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| Message Type: Archived (Must request message) | ||
| Click Here To Request Message Online | Click Here To Request Message on CD | |
| "Spiritual Growth - Step Outside The Box" (Matthew 14:22-33) | ||
| Originally Delivered: January 4, 2009 | ||
| Message Length: 36min. | ||
| Abstract -
This is the first Sunday of 2009, and today's message is being conducted
by Elder Steve Vlasak. It's a new year, and at a time when everyone
is making New Years Resolutions Steve is asking not to make a resolution,
but a change in lifestyle. 2009 is the year of focus on personal
spiritual growth at LCCC. He challenges everyone to step outside
their comfort zone, to embrace discomfort and fear as you grow spiritually
closer to God. "Pick something that the Lord is calling you to do
for Him that is uncomfortable and accept that challenge as a step in your
personal spiritual growth." Stating that leaders lead by example,
Steve sings a solo performance for the first time in his life, something
that is a tremendous fear to him, but he is rewarded for the experience.
Please note, Steve's solo is not part of this recording at this
writing, but efforts to make it so are under way. Check back shortly
to find it as part of the message. |
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Message Outline - Introduction: 2009 will be one of the greatest years at Lake Country Christian Church It is our year of focus on Personal Spiritual Growth 1) The focus on building the physical building is complete (for now) 2) Messages will focus on personal spiritual growth § As you listen ask yourself what am I hearing in today’s message that will help my spiritual growth this week? 3) Commitments for personal spiritual growth will be requested and made 4) Methods of accountability will be used, church family, personal family 5) Programs will be announced that are designed specifically towards you developing your spiritual growth § You dropped your name into coffee tins during Family week § Those who didn’t are not excluded, we will catch up with you § Eastern Christian Convention 6) But take heart - we will have only one resolution for 2009, and that is for Personal Spiritual Growth Your Spiritual growth will not happen without discomfort
§ Changes in your daily and weekly schedule, perhaps your personality
Leaders lead by example § Randy, Don, and I have made commitments of growth through ü Regular quiet time ü Choosing something, or multiple things, we feel uncomfortable with and to overcome it in 2009 through the Lord. Let’s talk about our comfort zone
§ He stated that the sad thing is not that people die, but that they never live! § Say “I will” instead of “I will try”. § He introduced the term Water Walking, stepping out of the boat, or your comfort zone, like Peter
§ Water Walkers recognize God’s presence ü They see, and look for, God calling them to become more Godly and to serve § Water Walkers discern between faith and foolishness ü Faith is following God, foolishness is following the world, perhaps because of a lack of personal strength § Water Walkers accept fear as a price of growth ü Fear when serving God will always be present ü Acknowledging this will lessen that fear § Personal spiritual growth must and will take you out of your comfort zone! How can we grow spiritually, step outside of the boat? (Matthew 14: 22-33) Matthew 14: 22 § Jesus just finished feeding 5000 § He sends the Disciples across the lake while He dismisses the crowd Matthew 14:23-24 § Jesus prays § Before doing any of God's work you need to pray. Pray for guidance, strength, and wisdom as to how to do what you are about to do. § Jesus is always praying to His Father, so this should be our first action in anything we are about to do for the Lord Matthew 14: 25-27 § Listen to Him, He will be saying the same thing to you “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” § Jesus is always with you § Matt 28:20 – And surly I am with you always, to the very end of age. Matthew 14: 28 § Peter in a moment of excitement has a moment of boldness! § At times we can get really bold and without thinking we make a commitment to step out on faith. § OK then, have a bleeding desire to fulfill it! Matthew 14:29 § Jesus is always already where he asks you to be! § This says He is beside you as you take that step Matthew 14:30 § Peter became distracted, took his eye off the ball! § Can see Jesus saying stay focused Peter! § To succeed in your personal spiritual growth commitment you must stay focused to the point of obsession (Camaro) (Andre Rybakou, 411lbs., 185lbs.) Matthew 31-33 § Don’t get into the position of doubt § “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt 19, being saved) When it comes to our personal spiritual growth in 2009, Say “I will” not “I will try”. Miracles
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