Set Your Heart And Your Mind

Colossians 3:1-2

 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

*Make sure we have answered the question on how to stay self-motivated spiritually. 

Set Your Heart and Your Mind:

1. On spiritual matters 

2. On accepting chances for growth. 

3. On volunteering rather than waiting to be asked. 

4. On reading and studying. 

5. On attending and participating

6. On devoting your resources (time, energy, money) to spiritual thing

Do You Believe Trials Have A Purpose

James 1:2-5

"Your life is about displaying the superiority of the life lived in God."

Trials:

1. Trials can produce joy but not necessarily happiness. 

    * Happiness is circumstantial. 

    * Joy is supernatural delight. God brings joy through a...

        1. Person

        2. Purpose 

        3. People

2. Trials test our faith. Three questions on the test. 

    * Do you believe that God is in control?

    * Do you believe God is good?

    * Will you wait on God by faith until that darkness becomes light?

3. Trials produce endurance. 

4. Trials lead to God's wisdom.

The Question Jesus Asked and Did Not Require an Answer

Matthew 21: 18-20

          18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

• Jesus was hungry- this shows his humanity and ability to understand our human needs. 

• the tree had the opportunity to fulfill it's obligation to Jesus in providing fruit.  It did not, and when it did not,  it withered and died. 

1. There is an opportunity for spiritual fruit in the life of every believer. 

   2 calls from God:

          1. Call to come to salvation

         2. Call to service 

2. There is an expectation of spiritual fruit in the life of every believer. 

     •Because of me being alive today, whose life is better because of it?

     •Because if my being alive today, what in the world is better because of it?

     • where's the fruit from yesterday?

3. There's an accountability for the spiritual fruit in each believers life. 

     • You will give an account of your fruit to God! 

     • Busyness is not a fruit! Don't mistake leaves for a spiritual fruit. Leaves are not the fruit, they are the leaves!

Potter’s Clay Fellowship Membership Covenant

"upon this rock I will build my church"

1. I will protect the unity of my church

     Romans 14:19

          Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

     • by acting in love toward other members

     • by refusing to gossip 

     • by following the leaders

2. I will share the responsibility of my church. 

     Luke 14:23

          And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

     • by praying for it's growth

     • by inviting the unchurched to attend 

     • by warmly welcoming those who visit 

3. I will serve the ministry of my church

     1 Peter 4:10

          As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

     • by discovering my gifts and talents 

     • by being equipped to serve by my pastors

4. I will support the testimony of my church 

     Hebrews 10:25

           Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

     • by attending faithfully 

     • by living a Godly life

     • by giving regularly 

How to Fully Surrender to God and Be Used By Him

How To Fully Surrender To God And Be Used By Him

     Isaiah 6: 8

          Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

A faith that fizzles before the finish was faulty at the first. -Adrian Rodgers

1. ASK "where", not "how" questions

     • When focusing on the how, we are doubting God! 

2. SAY "Here am I, Send me" 

3. HAVE a "Yes, God" Spirit