CHOSEN FOR GREATNESS
“Genesis 12:1-3”
INTRODUCTION:
(1.)In order for the caterpillar to emerge into a butterfly (The
Promise), it first enters the cocoon (The Process).
-We want the promise (SALVATION FOR ALL Rom.10:13) of
God WITHOUT going through the process.
(2.)Salvation for ALL at NRS requires PREPARATION.
-Luke 15:11-32 The father met the son halfway.
*We want God to add to the church but we don’t want to
meet people halfway because it makes us uncomfortable.
-Luke 15:11-32 The father fixes up what he already has for
the son (ring, robe, fatted calf).
*Preparation requires us to fix up what we already have
for those coming!
CHOSEN FOR GREATNESS
“Genesis 12:1-3”
INTRODUCTION:
(3.)The process of God adding FRUIT/SOULS to the
church is “Addition by Subtraction” (John 15:1-2).
-God subtracts/purges those who aren’t bearing
fruit/winning souls to his kingdom.
-God subtracts/prunes those who are bearing
fruit/winning souls to bear more fruit.
(4.)When the caterpillar sees what it can become (a
butterfly), it doesn’t settle for being a caterpillar.
-When NRS sees what we can become, we won’t settle
for where we are.
CHOSEN FOR GREATNESS
“Genesis 12:1-3”
BODY:
(A.)VS.1 God tells Abram to get out of his country, away
for his kindred, and away from his father’s house.
-Greatness requires us to leave the familiar (NOT
DOCTRINE but certain things that may be dear but are
no longer effective).
(B.)VS.1 God tells Abram to go to a land that I WILL
SHOW YOU (future tense).
-Leaving the familiar requires faith (God doesn’t show
us the where until we first leave).
CHOSEN FOR GREATNESS
“Genesis 12:1-3”
BODY:
(C.)VS.2 God tells Abram that I will make the a great nation;
this requires Abram to have children.
-Abram’s wife, Sarai, is barren.
*God uses impossible situations to make us great!
*For NRS, this is 1 Church 4 Generation (serving every
generation is only possible with God).
(D.)VS.2-3 God promises to bless Abram to be a blessing to
the entire world.
-Salvation/Jesus came through Abram’s lineage.
*God is making us great to bless others (the community).
CHOSEN FOR GREATNESS
“Genesis 12:1-3”
CLOSE:
(1.)Abram never asked to be great.
-VS.2 God chooses Abram to be great.
*Who would ask for greatness knowing that the
process is painful?
*God chose NRS for greatness; WE MUST NOT FIGHT
THE PROCESS BUT YIELD TO IT!