A Kingdom Functioning A Kingdom Functioning ChurchChurch

Luke 13:22-30Luke 13:22-30

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter through the narrow door.

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3

John 16:33: Trouble - thilipsis An experience of suffering, distress, affliction, trouble, or persecution “to press,” “squash,” “rub.”

To be a follower of Jesus is to be one who suffers.

1. Suffering purifies us as believers.

We are too much occupied with taking care of ourselves; we shun the difficulties of excessive labor. And frequently behind the entrenchment of taking care of our constitution, we do not half as much as we ought. A minister is bound to spurn the suggestions of ignoble ease, it is his calling to labour; and if he destroys his constitution, I, for one, only thank God that he permits us the high privilege of so making ourselves a living sacrifice. ~Charles Haddon Spurgeon

To be a follower of Jesus is to be one who suffers.

1. Suffering purifies us as believers.2. Suffering identifies us with Jesus.3. Suffering validates the claims of the

gospel.

Luke 13:24bFor many, I tell you will seek to enter and not be able.

Our Missiology in the Church needs a desperate overhaul

Concentric ApproachGeneric ApproachObedience

You can go wherever God will get the most glory and you will be best utilized.

Luke 13:30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.

Begin to enlarge your Vision"If you can't see very far ahead, go as far ahead as you can see.” ~ Dawson Trotman

•Seek First the Kingdom –Do you long after your own comforts or Christ?•Be willing to be made willing - Do you insulate yourself or inform?•Pray! - Do we pray God protect your people or protect your glory?