“Spent for the Gospel”‐ Colossians 1:28‐29 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my The year was 1991, the location was the Mid‐South Fair on a beautiful September evening. I was a 17‐ course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the year‐old on a first date with a young lady named Stacy Lee. It was the night I made an indelible grace of God. (Acts 20:24, ESV) impression on at least three other people. I am telling this story from the point of view that I have Paul emphasizes the urgency of moving people towards saving faith found the love of my life, and I am most blessed to have Erin and my fantastic brood of six children. and then maturity in Christ. When I was 17, I thought I was hot stuff to be on a date with Stacy Lee. I take her to the fair, and we go all in—I buy the all‐you‐can‐ride wristband. Within ten minutes, we are on the Force 10, the ride “Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a that swings you around in a figure eight, but it’s spinning at the same time. By the time the ride was milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on over I felt the turmoil of war waging in my stomach, and that battle was moving towards my throat. facing Christ in me.” ― Jim Elliot My head was buzzing, and my sweaty, clammy skin felt like it was crawling off of my bones. I was The worst thing you can do is evoke indifference. through with the ride, but the ride was not through with me. However, in my most manly tone, not This message of the Gospel is provocative—it’s either offensive and wanting to appear squeamish, with a most deceptive appearance of excitement I followed Stacy as she bee‐lined it to the next ride, designed for my demise. I swallowed my fears, and tried to inflammatory, or it is enticing and encouraging. 2 Corinthians 2:15 completely re‐swallow dinner from earlier, and hope that I could somehow fake it that I was all good. We rode the dragon, which swung back and forth. To this day, I can still picture the images of going If we are to make this kind of difference in the lives of our children, neighbors, back and forth, and in the midst of all the screams of excitement, me seeing the people on the still co‐workers, friends, family (everyone), then here is the truth: ground and desperately crying on the inside, “when will this ride end?” The ride finally ends, and I disembark from the electric ship that has scrambled my insides, and I try to tell Stacy that I need a Our purpose as believers is to present all mature in Christ by being spent Sprite. “I am a little light‐headed and I need to settle my stomach a bit.” I take about five steps and I for the Gospel realize, I’m not gonna make it. I am in a sea of fair fanatics and I have no escape, and no reprieve. I Everyone should hear the Gospel message in our words, see it in our couldn’t hold it down. I considerately turn my head away from Stacy and, for two unfortunate young lives. We are spent‐ used up, consumed, exhausted for a purpose— ladies who were walking towards us, I make an immediate impression upon them, my once tasty dinner now fully released from captivity onto unsuspecting victims. Without missing a beat, I keep on walking, without as much as an “I’m sorry.” I don’t say a word. After an hour or so of trying to We, in the hands of God, are used by the Master to draw everyone to unsuccessfully keep Sprite down, we called it a night. It was my first and last date with Stacy. For Christlikeness. two other young ladies, whose identity I don’t even know (maybe someone here knows those two "It is impossible for any rational creature to be happy without acting all for God. God ladies), they will always remember the guy who ruined their night at the fair. Himself could not make him happy any other way... There is nothing in the world worth Today, I want to discuss the issue of making lasting impressions, living for but doing good and finishing God's work, doing the work that Christ did. I see making intentional Gospel Impressions on others. Last week nothing else in the world that can yield any satisfaction besides living to God, pleasing Brother Tommy discussed that we are to be an aroma—our message is Him, and doing his whole will." "Here am I, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; life to some and death to others. The Scripture says our lives and the send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called decisions we make should adorn the Gospel and doctrine of God. Our comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy service, and to promote purpose is to know God, and then make Him known. Thy kingdom."‐ David Brainerd

Paul was committed to this truth: 80% of drivers confess to texting while driving, which statistics show is as dangerous as Read Colossians 1:28‐29 driving while drunk. Experts say the distraction caused by trying to do two activities Our purpose and priority is to live lives that make Gospel simultaneously severely decreases your chances of effectively doing both of them. In order to stay focused on what is important, distractions must be put aside. impressions on the people around us, our neighbors, children, co‐

workers, family, first for salvation in Christ, and then towards Why should this be our focus as believers? maturity in Christ. The book of Colossians was written from a prison in Rome to an embattled church in the “…it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with first century. Paul was combatting false teachers, which had infiltrated the Colossian full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by church. The biggest problem was the teachers who were combining ideas, religions and death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20‐21 philosophies from the world with the Christian truth. The intent was to rob Christ of His central role in the Christian faith and eliminate the influence of Christ in the culture. the midst of a perverse, sex‐crazed culture that completely rejects truth for sensuality and They needed to be focused on the main thing. self‐righteousness. However, Jesus will build His church on the truth of Jesus as Christ, Read Colossians 2:6‐8 and on the very “rock of the gods in the very entrance to the gates of Hades, Jesus will We live in similar times. The church is being infiltrated by false prevail.” teaching—If you won’t believe the false doctrine, well, Satan has a We must engage the culture, we must face utter perversion and paganism, and strategy for you, get so warm and cozy with the world that you we must lead people to salvation and biblical purity and maturity. become desensitized to the pagan practices that are destroying lives around us. Satan may not get you to deny Christ, but he is subtly The World today—USA Today ads: introducing ways for Christians to live ineffectively and The Church Today: Barna Statistics unproductively in the war for the souls of mankind. Christians are Another new survey by the Barna group reveals that less than 1 percent of all Americans falling victim to age‐old Satanic practices of apathy and indifference, between the ages of 18 and 23 hold a Biblical worldview. This new poll data clearly demonstrates that the youngest adults in America are clearly rejecting traditional satisfied with a comfortable Christianity. evangelical Christian teaching. I want to take you on a brief journey with Jesus. In Matthew 16:13‐18 Jesus intentionally The Barna survey defined "a Biblical worldview" as holding all of the following six takes His disciples to the district of Caesarea Philippi. This place was a den of iniquity. key beliefs: It’s like the Las Vegas of Israel. It was controlled by the Romans and was a destination 1) Believing that absolute moral truth exists. for Roman soldiers on leave of absence. It was a place of sensuality and pleasure finding. 2) Believing that the Bible is completely accurate in all of the principles it teaches. (Pinocchio’s Pleasure Island) It was a religious place. At the base of Mount Hermon there 3) Believing that Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic. was a relatively small area that spewed fresh water. In this area was a cave that even 4) Believing that a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or by before the time of Christ was referred to as the Gates of Hades. Religious pagans believed doing good works. 5) Believing that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth. this pool and cave to be the entrance to the underworld. Worshippers threw animals and 6) Believing that God is the all‐knowing, all‐powerful creator of the world who still rules infants in as sacrifices to appease the gods. The giant rock cliff that housed the cave the universe today. known as the Gates of Hades was known as the “rock of the gods.” “unconverted evangelicals”? Picture 1—In Jesus' time a temple stood in front of this cave. In the cave or the We’ve got a problem‐ We live in an ever‐increasing anti‐Christian and grotto was a very deep pool that they never could measure (according to anti‐truth world, and we have an increasingly truthless church Josephus) and a powerful stream of water flowed. The cave was believed to be membership who can’t or doesn’t even care to apply truth to souls the gates to Hades. Several other shrines and temples stood here including this that need it. Who is affecting whom more? one to Caesar. The niches in the wall held images of the gods Pan, Echo and Hermes. “Mature”—Complete, full‐grown maturity equals Christlikeness. Not Picture 2—Several temples stood in front of the rock formation. In front of the flawless, not without struggle, but rather sanctification. five niches was a platform shrine with a temple to the left (or, this side) and a Zeal, knowledge, religious checklists, and success in Christian activity temple to the right. would be easier standards by far. Picture 3—Pan: Pan was god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature, mountain wilds, Is bringing others to maturity our great goal? hunting and rustic music, and companion of the nymphs. He was the god of fields, Paul pictures himself and the church as priests offering up "sacrifices" groves, and wooded glens; because of this, Pan is connected to fertility and the season of to God, although here not dead sacrifices, but living saints. spring. Therefore, Pan was worshipped in the court in front of this cave with filthy "Every man" who is a believer will stand before the judgment seat of immoral explicit acts. In this region of Caesaria Phillip, you ccould see these acts of Christ "that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in worship from any vantage point. Jesus intentionally took His disciples to this area to teach a profound truth that we need the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10) to understand today. Read Matthew 16:13‐18. Jesus takes them to this dark place to teach Hebrews 5:14—“Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of Him who He was and how He will build His church. Jesus is going to build His church in discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” The same problem plagues many, if not most, in the church today, as We are all to be Christian counselors plagued this community of Hebrews—they were not compelled to Tragically, many Christians today have been convinced that move on to maturity. competent counseling can only be accomplished by a person who Paul wanted the church to cultivate the ignorant, or apathetic, or is trained. immature hearts of men, freeing these people to become what God Galatians 6:1 ‐ “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are meant them to be. spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” Christian activity and Christlikeness are not the same things. Growing in love, "We preach Christ crucified” ‐ 1 Corinthians 1:23‐24 to save us joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‐ and mature us control (Galatians 5:22‐note, Galatians 5:23‐note) is the true measure of maturity in “If you aren’t thinking about what God’s thinking about what you’re thinking, Christ." (Jeff Jernigan: Discipleship Journal: Issue 60. 1999). you need to think again.” (SL)

How do we move people towards maturity in Christ? 2. Teach Them—v. 28 1. Warn Them‐ v. 28 I could discuss the plethora of ways we teach the Word, through To warn is open declaration, conspicuous and bold living that small group studies, mentorships, men’s and women’s groups, etc. confronts another with the intent of changing one’s attitudes and However, I want to discuss what I believe is the most pressing actions. need for the health of our churches and the health of our pursuit Illustration: Traffic light picture—picture of check—picture of handcuffs to make significant, influential inroads into our communities for The consequences of unbelief are staggering. It is a fearful thing to the sake of the Gospel and Christ. It is the promotion of the home fall into the hands of the Living God. People are feeling the warm as the primary place of discipleship. Sure, adult leaders in the fuzzies of the religious lifestyle as they are trailblazing a path to church stand in the gap for those who do not have godly hell. 1,000,000 people die this week without remedy, spending influences in the home, but it is time for believers to be eternity condemned and separated from God. intentional about the training process for children, teens, and Truth Check: Some of these people are in our own circles. young adults. The onslaught of empty deceit and human Matthew 7‐ “Many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ ..but He will say, philosophy is blinding many young people or is crippling their ‘Depart from Me, I never knew you.’” One of the priorities of the spiritual growth. church would be to confront the lost church attenders, as well as America’s Research Group surveyed a significant group of 20‐29 year old evangelicals. 95 the sea of lost souls who live all around us. percent of 20‐ to 29‐year‐old evangelicals attended church regularly during their “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” ‐ Proverbs 14:12 elementary and middle school years. Only 55 percent went to church during high school. “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned And by college, only 11 percent were still attending church. already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” ‐ John 3:36 Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/survey‐churches‐losing‐youths‐long‐ Our concern is not only for the lost, but also for those in the before‐college‐39433/#lQmKWvZ18cUzKyec.99 church struggling to discern good from evil. Every one of us knows someone, and we have been there ourselves, in moments "God is not calling us to win the world and, in the process lose our families. But I have and even seasons of dryness, apathy, disobedience. known those who so enshrined family life and were so protective of 'quality time' that the “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will children never saw in their parents the kind of consuming love that made their parent's suffer harm” ‐ Proverbs 13:20 faith attractive to them. Some have lost their children not because they weren't at their Paul's concerns were stimulated by a deep love for young soccer games or didn't take family vacations, but because they never transmitted a believers. Like a parent warning children about crossing the street loyalty to Jesus that went deep enough to interrupt personal preferences." –David Shibley without looking, it is because of a deep concern for their welfare. “They want us to lead them into the culture in such a way that they can be salt and light. The present‐day football game is a fair example of the terrific struggle for supremacy in They want us to show them active faith full of risky adventures, loving others made in the Greek athletic games that was commonly seen by the first‐century stadium crowds. God’s image. To do this we have to be willing to engage the world together as a family.” – Brian Housman, “Engaging Your Teen’s World” Our English word agonize is derived from it. “Success in serving the Lord, like success in sports, demands maximum effort." (MacArthur, J. Colossians. Chicago: Moody In order to be spent for the Gospel, we must die to our own agendas Press or Logos) We struggle because of what is at stake— Joe Nielson article‐3 Common Traits of Youth Who Don't Leave the Church Romans 15:30‐ “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love “The common thread that binds together almost every ministry‐minded 20‐something of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.” that I know is abundantly clear: a home where the gospel was not peripheral but How many hours do we spend to shape: absolutely central. The 20‐somethings who are serving, leading, and driving the Our images, our bank accounts, home décor, our entertainment choices, our collection of ministries at our church were kids whose parents made them go to church. They are kids whose parents punished them and held them accountable when they were friends, our personal or children’s academic and athletic pursuits, our social media rebellious. They are kids whose parents read the Bible around the dinner table…. And communication of everything we have been doing, knowledge of what everyone else is they are kids whose parents were tough but who ultimately operated from a framework doing via social networking? of grace that held up the cross of Jesus as the basis for peace with God and forgiveness We toil for all this, and then we expect spiritual leaders to pour into toward one another.” us all the spiritual stuff we need. Be like Paul, be poured out.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has Ken Ham spoke of how an atheist who walked through the Creation Museum, which come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 proclaims the authority of God’s Word, its consistency with real science, and the truth of Timothy 4:6‐7, ESV) the Gospel, responded to what he saw: 1 Timothy 4:7 –Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness and then seek it “For me, the most frightening part was the children’s section. It was at this moment that for those around you. I learned the deepest lesson of my visit to the museum…It is in the minds and hearts of "Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instruments afterwards. Begin the our children that the battle will be fought.” day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him."‐ David

Brainerd What is our response? One hour a week at church, a forty‐minute Psalm 119:11; how take out speck when we can’t remove log sermon? Paul’s answer is “hard work”—the battle is fierce, the enemy When we are doing what God wants us to do, when we are trusting daunting, the work hard, but remember, Christ is victoriously building His power, submitting to His leadership, walking with His energizing His church in the midst of this battle, and we have been strength, even to the point of weariness, even when we are dog tired, commissioned as His soldiers to expend our energies on this priority He energizes us spiritually, He energizes our energy. God above all, and the gates of Hades will not prevail. supplies all the enabling power, and believers do all the tangible Do you ever feel like you're at the end of your rope? work. Galatians 6:9‐ “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will Our power versus God's power: In Luke 5:4‐6 Jesus calls His first disciples by having reap, if we do not give up.” (same context as restoring wayward brothers) them drop their nets. Simon Peter said they’d toiled all night and were fruitless. “But at “Toil” —labor which involves weariness and sorrow—means to engage in hard your Word I will let down the nets.” work and implies difficulties and trouble, sweating and straining to the point "Let us see that we keep God before our eyes; that we walk in His ways and seek of exhaustion if necessary. to please and glorify Him in everything, great and small. Depend upon it, God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supplies."‐ Hudson Taylor “Struggling”/“striving” —to intensely struggle like an athlete, agonizing with No doubt, many beautiful ministries die in the minds and hearts of intensity, purpose and effort, competing in the games, contending with people—for fear of sacrificing the idols of pleasure or priorities, and adversaries, struggling through difficulties and dangers to obtain something of for lack of effort to make them realities. significance.