A Church Approved by God: Be Repentant

A Church Approved by God: Be Repentant    
Laodicea    
Revelation 3:14-22

 I. The City:
     1. Famous for black wool.
     2. Eye salve was sold for eye problems.
     3. Known for its riches and gold.
     4. Known for its hot and cold water springs.
     5. City was rebuilt after earthquake and was “better than before”.

II. The Lord: The Amen, Faithful and True, and the Source of creation.

“Amen” – (OT word for God) - The True One, the One who makes it so.

“Faithful and True” - Real, genuine, and trustworthy.

“Source of Creation” - Creator and overseer of everything.

III. The Rebuke: Come to me or you will die.

Poor - Spiritually bankrupt and empty

Naked - Exposed and shameful

Blind - Deceived and unaware

IV. The Command: Trust me and turn to me.

Hebrews 12:6,10 – “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines…. He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.”

Accept discipline - Yield to His loving correction.

Be zealous - Be passionate for Christ and his holiness.

Matthew 7:7 - “Ask and you will receive…”

2 Timothy 1:6 - “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you…”

Repent - Turning from the wrong direction and turning back to the Lord

V. The Promise: Intimate Fellowship and reigning with God

1 John 5:4-5 – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 - “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? …Do you not know that we will judge angels? …”

2 Timothy 2:12 - “If we endure, we will also reign with Him….”

Faith Sheet      

Transformation verse - Jesus said… "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."   Matthew 4:19

Main Themes        
~ The Lord Jesus is the The Amen, True and Faithful One, and the
    beginning of Creation. (Revelation 3:14)
~ God disciplines those He loves. (Hebrews 12:1-11)
~ Only God can bring to life the dead and the blind. He sends His people as
    His instruments of sight and life. (Ephesians 2:1-10)
~ God promises that all believers will eternally enjoy intimate friendship with
    Him and eternally reign with Jesus Christ. (Revelation 3:20-22)

 #1- Reviewing this Past Sunday    
A Church Approved by God: Be Repentant
Laodicea - Revelation 3:14-22

1. Read Revelation 3:14-22. Discuss the message with someone.
2. What did you learn about the Lord?
3. What contributes to a person becoming lukewarm? A family? A small
    group? A church?
4. What earthly comforts or distractions are keeping your heart from being
    passionate toward Christ?
5. Is anything or anyone keeping you from being urgent in declaring the
    Good News of Christ to other people? What will you do about it?
6. Why does God discipline those He loves? (Romans 8:28-29, Hebrews
    12:4-11)
7. How do His promises in Rev. 3:20-22 encourage you to live today?
8. If the Lord would write a letter to you and to MCC, what do you think He
    would say?

 # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday    
Following Jesus: Knowing and Following Jesus
Matthew 16:13-28

1. Read Matthew 16:13-28. What does Jesus ask? (13)
2. What answers did He receive, and what do they have in common? (14)
3. What does the Lord ask those following Him and why? (15)
4. What is the importance of correctly answering the question, “Who is
    Jesus?” (Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 5:12)
5. What is Peter’s confession, and where did the answer originate? (17)
6. Jesus then says on Peter’s confession the church will be built and have
    authority to go to all people. (18-19) What does this promise mean for a
    local church like MCC?
7. Read verses 21-28 and describe what a true follower of Christ will look
    like and evaluate where you are right now with Christ.
8. When is the last time you confessed who He is to someone else? Pray
    for us to be confident in making Him known to others.