United Church of God

Why Is It Taking so Long? Part 2

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Why Is It Taking So Long? Part 2

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MP3 Audio (10.03 MB)

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Why Is It Taking so Long? Part 2

MP3 Audio (10.03 MB)
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An encouraging look at why the conversion process may be taking a very long time and why is a taking so long for so many of us to grow as Christians. Retaining the status quo is not right. Churches can actually encourage the status quo and discourage growth as a church or for individuals.

Sermon Notes

A review of part 1, the establishment of the beachhead and the completion of that part of the mission.

Our position in Christ vs the conditions on the ground.

1) the breakout

Our beachhead position is in Christ.  As it is strengthened, the need to break out becomes great Matt 9:16-17.  New wine in new wineskins - move on.  We need to be prepared for breakout moments.

Retaining the status quo is not right.

Churches can actually encourage the status quo and discourage growth as a church or for individuals.

Phil 3:10-14.  Paul didn't settle.  He acknowledged that even he was not all that he should be.

Why am I now confronted with issues that didn't confront me previously?

Was the boulder too big back then?

Was I too stubborn and willful to see then?

Our human nature tends to be obscured by us (Jer 17:9)

Mark 7:20 God cares about the heart, the inward man.  To move from the beachhead to the interior, the self has to die.  1 Cor 15:31.  Die daily.

2) taking a stand

Matt 6:24  Two masters?

Gal 5:16-18 the battle continues, so you're not a freak just because you're still battling.  conversion is not an event, it's a process.

Romans 6:16-18  Who will we serve?  We are at war inside ourselves.

3) hunkering down

A long slog of a war ahead.  Doubt can creep in.  1 Tim 1:15.  Christ came to save sinners, namely me.  God is patient, puts up with a lot.  Even though we continue in battle, the victory is won.