The VISION of Our Church
“I always remind leaders that vision leaks… Effective leaders
are always monitoring vision leakage.” Bill Hybels
L oving One Another (Jn. 13:34-35)
One of the primary characteristics of the End Times will be spiritual ____________________. (Mt. 24:10-12) Deception and false teaching will cause “_______ people’s love to grow cold.” (Mt. 24:12) 2 Timothy 3:1-5 reveals that in the “last days” people’s love will be ______________. i.e. self, money, pleasure Believers are __________ about the pitfalls of forsaking the assembling together, because by it, we stimulate one another to ________ and good deeds. (Heb. 10:23-25) The highest & most distinguishing characteristic of a true believer in Jesus Christ is ________. (Jn. 13:34-35) The _______ of our instruction is to be love. (1 Tim. 1:5)
P roclaiming the Truth (1 Tim. 3:14-15)
Romans 1 reveals that God’s wrath is poured out upon sinful man because he ____________ the truth and he has ex-changed the truth of God for a ______. (Rom. 1:18,25) Absolute truth is not ___________ in our fallen world. The Church of Jesus Christ is to be “a pillar and support of the Truth.” (1 Tim. 3:15) i.e. _______________ Pastors & church leaders are commanded to handle God’s Truth ______________. (2 Tim. 2:15) i.e. AWANA Some of Paul’s last words to Timothy were to “Preach the Word” whether “in season or ____ ___ season” because the time will come when _______ will not endure sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:2-4) i.e. “turn away… turn aside”
“Biblical preaching is a declaration of war on the kingdom
of darkness.” Bruce Mawhinney
God’s Word, the Bible is the “___________ authority by which _______ realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be __________.”
QUESTION: Do you agree?
Practical Application:
- Put it On – Love (Col. 3:14; 1 Pet. 4:7)
- Eat it Up – Sound Doctrine (1 Tim. 4:1, 6, 16)
- Hold it Tight – Truth (2 Tim. 2:15; 4:2-4)
Appointments with God
“Real Help for Real Life”
Monday, September 20th
Meditate upon the Threats of the Last Days:
- Matthew 24:4-14
Do you see “signs” of the End Times? Which ones are most evident? Which ones are more subtle? Pray for discernment & that your love will not grow cold.
Tuesday, September 21st
Meditate upon our Need for Assembling Together:
- Hebrews 10:23-25
Notice how important encouragement is as “the day is drawing near.” Pray for one believer you know who has been “forsaking the assembling together” and contact them so as to love & encourage them.
Wednesday, September 22nd
Meditate upon the Essence of God’s Love:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Which characteristic of love do you most need in your life today? Pray that God would give you more of the fruit of Love (Gal. 5:22-23).
Thursday, September 23rd
Meditate upon the Deception in the Last Days:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10
Note the words “all the deception”(v. 10). Pray for a greater “love of the Truth” among God’s people so that the church is able to recognize deception.
Friday, September 24th
Meditate upon our Handling of God’s Word:
- 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 1:9
Do you know what AWANA stands for? How is it related to this verse? Pray for yourself and the pastors & elders of God’s Church to handle the Truth Accurately & to exhort in sound doctrine!!
Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 25-26
Meditate upon the Urgency of the Hour:
- 2 Timothy 2:1-5
Do you think “the time” has come when people no longer endure “sound doctrine?” How do you know? Pray for boldness & courage to declare God’s Truth even when people don’t want to hear.
Real HELP for Real Life (Luke 4:11-21)
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/31-Real-HELP-for-Real-Life-Luke-4_11-21.mp3|titles=Real HELP for Real Life (Luke 4:11-21)]Podcast: Play in new window | Download