"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:10-12
That really sums up our experience at LCC on Sunday. That also explains in part why it has taken me until Wednesday to write. Sunday was HUGE and I believe will have eternal and historical significance in the lives of many humble people. What happened?
Let me catch you up first. I am preaching a series entitled: "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" We are looking at the "elementary" truths of becoming and living as a disciple of Christ. We started with identifying the BIBLE as our only source of authority. It is "His"tory and we follow every word of it. It is our text book. Opinion, preference, religious traditions, family culture, society DO NOT have the final answer around here! For us, it is the Bible alone! The next Sunday we simply shared that living as a true follower of Jesus is NO WALK IN THE PARK! Like "gym class" it is hard work. There will be blood, sweat and tears. The third week was all about things that will send us to "the principals office". We talked about Sin. We looked at what sin is, the results of sin on us and God and finally defining individual sins according to Scripture. WE CALLED SIN, SIN! Now we are up to this Sunday.
Jared and I planned the service to have a lengthy "invitation" or "decision" time following the sermon. I spoke on how to leave the life of being in the principals office and turn around to become "Student of the week". It was all about repentance. We talked about the forgiveness and grace of God that can be "poured out" on our lives if we will just TURN. Jesus was very clear that we will either REPENT or PERISH. I challenged everyone to "do business with God" and then gave us plenty of time to do just that. WOW! My view from the pew in every service was OVERWHELMING! People were really calling out to God. I could feel the spiritual battle spoke of in Ephesians happening in every pew. It was so intense that I had to lean against a wall while I was praying for the church. In 3rd service, I almost passed out from the weight of the evil and good battle going on. Folks, LIFE WAS CHANGED! VICTORY WAS WON! SIN WAS REPENTED OF! GRACE WAS APPLIED! JESUS WAS HERE! Some battles were individual, others had people laying hands on them and praying as a group, some were public. It was awesome!
In conclusion, I want to say WELCOME to Dianne Stewart Griesser and Madison Griesser! This mother and daughter pair joined up with LCC by transfer of membership on Sunday. Welcome to God's family here at LCC!
What is next? Only God knows! I cannot wait to talk about "graduation" this Sunday and see what God does with our hearts!
I would also ask prayers from each of you. I think Paul said it best, so I will just copy his words from Ephesians 6:19-20
"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
B OUT!!