Why Pray?

FULL SERVICE: *See SERMON ONLY below

SERMON ONLY:

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Questions: Why Pray? (Matthew 7:7-11)

1. The picture of Enoch and his relationship to God has all the hallmarks of the most beautiful affection. He doesn’t die, he’s taken by God to heaven. His faith became sight. Reflect a little on Genesis 5:21-25. Twice it says Enoch walked God. What do you think that means? Obedience? Yes! But is it not more?
2. I say that my message is simply that “the Father beckons us from the realms of His abode for us to find our true home with Him, right now.” And in many ways, it’s like the relationship Enoch had. What conjures up in your mind with the words “the Father beckons?”
3. The Father’s Invitation in Matthew 7:7-8 covers asking (vocal) seeking (mental) and knocking (action), covering just about all of life. What are the implications of that for you?
4. I say, “It’s better, more beautiful, more personal, more gracious, and far more wonderful than a belief that these verses are like a blanket statement.” Why would I say that? What do you think?
5. Sometimes we can get thrown off by a lot of the different metaphors that are used in the Bible. For instance, “King, Kingdom and Subjects,” can make it sound that submissive obedience is all that we should be. But metaphors are only a small slice of the bigger picture. The reality of “reconciliation” is a beautiful picture of enemies now at peace, and “adoption” is a wonderful picture of being in a relationship with God where I am credited with all the rights and privileges of a son or a daughter, for all eternity. Isn’t that a warm picture? It’s humbling, isn’t it? Doesn’t that call you to a more intimate love in Christ?
6. Here are some questions that call for a yes or no answer. Do you God Trust? Do you really believe that He is Reliable? Have you ever thought that God’s ways are arbitrary? Have you ever doubted that God good?”
7. Are you aware that “the Mission of the Demonic Realms is to cast doubt upon God’s goodness?” Jesus is essentially saying that if you don’t know Him as good, trustworthy, reliable and loving, you won’t come to Him.” Would that not mean that Satan’s ploy has been effective?
8. So, I ask, “Why Pray?” I say, just based on these verses alone, “the Father who commands us to go to our secret place to be with Him! That “what He ordains for us in our lives is good,” and “in every circumstance He has made it free for us to come” based on His promise to hear us.” It is “what He wants us to do.” It’s His will for us! He cares for our lives so much that He engages the Holy Spirit to craft our circumstances so that we will call out to Him! Amazingly, in it all we truly live purposefully, and it ultimately glorifies the Father.” Is that enough? Is that really enough for you and me to radically change how we feel about coming home to the Father?