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Around the Web (3/22)

March 22, 2013 — Leave a comment

Around the Web

  • CHEAP eBook Deal of the Day: 365 Ways to Say “I Love You” to Your Kids (Jay Payleitner – $0.99 – 86% off).
  • Gary Henry reflects on “those who open their hearts and feel the pain this world can inflict, still maintaining a gracious respect and gratitude toward God — those are the folks with an admirable strength!” The strong heart is not callous.
  • Dene Ward acknowledges that raising children can be exhausting, frustrating, and completely overwhelming. “That’s what happens when you take on the care of a completely helpless human being. That’s what you signed on for when you decided to have a child. That’s the commitment you made when you decided to enjoy the act that might produce that child.” She goes on to provide some much needed perspective.
  • Craig Bradley reminds us, “Our treatment of the elderly is a reflection upon us and upon our society. The way we treat the aged, the care we give them, says something about us.”
  • Amazon launches “Send to Kindle” button for websites. You can see it in action in the SHARE THIS row of options at the end of this post.

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When He Isn't The Rock You Need Him To Be

November 22, 2011 — Leave a comment

There has never been a woman blessed with a perfect marriage to a perfect man. So what’s a woman to do when her husband is caught in sin, reveals an area of vulnerability or is just plain weak for a time? Where can she go when her husband isn’t the rock she needs him to be?

This sermon encourages struggling wives to:

  • ASK: “Who (or what) is my rock?” (Mat 7:24-27)
  • REMEMBER: “Even before I am a wife, I am a daughter.” (Col 3:1-3)
  • SEEK: “In the day of trouble, I will seek the Lord.” (Psa 77)
  • RESOLVE: “I will be a woman of respectful and pure conduct.” (1 Pet 3:1-2)

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psa 20:7).

For more sermons, visit the Sermons archive.
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Engaging at Home

January 13, 2011 — 1 Comment

This week has been all about engaging the world around us as living representations of the will of Christ, for the glory of God.  We’ve looked at some practical ways we can engage:

Today we focus on engaging at home.

As a spouse, what can you do  to cultivate a daily atmosphere of progressive transformation for the good of your marriage and the glory of God?

  • Resolve to spend at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted, untelevised, unplugged, quality time with your spouse each   day (Eph 6:33).
  • Humbly evaluate your God-given role, seek his wisdom and strength, then dedicate yourself to serving as the spouse God would have you to be (Eph 5:22-33; Tit 2:1-8).
  • Pray with your spouse every day (1 Thes 5:16-18).
  • Pray for your spouse every day (1 Pet 3:7).
  • Periodically ask if your spouse’s needs and expectations are being met and what you can do to love them in more God-glorifying ways (1 Cor 7:1-5).  You might consider these 15 questions to help you evaluate the state of your marriage.

As a parent, what can you do to cultivate a daily atmosphere of progressive transformation for the good of your children and the glory of God?

  • Recognize and joyfully accept the challenging responsibility that comes with being the parent of a God-given child (Eph 6:1-4).
  • Pray with your children every day (Rom 12:12).
  • Pray for your children every day (James 5:16).  You might consider these 31 ways to pray for your children.
  • Take advantage of daily opportunities to point the minds of your children in God’s direction (Deut 6:4-9).
  • Correct your children, with the ultimate goal of saving their souls (Prov 19:18; 29:15).
  • Help them prepare and hold them accountable for their Sunday and Wednesday Bible class opportunities (Prov 22:6).

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.   Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  (1 Pet 4:8-9)

In an effort to serve others through hospitality, why not plan now to invite someone each month of this year into your home or out for a meal?

January: ______________________________________________

February: _____________________________________________

March: _______________________________________________

April: ________________________________________________

May: _________________________________________________

June: _________________________________________________

July: _________________________________________________

August: _______________________________________________

September: ___________________________________________

October: ______________________________________________

November: ____________________________________________

December: ____________________________________________

Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engaging with the Good News

January 12, 2011 — 2 Comments

In Christ,  God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:19-20)

There is a process to gospel transformation. Each person must…

How can you contribute, as a disciple of Jesus, to the growth of his kingdom and thereby glorify your Father in heaven?

  • Consistently remind yourself that every person you ever come in contact with has a soul (Eccl 12:7).
  • Never forget that God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34-35).
  • Appreciate that all will stand in judgment (Rom 14:12).
  • Encourage others to “Come and see” (John 1:46).
  • Recommend specific reasons to visit (John 4:28-30).
  • Continue to feed yourself with the Word of God so that you can grow in your ability to talk with others about your faith (2 Tim 2:15).
  • Pray for opportunities, wisdom and boldness (Acts 4:29-30).

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved… (Rom 10:1)

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:12)

You know dozens of people in desperate need of responding to the gospel.   Your heart grieves as you think of brothers and sisters who have turned away from God in unfaithfulness.   But have you prayed for them?   What could happen if you did?  Remember, it is prayer that “plugs us in” to the awesome God of the universe.   With that truth in mind, throughout 2011, pick a different person each month and pray for them every single day.   Pray for receptive hearts, for opportunities, for wisdom, and boldness.   Pray that God might use you to help save them.

January: ______________________________________________

February: _____________________________________________

March: _______________________________________________

April: ________________________________________________

May: _________________________________________________

June: _________________________________________________

July: _________________________________________________

August: _______________________________________________

September: ___________________________________________

October: ______________________________________________

November: ____________________________________________

December: ____________________________________________

Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engaging as a New Disciple

January 11, 2011 — Leave a comment

In a series of posts last week, I emphasized that real transformation is possible in 2011. You  can lead a  Romans 12 kind of life, for your lasting joy and for God’s eternal glory. You  can be everything God created you to be, if you put  D.A.R.E. into wholehearted practice:

  • Discernment —  what is God’s will for my life?
  • Adoption —  making my faith my own.
  • Renewal — out with the old, in with the new.
  • Engagement —  living for Christ, every day, everywhere.

This week, I’d like to share with you some of the practical ways we’ve encouraged the disciples at Laurel Canyon to ENGAGE the world around them in 2011.  Yesterday we focused on experienced disciples of Christ.  Today, new disciples.

Engaging as a New Disciple
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

What can  you add, as a relatively new follower of Jesus, to this family of believers so that we can grow together to God’s glory?

  • Remember the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thes 4:3-12).
  • Appreciate the fact that you are in a critical period of your walk with God and that the Adversary of your soul is out to devour you (1 Pet 5:8).
  • 2 Peter 1:5-11 — Make every effort to supplement:
    • your faith with virtue
    • your virtue with knowledge
    • your knowledge with self-control
    • your self-control with steadfastness
    • your steadfastness with godliness
    • your godliness with brotherly affection
    • your brotherly affection with love
  • Make an effort to learn the names of your brothers and sisters in Christ (3 John 13-15).
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, or ask for advice from your spiritual family (1 Cor 12:12-27).
  • When (not if) you experience a period of discouragement or doubt, seek help from your brethren (1 Cor 10:12-13).
  • Appreciate the fact that you are a representative of Christ and that people will be watching and listening (2 Cor 3:2).
  • Joyfully contribute, as you may prosper, to the work of the church (1 Cor 16:1-2).

Are you a relatively new disciple of Jesus?  Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engaging as an Experienced Disciple

January 10, 2011 — 1 Comment

In a series of posts last week, I emphasized that real transformation is possible in 2011. You  can lead a  Romans 12 kind of life, for your lasting joy and for God’s eternal glory. You  can be everything God created you to be, if you put  D.A.R.E. into wholehearted practice:

  • Discernment —  what is God’s will for my life?
  • Adoption —  making my faith my own.
  • Renewal — out with the old, in with the new.
  • Engagement —  living for Christ, every day, everywhere.

This week, I’d like to share with you some of the practical ways we’ve encouraged the disciples at Laurel Canyon to ENGAGE the world around them in 2011.  First up, experienced disciples of Christ.

Engaging as an Experienced Disciple
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live,  but Christ who lives in me.”

What can you add, as an experienced follower of Jesus, to this family of believers so that we can grow together to God’s glory?

Are you an experienced disciple of Jesus?  Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Saturday Evening Prayer-Seeds

January 8, 2011 — Leave a comment

Men, lead your families in prayer this evening.  If you’re looking for inspiration, consider these four Saturday evening prayer-seeds suggested by Burk Parsons.

Our Father in heaven, help us to prepare our hearts and minds:

  • to worship you.
  • to rest in you.
  • to serve you.
  • to overflow in care and concern for others.

In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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When I'm Disappointed in the Church

August 10, 2010 — 2 Comments

It’s not uncommon to hear people say things like, “I want Jesus, but not the church.” “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”   “I’m interested in the Bible, but not in organized religion.”

One of the goals of this sermon is to help you grow in your love for and commitment to the local church.   Why is this difficult?   Because sometimes, the church doesn’t meet our expectations.   Sometimes, our brothers and sisters in Christ disappoint us.

The church and her leaders should be willing to ask the tough, honest, revealing questions that are raised when criticism is leveled about being unloving and unconcerned:

  1. Do we personally know “the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made us overseers”? (Acts 20:28)
  2. How are we doing when it comes to recognizing and responding when a member of the flock is showing signs of weakness or has wandered away altogether? (Matthew 18:12)
  3. How can we confront and dispel cliquishness within the local church? (James 2:9)
  4. Have we communicated to the shy, the non-go-getters, the more reserved that we value them and want them to get involved? (1 Corinthians 12:21-22)
  5. Is it possible that we are more at fault than we think? (James 1:19)

So also, the hurting and the disappointed, before they criticize, should ask themselves some tough, honest, revealing questions.

  1. Am I adorning the gospel by my manner of life? (Titus 2:10)
  2. Am I nurturing the familial aspect of congregational life? (Ephesians 2:19)
  3. Have I yet to ask for help? (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
  4. Have I overlooked opportunities to become more connected? (Proverbs 18:24)
  5. If I really want to be loved and noticed, is creating distance between myself and my brethren the wisest course of action? (Hebrews 10:24-25)
  6. Could I be more at fault than I realize? (James 1:22-24)

Disappointment in the church is bound to happen from time to time because every single member of the church is a justified sinner.   And yet, the church is an indispensable part of God’s eternal plan for mankind.   This study is about how we, as justified sinners, can continue to grow closer together and closer to God’s ideal, for God’s glory.

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.
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Learning From Jesus How To Defeat Temptation

February 12, 2010 — 2 Comments

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1).

We can all very easily relate to the issue of temptation.   And, we can regrettably relate to Robert Orben’s accurate diagnosis of the ensuing problem.   “Most people want to be delivered from temptation, but would like to keep in touch.”

God’s Word offers a precious alternative.

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.   For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.   Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

To that end, what can we learn from Jesus’ victories over temptation so that we might be better equipped to wage holy warfare against those things that will separate us from God?   Battles will continue to be waged.   What is needed so that we might be ready to stand strong in the strength which God supplies?

SERMON AUDIO :

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34 Psalms In 34 Days: Psalm 46

June 3, 2009 — Leave a comment

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

- Psalm 46

The first two lines of this psalm are what struck me today.   It was vital for God’s people to remember that Jerusalem’s walls could provide only a limited amount of refuge.   Regardless of how many soldiers they could muster, human strength would eventually fail.   Surrounding nations might promise help in times of trouble, but treacherous betrayal so often walks hand-in-hand with lofty political promises.   These are lessons the descendants of Abraham were forced to learn the hard way on more than one occasion.

And so where do you turn?   “God” is the psalmist’s answer.   He is our refuge.   He is our strength.   He is a very present help in trouble.   I take great comfort in the two words attached by the Spirit of God to the word “help.”

  • Very. To a high degree.   Extremely.   Exceedingly.   Precise.   Particular.   Actual.   True.   Genuine.   Legitimate.   God is legitimate in times of trouble.
  • Present. Existing.   Current.   Immediate.   At the very moment.   Actually here.   The ESV adds the alternate translation, “well proved” in its footnotes.   And isn’t that the message of his book?   Throughout thousands of years of human history, God is a well proved, existing, present help in trouble.

It may be that you must retreat from some person, situation, or temptation today in order to maintain your integrity and control your emotions.   Remember that he is the only dependable refuge.

Intense spiritual warfare may very well land uninvited on your doorstep at some point today.   Remember that he is the only source of pure and holy strength.   “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Between now and then, rejoice and be glad that the LORD of hosts is with us.   The God of Jacob is our fortress.

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