Mark Batterson
- We are called to play offense. The gates of hell are defense and Jesus said, "they will not prevail."
Let God be as original with others as He was with you. - Oswald Chambers
- I'm not here to prescribe but to describe what God is dong at National.
- Seeing God change lives is why we do what we do.
1 One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost...” 2 Meanwhile, Saul and his 600 men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron... 4 To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. 5 The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. 6 “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 7 “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” 1 Samuel 14:1-7
We can't have a "better safe than sorry" attitude when it comes to faith.
- Jonathan and his armor bearer... Jonathan says in vs 7 let's go and perhaps the Lord will be with us. Here is a guy that wasn't playing not to loose.
- Jonathan's plan was difficult and daring. We need the spirit of Jonathan.
- Jonathan screamed charge when he should have screamed retreat.
- Most church leaders operate with a reverse mindset. Let's stay put...we don't need more resources we need more guts.
- The will of God is not an insurance plan it is a daring plan.
- What can keep you at the bottom of the cliff?
- If you think you don't have enough leaders. God fills vacuums. Eph. 1:23
Saul is a contrast. He is sitting under trees. He should have been fighting back instead of kicking back.
- Church is not a spectator sport. Multi-site is a reminder of that.
- The people's prayer, God do you want me to serve there or serve more here?
- Create a survey culture. Survey and see if you can find some Jonathans.
- Why would we launch multi-site is the wrong question. Why would we not launch is the right question.
- Anything less than multiplication is laziness and bad stewardship.
- What is the next step? Pray, educate and survey.
Not everybody can be a Jonathan but everybody can be a armor bearer. Our churches are full of armor bearers that will step up if Jonathans lead.
What God given dream is unfinished? What fear keeps you at the bottom of the cliff?
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