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)