Today I want to challenge our staff, our board of deacons, and our department heads...

 ...to make a commitment to Jesus to be “All in!” This is borrowed from Mark Batterson’s book of the same name.  I believe in light of what is happening in our world and with the soon coming of Christ, that it is time for all of us to give our all to Jesus. Obviously the devil is not playing games and neither should the church be. Matthew 16:24‑26 (NLT)  “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” The disciples found out how serious Jesus was about laying their lives for Him. You have heard me say many times the word in Acts 1:8 that says, “you shall be My witnesses” is actually translated into the word “martyrs.”  All of the disciples died a martyr’s death except John and obviously, they tried to kill him by placing him in boiling oil. Being “All in” must come with a heartfelt commitment.

Though the gospel may not cost us anything...it demands everything! Being born again is not just our escape from hell but it is our call to lay down our lives every day. Paul said I die daily. We are saved by grace but we are called to follow Jesus giving all that we are and hope to be to Him. God has pretty good promises for those who follow Him with all their hearts...here is one.  Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)   “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.” Sounds like selling out to God is a good deal for us...it is the best deal by far. Sometimes we think we are sacrificing so much but is it really a sacrifice if we get more than we give. I think not!

I am challenging all of us to be “All In” for the One (Jesus) Who has given His all.

1. I am asking you to pray and seek God like never before!

2. I am asking you to love like never before those to whom you minister!

3. I am asking you to prepare...to study the Word with all diligence like never before!

4. I am asking you to give like never before...your tithe and missions!

5. I am asking you to be faithful to God’s House and to be an example to others!

6. I am asking you to love God with all your heart and soul and others as yourself!

7. I am asking you to be “All in” for the One Who gave it all for you!