CrossPointe Core Values EXCELLENCE
Pastor Johnathan delivers a powerful sermon on excellence as a core value for Christians, continuing a series on the church's mission to "Reach, Rescue, Restore, and Release." He begins by distinguishing excellence from perfection, emphasizing that while perfection is unattainable, excellence is a worthy pursuit that honors God.
The pastor uses several scriptures to support his message, including Philippians 4:8, which encourages believers to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy. He also cites 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:23, reminding the congregation to do everything for God's glory and as if working for the Lord.
Pastor Johnathan identifies spiritual apathy as the enemy of excellence, describing it as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for the things of God. He warns that this apathy is not merely an attitude but a demonic spirit that seeks to undermine the church's effectiveness. Signs of spiritual apathy include refusing to lead spiritually at home, isolating oneself from the church community, and developing a victim mentality.
To combat spiritual apathy and grow in excellence, the pastor outlines three key strategies:
1. Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord: This involves recognizing that we live for an audience of one - God Himself.
2. Learn to truly love God's people: This requires cleaning the inside of our hearts and loving others with genuine, Christ-like love.
3. Develop an excellent prayer life: Using Daniel as an example, Pastor Johnathan emphasizes the importance of consistent, devoted prayer.
The sermon culminates with a powerful message about the "keys to the kingdom" that God entrusts to those who pursue excellence. Referencing Matthew 16:18-19, Pastor Johnathan explains that these keys represent power and authority in various areas, including forgiveness, miracles, unity, and purpose.
He challenges the congregation to actively use these keys, rather than metaphorically tossing them in a "junk drawer." The pastor concludes with an altar call, inviting people to come forward and symbolically "unlock" areas of their lives where they need to apply God's excellence and authority.
Throughout the sermon, Pastor Johnathan's tone is passionate and direct, using relatable examples and occasional humor to engage the congregation. He doesn't shy away from addressing serious issues like pornography addiction in the church, demonstrating a commitment to tackling real-world problems with Biblical truth.
The overall message encourages believers to reject mediocrity and spiritual complacency and embrace a life of excellence that glorifies God and unlocks their faith's full potential.