We’re in this Together!

February 25, 2007

- Unity-

 

 

 

Psalm 148:14 – “His people, the people close to His heart.”

 

I Kings 8 - Solomon…prayers of dedication…ark taken to the TEMPLE

 

            READ – 54-61

 

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.  - II Chronicles 16:9

 

I Kings 8:62-66...

  - prayer ended, fire from heaven consumed sacs (II Chr 7)

            ...large number of animals entirely possible!

  - 8:65 – from one end of the kingdom to the other

  - 14 days... 7 together, 7 back home

       Feast of Tabernacles (1 week) was extended...

 

...in the same way, we are living sacrifices to God

 

"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”      – I Samuel 15:22

 

I Kings 9:1-9... and yet with all the celebration, there is still the warning of turning away from God!

  - Solomon warned of IDOLATRY – and he is the one who, a few years later, turns to it!! (11:4-5)

        ...what a bad example!!   what he said VS what he did himself
  - beautiful/costly temple plundered and destroyed in 586 BC when the Babylonians took the people captive

  - 8 – hiss = whistle (as in amazement)

 “What are (some of) the decrees and commands God gives us?”

 

And so, as those who have been chosen by God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

 

Kangaroo project – Colombia

   ð we need each other!

 

 

“If God could forgive the men who crucified His Son,

He will most definitely forgive you – whatever you have done.”

 

** interesting that David (murderer, adulterer) is regarded as the example to follow!  (9:4)

 

“Sin doesn’t disqualify you...

it just makes the path to restoration longer.”

 

Casting Crowns...   “Let your lifesong sing in worship to God!”