...what are you eating?

–One of the joys of being in the ministry is seeing new people come to Christ to see them become disciples of Christ.  They start with a bottle of milk.

1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV) 

2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby...

–Milk is perfectly normal for a baby...how ridiculous would it be, as well as unsafe, to give a baby a big chunk of steak.

–It may taste good but it would be hard to chew, hard to swallow, and hard to digest.

–No one expects you as a new born Christian to know or understand or even to teach others because you are starting out with the milk of the Word...just beginning your journey.

–I was a senior in high school before I realized that it was Noah who had built the ark not Moses...when it comes to church...if you do not go you do not know.

–So what would being fully devoted look like for you...drink whole milk with vitamins in it and drink a bunch.

–I was so glad to be in the Kingdom of God when I gave my heart to Christ...I wanted to be a church at every opportunity...Sunday AM &PM, Wed. Night, Youth, Sunday School.

–I read my Bible and marked everything that touched my heart...I memorized verses every day...I was fully devoted to growing in the Word.

–One of the ways I was forced to grow past just having milk was that I witnessed to people everywhere I went...They asked questions...I would have to dig to get the answers.

–A baby in diapers...drinking a bottle...probably will not speak to people because they are too embarrassed to say I do not know the answer...not fully devoted.

Hebrews 6:1-3 (NLT) 

1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 

2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 

3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. 

–Recently there was a man who approached me about being mentored by preferably me.

He had been a Christian for over 20 years...

–During that time he had managed to mess up his marriage, mess up someone else’s marriage, and he was wanting me to mentor him...while involved with another man’s wife.

–He was just a little offended when I told him that he needed to repent and start there.  Being fully devoted is denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following.

–It is also reading God’s Word and doing what it says.

James 1:21-25 (NLT) 

21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 

23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 

24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 

25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.  

–This is another reason church is so important...when the man of God preaches the Word of God it can change your life if you listen.

2. In regard to being fully devoted to teaching...who are you feeding. 

–One of the signs of a believer growing in the Lord is when they stop having to be fed and they start feeding others.

–Pastor, we are moving on...why...we are not being fed...if you are so full and so fat and happy, then why aren’t you feeding others?

–One of the speakers at District Council (Rob Ketterling) challenged us to stop being back row Christians and become front row Christians.

Ketterling: It’s easy to sit on the back row and criticize the decisions and actions of leaders.  It’s not easy to become the change you want to see take place.  That is precisely what defines both those who hold organizations back and those who propel organizations forward.

–Some of you need to get a bigger spoon and start being who God called you to be and help us build the great church he wants Life Church to be.

–We have done great but we can do better.  I commend you...out of almost 13,000 AG churches we ranked 97 in World Missions Giving...in our District we ranked 8 out of 352 Churches...in our Section we were first out of 27 churches..

–Our District challenges us to support all of the PFDC missionaries and we do all of those but two so far...why we challenge all of you to support missions...100%.

–We are number three in the state in per capital giving to missions per our membership.  You guys rock when it comes to giving and sacrifice...thanks so much!

–There are some of you who need to be challenged to step up and do more.  If we are number eight in the state why can’t we be number 5...why can’t we give a million dollars!

–What would it take for you to step up and feed the gospel to others all over the world? Please approach me and let’s discuss how you can help us go to the next level.

–I believe there are resources and people who have never stepped up...Don’t stay where you are...get strong yourselves and then begin  to become the change you want to see take place.  

Hebrews 5:11-13 (NLT) 

11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 

12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 

13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.

–Get a bigger spoon...feed yourselves on the Word...I want to read it till I bleed it.  I want God’s Word and His will to be our top priority here at Life Church.

3. In regard to being fully devoted...are you eating enough for two?

–I love to hear when ladies are expecting a child and they are having their cravings for all kinds of food and everyone gives them a bye to eat more, well, honey, you are eating for two

–Pastor Juan so wonderfully challenged us last week with his message about compassion and about knowing who our neighbors are.

–The truth is “it is definitely not all about you!”  A few things you may have never considered about getting more of the Word here at church and at home.

* Maybe when you come to church you are actually eating for two or three or more.  Maybe you being filled or refilled with Holy Spirit and the Word is for someone else.

* Maybe you coming to church is not just so you can be blessed...maybe there is someone you can encourage, pray for, speak life into...you never know a person’s condition.

–Example of the lady a few years ago who came to church as a last ditch effort to hear from God...she had her suicide planned that afternoon...God intervened.

* Maybe when you are here you will have the privilege to give to missions or directly to a missionary who is at Life Church receiving what he needs to feed others.

* Maybe a friend just heard they have cancer and they need to see your kind face and hear you tell them that everything is going to be OK because Jesus is in control.

–Just maybe...just maybe you are not here to eat what you can just for yourself...maybe you are getting sustenance for someone else who is going thru the trial of their lives.

Romans 14:7-12 (NIV) 

7 For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 

8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 

9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 

11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" 

12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 

–We all have an impact on others but we cannot impact them if we are absent...if we are not fully devoted to God’s House, His Word, and His people.

–You say...I am good and I really don’t need a thing...don’t need church...don’t need more Word...more teaching...maybe it is not all about you!

Revelation 3:17 (NIV) 

17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 

–Are you fully devoted to Christ teachings...to the apostle’s doctrine...to the Word of God?

–What are you eating...baby formula?  Are you still on milk?  Are you feeding others the Word of God you know?  Are you supporting Missions so others can go and teach?

–Are you eating enough for two? Or more?  Do you realize that it is not all about you...it is reaching, teaching, equipping others...it is about making disciples!

Leadership - Will You Lead? 3

Subject: Being A Leader Wherever You Are

by Rick Welborne

Luke 6:39-42 (NKJV)

39 And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?

40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
–Last week we looked at John Maxwell’s Law of Influence...as a reminder:
Maxwell - "The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."
2. Eight Ingredients To Building Leadership Credibility or Influence

A. Character (Session 2)
B. Competence (Session 2)
C. Clarity of Direction (Session 2)
D. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Communication.
–It is imperative that leaders keep their people regularly informed about what is taking place in their church, business, or family.
–The members of any organization feel an inherent need to know what’s happening in the organization. Informed people are trusting people. Uninformed people are suspicious people.
–If people suspect that the leadership is trying to keep something from them, they will not follow them. Look at our govt and the outsider candidates right now.
–Qualifier - Children do not need to know everything going on in church or family as to do permanent damage to their relationship to God or loved ones...protect them.

–An important trust principle that pastors and boards should live by is open communication except in personal matters of confidentiality.
–Christian leadership, at least a big part of it, is communication and, yet, there seems to be a feeling of not being totally informed.
–Tricia says we never have to worry about all our stuff at the Welborne house being known because it always comes out in a sermon somewhere! Oops!
–There are so many ways of getting information to people...video announcements, bulletins, e-mail, web-sites...the idea is to over inform so that your credibility is high.
–My professors over emphasized that too much information is better than too little...I wholeheartedly agree.
E. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Conviction.
–One of the apparent needs in the church and other institutions is leadership with conviction.
–Anyone can get up and give a lecture or a speech but it is imperative that if we will have people follow us that we must communicate with conviction.
–The average speaker imparts information and that is important. The challenging speaker imparts information with such conviction that it engages the listener.
–There is something about conviction that engenders credibility and enhances your influence.
–There is nothing more grueling than listening to an hour lecture from someone who has no love or conviction about which he is speaking.
–Steven Bornstein and Anthony Smith write that conviction is the passion and commitment a person demonstrates toward his or her vision.
–Thus, conviction consists of two key ingredients - passion and commitment.
–Unfortunately conviction has become, for the church and many leaders, a list of all the things we do not do so we can judge others for doing them.
Favorite Quote of Pastor Rick: We don’t smoke and we don’t chew...we don’t go with girls that do...we ain’t got no girlfriends!
–Conviction is not a list of the things we abstain from but it is a passion, a commitment to be pro-active for what is important to the Lord.
–Passion is all about how deeply we care or how strongly we feel about our life or the vision God has given us. Listen to Paul’s passion and conviction:
Acts 20:22-24 (NLT)
22 "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me,
23 except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.
24 But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love.

–The other side of conviction is commitment. Passion affects the emotions, whereas, commitment tends to be more rational.
–It involves the leader’s conscious intentional investment of time and effort to be sure that a vision or cause is realized.
–The leader’s commitment signals what is important to that leader and what ultimately will get done.
–It says that the leader will be around for the long haul to accomplish the ministry goals. This invites credibility and expands his influence.
–Changing leaders every three years is almost a sure death to an organization’s growth because how can anyone connect to the vision when it changes every time the leader changes?
F. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Courage.
Malphurs: Today’s fast and furious world has raised obstacles for leaders who desire to finish well: mind-boggling complexity, barren busyness, multiple options, overwhelming competition, relentless stress, and extreme risk. In addition to all this, a younger, increasingly cynical generation has replaced the more trusting Builder generation.
–Because of all this, expectations are very high for leaders and there are greater demands placed on them than in previous generations.
–Courage supplies the strength to lead in these difficult circumstances, meaning that courageous leaders are strong and unlikely to quit.
–The Scriptures have many examples of either a former leader or God Himself taking time to encourage the new leader...Moses and Joshua, David and Solomon, Paul and the leaders at the church in Corinth.
–Courage displays itself in leaders when they are willing to stand up for their beliefs in difficult situations, confront others, admit mistakes (be vulnerable), change their view when wrong, and not quit.
–The payoff is exceptional credibility and influence, because followers like what they see in courageous leaders.
Josh 1:6-9 (NLT)
6 "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.
7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.
8 Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.
9 I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
–Three reasons why Joshua and leaders should be courageous:
The Providence of God (6) - Joshua was God’s choice for the mission.
The Provision of God (7-8) - His Word, His Law, His Book.
The Presence of God (9) - The Lord will be with you wherever you go!
–The assurance of His providence, provision, and presence with each of His servants means that we can courageously carry out our service to Him.
G. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Care.
–Everybody wants to know that someone cares about them and have their best interest in mind. When people sense that someone cares, they tend to trust that person.
–In the same way, congregations and employees trust leaders who demonstrate their care.

Theodore Roosevelt: People really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
–Care is the leader’s demonstration of concern for the well-being of his or her followers that flows from love for them.
–God cares for His people and He wants us to care for them too.
Ex 4:31 (NLT)
31 The leaders were soon convinced that the LORD had sent Moses and Aaron. And when they realized that the LORD had seen their misery and was deeply concerned for them, they all bowed their heads and worshiped.
John 21:16 (NLT)
16 Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
–In 1Peter 5:2 Peter points out that our followers are under our care. Care involves respecting them and having their best interest at heart.
–We need to try to be aware of people’s needs, hurts, and fears and be willing to help them deal Scripturally with these matters.
–When we do, we shouldn’t be surprised that these people trust our leadership and grant us the credibility (influence) that we need to lead them on behalf of our Savior.
H. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Composure.
–Unfortunately most Christian leaders (except for some Christian counselors) have largely ignored the emotional dimension of leadership in ministry.
–Because of our John Wayne culture - ‘don’t let-em see ya cry’ - mentality we have cultivated men that are not in touch with their emotions.
–Satan has convinced the average male in America that masculinity is all about being emotionally tough...men are not supposed to show much emotion except for anger.
–So what’s the big deal? This mentality can have a devastating effect on a congregation or a family.
–Because the way leaders handle their emotions creates a culture that sets the mood or climate for a ministry, business, or the home.
Malphur: A healthy composure creates a climate where information is shared, leaders are trusted, learning flourishes, and risks are taken. An unhealthy emotional composure creates a setting swarming with fear and anxiety.
–Composure is the leader’s consistent display of appropriate emotional health or maturity that sets a positive ministry mood, especially in difficult or crisis situations.
–In light of our discussion, strong, healthy composure builds leadership credibility, while poor composure, or the expression of inappropriate emotions, is the silent killer of credibility...Be angry and sin not!
–To have a composure that leads to ministry credibility and influence, a leader must develop emotional well-being that fosters a positive, healthy ministry culture.
–One of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible:
John 11:35 (NKJV)

35 Jesus wept.

Leadership - Will You Lead - 2

 

 

From: Rick

Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 11:44 AM

To: Aaron Baty ; Kim thomas ; Juan Rodriguez

Subject: Sermon For Wednesday Night - May 11, 2016

 

Subject - Being A Leader Wherever You Are

by Rick Welborne

Luke 6:39-42 (NKJV) 39 And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? 
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
41 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?
42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.
1. Introduction - John Maxwell’s Law of Influence
Maxwell - "The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less."
–Examples of the Law of Influence: Mother Teresa and Princess Diana: Let’s look at this question of leadership in light of Princess Diana.
–Princess Diana has been characterized in many different ways but you have probably never heard of anyone describing her as a leader.
–Yet that is what she was. Ultimately, she made things happen because she was an influencer, and leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.
–We have a misconception about leadership that if someone has an impressive title or a leadership position, we assume that person must be a leader.
–Sometimes that is true, but in reality titles don’t have much value when it comes to leading.
–True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes from influence and that cannot be mandated, it must be earned.
–The only thing a title can buy you is time—either to increase your level of influence with others or to erase it.
–This is especially true in organizations that work with volunteers such as churches... without influence your ministry, class, gift, will be ineffective.
Harry A. Overstreet - "The very essence of all power to influence lies in getting the other person to participate."
–Followers in volunteer organizations cannot not be forced to get on board and without influence the leader will not get them to follow him or her.
Dr. Wayne Lee - "Dwight Eisenhower defines leadership as the ability to discern what needs to be done and then get others to do it. Therefore, leadership has to do with accomplishing goals through people. It is the ability to instill confidence and inspire followers. Most leaders agree that leadership is tested by what one leaves behind in others."
Example: Abraham Lincoln’s struggle with the Law of Influence.–In 1832 he gathered a group of men to fight in the Black Hawk war...whoever starts a group became their captain...he could not lead...example of the gate...ended as private.
John Maxwell’s favorite leadership proverb: "He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk."
–If you can’t influence others, they won’t follow you. And if they won’t follow you, you are not a leader. That’s the Law of Influence!
2. Let’s Look at Eight Ingredients To building Leadership Credibility or InfluenceA. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Character.
–Godly character is the foundation of Christian leadership, the essential qualifying element...the right character will give you something to build on.
–Unfortunately, in our society, charisma is more important than character (politicians).
–Because it earn’s people’s respect and, most important, produces trust, character is the most crucial factor in all relationships.
–This may be hard for some to swallow but...Your vision for ministry, your strategy, even your ability to communicate the Bible, are less important than your character.
–The truth is...people do not follow the ministry’s mission or vision statement—at least not for long. They follow you, the leader.
–Only after they are convinced that you are a person of good character who is worthy of leading will they follow the mission and vision you are promoting.
–To be a leader, you do not have to be the sharpest pencil in the drawer, but you do have to display godly character.
1 Tim 4:8 (NIV)8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Aubrey Malphurs - defines character as the sum total of a person’s distinct qualities, both good and bad, that reflect who he or she is (being) and affect what he or she does (behavior). Who we are affects what we do—being impacts doing.
–Jesus said that you can recognize people by their fruit. Good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit.
–We must all be careful not to become fruit inspectors because nothing hurts good character like being too judgmental.
–McIntosh and Rima in their book Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership reminds us that we all have some degree of personal dysfunction. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
–Character tells me that I must not attempt to get the tooth pick out of my brother’s eye when I have a telephone pole in mine. We all have our junk!
B. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Competence.
–According to the research of Kouzes and Posner (two of the premiere authorities on Christian leadership) says that competence is one of the attributes that people look for and admire most in leaders.
–This helps us to understand the first law of leadership, "If you don’t believe in the messenger, you won’t believe the message."
–Malphur says that competence is the leader’s capability to perform well in a specific context, having the expertise and ability to get things done.
–He says competent Christian leaders have the gifts, the knowledge, and the skills needed to perform well in their service to the Savior.
–A competent leader will have confident followers...true with family, church, and business. Without competence...insecurity tends to be the result.
–When God calls us to a place of leadership we can be assured that He will give us the needed gifts to accomplish His will...make sure our dependence is on Jesus.
–Can these gifts be developed? Yes, through experience and discipleship. People want their leaders to not only know what to do but how to do it.
–Knowing what to do is only half of the battle, being able to carry it out assures us of the victory.
–A competent leader is a confident leader as long as he depends on the Lord instead of his gifts, knowledge, or skill. Every good gift comes from above!
Malphur: "Finally, our competence has limits (Mat. 25:14-30). Though we can grow and increase our level of competence by using our gifts, expanding our knowledge of ministry, and further developing our ministry skills, most leaders will eventually reach the limit of their competence. That is when servant leaders are willing to step aside or move to another ministry so as not to hinder God’s work.
C. An Ingredient To building Leadership Credibility or Influence is Clarity of Direction
Quote: Kouzes and Posner in their book Credibility says, "We expect our leaders to have a sense of direction and a concern for the future of the organization.
Leaders must know where they are going. They must have a destination in mind when asking us to join them on a journey into the unknown."
–I often tell new people to come and talk to me about the direction of our church because I tell them that I would not get on a bus unless I knew where it was going.
–Kouzes and Posner say that clarity of direction is only second to honesty when it comes to leadership credibility.
–In the uncertain times that we live in people are looking for a clear direction or path to follow that will lead them to their desired destination.
–All leaders, not just pastors, should be constantly seeking God for his direction in their homes, churches, and families.
Prov 3:5-6 (NKJV)5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
–The leader and the leadership board should give heartfelt consideration about the direction of the organization, define it, and communicate it clearly to those who choose to follow them.
–When this happens...the confidence of the people grows while those who are following attribute competence to their leadership.
–The church’s direction must be twofold. First, it consists of the church’s mission–what Christ has called us to accomplish throughout the world. This is what we call the Great Commission–to make and mature believers at home and abroad.
–The second direction must consist of the church’s vision. Vision can be defined as a clear, challenging picture of the future of the church, as leaders believe that it can be and must be.
–The vision is what the Great Commission looks like when it is fleshed out by those who have believed and embraced it.
–The vision communicates not what is but what could be.
–It answers the question, What will it look like around here when our people become passionate about the Great Commission and making disciples.
–Obviously here we believe it will mean growing to one thousand plus and supporting more and more missionaries all around the world.

Revelation - The Message To The Church

Subject: The Church At Philadelphia - Cont.

by Rick Welborne

Revelation 3:7-13 (NKJV) 
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
1. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says no one can shut a door that God opens!
–Jesus always identifies Himself to the churches and here He calls Himself the One with the key of David. Hear this prophecy in Isaiah about Jesus:
Isaiah 22:22 (NKJV) 
22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open.
–The key of David emphasizes that Jesus had complete authority to open and shut doors.
The Jews had shut the door to the synagogue but Jesus had opened the door to eternal life.
–Please know that there are also doors on this earth that God can open and no man, no demon, no evil force can close.
Dr. Glen Cole - No number of humans or demons can close a door that God wants to open. Believers should not worry about doors that humans close. We should focus on the doors that God opens.
2. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says I will keep you from the hour of trial...the Tribulation.
Revelation 3:10 (NKJV) 
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
–The hour of trial is the Tribulation and the Bible is clear about a terrible time that is coming on this world and the people in it.
Matthew 24:21 (NKJV)
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Daniel 12:1 (NKJV) 
1 ....And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.
–Many plan to serve God tomorrow, when they get married, when they have kids, when they have sown their wild oats...no one has the promise of tomorrow.
Dr. Glen Cole - Delay is the shovel that digs opportunity’s grave. It is always better to be saved today than to wait until tomorrow.
–Another mistake of not getting your heart right during the seven years of Tribulation is that trials have a tendency of making people bitter.
Revelation 16:10-11(NLT) 
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. His subjects ground their teeth in anguish,
11 and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.
3. To the pastor and the church at Philadelphia Jesus says there is coming an open door for you and it is the Rapture of the church!
Revelation 3:10-11 (NKJV) 
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
–The word Rapture comes from the Latin word Raptus. It means "to catch up" or snatch up as an eagle snatches up its prey. What an exciting thought!
–The Greek word for Rapture is harpazo. Several verses in the New Testament refer to the catching up of the saints.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV) 
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NKJV) 
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,
2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
Matthew 24:40-42 (NKJV) 
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
Luke 17:34 (NLT) 
34 That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left.
Luke 21:25-26 (NKJV) 
25 "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.
Luke 21:34-36 (NKJV) 
34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.
36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
–One of the things that I tend to look for in the Word of God is patterns...I believe since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever...He will repeat patterns.
–Let’s look at Noah and try to see the pattern that happened with him and his family.
–God had warned the people thru Noah that He was going to destroy the earth with a flood and that they needed to repent.
–For the salvation of Noah’s family and anyone else who was willing to repent...God prepared a way of escape...a deliverance for the righteous.
–Noah and his family were instructed by God to get in the ark of safety and then God Himself closed the door. Remember:
Revelation 3:7 (NKJV) 
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
–Can you imagine all those people who mocked Noah for building a boat, all those who did not take the man of God seriously, and all those who put off even hearing the message...
–You see, once God closed the door...He shuts and no one opens...can you imagine those people crying and beating on the door...please let me in! How terrifying!
–You see the pattern...God sent His warning...God made a way of escape...and the righteous were saved and safe.
Matthew 24:36-39 (NKJV) 
36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
–The same was true with Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham even was interceding for this city and for his family. God help us to do the same.
–Listen to the plea (warning) of the angels to Lot and his family and some of their response:
Genesis 19:13-15 (NKJV) 
13 For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it."
14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, "Get up, get out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city!" But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.
15 When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city."
–You see, the warning came...Lot’s family (as dysfunctional as they were) were removed and the fire of God’s judgment fell.
Genesis 19:24-28 (NKJV) 
24 Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens.
25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
26 But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD.
28 Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace.
–The Word of God tells us that the pattern with Sodom and Gomorrah will be repeated at the Rapture of the church:
Luke 17:28-30 (NKJV) 
28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.
30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
–So it will be...preachers are preaching Jesus is coming to catch away His Bride (the Church) and they are warning people to get their hearts right with God...
–After this...the judgment of the Lord during the seven years of Tribulation.
–Explain this to me...We see in Revelation the messages to the church (1-3) and we see a promise of an open door (3). Chapter 4 we see the open door in heaven.
–It appears to me that the church went through that open door because the church is not mentioned again until after the great tribulation in chapter 19...Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
–Where was the church? In heaven with Jesus getting ready to come back at the Second Coming when the Lord will put His feet on the Mt. of Olives...we will rule and reign!
Luke 21:36 (NKJV) 

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."