|
Introduction
I. Probably few of you recognize the name Terah.
A. He was Abram’s father, and one who journeyed with him from Ur.
B. However, there is a reason we don’t think of Terah.
II. Every Christian is on a similar journey to Canaan’s Land (Hebrews 13:14).
Discussion
I. As A Christian Pilgrim, Don’t Stop In Haran—Halfway To Heaven.
A. God has placed each of us on a grand pilgrimage.
B. Many start out with amazing zeal and make real progress, before stopping somewhere along the way.
C. Certainly a good beginning is essential (John 3:3-5).
II. As A Christian Worker, Don’t Stop In Haran—Halfway To Your Goals.
A. Most of us had very high expectations when we were baptized.
B. Many of us occasionally reaffirm goals.
C. But along the way some of our high ambitions get stuck in Haran.
D. So what now; stay in Haran?
E. Success comes in completion, not starting (Ecclesiastes 7:8).
III. As A New Creature In Christ, Don’t Stop In Haran—Halfway To Maturity.
A. Staying half-grown spiritually is as unnatural as reaching a half-grown physical state and maturing no further (Ephesians 4:11-16).
B. Many never develop deep spiritual understanding (Colossians 3:16), obvious abundance of fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and sacrificial love beyond one’s own family (1 John 3:16).
C. God made you a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
D. Some in the early church were faulted because they should have been able to handle strong meat, but were instead still bottle-fed babies (Hebrews 5:11-14).
E. Simply attending church services isn’t enough.
IV. As A Saint, Don’t Stop In Haran—Halfway To Holiness.
A. A saint is one who has been sanctified, and it refers to all Christians (1 Corinthians 1:2).
B. A Christian whose holiness only measures halfway to the biblical standard is unattractive.
C. Jesus looks for our conversion to be complete and lasting.
V. As A Church Member, Don’t Stop In Haran—Halfway To Your Congregation’s Potential.
A. God wants His church planted in communities all over the world (Mark 16:15).
B. A half-built church is about as useful as Nehemiah’s half-built wall (Nehemiah 4:6 & 16).
C. Some congregations believe their best years are behind them.
D. Every congregation needs to look toward the future.
Conclusion
I. Haran was only halfway to the Promised Land.
II. You are somewhere on the way to the Promised Land now.
|
