A Bible-believing evangelical church in the village of Wellington, near Hereford and Leominster.

Thought for the Day – 114

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Preached during the morning service on 13 July 2020 by .


Sermon Notes

E V A N G E L I C A L WELLINGTON CHAPEL

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
DAY 114

Acts 2:44 —

‘Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.’

Recommended reading: Acts 2:38-47

During the past few days we have been looking at our Lord’s message to the
church in Laodicea as found in Revelation 3:14-22.
We have seen how our Lord describes Himself in v.14. We then heard His
condemnation of the church’s conduct.
This morning we conclude by considering the valuable advice that He gave to
them.

1. Seek spiritual wealth above all things.

In v.18 He explained to them that true riches are found in Him alone, and not in
the wealth this world offers.

2. Be clothed in white raiment.

In the same verse, He urged them to seek to live a life that is holy because He is
holy. They cannot do this without His help, but He will support them in godly
living.

3. Restore your eyesight.

Again, in the same verse, He encouraged them to see Him as He really is. We
need to read His word with clear spiritual eyes.
So, why did the Lord rebuke this church so strongly? Because He loved it.
Verse 19 says, ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.’ He rebuked them to bring
them to repentance.
Our Lord then assured them that He did not want to be shut out of their
activities, but to give His support and encouragement to them.
Now, verse 20 is not an evangelistic text, as some preachers and hymn-writers
have led us to believe. In this verse Christ is clearly speaking to the church, and
He wants to be the centre of their lives.
It can be so easy to leave our Lord standing outside of our proceedings. When
we do, be ready for problems, for you can be sure they will come.
Jesus should be at the very heart of all that we do. He wants to be very much
involved with us. If He is in, don’t let Him out. If He is out, invite Him in.
During recent mornings we have referred to the promises in the Bible. Well,
here we have another in verse 21. Just think about this for a moment. We are
invited to sit with Him on His throne. What a tremendous privilege that will be.
Personally, I can’t get my head around it.
To all who overcome in this life, a joint reign with Christ is our future reward.
Note 1:6 and 5:10.
There are three amazing privileges for every child of God: to see Him, to be with
Him, to reign with Him. Who is worthy of such things?
So in conclusion, let me ask an important question. How should our church be in
the light of those things we have thought about? Acts 2:42 gives us the answer.

We should be:
1. A growing church
2. A hungry church
3. A family church
4. A thankful church
5. A joyful church
6. A prayerful church
7. A church that welcomes Jesus to share with us in everything we do,
and never, ever, be locked out.
We may be locked down, but He must never be locked out.

Church of God, elect and glorious,
holy nation, chosen race;
called as God’s own special people,
royal priests and heirs of grace:
know the purpose of your calling,
show to all his mighty deeds;
tell of love which knows no limits,
grace which meets all human needs.

God has called you out of darkness
into his most marvellous light;
brought his truth to life within you,
turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you
that God’s name is glorified
and all find fresh hope and purpose
in Christ Jesus crucified.

Once you were an alien people,
strangers to God’s heart of love,
but he brought you home in mercy,
citizens of heaven above.
Let his love flow out to others,
let them feel the Father’s care,
that they too may know his welcome
and his countless blessings share.

Church of God, elect and holy,
be the people he intends,
strong in faith and swift to answer
each command your Master sends:
royal priests, fulfil your calling
through your sacrifice and prayer;
give your lives in joyful service,
sing his praise, his love declare.

James Seddon, 1915-83
© Mrs M Seddon / Jubilate Hymns
CCLI – 1050955

Pastor: Kristian Dimond 01432 830002 07810 442523 pastor@wellingtonec.org.uk
Elders: John Roberts 01432 830100 jokaroberts@gmail.com
Keith Weber 01568 611251 07436 005561 keith.smallprint@gmail.com
Wellington Evangelical Chapel, Wellington, Hereford HR4 8AX www.wellingtonec.org.uk Reg Charity No 233810
THE THOUGHT FOR THE DAY IS PREPARED BY JOHN ROBERTS