Linked UP Church
Grow in Godliness (11-12-2017)
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
Marietta Campus
1171 Whitlock Ave NW, Marietta, GA 30064, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Linked UP Church On-Demand
http://linkedupchurch.com/sermons-2/Live Stream of Today's Service
http://linkedupchurch.churchonline.org/Linked UP Church Connection Card
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http://www.linkedupchurch.com/donations#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/Grow in Godliness
1. Remember that growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires:
a. The development of eight graces.
b. In conjunction with each other.
c. With all diligence where we gradually produce a Christ-like character.
2. Reasons to grow in this knowledge include:
a. Grace and peace are multiplied in this knowledge.
b. All things pertaining to life and godliness are provided through this knowledge.
c. Spiritual amnesia is avoided by this knowledge.
d. We will never stumble if we abound in this knowledge.
e. An abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom will be ours.
3. So, the development of a Christ-like character:
a. Begins with the foundation of faith (conviction and trust).
b. To which we add the quality of virtue (striving for excellence).
c. Manifested by increasing in knowledge (regarding God’s will).
d. To which we add the grace of self-control (mastering one’s desires and passions).
e. Along with the perseverance to bear up under trials and temptations.
4. As we continue with our text (2 Peter 1:5-8), we see that we are to add godliness:
a. Note that it is connected with perseverance.
b. We shall observe that this is a very logical connection.
*As we’ve done previously, let’s first seek to discern the meaning of the word.
A. The Greek Word is Eusebia.
1. Literally, it means “to worship well”, “to be very devout.”
2. Vine describes it as denoting “that piety which, characterized by a God-ward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.”
3. (ISBE) describes it as “character and conduct determined by the principle of love or fear of God in the heart.”
B. Contrasted with hypocrisy.
1. Against which Paul warned - 2 Timothy 3:1-5
2. Against which Jesus warned - Matthew 6:1-18
C. Connected with persevarance.
1. Perseverance (bearing up under trials) is commendable, if done for the right reason. 1 Peter 2:18-23
A. Godliness is a God-ward attitude with a desire to please God.
1. Jesus had this desire to please His Heavenly Father. John 8:29
2. As a disciple, we must seek to please God, not men. Galatians 1:10
3. The apostles’ taught the disciples that they might please God. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
B. Profitable for all things.
1. Paul wrote how godliness was profitable for all things. 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 6:6; 2 Timothy 3:5
A. Requires exercise.
1. As Paul counseled Timothy. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
2. The type of spiritual exercise needed. 1 Timothy 4:12-16
a. Set a good example for others.
b. Give attention to reading (esp. the Word of God), exhortation, doctrine.
c. Make good use of your abilities and opportunities.
d. Focus your efforts on such things, and your progress will be evident.
B. Requires abstinence.
1. From disputes and arguments over words. - 1 Timothy 6:3-4
2. From men who dispute over words. - 1 Timothy 6:5
3. From materialism and the love of money. - 1 Timothy 6:6-11
1. It is God’s desire that we live godly lives, and to this end we are told to pray:
“...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3
2. It is our desire to please Him that sanctifies our conduct.
a. Making our efforts holy conduct.
b. Rather than self-righteous acts done to earn salvation, impress others, or some other personal gain.
3. Can we see why we must add godliness as we seek to grow in the knowledge of Christ?
a. As we strive for excellence (virtue)...
b. As we increase in knowledge...
c. As we display self-control...
d. As we bear up under trials (perseverance)...
e. It is godliness (pious conduct seeking to please God) that ensures that our efforts will not be for the wrong reasons.
May we therefore add godliness to perseverance as we seek to grow in both grace and knowledge while waiting for our Lord’s return.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” - Titus 2:11-13
How Do I Join A Linked UP Dream Team?
1. Fill out a Dream Team Leadership Application and Honor Code.<br>2. Observe the Dream Team you would like to serve on.<br>3. Follow up with a ministry leader for your next steps.
http://linkedupchurch.com/connect/dream-team/Connect to Community Through Service this Holiday Season
We have exciting service opportunities during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays (November 10th - December 25th). For more information email info@linkedupchurch.com.
https://linkedup.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/Show?zipcode=&category=21625&weekday=&start_time=How Do I Get Connected with a Small Group?
<b>1. Find a group.</b>~ 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.<br><b>2. Commit for a Semester at a time.</b>~ 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.<br><b>3. Experience a life change.</b>~ 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/Youth Ministry Thought for The Week
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?<br><br>For more information please contact Min. Nehemiah Ray (nray@linkedupchurch.com).
Children's Ministry Lesson
Hello Parents,<br><br>This School Year, Enjoy connecting with your children!<br><br>-Short opening prayer<br><br>-Praise and worship (2 of their favorites)<br>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMv3-gEONy0<br>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pD2zIuiC2g<br><br>-Books of the Bible rap<br>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT_yEowtcgY<br><br>-Family Devotional (attached)<br><br>-Closing prayer<br><br>For more information please contact Min. Carol Houston (chouston@linkedupchurch.com).
Nursery Notes
Download this week's Nursery Lesson to go over as a family. For more information please contact Tonette Price (tprice@linkedupchurch.com).
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qf0f3aqgowt74kw/AACNqr1r0KCYKYsCtcSKgDWQa?dl=0Interested 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. <b>Orientation will be held: </b>during Step 4 at 10:30am. Would you like more information on leading a small group? Email smallgroups@linkedupchurch.com.
http://www.linkedupchurch.com/smallgroupsConnect 4: Step 2 (Church Membership) will be offered today.
Step 2 – Connect (Church Membership)<br>This class is a basic introduction to Linked UP Church and will help you understand church membership. Step 2 is offered on the Second Sunday of each month.<br><br>Connect 4: Next Steps are a catalyst to help you become a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ. These classes offer the tools necessary to make this happen in your life. From the initial decision to accept Jesus as your Lord to your final destination in life-changing ministry, we will lead you step-by-step from healing to growth and into a fulfilling leadership role.<br><br>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