1.We stop loving Jesus the most.
1.Revelation 2:4
1.The problem: Their lives were clogged with so many other things, until Jesus was no longer first.
2.Action needed: Jesus said, stop everything else from pushing me out, Go back to your original settings; and love the Lord Your God with all you are.
2.We buy into Liberalism
1.Revelation 2:14-15
1.The Problem: they were not being obedient to the clear commands of Christ.
2.Action needed: Jesus reports that what is needed is foe them to repent of contamination by the world; and draw near to God.
3.We Stop Seperating Ourselves from Sin
1.Revelation 2:19-20
1.The Problem: the saints at Thyatira were tolerating pleasure dominated lives. If you are only living for pleasure, and pleasure dominates your decisions, then you are feeding the lists of your flesh.
2.Action Needed: Avoid a pleasure dominated life style.
4.We No Longer Over Flow with His Spirit
1.Revelation 3:1
1.Action Needed: Jesus offers overflowing Spirit filled loves. But to be filled we must first empty what is already there in our lives.
The True Disciple Jesus is Looking For
Matthew 16:21-24
A true disciple of Christ is:
1.One who is demonstrating a strong personal desire for Christ.
2.One who is demonstrating they have said no to self.
1.Selfishness- meeting my needs at someone else's expense.
2.Self Sufficiency- when we think we don't need anyone, not even God.
3.Self Will- when I insist on my way regardless of what God requires.
3.One who is demonstrating their unwavering loyalty.
4.One who is demonstrating their total obedience.
1.It is a continuous process
2.Suffering doesn't matter
Commitment
Acts 2:42
(42)And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer.
•Make your commitments where you please, nail them down where you live.
How did Peter nail down commitments in his life?
1.Peter made the decision to restore his fellowship with Christ.
2.Peter made the to gather with other followers of Christ.
3.Peter allowed the Holy Spirit to fill his life.
4.Peter made the decision to continue walking in his commitment.
I Can Only Imagine: The Greatness Of What Is To Come
Church Is Serious Business
1 Corinthians 2:9
•Cyprian: " no one can have God as his Father who does not have the church as his mother."
•Augustine: "Look, mother church is in labor; see, she is groaning in trivial to give birth to you."
Ephesians 5:25-27
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the Church and Gave himself for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. 27 He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless.
1.If Sincerely Loved the Church
1.We get on board
2.It would cut down on a ton of gossip & complaining.
3.We'd never have to worry about money.
2.If We Sacrificially Loved the Church
3.If We Patiently Loved the Church
4.If We Forgivingly Loved the Church
Where Do You Find Joy?
John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
reference verse:
John 15:1-5
1.Place
1.Place of absolute dependence
1.Without Him, we can do nothing.
2.Place of absolute security
1.As long as the vine is alive, the branch will live.
2.Peacefulness
1.Questions for the branch
1.How are you doing?
2.Why are you so peaceful?
3.How do you do this?
2.Circumstances can not take away the joy provided from abiding in the vine.
3.Productivity (v8)
1.How do you know if you're walking in faith by Christ?
1.Your life will be bearing fruit
4.Purpose
1.To glorify the Father