Sunday, October 24, 2004

Sermon Notes; October 24, 2004

Crossroads Bible Church; Bellevue, Washington
Rev. Jayson Turner (filling in for Dr. Jerry Mitchell)
"A Legitimate Concern"

Colossians 2:1-5

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

Hand written notes taken during sermon:
  • If the Church begins to bicker amongst itself it will forget about the common enemy (Satan)
  • We NEED to be a church committed to prayer
  • Are we laboring to call upon the powers of Heaven for help?
  • If we don't use prayer we will lack the strength for battle (with the enemy, Satan)
  • The strength of the Church depends on prayer
  • The 2nd place strength is derived is a commitment of the Church to Biblical Unity
  • The Church finds strength in Unity and a tightly woven relationship with each other
  • True Unity comes from sound doctrine of Christ; a clear understanding of who Jesus is - not a "feel good tolerance".
  • When you are confronted with persuasive, yet false arguments you can stand against it with sound doctrine
  • Unity is something costly & precious; it is paid for by the bloodshed on Christ's cross
  • Unity is refreshing, life giving; it is a place where people care & love each other unconditionally. (Psalms 133)
Referenced passages:
  1. Acts 20:28
  2. John 15:13
  3. 2 Corinthians 11:27
  4. 1 Peter 5:8
  5. Colossians 1:9
  6. Colossians 4:12
  7. Ezekiel 3:8-9
  8. James 5:16
  9. Psalm 133
  10. Exodus 30 (recipe for oil in Psalm 133)