Taking The Next Steps (2007 Vision Message)

Need A New Year?, part 2 of 2
Pastor Vince DiPaola

Download the notes.

“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1a, NIV)

Beyond Sunday morning

I. Take “daily quiet time” steps:

Build a two-way relationship with Christ!

“I will not neglect your word… open my eyes that I may see wonderful things.” (Psalm 119:16,18, NIV)

“Pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV)

Enhance your prayer life by attending a “Synergy” event.

II. Take “new horizons seminar” steps:

Hit a spiritual homerun!

NH101. Discovering Lakeshore Church: membership.

“You are members of God’s very own family … and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Ephesians 2:19, LB)

NH201. Discovering spiritual maturity:

Maturity.

“Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” (1Timothy 4:7, JB)

NH301. Discovering my gifts & impact: ministry.

“God has given you each some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other…” (1 Peter 4:10a, LB)

NH401. Discovering life’s ultimate mission: mission.

“But I reckon my life to be worth nothing to me, in order that I may complete my mission…, which is to declare the Good News …” (Acts 20:24, TEV)

You don’t earn a run until you cross home plate.

III. Take “Community group” steps:

Fulfill your three vitamin-c needs!

“[They met] together in the temple courts . [and] in their homes …” (Acts 2:46, NIV)

1. Community.

“They devoted themselves to… the fellowship …” (Acts 2:42b, NIV)

2. Care.

“…they gave to anyone as he had need .” (Acts 2:45b, NIV)

3. Changed–Life.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching …” (Acts 2:42a, NIV)

A great Community Group to begin with is “First Steps”.

IV. Take “Common Ground midweek” steps:

The service for those who want more!

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better .” (Ephesians 1:17, NIV)

This year, we will be teaching through the book of Daniel.

V. Take “serving” steps:

Know the joy of living beyond yourself!

“Manage [your gifts] well so that God’s generosity can flow through you .” (1 Peter 4:10b, NLT)

All the serving opportunities are available in the atrium.

VI. Take the “believer baptism” step:

Make the plunge and go public!

“Whoever acknowledges Me before men , I will acknowledge him before My father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32, NIV)

The next baptism celebration is Thursday, March 15.