Sermon Notes February 2004
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February 1, 2004 The Type of Church We Must Become
February 15, 2004 Among Our Lampstand
February 22, 2004 Giving Your Children to GodFebruary 1, 2004
The Type of Church We Must Become
A Spirit-sensitive church
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3
A church that worships without shame
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1
A church that hears the voice of God
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4
A church mobilized for cross-cultural evangelism
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. II Peter 3:9
A church with relational priorities
He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach Mark 3:14A church of committed spiritual warriors
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:11 – 18
A church without walls, ready to win a city
… that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21A church that gives itself away
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. I John 3:16
This sermon is adapted from Wayne Benson’s teaching notes on the 21st Century church. He is the president of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.Among our Lampstand
February 15, 2004Revelation 2:12-20
The Lord is with His churches
the seven lampstands are the seven churches
Revelation 1:20among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,”
Revelation 1:12The Lord knows exactly what is going on
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. Revelation 1:14To the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 the Lord
says, “I know…”
The Lord has something to say to us
out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword
Revelation 1:16the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword Hebrews 4:12
To the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 the Lord
also says, “Nevertheless, I have this against you…”
Evaluating where we have been· Evangelism
· Discipleship
· Fellowship
· Ministry
· Worship
Projecting where we are going· Youth ministry vision
· Build healthy relationships
· A new facility
· Our spiritual vitalitySunday February 22, 2004
Giving Your Children to God
Judges 13
Abraham gave his miracle son completely over to God on an altar of sacrifice
Genesis 22:1 - 18Hannah presented her only child to the priest, Eli, for lifelong service in the temple of God I Samuel 1:21 – 28
Zecharaiah and Elizabeth surrendered their son to the plan of God by naming him John Luke 1:57 – 66
Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the Lord in the temple according to Jewish religious tradition Luke 2:22 - 24
When you give your child to God you are· Confirming your love
anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me Matthew 10:37
· Clarifying ownership
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. Psalm 127:3
God gives them to us
We accept stewardship of their life
We receive them with the intent of releasing them· Committing to raise them in godliness
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
What children say provokes them to anger· Allowing my brother and sister to put me down
· Bringing up old mistakes from the past
· Teasing excessively.
· Not noticing my accomplishments.
· Being disciplined in harshness and anger.
· Not being praise and appreciated.
· Getting my hopes up to do something as a family and then not following through.
· Raising their voices to each other.
· Using foul language when they are upset with me.
· Saying “no” without giving a reason.
Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped … and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:14 - 15