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GROW, Part 2 (9-24-2017)
We all were created to live a fulfilling life that brings glory to God. At Linked UP Church, our Vision is to Connect people to God, Family, Purpose, and Community.
Locations & Times
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  • Marietta Campus
    1171 Whitlock Ave NW, Marietta, GA 30064, USA
    Sunday 9:00 AM, Sunday 11:00 AM

Watch or Listen to Today's Message

http://linkedupchurch.com/sermons-2/

Live Stream of Today's Service

http://www.periscope.tv/linkedupchurch
Pastor Joel E. Gregory
Grow
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This second epistle of Peter was written with an awareness that:
A. His death was imminent. 2 Peter 1:14 NKJV
B. It's a warning that false teachers would seek to lead them astray. 2 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV
C. With a hope that they would be mindful of the commandments given to them by the apostles of Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:1-2 NKJV
D. The final command this aged apostle leaves his readers is a charge to “GROW" in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV
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2 Key Questions we'll answer:
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1. What does it mean to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ?
2. How can I know that I am growing in this “knowledge”?
WHAT IT MEANS TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS
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A. THE DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT GRACES (2 Peter 1:5-7)
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1. Faith is “conviction, strong assurance."
2. Virtue is “moral excellence, goodness."
3. Knowledge is “correct insight."
4. Self-control is “self-discipline."
5. Perseverance is “bearing up under trials."
6. Godliness is “godly character out of devotion to God."
7. Brotherly kindness is “love toward brethren."
8. Love is “active goodwill toward others."
B. THIS INVOLVES MORE THAN AN INTELLECTUAL KNOWLEDGE (2 Peter 1:2-3,8)
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The word for knowledge is (epignosis) - meaning to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well.

*Such knowledge comes only as we demonstrate these “Christ-like graces” in our lives in conjunction with each other.

*Notice the word “add” in 2 Peter 1:5 NKJV

*Before each grace is mentioned, this word is implied.

*The word in Greek is (epichoregeo) - Originally, to found and support a chorus, to lead a choir, to keep in tune. Then, to supply or provide. This word suggests the idea of “each grace working in harmony with the others to produce an overall effect."

*Notice also the preposition “to” in 2 Pe 1:5-7 NKJV.
This implies “each grace is to temper and make perfect the grace that goes before it."

To illustrate this point:
1) “to knowledge (add) self-control” - the grace of self-control enables one to apply properly the knowledge one has.

2) “to self-control (add) perseverance” - self-control in turn needs the quality of perseverance to be consistent day after day.

3) Therefore each grace is necessary.
a. They must all be developed in conjunction with each other.
b. We cannot be selective and just pick the ones we like and leave the others behind.
C. MUST BE DONE WITH ALL DILIGENCE (2 Peter 1:5,10)
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1. Notice the repeated use of the word “diligence”

2. It means “earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste."

3. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much effort.

4. We do not “accidentally” or “naturally” develop these graces. Must developed on PURPOSE!

5. If we are not careful, we may be like the teacher in the following illustration:
There's a story of a woman who had been a school teacher for 25 years. When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she applied for the position. However, someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead. She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded, “I’m sorry, but you haven’t had 25 years of experience as you claim; you’ve had only one year’s experience 25 times.” During that whole time the teacher had not improved, she didn't GROW!

6. We may have been Christians for a number of years; but unless:
a. We “add” to our faith these Christ-like qualities with all “diligence."
b. We are simply repeating the first year over and over again!
Peter provides 5 reasons why we should “give all diligence” to grow in this knowledge of Jesus Christ.
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1. GRACE AND PEACE ARE MULTIPLIED TO YOU. 2 PETER 1:2 NKJV

*Grace and peace are common forms of greeting in the New Testament.

Grace - (charis) a greeting which requests God’s unmerited favor upon the person addressed. Joy, liberality, pleasure, gift, benefit.

Peace - (eirene) a greeting requesting the natural result of God’s favor which is wholeness, quietness, rest, prosperity, set at one again.

*Note that these two blessings are “multiplied” in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
*But only in Christ can one enjoy the “fulness” of God’s favor and peace. Ephesians 1:3 NKJV


2. HE HAS PROVIDED ALL THINGS PERTAINING TO LIFE AND GODLINESS.

A. We note that God provides all things pertaining to life and godliness through the (epignosis) of Him who called us to glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3 NKJV

*Power - (dunamis) force, miraculous power, a miracle, ability, abundance.
*Life - (zoe) in this context refers to our overall wellbeing. The life He intended us to live.
*Godliness refers to the pious conduct which comes out of devotion to God.
*Only as we grow in this knowledge do we enjoy the true, full life available by God’s divine power.

3 Super Benefits: 2 Peter 1:4 NKJV

a. Which includes “exceedingly great and precious promises." 2 Peter 1:4a NKJV (750 promises in the NT alone, 250 can be separated out individually)

b. Which enables us to be “partakers of the divine nature." 2 Peter 1:4b NKJV
*Nature - (phusis) growth by germination or expansion, natural production.

c. Which allows us to escape the “corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4c NKJV

*For what is the ultimate objective of being a Christian? Is it not to become like Christ? Romans 8:28-29; NKJV; Philippians 3:7-10

3. WILL HELP PREVENT SPIRITUAL AMNESIA.
*Failure to grow indicates we have forgotten why we were redeemed by the blood of Christ in the first place! - 2 Pe 1:9b NKJV

4. WE WILL NEVER STUMBLE.
Peter says “if you do these things you will never stumble." 2 Peter 1:10 NKJV

a. If you are diligent to make your calling and election sure.
b. If you add to your faith virtue, etc.
c. If you abound in these eight graces.

The word “stumble” in Greek means “to fall into misery, become wretched; the loss of salvation” (Thayer)

5. AN ABUNDANT ENTRANCE INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM.

*This “everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1:11 NKJV

"You may be able to enter, not as having escaped from a shipwreck, or from fire, but as it were in triumph." (Adam Clark)

*I trust you will agree that a careful study of these eight “graces” which will lead us to “GROW" is worth the effort!

How Do I Join A Linked UP Dream Team?

1.  Fill out a Dream Team Leadership Application and Honor Code.
2.  Observe the Dream Team you would like to serve on.
3.  Follow up with a ministry leader for your next steps.

http://linkedupchurch.com/connect/dream-team/

How Do I Get Connected with a Small Group?

1.  Find a group.~ Find a group by contacting the church office, visiting our website (www.linkedupchurch.com) or emailing smallgroups@linkedupchurch.com.~ Contact the leader.~ If you desire to lead a group, attend Small Group Leader Orientation and get equipped to lead a group that you are passionate about.
2.  Commit for a Semester at a time.~ New groups start three semesters each year:  Spring (January-April), Summer (June-July), and Fall (September-December).  Most groups are open to new members throughout the semester.
3.  Experience a life change.~ You'll never fully experience all that Linked UP Church has to offer until you connect in a small group!  Small groups were vital to the first century church's growth and they are just as vital now.*Life is not meant to be lived alone.  You were created to experience life with other people.  Groups come in all shapes and sizes that fit your interests in life.  Find a group that fits you or start one on your own.

http://linkedupchurch.com/smallgroups/

Linked UP Church Connection Card

Are You Ready to take your Next Steps?Whether you desire prayer or would like a member of our team to contact you about taking the next steps in your spiritual journey, we are here for you.

http://bit.ly/lucconnectcard

#Vision4Ward

The Vision of Linked UP Church is to reach people with the message of Jesus Christ by connecting them to God, Family, Purpose, Workplace and the Community. The purpose of #Vision4Ward is to present to you an opportunity to help us move the Vision Forward as we rebuild our new church facility, debt-free. This offering enables us to take a giant leap forward in fulfilling the big opportunities God has placed before us.

http://linkedupchurch.com/vision4ward/

Online Giving

http://www.linkedupchurch.com/donations
Youth Ministry Thought for The Week
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You're not yourself when your spirit is starving from the word of God and you feast on everything else (Social Media, TV, Texting, Netflix, Sports, Facetime) instead of the Living Word. If your Spirit is Malnourished how can you manifest Christ?
Children's Ministry Lesson
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Hello Parents,

This School Year, Enjoy connecting with your children!

-Short opening prayer

-Praise and worship (2 of their favorites)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMv3-gEONy0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pD2zIuiC2g

-Books of the Bible rap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT_yEowtcgY

-Family Devotional (attached)

-Closing prayer

Interested in Leading A Small Group?

The best way to experience a small group is to start one of your own. It’s simple! Just grab two friends, find a place to meet, and you’re good to go! Ready to dive in? Small Group Leader Orientation is your Next Step. Orientation will be held: during Step 4 at 10:30am. Would you like more information on leading a small group? Email smallgroups@linkedupchurch.com.

http://www.linkedupchurch.com/smallgroups

John Maxwell's EQUIP: Essentials to Success (FREE 6-Week Course)

What are we going to do for the people who will never come to church? Before we can share Christ with others, we must first add value to them. During this 6-week course, John Maxwell shares areas of personal growth that can help you become more successful in all areas of life and more effective in reaching the lost. 
This course will meet on Saturdays (October 7th – November 11th) from10:00am-12:00pm. The is no cost but you must register to attend. 
For more details or to register, please visit Linkedupchurch.com or stop by the Hotspot Table after service. Registration ends on October 6th.

https://linkedup.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/Show?zipcode=&category=21549&btn=Search
Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (Free Workshop)
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Are you a Small Business Owner or looking to start a business? Entrepreneurial Bootcamp is a FREE Workshop/Seminar for our Linked UP Church Members geared to helping Small Businesses Launch and Break their plateaus.

Join us on Sat., October 28th from 9:00am to 3:30pm at LUC Main Office Location Campus.

For more details or to register, please visit Linkedupchurch.com or stop by the Hotspot Table after service. Registration ends on October 25th.
Weekly Announcements - Next Steps (Step 4 Today)
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Next Steps

Connect4: Next Steps (formerly known as Connect Classes) are now offered every 1st-4th Sundays from 10:30am-11:15am at the Marietta Campus.

Linked UP Prayer Journal

Electronic copy of the Linked UP Prayer Journal. Feel free to download, read and share at your leisure. There is also information about different types of prayers and fasting guidelines.

http://bit.ly/linkedupprayerguide17

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