Carver Heights Baptist Church

In Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul issues a clear “call for commitment”.  He argues us on God’s behalf to devote ourselves to God.  In light of God’s mercy, which justifies, sanctifies, and will someday glorify us – we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to Him.  We should let God’s mercy drive us to absolute commitment.  At some point we should be motivated by God’s mercy to devote and commit ourselves completely to Him.  When we take this step, we’re acknowledging Christ’s leadership in our lives.  We sacrifice our selfish desires and misguided ambitions as we strive to align ourselves with God’s will.  Once this act of commitment occurs, our talents and dreams will be surrendered to his purpose.  And the more we give ourselves to him, the more he will bless and use us.

Let’s examine the word “Commit/Commitment.  The word “Commit” means to do, perform or perpetuate.  It also means to pledge oneself to a position on an issue.  The real measure of commitment is action – it separates doers from dreamers.  Commitment is the serious promise to press on, to get up, no matter how many times you are knocked down.  If you want to get anywhere worth-while, you must be committed.

Being a Christian is having a relationship with God.  As Christians, we have a relationship with each other.  Quality relationships are founded on the rock of commitment, not on the shifting sand of feelings or emotions.  God calls us to be a people of commitment, first to Him and then to others.  As followers of Christ, the single most important commitment of our lives is to God.  Any true (and eternal) success we experience as Christians will flow from that commitment.

Another area of our call to commitment is being on time for Church service.  I want members to improve their punctuality.  I have noticed that some members come in late almost every Sunday.  They miss the praise and worship service, which is a very important part of Sunday Church Service.  You should be in the Church at 10:45, or no later than 11:00 o’clock, then you will get the full benefit of the service.  Remember that God gave us His best (Jesus); and we should give Him our best.  He does not want our leftovers.  You can get to Church on time.  All you need to do is “choose” to get here on time.  Write it down – make plans to be here on time and you will do it.  I am counting on you to start in January 2010 being on time.  Can I count on you?

I challenge every member of Carver Heights to make the following three commitments:

1.       Commitment to Personal Growth

We are called to commit ourselves as disciples.  Disciples are learners.  Make a commitment to continue to grow spirituality.  Take positive steps to do so.  Start attending Sunday School and Bible Study.  Start a Bible reading plan at home.  Set aside time each day to pray.  Read good Christian literature.  Watch some good Christian programming.  Never give up on learning.

2.       Commitment to the Local Body

Commit yourself to responsible membership.  The local church is the first level of commitment outside of our personal relationship with the Lord.  The local church with all of its imperfections is still the Lord’s major avenue through which he accomplishes his work.  The church gathers for worship, teaching and fellowship to gain power to carry out the ministry as each member is scattered to their various places of responsibility in the world.  Commitment to Carver Heights is deeper than just attendance to the worship service, but it does begin there.  But if we are really to get to know the people of our church it will be in the context of involvement in a small group, such as a Sunday School Class.  You will never truly feel a part of Carver Heights by attending the Sunday Morning Services and going home.  Get involved!!!  

Commitment to a local church also demands loyalty.  When we criticize our church to the outside community we are shooting ourselves in the foot.  Who is going to come with you to a church that you have torn down in their hearing?  You need to be loyal to the staff and workers of this church.  If you have concerns then go directly to the person concerned.  No, they are not perfect but then neither are you.  Be loyal!  Some of you need to make a commitment to get involved in the life of the church, and be faithful to the services.  Get involved in a Sunday School Class.  Get to know the other people of the church.  Invite people outside of your current circle to visit our church.  Be loyal to your church.

3.       Commitment to Ministry

Commitment to a local church means deciding on a church “home” and moving in for a permanent stay.  Commitment to the local church also means actively using the talents and gifts to serve in the various ministries of the church.  Paul reminds us in Romans 12:6 that “we have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”  Ministry means putting those gifts to work.  We need to be a part of what the church is doing not just spectators.

I Corinthians 12:4 Paul tells us, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.  (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:…..(11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He will.  We must commit ourselves to the ministry of Carver Heights and use the spiritual gifts that God has given us.

Will you make a commitment today?  If you have not committed yourself completely to Christ, then you need to begin there.  Once you have committed yourself to the Lord, will you commit yourself to personal growth; institute some practical steps to do so beginning today.  Will you commit yourself to Carver Heights.  Be in your place.  Don’t allow yourself to be distracted from being a part of this church.  Be involved.  Choose a Sunday School Class and begin attending.  Commit yourself to begin building some relationships within the church.  Be loyal.  You will never get your neighbor to visit a church that you are constantly finding fault with.

Will you make a commitment that you are going to look for opportunities to put your talents and abilities to work.  The greatest ability is availability.  Don’t wait for someone to ask you, volunteer to help.  If we all make these commitments today, Carver Heights Baptist Church will be a different place.

Let’s get ready!  Get Ready!  “We’re moving out, we’re moving up, and we’re headed for higher heights.”  I am so excited and blessed that God has blessed me with committed members who are ready, willing and committed to do the work God has called us to do.