Engaging the Scriptures
What do you think God was saying to you about the House of Prayer?
What do you think God was saying to you about the House of Prayer?
We spent the previous week listening to God through the scriptures. These are the things we felt He was saying to us about the House of Prayer.
Ephesians 2: building the house; peace between different kinds of people. The HoP is a place where Jesus is going to build us together, uniting people from different backgrounds.
It is an important time of preparation right now. Getting our hearts right. Making sure that spiritual transformation practices are bedded down in our lives.
Self-examination time and examining our relationship with Christ and how we behave within that. Examining how we'd react in certain scenarios. We are learning now how to be so that in future times we can react appropriately.
Jeremiah 30/31: In the future the House of Prayer will be calling the city back to its original state of innocence and joy and calling the people of Southampton back to God as Father, because he loves Southampton.
Luke 10: Mary and Martha - God is calling us to spend time at Jesus' feet.
Isaiah 25 - the HoP is a place of refuge for the poor in spirit - people who feel sad, empty or starving inside.
Isaiah 40 - eagles soar on the storm, not getting all flappy. See things differently.
2 Peter 1:5 - Add to your faith... ..self control.
Jacobs dream of a ladder: moving towards the house of prayer is more like climbing a ladder, scaling heights, going straight up, than going on a long and winding road. There is a link to heaven - we can get on it!!
God is calling us to forgiveness and purity.
Nehemiah - building something for God will draw opposition - we need to prepare ourselves to continue with the work in the face of distractions.
Psalm 27:4 - House of Prayer is primarily for relationship with God.
Matthew 26:38 - stay here and keep watch with me - HoP is about staying with Jesus as he prays for Southampton.
Isaiah 40: Grace for Southampton.
John the Baptist: HoP is a cry in the wilderness saying to make a highway for God's presence in the city - the glory of the Lord will be revealed. Our focus should be looking up to him.
Ps 23: God is like a shepherd over Southampton.
John 15: we are one vine, but many branches, planted in God's vineyard.
1 Peter 1:13 - prepare your minds for action.
Picture - little springs up in the mountains, beginning to flow and becoming a RIVER.
Joshua: the land had been promised but they had to go in and take the land. God has put us into Southampton and has promised it to us but we might have to fight for it. What are the points of power over the city.
Paul had a heart for Rome and eventually ended up there in chains as a prisoner, but while in prison he was able to connect with those in the city, even the members of Caesar's household. In the HoP we need to connect with Christians working in the centres of power in Southampton.
Colossians 4:1-3: Continue earnestly, be vigilant, give thanks.
Acts 16: Lydia - provided a place and time to worship; had a heart for Jesus; obedient to what she heard; hospitable; seeking God's presence; keeping the sabbath