PurposeWhy are we here?

I. The Theme of our purpose A. To show a difference in our circle of influence B. To deliver a message of the future C. To direct them to the help they need

II. The Threat to our purpose A. A dullness to the believers of Christ

B. A danger to the religious crowds power

III. The Transcending of our purpose

A. Going beyond our demographicsB. Making connection among our

diversityC. Realizing our directive

More PurposesWhy are we here?

John 12:23-34

IV. The Technique to our purpose

A. To glorify him

for his death

(Joh 12:23) And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son

of man should be glorified.

(Joh 12:24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the

ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

(Joh 2:4) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet

come.

(Joh 7:30) Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was

not yet come.

(Joh 8:20) These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he

taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour

was not yet come.

(1Co 1:18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish

foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

(Gal 6:14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the

cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

B. To die to our self

(Joh 12:24) Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the

ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

(Joh 12:25) He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this

world shall keep it unto life eternal.

(Gal 5:24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

(Gal 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and

the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son

of God…

(1Co 15:31) I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ

Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

C. Following

his directions

(Joh 12:26) If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

D. Having a determination during

trouble

(Joh 12:27) Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me

from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

(2Co 12:7-9) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace

is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory

in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

E. Directing our prays

toward God

(Joh 12:28) Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will

glorify it again.

• Nielsen Family Survey states that an average American watches television 5 hrs a day

• The average cell phone user uses around 459 minutes per month (15 mins a day)

• The average Christian prays for only 10 mins a day

V. The Translating of our purpose

A. Translating

the demonstration of God in our life

(Joh 12:28-30) Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will

glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for

your sakes.

(1Pe 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:

and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness

and fear:

B. Translate

the drawing of his Spirit

(Joh 12:32) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men

unto me.