The Miracle of Greatness 9-7-97 Matthew 13:44-46

The Miracle of Greatness 9-7-97 Matthew 13:44-46

I never won anything...until Tom the turkey
usually the great experiences of life are not freebees...
they cost in in time, money, effort

a man is walking in a field and finds a treasure
surprise...moments of greatness are often a surprise opportunity
he then had to sell all that he had to buy the field...scary
he then went home to enjoy one of the life's great moments...
surprise opportunity, work put in, joy celebrated

Matt Dunlap...going for third base
surprise...I'm falling down
work put in, arrives safely at the base
joy and celebration

The miracle of greatness comes to us as surprise opportunities
They are costly
They are filled with joy
Woods Chapel has been surprised with an opportunity
the decision to go for it has been made
we are already committed to the next base
we have had a nice break, but it's time to pull together and get ready
within 3-6 months we will be breaking ground
it's time to rework our priorities and make this opportunity count
the joy will come, the celebration will be there, but there is much work to be done

two weeks ago we have talked about the fact that all of us are gifted to serve
last week we talked about the fact that if you wait to serve until you are perfect it will never happen
friends, the ball is in play and the treasure has been spotted
it is time for us to step forward in strength

today we celebrate holy communion...we remember what Jesus did for us
today we have a chance to tell him what we are willing to do for him
I want to thank you in advance for the ways that you will give back to the Lord.