Our aim at Laurel Canyon in 2014 is to be God-shaped–as individuals, families, and a congregation. The clearest representation of what God desires to shape us into is the person of Jesus Christ.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom 8:29)
Centered can be used in a variety of different ways:
- A point or axis around which everything revolves: the sun is the center of the solar system.
- The source of an influence, action, or force: the center of a problem.
- To come into focus; converge; concentrate: the book centers on a particular character.
When we realize that “of Christ” appears nearly 100 times in the New Testament of God’s written revelation, it’s not hard to discern what (or who) is to be at the “center” of our attention.
If am I Christ-centered:
- I will draw new life and identity from him (John 1:4).
- I will abide in him (John 15:4).
- I will depend upon him for everything (John 15:5).
- I will filter all things through him (Rom 12:1-2).
- I will trust God’s providential pruning (John 15:2).
- I will bear the fruit of his Spirit (Gal 5:22-24).
- I will hunger and thirst for his words and his will (Matt 5:6).
- I will envelop my life with prayer (John 15:7).
- I will follow his loving and wise direction (John 15:10).
- My heavenly Father will be glorified (John 15:8).
- My joy will be full (John 15:11).
So here’s the question: “Will I allow every aspect of my life to be shaped in the mold of Jesus?”
- My daily walk as an individual (Matt 5-7).
- My perspective on youth (Luke 2:52).
- My approach to work (Eph 6:5-8).
- My home life (Eph 5:20-33).
- My conception of and dedication to the church (Col 1:17-18).
The ultimate aim of it all? “That in everything he might be preeminent” (Col 1:18).
This sermon was delivered on February 2, 2014.
For more sermons, visit the sermons archive or subscribe to the podcast.