Sermon

• Today we are actually doing two things:
• I want you to know that we have been a great mission church.  The best we can estimate is that we have given over 1 billion to mission in our 10 year history!
• When Paul was writing to the church in Rome he had heard from many people about them.   
• Paul is concerned for people & places that he has neither met nor been to.
• He was writing to a group of people that were exclusive in nature related to Salvation.
• Here in this scripture he gives us 3 AYAMs

          o Ayam Betutu
          o Ayam Goreng
          o Ayam Presto

Romans 1:8-17

Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.

10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. 12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

13 I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. 14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. 

16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."
 
1. I am Obligated / I AM IN DEBT

          o What makes us in debt?
          o What made Paul feel like he was in debt?
          o Our debt is based on the fact that Jesus died on the cross for U & Me!
          o The relationship isn’t one where we actually have to pay off that debt.  We can’t do that.  Have you ever been helped by someone?
          o Missions is not an option.
          o This morning you are obligated to do a few things.
                + GIVE
                + Like PAUL Pray.
                + GO…  Next year again you will have opportunities to go on trips we are going to try and do some local trips next year.


2. I am Eager

    * * He was eager to go to a city where persecution was known toward Christians.
    * * The character of Paul’s life was always ready!  Even from the first day and from everything he did.  Paul the Ready Acts 9:3-9
    * *We need eager people here at ICA.  What are you eager to do?  And why do think that is?
    * * We need to be eager to participate in Missions.  This morning you should be eager  to do a few things.
          o GIVE
          o Like PAUL Pray.
          o GO…  Are you eager to go?


3. I am not Ashamed

    * * Can you think of something that has made you ashamed?
    * * Here in our culture sin is shame.  It’s OK to do it just don’t get caught.
    * *For Paul the Apostle.   
    * * For me personally Salvation is the greatest thing I ever found.
    * * Missions is about sharing that message.

GO QUESTION

 

TITLE: The Three "I Ams" Of  Paul

TEXT:  Romans 1:8-17

ICE BREAKER:

Did you participate in our mission convention last Sunday?

What was your opinion about it?

 
QUESTIONS:

1. Paul felt in debt to serve God. He started many churches and spread good news to many places. What kind of inspiration did Paul give you?
2. Pastor Jeff said mission is not an option, but an obligation. What do you think? How can we encourage people to join mission?
3. Mission is not about personal gain, but sharing God's good news. The reward will be given in heaven. How can we convince people about serving God now and get reward later?
4. Paul was always ready and eager to serve God. Why can't people nowadays have his passion? What was missing?
5. How to overcome the shamefulness for us to open our mouth to speak about God's words to non-Christian?

 Have a great discussion! Hope that this week discussion will touch your heart for next missions in ICA. Pastor Jeff said that you will have opportunities to go on trips we are going to try, and do some local trips next year. Don't miss it when the time to go is coming… you will find a lifetime experience you will never forget…

 

We serve in His name.

GO Central / Jasmine + Edhi
November 26, 2006