Our Refuge - Part 1: A Sermon by Dr Robert B Thompson

Описание: This sermon is part of a series of sermons by Dr. Thompson on the topic of the Letters to the Churches of Revelation. [Sermon Notes Below]

Sermon #2653, Recorded January 15th, 1989

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Opening Passage: Revelations 3:18-22

Among other things, Dr. Thompson talks about...

When a Christian breaks discipline.

Each church seems to act like its own little kingdom, when we really need to be united under the discipline and order of God the Father through the Holy Spirit. Persecution will be needed to break down the walls of all the little church kingdoms.

God disciplines those that He loves. He sends tests, impatience, frustrations, etc. The alternative is a life of "happy" delusion. Cherish His corrections - it means He loves you.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Zeal.

Watching your conversation. Psalm 50:23: He that orders his conversation aright I shall show the salvation of God. If God has called you to sit on His throne, then nothing you say or do is inconsequential or incidental. He will hold you accountable for every bit of knowledge you have of Him.

Asking God for a report card.

"Israel" means "he struggles with God." If you are part of Israel, your life will be one big struggle with God. We have to struggle with Him because there are things in us He isn't happy with, and He doesn't want us to be happy with them either. Avoid struggling with men - your struggles are with God.

Repentance: It doesn't mean you get all weepy and emotional and tell God how awful you are. Just stop doing whatever the issue is. Just stop.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock" was said to the church. He's knocking because He's outside. They'd closed Him out. They were rich and doing well, and apparently didn't need Him. Any church that is its own little Kingdom will by definition have closed Jesus out.

The importance of committing your desires to the Lord. Anything that you cling to, that you "must have" in your life, will cause you to grind to a halt and start to dry up.

Being a part of the Bride is open to anyone. Never rule yourself out, by feeling unworthy. It's open to you. It's a contract - don't break it. God knows your heart, your treachery. You have to get past it, push past it.

"If anyone will hear My voice..." We will hear His voice calling us, if we're not already "married" to another. To things, to churches, to ideas, to ambitions, etc. If your heart truly yearns for Jesus, then there will be no one and nothing in your life that you will cling to, that will get in the way.

Jacob wanted God to bless him. God wasn't going to bless Jacob. God wanted to see if Jacob would wrestle with Him, and then change his name, and show Jacob who he really is, and what he really wanted.

I will come in to him and dine with him.

Casting your pearls before swine.

Other verses: Psalm 57:1, Isaiah 26:20.

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For more information on Dr. Thompson and his ministry, or to explore his writings and audio sermon archives, visit www.WOR.org