June 7, 2015 Dr. Jim Cecy
Greater Things We Will Do John 14:12-13 Introduction: Our Joint Kingdom Adventure: Maple Avenue + Palm Avenue = Campus Bible Church—One Church in Two Locations “Campus Bible Church is a united family of Christ-centered, Bible-believing, globally-minded, loving and obedient followers of Jesus Christ, linking together to make a difference for Christ in our world.” John 14:12-13 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
I. Our Privileges as Disciples Privilege #1 We have the honor of doing great works for Christ. “Truly, truly, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also…” (John 14:12a) We are called to do HIS work in our midst! Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” “Those who believe in Me are to do ‘the work that I do.’” John 9:39 “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see...” John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus came to open people’s eyes and help them to enjoy abundant life. On this first anniversary of our joint kingdom adventure, I am asking each of us... • to renew our calling to present the true Gospel. • to bear witness of a salvation that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ alone. • to pray to the Lord of the Harvest...as we reach out to Our Families • Our Neighborhoods • Our Workplace/Schools • Our City • Our State • Our Nation • Our World
Privilege #2 We have the honor of doing even greater works than Christ. John 14:12b “...and greater works than these will he do; because I go to the Father.” The earthly ministry of Jesus Christ was actually very limited... • Consider the Day of Pentecost... • Consider the impact of all the Christian preachers and missionaries since... • Consider the impact of the written word of God from the time it’s printing... • Consider the broader influences of media (books/radio/TV/internet) Billions are being told about the love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ...and we get to be a part of that greater work. So what are those greater works we are asking for His power to do? cf. Vision 2015 Weekend: “Following the Shepherd in 2015” We are making progress... What’s new? Vision is the ability to clearly see the open doors of opportunity available “Attempt something so impossible that unless God is in it, it’s doomed to failure.” (John Haggai)
II. His Conditions For Our Success John 14:13 “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do...” We need to start ON OUR KNEES...praying to the Lord of the Harvest — making sure that we are doing only that which He wants us to do. Why? “...so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13)
Concluding Challenge: GREATER things are yet to come...
© 2015 Dr. James M. Cecy, Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com