Day 3 of 10 Days of Prayer

Day 3 of 10 Days of Prayer
By: Pastor D. Karl Thomas

Picnic Theology

I always enjoy a church picnic. I believe it is one of the clearest demonstration of the life of Christ. Seeing generations having fun together and enjoying each other out in the open air of God’s creation real genuine community.

I love the church. I love Impact Church. I feel so blessed to be a part of this glorious community.

The Glory of God filling the earth has so much to do with community!!!

The full manifestation of His rule and reign demands the mature manifestation of the realm of glory … The Glorious Church

God is committed to filling the earth with His glory!!!

Numbers 14:21
“But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.”

Habakkuk 2:14
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”                                                        

 Isaiah 40:5
“And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”  

The predestined eternal purpose of God is to raise up a glorious church through which he can manifest His great GLORY!!!

Ephesians 1:22-23
“And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],(A) Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].”

Ephesians 3:21
“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”  

Col 1:27
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”  

No one will be able to stand against the advance of the Glory of God!

Matthew 16:18
“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].” 

“I…My…” — We Belong To Him“Build” — He Has A Plan“gates”    — He Will Enable Us
Proverbs. 9:1
“WISDOM (Jesus) HAS built her house; she has hewn out and set up her seven[perfect number of] pillars.” 

7 Qualities Of A Great Church

Ephesians 4:1-16
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spiritin the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all. 7 But to each one of usgrace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “ When He ascended on high  He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”[b] 9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and froand carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love,may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love

1. Celebrates Diversity “…every one of us…”vs. 7
You are unique and you have a unique contribution. Comfortable in your own skin!!!

2. Focuses On Jesus “…the fulness of Christ.” vs. 13
It is all about Jesus the King and His Kingdom. HE IS LORD!!!
I am committed to you being all God called you to be.

3. Committed To Unity “…keep the unity of the Spirit … until unity of the faith”vs. 3, 13
Stay in the Spirit! HARMONY not Just covenant relationship!!!

4. Balanced In The Word “…be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”vs. 14
We watch our doctrine closely.
We need have the Word of God dwell in us richly. The Word is essential to growth.
Napoleon “An army marches on its stomach” — He lost more soldiers due to spoiled food than battle. Offered 12,000 francs for a reliable method to preserve food.

5. Expresses Genuine Love
“…speaking the truth in love …edifying of itself in love.”  15,16
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”1 Peter 4:8
Question isn’t who do I love? But, Am I loving?
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”1 John 4:8

6. Equips Ministries “…perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry…” vs. 12
We will make training and practical application a priority.

7. Demands Involvement “…every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,…”vs.16

PRAYER DIRECTIVES:

1. Let’s pray for the manifestation of the Church. Let’s call forth that beautiful redeemed community that will manifest God’s fulness in the earth. Come forth CHURCH!!!

2. They will know we are disciples by our love for one another. Baptize us a fresh in your LOVE!!!

3. Set every member in the body Father as you desire. Let every believer give their strength to each other.

4. Thank you for a community of believers moving together manifesting your glory!!!

5. Pray for all those beginning a new year of school. Bless our children and young people in their studies. Surround them with your favour and advantage them in every way. Make them a clear manifestation of your love and grace.

6. New sermon series coming up. “IMAGINE” Pray for growth and advance.

7. Souls Souls Souls!!! Healing Healing Healing!!! Miracles Miracles Miracles!!!