July 14, 2013 Sunday Sermon - Run to Win the Prize

I think Larry's sermon this past Sunday was an example of a great way to respond to the preaching we hear in church.  Larry shared with us the thoughts God had him meditating and thinking about from the sermon series Ron has been taking us through based on John 15.  Here are some of Larry's thoughts/ideas that connected with me:

• All that we have benefited from spiritually is because Satan had nothing on Jesus (John 14:31)
• The messages we hear on Sundays are not just for that one hour
• Larry suggested that it's often apathy that keeps us from meditating on and applying the messages we hear on Sunday throughout the rest of the week
• Distractions (even good ones) often consume so much of our time and attention that we fail to benefit and grow into God's best intentions for us; specifically hearing His word through our Pastors and Teachers
  
• We must abide in the true vine Jesus.  That is something we have to participate in and we do that via God's word, fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and prayer
• Personal diligence and intentionality are essential

I was prompted to ask myself a few questions and ask the Lord to help me arrive at honest answers.  I wonder if you might be helped by asking some of the same questions:

• What do I do with what I hear on Sunday Morning?  
• Do I intentionally look for one or two key points to meditate on and talk to God about throughout the week?
• What are the distractions and activities that I allow to keep me from time in God's word, fellowship with other believers and prayer?  
• What changes could I make in my life and daily routine to make sure I have the time and attention to daily abide in the true vine, Jesus? 

I wonder if others would be interested in a Sunday School class or weekly small group where the focus was fellowship, prayer and discussions of the questions we have and applications we have made related to the last sermon.  Any thoughts?  Please feel free to add comments.