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GRACE

2013 Theme BookletEvery first Sunday of a new year at Laurel Canyon, we hand out a booklet detailing the year’s practical plan for personal and congregational growth. Our theme for 2013 is, Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus. It is rooted in 1 Peter 5:5-12.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

Our prayer and goal for 2013? To “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). This booklet outlines a practical plan to help us focus and remain accountable as we strive for personal and congregational growth. The plan is built on 10 key words that reveal a logical, God-breathed flow of development and progress that ultimately leads to his glory.

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Why? Why do we do what we do when we come together as a church?

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.

Why do we observe the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week?

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.

Few aspects of our assemblies raise more questions than the lack of instruments of music. Why don’t we use instruments of music in our assemblies?

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.

Why do we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in our assemblies?

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.

Why do we devote such lengthy and focused time to the preaching of God’s word in our assemblies?

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.

“Why am I here?” That question is often encouraged from an individual point-of-view. But what about from a congregational point-of-view? Why are we here?” Why do we exist as a local church?

This 4-part series of sermons investigates those questions using the Bible as the ultimate standard.

PART 1: Why Do We Exist As A Local Church?

PART 2: Why Do We Exist? The WORD of God

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ.   He is the true God and eternal life.   Little children, keep yourselves from idols. (1 John 5:20-21)

In order to keep ourselves from idols, we must develop the ability to identify idolatry in our hearts.   As a practical aid, consider these 13 questions from Kenny Stokes:

  1. What do you most highly value?
  2. What do you think about by default?
  3. What is your highest goal?
  4. To what or whom are you most committed?
  5. Who or what do you love the most?
  6. Who or what do you trust or depend upon the most?
  7. Who or what do you fear the most?
  8. Who or what do you hope in and hope for most?
  9. Who or what do you desire the most? Or, what desire makes you most angry or makes you despair when it is not satisfied?
  10. Who or what do you most delight in or hold as  your greatest joy and treasure?
  11. Who or what captures your greatest zeal?
  12. To whom or for what are you most thankful?
  13. For whom or what great purpose do you work?

“The heavens proclaim [God's] righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.   All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!” (Psalm 97:6-7)

I occasionally use this simple illustration in sermons or Bible classes.   Today I ran across a video version of the modern parable.   It ought to provoke honest reflection on the mission of our local churches.   I’ve included the audio and outline from a sermon delivered in 2008 below.

What happens when a church loses sight of its greatest goal?   What happens when believers completely forget why they have been redeemed?   This lesson reminds us that we are to serve as servants through whom others might be brought to Jesus.   It reminds us of the urgent need to get the greatest of messages out to the world.   We are God’s fellow workers and it’s time for us to fulfill His commission in our own generation.

For more interactive outlines and mp3 recordings, be sure to visit the Sermons archive.

NOTE: Advertisements on the above player are randomly generated by the service provider and do not necessarily imply endorsement of the material advertised. Readers are always encouraged to apply the “Berean test” (Acts 17:11) to all that they see and hear.

Being Good Gifts

August 22, 2008 — Leave a comment

Take a moment to read James 1:16-18.

Remind yourself throughout the day of James’ revelation: every good and perfect gift comes from above.   Make sure your thanksgiving abounds for what has been provided by the Father of lights.

One practical way of expressing your appreciation?   Be a “good gift” right back to your Father.   The “firstfruits” were offered throughout Old Testament history as the first of the harvests and livestock.   In recognition of the source of the blessings, the best was given back to God.

James’ point is simple, yet profound.   Every good and perfect gift in your life has come from your Creator.   Of his own will he brought you forth by the word of truth.   Now, you have the great privilege of giving the best of yourself back to the Father.   That’s a great goal for all of us this weekend.