GOD SAYS: "BE THERE!"

"BE THERE"
Ex 24: 12

Intro:
At some point in your life, you've more than likely been guilty of "zoning out." Sure you have. It's that moment in life when someone is trying to tell you something, or someone is doing something and they want you to see it, but you just are not there with them. Well, in Exodus 24: 12, God commands Moses to come up to the Mountain to receive the 10 commandments. However, he says something strange to Moses. He tells him, "Come up to me on the mountain and BE THERE." What does this mean? Why would god say this?
Tonight, I want to talk to you about the relationships in your life. I want to help you to see that when we divide our attention, no one wins. Our family suffers, our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer, and even our relationship with God will be strained.
Tonight, we want to examine what it means to "BE THERE." I would like to lead you in discovering those areas in your life in which you need to be present. Not just in body, but in mind also.

I BE THERE FOR YOUR FAMILY

1. It is amazing to consider how far the family has fallen.
A. 40% of all first marriages end in divorce.
B. 60% of second marriages end in divorce.
C. 82% of couples reach their 5th year.
D. 62% reach their 10th, 52% reach their 15th, 33% reach their 25th, 20% reach their 35th, and only 5% reach their 50th.
2. However, it's not just marriage that has taken a hit, but also the safety and protection of our children that has been decimated.
A. In 1999, an estimated 3,244,000 cases of Child abuse were reported in the U.S.
B. 61% of those cases reported were related to child neglect.
C. In this country alone, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of child abuse cases over the last 10 years.
3. If we hope to change this trend, we must be there, in body and in mind.
A. Acts 18: 26 be there for the spouse working hard to make a difference!
B. Jn 19: 25 be there for the child or parent facing hard times!
C. Job 2: 11 be there for the friend who believes all hope is gone!

II BE THERE FOR YOUR BRETHREN

1. There are three ways in which we should be there for our brothers and sisters.
A. Physically
B. Emotionally
C. Spiritually
2. There is only one way that we can be there physically.
A. We must go to them in body.
B. Ro 1: 9-10 Paul longed to go to the brethren who were at Rome.
C. Jn 11: 7-11 despite the threat of imprisonment, Christ went to his friends.
3. There is also a need for emotional comfort.
A. John 11 Christ came to Martha and Mary in times of sadness.
B. Gal 6: 2 we should be there to bear the burdens of a brother or sister.
4. Most importantly however, we should be there spiritually.
A. Gal 1: 1-9 what would have happened if Paul had not gone to the Galatians?
B. 2Sa 12: 1-4 what would have happened if Nathan had not gone to David?
C. Gal 6: 1 what will happen if you don't go to a brother or sister?

III BE THERE FOR THE LORD

1. There are TWO ways in which we should be there for God.
A. We should be there with our whole heart.
B. We should be there in person.
2. We should be there with our whole heart because God sees straight to the heart of man.
A. Heb 4: 13 our thoughts, our dreams, and our hearts are naked before him!
B. 2Sa 16: 7 the first and most important way that we must be there is with our whole heart.
3. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of personal attendance.
A. Ex 24 12 God did require Moses to be there in body.
B. Heb 10: 24-25 it's not just for each other that we come together, but it's also for God.
4. The Lord also requires our full presents in doing his work.
A. Acts 2: 1-39 suppose Peter had decided not to attend the assembly at Pentecost. How many lives wouldn't have been changed?
B. Acts 14: 15 if Paul and Barnabas hadn't been paying attention, think of the bad turn the church might have taken.
C. Think of the difference that you make when you are there for the Lord in heart, body, and spirit!