Heart for the House - Part 5 - A Heart for the House Builds the House
October 6, 2024 • Pastor Zac Elliott • Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 36, 1 Chronicles 29
This is Part 5 of "Heart for the House," our series at Fusion Christian Church on growing and maintaining a heart that is passionate about God's people, the church. In this message, Pastor Zac teaches about the importance of building a place of worship by examining how it was done in the bible. He also makes an important announcement about future plans for Fusion Christian Church.
As our church looks forward to purchasing a building, getting ready for that significant cost must be a priority for us. This sermon follows two stories in scripture about the construction of God's house and the lessons we learn from them. To begin, we ask the question: what does it take to get ready?
To build the house, we must give from the heart.
The first story is the building of the tabernacle of Moses. In this story, we see that God's people offer their own treasures to the building of God's house. God tells Moses to collect whatever is on the heart of the people to give, and they give so much that Moses has to stop collecting donations. God had richly provided for the Israelites when they left Egypt, and the people gave those riches right back to God for the building of His house.
To build the house, we must give creatively.
Some of the things given by the people may seem odd to us, but there is more which we can offer to God than a lump sum. Other material possessions can be offered to God as well, and God can use what we offer Him.
To build the house, we must give willingly from what we have.
It is not for us to demand from God's people, but it is more blessed to give than to receive. God desires that we choose to give out of love for Him and His house. We should desire to give, not do so merely out of obligation.
To build the house, we must also give of our God-given skill.
Just as described when Moses built the tabernacle, many skilled workers from God's people contributed to the construction. What skills do you have that can help?
To build the house, we must give as an example to others.
David set the example for his people by giving his personal treasury and asking the people to do likewise. David knew that if he could not build the house, it was his job to ensure the project was ready for his son to carry out. How can you set an example with your generosity?
To build the house, we give to the Lord.
Ultimately, if God is not involved, our plans will fail. We must remember to keep God at the center at all times.
Heart for the House - Part 4 - Maintaining Unity
September 29, 2024 • Pastor Matt Moore • Matthew 5:14–16, Acts 4:32—5:11, Ephesians 4:1–6, 1 Corinthians 12:20, Colossians 3:12–14
This is Part 4 of "Heart for the House," our series at Fusion Christian Church on growing and maintaining a heart that is passionate about God's people, the church. In this message, Pastor Matt teaches us four elements to a heart for the house.
Unity
The first element is that a heart for the house has unity. If we are not unified, we will never be effective in ministry. We must avoid divisions in the church so that we might be prepared for the work God has prepared for us to do. This also means we must speak the truth in love and not avoid confrontation.
No Gossip
The second element is that a heart for the house refuses to gossip. As Christians, our job is not only to refuse to participate in gossip, but to put an end to it when we hear it. We must encourage each other to speak directly to those with whom we have disagreements rather than gossiping to others about our problems with them. Few things breed disunity and destroy churches faster than gossip does.
Love One Another
The third element is that hearts for the house love one another. We don't have to like everyone, but we do have to love everyone. Love is an act of the will that aims for the good of others. This can be done regardless of our feelings towards another person. When we demonstrate love for each other, this becomes a witness for unbelievers. When we love one another, we will...
Shine in this Dark World
The fourth element is that a heart for the house shines in this dark world. As Jesus described it, the church is a city on a hill and a light for all to see. By persevering through trials and doing so without complaining, we demonstrate the hope we have in Jesus.
Finally, our mission is offensive: we will build God's church on the confession of Jesus as the Christ and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!
Heart for the House - Part 3 - What does it take to have a Heart for the House?
September 22, 2024 • Pastor Zac Elliott • Luke 14:15–24
This is Part 3 of "Heart for the House," our series at Fusion Christian Church on growing and maintaining a heart that is passionate about God's people, the church. In this part, Pastor Zac tells us what it takes to have a heart for the house. Through Jesus' parable of the Great Banquet, we learn how to stop making excuses and bring others to the party.
A Heart for the House Makes No Excuses
The first lesson we pull from the parable is that many people make excuses which get in the way of their heart for the house. Here are some excuses we see from people in the parable:
"I've got too many things going on." Some people have made many commitments, prioritizing them over the needs of God's house. Ask yourself if you have made too many commitments and let them get in the way of serving God and your church family.
"I'm too busy with work." Often, we let work dominate our lives. While it is important to ensure that your family is provided for, don't let your work fill your life too full. Leave room for yourself to do God's work too.
"I've got too many family commitments." Family is important, but if we are to best serve our families, we must maintain godly priorities. Further, training your family in the importance of serving the Lord is essential to their spiritual growth. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." -Joshua 24:15.
A Heart for the House Never Comes Alone
The second lesson we pull from the parable is that God's servants don't come to the banquet alone. It is our responsibility and our duty to invite others, bringing them with us into the house of God. As the parable says, we must go out into the countryside and bring in anyone we can find so that God's house will be full. It is God's ardent desire that his house be filled, and he has tasked us with that mission. Let us invite everyone we can so that we complete the command God has given us!
Heart for the House - Part 2 - A Heart for the House Loves Godly Community
September 15, 2024 • Pastor Zac Elliott • Acts 2:41–47
This is Part 2 of "Heart for the House," our series at Fusion Christian Church on growing and maintaining a heart that is passionate about God's people, the church. In this message, Pastor Zac reads through the description of the beginning of the church from Acts chapter 2. From this passage, he pulls several truths about the importance of being in a godly community.
To begin with: what does it look like when we love godly community?
We love to study God's word together.
-The early church was committed to the apostles' teaching (preserved for us in scripture), having both leaders who loved to teach and a people who loved to learn. We should be the same way: excited to open and learn the word of God.
We love building relationships with other believers
-The early church was devoted to fellowship, which is a supernatural bond that can only be shared with other believers. This fellowship is what brings unity within the body of Christ. In order to maintain fellowship, we must love one another.
We love sharing meals and the Lord's Supper
-The early church met together regularly in homes, breaking bread together and partaking in communion. Eating together helps foster a strong sense of community. The early church also maintained a spiritual element in their meetings by taking communion. This practice of keeping Jesus at the center of our meetings is crucial to the health and unity of the church.
We love prayer
-An active prayer life being central to the health of both individual Christians and congregations, every believer should be diligent to pray continually.
We encourage all Christians to commit to God's word, to prayer, and to fellowship, believing that we will see miracles, generosity will become a way of life, faithfulness to God's house will increase, small groups will become a priority, and, crucially, we will share our faith and grow God's kingdom.
Do you love God's word? Do you love people? Do you love fellowship? Do you love prayer?
Heart for the House - Part 1 - A Heart for the House Brings Its Best
September 8, 2024 • Pastor Zac Elliott • Genesis 4:2–9, 1 John 3:12, Ephesians 5:25–27
This is Part 1 of "Heart for the House," our series at Fusion Christian Church on growing and maintaining a heart that is passionate about God's people, the church. In the opening sermon for this series, Pastor Zac walks through the first example of worship we have in scripture, the story of Cain and Abel. He explains what the difference is between Cain and Abel in terms of attitude and behavior and encourages us to keep an attitude like Abel, which desires to give the best to God and make sacrifices for and to Him.
Key Question: How can I have a heart for the house?
Main Points:
A heart for the house brings its best to God
-Don't just give what is convenient for you. God desires a sacrifice from us. If it doesn't cost you anything, it isn't a sacrifice.
A heart for the house loves what is good.
-Like Abel, we should love what is good and hate what is evil. If we love God, we will also love the things which God loves.
A heart for the house walks in obedience.
-God told Cain, "You will be accepted if you do what is right," but Cain became bitter and hated his brother, choosing instead to murder him out of jealousy.
A heart for the house comes before God in faith.
-At Fusion Christian Church, we teach that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9. Only by coming humbly before God, believing in the savior, can we be saved.
-Will you choose to live like Cain and rebel against God? Or will you live like Abel and do God's will in faith?
