The Hope of the World
Throughout Scripture, God instructs His people to pray to in all kinds of circumstances for all kinds of reasons. So how should we pray for our church, especially during the days leading up to moving to our new facility? We should pray for unity. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays that His people will all be ONE, united together in God. We should pray for God’s will in the church. In Colossians 1:9-13, Paul prays that the people within the church be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, so that they can live for Jesus and share His message with the world effectively. We should pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the church. In Ephesians 1:16-20, Paul prays that God would give the Holy Spirit to the people within the church and that God would strengthen them, so that the love of Christ can be spread throughout the world. We should pray for growth in the church. Not just growth in numbers, but spiritual growth as well. In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, Paul prays for a church that is growing in faith and love. It is very important for the church to be faithful and fruitful, sharing Christ to the entire world and growing closer to Jesus Christ. So, as Stuart will teach us today, let us joyfully offer ourselves to God. Let us give our love, our hearts, our talents, our energy, our creativity, our faithfulness, our resources and our gratitude and be the church that is the hope of the world.