I Sam. 15 - God gave King Saul a specific command. He sent him on a "mission". He disobeyed the direct command, but for some reason claimed he was obedient. In his conversation with Samuel, he blamed the people for HIS sin as if he was not in charge. He lied about why they did not completely destroy everything (the command)-he said it was for God, but it was really for themselves. Proof it was all about him is in the fact that he established a monument of himself after defeating King Agag. The fact of the matter is God isn't interested in partial obedience to His commands! Samuel told Saul God had regreted annointing him as King and removed His blessing from Saul's reign. Saul continued to reign as king, but without God's blessings!
This is an Old Testament Example for the Church!
- God has sent us on a mission and given us the command to go.
- We claim we are obedient, but are we really?
- We say we do what we do for God, but it seems to be more about us.
- How many times has God said of pastors and churches, "I regret having established this particular ministry."?
- How many churches continue on without God's blessing? Maybe they say the right things, but neglect to do what they say. Can you have the right doctrinal statement and still loose your candle stick?
- Churches are closing their doors because they are not obeying the command to "GO ON MISSION WITH GOD".
- If you think you are going to reach this postmodern world by holding on tight to your building and your pulpit, with your Sunday School book under your arm in your Bible, telling people to dress up in "church clothes" and conform to a particular denomination you are as crazy as Saul was.
- Don't tell me you are obeying the commands and God is pleased-He's no more pleased with you than He was with Saul!
WHY SOME CHURCHES DO NOT GROW-
- Leaders discourage growth because they are afriad of loosing their power or being overshawdowed.
- Pastors and members are set in their ways and unwilling to make cultural changes in their model of "church".
- Pastors and churches are more concerned with what they like and being comfortable than lives being changed.
- Pastors are not honest with their churches and are afraid to take a risk.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE ON MISSION WITH GOD?
- Eyes That See A Genuine View of God- He's Big!
- Ears That Hear The Voice of God- He speaks!
- A Heart's Desire To Please God- Only Him!
- A Mind That Leads To Action- Obey Him!
- A Mouth That Speaks About God- He's Good!
- Lips That Whisper Prayers To God- He's listening!
Samuel took a sword and sliced up King Agag like Saul was supossed to have done. Somebody had to complete the task! Will you be the one? I want to be a Samuel not a Saul!
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