And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom 5:3-6)

Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. (Psalm 69:6)



Monday, May 6, 2013

We were created to commune with God

After being away for two weeks it was a pleasure to return home and preach yesterday.  More an more I am concerned that Christians are losing the discipline and intimacy of prayer.  Below are my rough notes from the sermon.


We were created to commune with God

 

Here, as we glorify God and enjoy Him forever, we find our greatest pleasures.  Thus prayer as a means of communing with God is a delight.  As it is our access to God, the sinful flesh does everything it can to disrupt our embracing God.

 

Prayer

The KEY is our attitude about God.

            The Lord’s Prayer actually begins with the foundation that we have the right attitude about God, and thus ourselves. (Luke 11:1-10)

The parables and teachings of Jesus taught…

·        God listens when we ask rightly (motives, faith, holiness)  (Centurion, Luke 5:20. 7:9, 12:28)

·        God promises to bless- He does not need to be convinced or badgered (Luke 11:11-13)

·        God is not like us, no bartering- He has a love motive (Luke 18:1-8 persistent widow/unrighteous judge)

·        He delights when we pray. (Matthew 6:5-9)

 

The focus is on God and not our offering

·        Repentance is important- we must see ourselves rightly (Undeserving) (Acts 17:30, Luke 13:3-5)

·        Worship is important-see God rightly (God centered) (John 4:23  Samaritan woman at the well)

·        Power to pray is provided by the cross (Grace centered) (Matthew10:38, 1 Cor 1:17-18, Eph 2:16)

 

Heart Change-Things to be doing to proactively seek to abide and live life with zeal

·        Look for God expectantly (In all your ways acknowledge Him, every good and perfect gift is from God,)  Jas_1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

·        Have God on your heart continually. (Pray without ceasing) 2Co_12:9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

·        Praise Him and answers and in trials (James 1 count it all joy when you encounter various trials)

·        Seek His involvement and direction (Jas_1:25  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.)

·        Thanksgiving and Worship (Be in awe of God, fear and trembling) Act_2:43  And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. Heb_12:28  Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

·        Attitude  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:1-3)  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (Php 3:12-15)

·        Speech (Greet with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs)  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5:19-21)  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:14-17)