LowCountry Community Church - Bluffton, SC: Recent Episodes
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LowCountry Community Church in Bluffton, South Carolina features rich teaching and music to make your life better and your walk with God all that it was designed to be.
LowCountry Community Church Pastor Jeff Cranston Series: Freedom!, #2 Feb. 26, 2017 Freedom by Faith 3:1-14
We are saved and justified by faith alone in Christ alone.
“We know that God accepts only those who have faith in Jesus Christ. No one can please God by simply obeying the Law. So we put our faith in Christ Jesus, and God accepted us because of our faith.” (Galatians 2:16)
- I AM TO LIVE BY FAITH DAILY IN THE TRUTH THAT I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM. (3:1-5)
Question of Spiritual Discernment (v. 1)
Question of the Spirit’s Initial Work (v. 2)
Question of Spiritual Growth (v. 3)
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Question of Suffering (v. 4)
Question of the Spirit’s Ongoing Work (v. 5)
- I AM TO LIVE BY FAITH DAILY IN THE TRUTH THAT FREEDOM IS FOR ALL THE NATIONS. (3:6-14)
We Are Members of Abraham’s Family by Faith (vss. 6-9)
…Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene; Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; Even Cretans and Arabs! “They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!” (Acts 2:9-11)
The Curse of the Law Has Been Removed by Christ for Everyone! (3:10-14)
FREEDOM FROM THE PAST Galatians 1:11-24
In Christ our past does not define our present or our future.
- God’s grace and freedom brings redemption from my past. (1:11-14)
For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. (vv. 11-12)
For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. (v. 13-14)
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
“I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities.” (Acts 26:9-11)
- God’s grace and freedom shows His glory, through my life, to the present. (1:15-16)
“But when He, who had set me apart, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…” (v. 15-16a)
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6)
- God’s grace and freedom brings purpose for my future. (1:17-24)
Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to [a]become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I was still unknown by [d]sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they were glorifying God because of me. (1:17-24)
I seen my chance was certain of bein' horned or trod, For the lower deck was packed with steers thicker'n peas in a pod, An' more pens broke at every roll -- so I made a Contract with God.
An' by the terms of the Contract, as I have read the same, If He got me to port alive I would exalt His Name, An' praise His Holy Majesty till further orders came.
An' I spoke to God of our Contract, an' He says to my prayer: "I never puts on My ministers no more than they can bear. So back you go to the cattle-boats an' preach My Gospel there. Mulholland’s Contract, Rudyard Kipling
RELENTLESS Characteristics of a God-Sized Vision
God-sized vision often doesn’t make sense, but it does bring about miracles.
- It’s bigger than we think.
“Few of us are tempted today to dream too big. Rather, our vision shrinks to the size of our limited experience. Yet all things are possible for those who believe in the God who created the heavens and the earth. In our disbelief, we can ask God for inspiration to believe. Then he may give us a vision of divine size.” - Collin Hansen and John Woodbridge, A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir
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It’s harder than we can do.
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It’s better than we can imagine.
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It’s impossible without faith.
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God-sized dreams give glory to Him, not us.
Our Relentless Initiative: March 2016 – March 2018
Relentless in our Mission … $4 million Support and enhance existing LCC ministries
Relentless in our Community … #3 million - regional campuses/church plants - finish facility - internship program
Relentless in our World … $500,000 Expand LCC missions and outreach
Psalm 119:32 “I shall run the way of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart.”
How to Parent Right Luke 2:39-52
Exhaustion
"In everything on this earth worth doing, there is a stage when no one would do it except for necessity or honor." G.K. Chesterton
Fear
Rejection
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Ps. 127:3)
A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. (Proverbs 13:1)
He who assaults his father and drives his mother away is a shameful and disgraceful son. (Prov. 19:26)
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. (Prov. 15:20)
Guilt
“…we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son.” (Rom. 8:28-29, The Message)
“The process of parenting is one of the most spiritually formative journeys a man and woman can ever undertake ... We need to raise children every bit as much as they need us to raise them." (Gary Thomas, “Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls”)
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:39-52)
- Live a life committed to the Lord.
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. (Luke 2:39-41)
- Pass on a legacy of faith to your children.
When He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast. (Luke 2:42)
Always remember these commands I give you today. Teach them to your children, and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them down and tie them to your hands as a sign. Tie them on your forehead to remind you, and write them on your doors and gates. (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)
Pray regularly.
Worship as a family.
Teach your kids.
- Let your children go so they can grow.
Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” (Luke 2:46-48)
Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. (Luke 2:49-50)
- Memorialize the moments you have with your kids.
“And His mother Mary treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Pastor Jeff Cranston LowCountry Community Church Series: Essentials, #3 November 6, 2016
HOW CHRIST DID IT
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8
- My salvation is rooted in the fact that Jesus gave up His rights for me. (vs. 6)
“…who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped…”
- My salvation is rooted in the fact that Jesus became less so that I could become more. (v. 7)
“but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Kenosis
"But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." Mark 13:32
Hypostatic Union “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 The glory that He had before He came to earth was veiled by His human form.
Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. (Mark 9:2-3)
His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:2)
Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. (Matthew 28:2-3) He chose not use some of His divine attributes, voluntarily, some of the time. 3. My salvation is rooted in the fact that Jesus was obedient whatever the cost (v. 8).
“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
“to [the] Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23).
Worship is more than singing a song in a church service. It's a way of life and the most exciting one you could hope for! Find out how to transform your life today with Pastor Jeff as he explores, "What On Earth Am I Here For? Worship"
Christ became one of us to provide the way back to the Father and into the relationship that God originally intended. Find out more in the special message about Emanuel (God with us.)
"By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16
REVEALED IN THE FLESH
VINDICATED IN THE SPIRIT
SEEN BY ANGELS
PROCLAIMED AMONG THE NATIONS
BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD
TAKEN UP IN GLORY
REVEALED IN THE FLESH
VINDICATED IN THE SPIRIT
SEEN BY ANGELS
PROCLAIMED AMONG THE NATIONS
BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD
TAKEN UP IN GLORY
But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2
“While they were there (Bethlehem), the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
In the final week of our series, "The Biography Channel" find out how the life of a deaf man was changed when Jesus passed through his region. Are you waiting for God to touch you or stop by your house? Find out how he's always looking to help.
Jesus said to "count the cost" in becoming His disciple (Luke 14). In this week's teaching Pastor Jeff tells the story of Joanna. A woman who indeed counted the cost and risked alienation, status and wealth to follow the Messiah. Check it out!
Nehemiah had a great job but wasn't content to just get by. He genuinely mourned for those suffering in his homeland and risked all by listening and following God's place for his life.
Join Dr. John Hull and guest worship leader Jessa Anderson for the LCC teaching series, The Biography Channel.
God is the master potter creating masterpieces one life at a time. His love always provides a new starting point as we give our lives over to him.
Need a do over today? Jump on to the potter's wheel with the rest of us!
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. In part 2 of the LCC series, "The Biography Channel", Pastor Jeff shares some practical examples of how we can learn much from the wins and losses in faith of Abraham and Sarah.
Read ahead in Genesis 16 to 18 and jump in.
Have you ever wondered what God's will for your life is? Maybe you've asked God for a sign or "put out a fleece". If you have you're not alone and in today's message Pastor Jeff shares some practical tools to guide your way.