Lakeview Christian Center

Always Ready

1 Peter 3:15-16

Sanctify Christ as Lord

“In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord…” (1 Peter 3:15)

-Christ reigning as Lord in our hearts
-Committed to the supremacy of Christ in all things for the joy
of all peoples
-Christ to exert his lordship over the things we cling to most
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’ ”
—Abraham Kuyper
-The unbelieving to declare Christ, with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
-Church committed to the Kingdom of Christ so that “every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:11)

Always Ready to Give a Defense

“…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope within you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

-We would be a people who are eager to share the Gospel
-Freedom from the fear of man that prevents us from making a defense
-Our gentle and reverent defense would attract the lost
-Grace to suffer and be slandered for the sake of Christ the Lord
“I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16)

Fighting the Flesh

The Enemy Within

“…your desires are at war within you…” (James 4:1)

-People who know ourselves rightly & guard ourselves accordingly
-Humility to pursue correction & accountability when we sin
-A Holy Church that hates sin biblically, battles the flesh faithfully, and loves Christ richly

Mortification by Vivification

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:13)

-Killing sin by bringing to life….
…Purity of mind instead of lust, pornography, and sexual immorality
…Genuine love for others instead of selfishness, jealousy, and fear of man
…Self-control instead of over-indulgence, greed, and carelessness
…Patience instead of anxiety, idolatry, and unbelief
…Gratitude instead of complaining, strife, and anger

-Quenching the passions of the flesh by the greater delight in God
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2)

The Explicit Spirit

The Spirit’s work this morning

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31)

-Illumination of the preached Word
“…no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:11)
-Conviction of sin (John 16:8) and assurance of the Gospel (Rom. 8:16)
-Manifest presence in our gathered worship (1 Cor. 14:25)
-Awakening sinners with the miracle of regeneration (John 3:8)
-Distributing gifts throughout the body (1 Cor. 12)
-Freeing prisoners in bondage to sin (2 Cor. 3:17)
-Glorifying Christ as Lord of all
“No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3)

The Spirit’s ministry every day

“…[We] walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. …For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God ” (Romans 8:4, 14)

-Dependency on the Spirit for every moment
-Spirit-filled lifestyle of obedience, wisdom, and self-sacrifice (Eph. 5:18)
-Boldness in personal witness and every-day evangelism
-Continually renewed by the Spirit and washed by the Word (Titus 3:5)
-Lives characterized by love and joy (Gal. 5:22)

Praying for Alpha

Alpha begins this Tuesday night at 6:30p and will run for ten weeks.

For Those Attending…

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6)

-That God will give us an increased attendance in the weeks to come
-Visitors to feel welcome and comfortable
-Spirit accompanying the presentation of the truth—brining clarity, persuasion, and power
-Spirit shining in their hearts so they see God’s glory in the face of Christ

For Those Serving…

“The LORD bless you and keep you; 25the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24)

-Amplified joy in serving
-Blessing of God for their sacrifice
-Greeters and servers gifted with warm and hospitable hearts
-Table facilitators equipped with wisdom and supernatural insight
-Alpha Kids workers to communicate the Gospel in word & action