What Kind of Church Are We? Sermon: Are We a Loving Church? Revelation 2:1-7 September 4, 2011 This presentation will probably involve audience discussion, which will create action items. Use PowerPoint to keep track of these action items during your presentation In Slide Show, click on the right mouse button Select “Meeting Minder” Select the “Action Items” tab Type in action items as they come up Click OK to dismiss this box This will automatically create an Action Item slide at the end of your presentation with your points entered.

Seven Letters to… 1) seven real churches …with real issues …not the only churches …not necessarily the most prominent

Why Seven? 1) Seven is the number for completion 2)Message relevant to all churches

Similar Format Each letter is similar in many respects

Ephesus, the City A major center of commerce The Temple of Diana A center of mystical cult worship

Ephesus, the Church Founded by Paul on the third missionary journey

1 st Observation There is a key elder in each of these local churches. The letters are addressed to this elder as the representative of the church.

The Vision Christ is pictured as the One who holds the seven stars (pastors) in His right hand and walks among the seven golden candlesticks (churches)

First Question Are we sensitive to the presence and power of Christ in the Church?

The Issue We take God for granted We become way too familiar

Second Question Are we doing the right things for the right reasons?

His Counsel Remember Repent Repeat

Third Question Are we truly committed to keeping the main things the main things.

Lesson Loving Christ is more important than serving Christ

Lesson Your service to Christ must flow out of your love for Christ.

Lesson As long as you are breathing, it is never too late to get your priorities straight.