June 8, 2008 Sermon Notes

Pastor Flick – June 8, 2008 (10:45 service)
“One Prayer for the Church”
One Prayer series, part two

“… we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” -Colossians 1:9

God, may we SINCERELY and HAPPILY ask what YOU want.

LEARNING FROM LAODICEA (Revelation 3:14-22)

• Being lukewarm has an EXTREME consequence.
  “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” –Revelation 3:16
• God does not say try HARDER.
  “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” –Revelation 3:19
• We do CRAZY things when we are in love.
  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with Him, and he with Me.” –Revelation 3:20
• Joyful SURRENDER has incredible rewards.
  “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” –Revelation 3:21

 

A morning thought…

God prepared for us the church of Jesus Christ—the ecclesia—the called-out ones who have responded to the invitation to accept His love and to live a life worthy of His high calling. The church has gathered from every climate, language, skin color, political persuasion, and nationality.

Even though we have different opinions, different views, different degrees of conviction and doubt, and different histories, yet we are one in Jesus Christ. Even though we have differing skills, talents, vocations, and hobbies, we can still use them all for the welfare of others and to the glory of God.

The doors of the church remain open to all—no matter how hurting, unbelieving, doubting, struggling—offering grace and healing to both body and soul. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:2-6).

–George R. Skramstad, 2008