“Making Change” challenged us on many levels. We gained valuable insight into “Whole-Life Stewardship”, God’s protection, provision and expectations.  Having learned those things, it’s very important that we actually apply those truths by taking very real, concrete steps-by actually “making changes” in our daily lives and habits.  Without this step, we’ve only learned more truth that we’ll do nothing with. For the Kingdom Christian, this is unnacceptable.

On Sunday we talked about the habits that Kingdom Christians practice regularly. Here they are:

1.  I Commit to a Daily Time with God’s Word.   “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.   And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

“Is this an area in which I need to improve?”  ”Am I committed to spending time with God’s Word, so that I can know His will and be able to be what my King wants me to be?”   Take a moment and commit to taking this concrete action step, so you’ll grow spiritually this year!

2. I Commit to Daily Prayer   ”If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  (John 15:7)

“Is my prayer life consistent with the fact that I say I truly trust God to give me the wisdom, provision and protection to do His will this day?”   If we ever expect to accomplish our God-given mission as a church family-to help thousands of people BELIEVE on Jesus, CONNECT with other Christians in Small Groups, GROW into Christian maturity, SERVE others on a ministry team in the church and SHARE the gospel of Jesus Christ with others throughout a lost world,  we’re going to have to begin praying more. Will you commit to increased prayer?  If so, make that commitment right now.

3.  I Commit to Tithing to God.   “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:33

For the Kingdom Christian, it’s not about the percentage I’m “commanded” to give to God because he or she is practicing “Whole-Life” stewardship.  We must remember: God owns it all.   Because God owns it all, I don’t.   I am simply the manager of God’s things.  “What does my giving reflect concerning my trust in and commitment to the Lordship of Christ?”  Tithing is simply the indication that that’s true in our lives. If I’m not willing to give the first ten percent of what I make to God, how can I say that I’ve given it all to God?

4.  I Commit to Being Part of Committed Team for God.  (Fellowship with Believers in a Small Group)                             “ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35

That’s fellowship-true fellowship.  “Am I truly engaged in my church family, playing my part, doing my share and helping bear the burdens of those on my team?” If not, make sure you take a moment and today, right now, commit yourself to this habit for the coming year.

This past Sunday I gave out CCC Life Commitment Cards. Hundreds of people committed to these habits and to the kingdom of God having first priority in their lives.  They even signed the backside of the card to show how serious they are. How about you?  If you didn’t get a card Sunday, or you’ve thought about it and want one now, please contact JenniferM@ChristCommunity.cc and we’ll send you one immediatly, so you can do your part.  If you’ll commit to the things we’ve discussed, sign it and get it back to me, I’ll do the following:

1.  I’m going to sign it with you and I’m going to pray for you and your commitment and we’re going to have it laminated and send it back to you so you can carry it with you and remind yourself of the commitment that you’ve made.

2.  I’m going to give your name to a staff member.   Hundreds of people signed their card, committing to these basic habits.  Each one of those people will be assigned to a staff member.  Then that staff member is to pray for that person for the entire year.  We’ll all have our lists.  You’ll be given a staff prayer partner.

3.  We’re going to follow-up and help you keep the commitments by sending you some materials and information about Growing in Christ, Bible Study, Prayer, etc.  We won’t mail these to everybody, just to the people who have made the spiritual growth commitment.

I encourage you to take some “concrete steps” — steps that ARE the changes God laid on your heart during this series. May our lives and our church never be the same as together we make changes and re-commit to the King’s agenda rather than our own.

Committed to His Lordship,

Jack Homesley