Why We Must Do MORE at Maranatha Baptist Church

As the Lord has directed and lead I have been challenging our church to do more in recent months. We can praise the Lord for many things that have been accomplished through the ministries, labor, sacrifice and prayer of our church. But, I firmly believe that we must do more.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Why must we do more? Why must we “reach forth” and “press toward the mark” as a church? Why have the last four Sunday morning messages been on Biblical evangelism?

Here are six reasons WE MUST DO MORE.

I. HE IS WORTHY OF OUR VERY BEST

To God be the glory, we have done well. But, we have not yet done our very best.

1Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

II. THE NEED IS GREAT

Matt 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

The need is great around the world. And, the need is great all around us. Our community is filled with people who are lost, headed to Hell, with no personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Additionally there are many, many saved people who are out of church. They are not growing, not productive, not being blessed.

III. THE OPPORTUNITY IS SIGNIFICANT

We are not a tiny church in a remote rural area with little visibility in the community. God has blessed us with wonderful facilities, layers of talent and abilities, a significant location. On and on it goes. We have been given much; the Bibles much is then required of us.

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

IV. THE TIME IS LIMITED

The last days are approaching fast. The Lord is coming back. We work while we can “for the night cometh when no man can work.”

2Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

V. OUR NATION IS IN GREAT PERIL

I am for voting and making our voice heard in the political arena. But, we will never bring revival to this nation via the ballot box. The church, God’s people must engage in the spiritual warfare and be the impactful salt and light in our culture.

Prov 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

VI. BECAUSE IT CAN BE DONE

We have been given a great commission; empowered by the great Holy Spirit; armed with the great Word of God. All that is lacking is our own resolve to get the job done!

Matt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Read the book of ACTS – It can be done! Impacting our world for Jesus Christ is doable in the power of God.

CONCLUSION – What type of “MORE” are we talking about?

More evangelism (inviting, witnessing, door knocking, soul winning)

More giving (more people obedient about tithing, more missions giving, more building fund)

More impact events – Youth Sunday, Missions Expo, Revivals, Special Days

More Sunday School classes

More people completing the Basic Discipleship Class

More areas touched by our bus ministry

More kids in Sunday School and in AWANA clubs

More teens in Sunday School and in ACT

More churches planted in needy areas.

Will YOU be part of the MORE at Maranatha?