Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
b. Not that physical needs shouldn’t be met
1) But the emphasis should be on getting the message out
2) Rather than on the upkeep of the facilities
c. Something is wrong if...
1) We get more worked up over the lack of air-conditioning than lost souls
2) The “business meeting” of the church spends more time over physical matters than
spiritual matters (what is the true “business” of the church anyway?)
-- Are we like the church in Laodicea? If so, we would be better off materially poor
and spiritually rich like the church in Smyrna - cf. Re 2:8-9
B. THROUGH SHOWING PREFERENCE...
1. By showing preference in our efforts to saving souls
2. God wants all to be saved - 1 Ti 2:3-6
3. God is no respecter of persons, not should we be - cf. Ac 10:28-29,34-35
4. We should not show preference...
a. On the basis of social distinctions - cf. Ja 2:1-9
b. On the basis of racial distinctions - cf. Co 3:10-11
-- Are we selective in sharing of the gospel? Or do we try to preach the gospel to
every creature? - Mk 16:15
CONCLUSION
1. What kind of “lifesaving station” are we?
a. One that is faithfully fulfilling its mission?
b. One that is basking in its heritage and former reputation?
-- May the parable of the lifesaving station remind us of the folly of being the latter
2. We have been given a noble mission...
a. One that warrants a frequent reminder
b. One worthy of being “stirred up” from time to time - cf. He 10:24
3. Sadly, many do not feel compelled to proclaim the mercy of God...
a. Perhaps it is for the same reason many do not grow
b. They have forgotten they were purged from their sins - cf. 2 Pe 1:9
May God’s grace and mercy shown toward us compel us to be active in sharing the same grace and
mercy to others. This we can do by proclaiming the gospel of Christ! - cf. Mk 16:15-16
Topical Sermons 255