Clarity One Year Celebrations and Prayers

A Few Highlights from the Clarity One Year Anniversary Party...

1. I honored the team that moved from PA almost two years ago. I gave them each a hammer with their name and this scripture on it...

Luke 14:28-33 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish....’ In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."

They have each counted the cost and have been faithful through great risk and sacrifice to do what God has called us to do.

2. I gave smooth stones to everyone there as a reminder of three things... as a memorial for how they have served to launch this church, to teach us about this truth... 1 Peter 2:5 - "You, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ," and as a reminder that God is developing them personally, their character, smoothing the rough edges into the image of Christ.

3. We CELEBRATED a bunch of things... survival (amazing that we are alive and still love each other), growth spiritually and numerically, depth (taking root below), healthy foundations (to build upon), forming as a family, miraculous financial provision, and most of all, God!

4. We PRAYED the Lord’s Prayer, for miraculous growth over this next year both spiritually and numerically, for healthy and thriving disciples that multiply, and for fullest joy in Jesus.

THAT PEOPLE WILL CLEARY SEE AND KNOW GOD... AND THAT WE WOULD GLORIFY GOD!

Complete - Part 5 - Brought into Fullness (notes)

For those who are following our current series, here are the notes (including the fill ins) for Part 5, “Brought into Fullness.” You can listen to the message here.

Complete
Part 5 – Brought into Fullness

Colossians 2:9-10
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.

What is God’s fullness? According to Colossians, here are seven aspects of God’s fullness which you are brought into.

1. Full Power (2:10b) – When you are brought into Christ, you are connected with the highest power in the universe. It is creative, problem solving, world creating, imaginative, legal, and authoritative power. You need not seek more power.

2. Full Qualification (2:11) – When you are brought into Christ, you are qualified by the one who holds all the power. It is far higher than any degree or diploma, it is the seal of competence from God himself.

*(2:16-23) The rules are but a shadow, the reality is Christ.

3. Full Life (2:12-13a) – When you are brought into Christ, you are given life to the fullest as a gift. The deepest joy, love, and passion are alive in you.

4. Full Forgiveness (2:13b) – Your “list of sins” is erased and you are left only with a clean slate, a pure heart, and clear conscience.

5. Full Freedom (2:14) – When you are brought into Christ, all your indebtedness for sin is cancelled. You are made completely free.

6. Full Relief (2:16) – When you are brought into Christ, the burdens you carry, the weight you uphold, the problems that bind you, are all released and you can breathe.

7. Full Affirmation (2:16) – When you are brought into Christ, you need not justify, defend, or affirm yourself… rather, God himself is your public affirmation and justification. Amazing.

Complete - Part 4 - Two Words for Life (notes)

For those who are following our current series, here are the notes (including the fill ins) for Part 4, “Two Words for Life.” You can listen to the message here.

Complete - Part 4
Two Words for Life

Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

This is the simplest and possibly most profound message you have ever heard. In every situation you encounter, just remember two words. These words have great theological and practical implications.

Based on Colossians 2:6-7...

1. Receive &
2. Continue

Always remember... receive the fullness of God through Christ. You can't earn it or lose it, you can only receive it. Then, continue. Don't stop, keep walking, deeply rooted in Him, bearing fruit, strengthened in faith, and filled with thanksgiving. It's important to start strong but imperative to finish strong.

Complete - Part 3 - The Riches of Understanding (Notes)

For those who are following our current series, here are the notes (including the fill ins) for Part 3, “The Riches of Understanding.” You can listen to this message here.

Complete – Part 3
The Riches of Understanding

Colossians 1:24-29 and 2:1-5

1. There is a mission so important that it is worth suffering for, becoming a servant to, and strenuously contending for with all the energy of Christ (1:24, 25, and 29).

a. to present the Word of God in fullness (1:25)

b. that you may be fully mature in Christ (1:28)

c. understanding that God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery to you (1:26-27)

2. The message that drives the mission is Christ in you, the hope of glory (1:27).

a. glory is greatness, splendor, and magnificence

b. part of this glory is the goal for us to be encouraged in heart and united in love so that we may (2:2)…

c. have the full riches of complete understanding (2:2)

d. know the mystery of God, which is Christ (2:2)

e. have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3)

3. Hope means two things…

a. a hope that rescues you from your failure and grants you glory

b. a hope that is a sure expectation and certainty

4. There will be those who convincingly try to deceive you (2:4)

a. be disciplined (2:5)

b. decide how and when

c. have a firm faith in Christ (2:5)

Complete - Part 2 - It's All About Jesus (Notes)

For those who are following our current series, here are the notes (including the fill ins) for Part 2, “It’s All About Jesus.” You can listen to this message here.

Complete – Part 2 - It’s All About Jesus
7/3/11
Colossians 1:15-23

I. Jesus is the perfectly clear image of God. (1:15)

-the power behind the creation of all things (1:16)
-the reason for the creation of all things (1:16)
-the glue that holds all things together (1:17)
-the operating system of the universe (1:17)
-the leader of the church (1:18)
-the first born in the family of God (1:18)
-the fullness of God (1:19)
-the re-connector of all things to God (1:20)
-the peace-maker through His blood shed on the cross (1:20)

II. You were completely disconnected from God, but now, because of Jesus, you can be fully reconnected.

-You were alienated from God (1:21)
-You were an enemy of God in your mind…
because of your evil behavior (1:21)
-But now, you are re-connected to God…
presented holy in his sight…
without blemish and free from accusation (1:22)
-If you continue in your faith…
being established and firm…
not moving from the hope held out in the gospel (1:23)

Complete - Part 1 - I.D. from God (Notes)

For those who are following our current series, here are the notes (including the fill ins) from Part 1, “I.D. from God.” You can listen to this message here.

Complete - Part 1 – I.D. From God
Colossians 1:1-14
6/26/11

1. When you know who God is, then you will know who you are.

-God the Father has a perfect and loving will to be revealed to you, His child (1:1, 1:9).
-God the Son is Jesus, your Savior, rescuing you from sin and death (1:13-14).
-God the Spirit gives you wisdom and understanding (1:9).
-God’s good news to you is the gospel (1:5-6); declaring you qualified (1:12), rescued (1:13), and forgiven (1:14).

2. When you know who you are, you will know what to do.

God’s will is… that you may live a life worthy of the Lord… which is to please Him in every way… by…
a. bearing fruit in every good work,
b. growing in the knowledge of God, and
c. being strengthened with ALL power according to HIS glorious might… so that
1. you will have GREAT endurance and patience
2. and give joyful thanks to God

3. When you know who God is, then you will know who we are.

The church is God’s holy PEOPLE, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ (1:1-2).
The difference between attendees and members can be summed up in one word: commitment.

Gain, Save, Give

Some of the important points and quotes from last weeks message about money God’s way.

“Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can.” -John Wesley

GAIN ALL YOU CAN
God wants us to be productive and wise with all that we have been entrusted with (Luke 16:1-13).

SAVE ALL YOU CAN
“Whenever you expend anything to only please your taste or other senses, you pay so much for sensuality. When you lay out money to please your eye, you give so much for a stronger attachment to these pleasures which perish in the using. While you are purchasing anything for the admiration of men, you are purchasing more vanity. Had you not then enough of vanity, sensuality, and perishing. Was there need of any addition? And would you pay for it, too? What manner of wisdom is this? Would not literally throwing your money into the sea be a less mischievous folly?”
-John Wesley

GIVE ALL YOU CAN
It’s true. You can never out-give God. AND, you growing in generosity is a necessary sign of you growing into Christ-likeness.

Honor the LORD with your possessions, with the firstfruits of all your increase; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 3:1-10

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38

5 Ways to Grow Spiritually this Summer

Guest Blogger - Pastor Jeff Leake from PA posted this yesterday. Great stuff.

I absolutely love the summer months. Maybe its because I live in Pittsburgh, where good weather is a rarity and something to be treasured? But summer can also be a time where we drift away from God. Why? Schedules shift and change. Small Groups take a break (some keep meeting). Habits are sometimes put on hold.

A spiritual malaise can settle in on our soul.

Here's some suggestions for how to stay strong spiritually this summer:

#1 - TAKE A WALK TO THINK AND PRAY

There is nothing quite like a nice day, early in the morning, or late at night - to get alone with God. A few days ago, I got outside early in the morning, walked several miles, and just talked to God about what was on my heart.

Some of the time, I tuned my own spirit to listen to what God had to say to me. And some of the time, I just enjoyed the beauty of God's handiwork and thanked him for the opportunity to enjoy this moment in His presence. It was truly refreshing.

#2 - JOURNAL

One of the most important disciplines for my soul is the practice of 'journaling' where I record the personal revelation that God is speaking to me at the moment. Most often it is a reflection on a specific verse of Scripture and an application to my own life at the moment.

I love the format that Wayne Cordiero provides (S.O.A.P. - Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Sit down in a park or on the beach with a pen, a Bible, and a journal and record what God is saying to you specifically right now.

#3 - AGREE WITH SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING AGGRESSIVE SPIRITUALLY

Find someone who will fast with you for a few days. Join a freind in serving someone in need. Host a picnic for your neighborhood and ask your small group to help you host it. Read through the book of Acts (one chapter a day for a month) and get together to talk about what you are learning as you read.

#4 - STAY COMMITTED TO CORPORATE WORSHIP

There is something very powerful about the HABIT of church attendance. More important that any one message that you hear preached or any one experience you have in worship - is the collective impact on your soul that occurs when you develop the consistent habit of just showing up.

I think the modeling of that conviction is one of the most important things I can do for my own kids spiritually. My parents built that habit in me. It stuck with me throughout life. It revealed what was truly a priority. Worship wasn't based on schedule or convenience. It was a value that was expressed by a habit. Powerful stuff.

#5 - STRETCH YOURSELF TO STUDY

There are so many creative resources available to you to feed yourself spiritually. Read a devotional book. Download a free podcast and listen to a message. Identify a passage of Scripture that you want to understand better. Get out a notebook and research a passage for yourself. There are some great online tools at sites like Biblegateway.com or Youversion.com.

I guess that bottom line is this: If you don't take initiative and ownership over your own spiritual life this summer, you may very well drift away from God. It doesn't have to be that way. You can thrive if you do more than just survive. So I say - go for it. Make this summer one of your best summers ever.

3 Weeks of Principles to Help You Defeat Your Giant

WEEK 1 - 1 Samuel 17:1-16
1. Giants are a matter of perspective.
2. Giants seem bigger when you are not following God.
3. Fear in contagious, so spend time with overcomers.
4. Giants don’t leave on their own; they must be defeated.

WEEK 2 - 1 Samuel 17:17-26
1. You are old enough to defeat a giant whenever you have learned to depend on God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. God uses unlikely heroes.
3. Deal with your giant immediately.
4. You will face your giant when you finally realize the cost of allowing it to remain.

WEEK 3 - 1 Samuel 17:27-37

1. Don’t let critics distract you from the cause.
2. Fight the right fight (fight the giant, not your critics).
3. Small battles are practice for big victories.
4. All giants, regardless of how they look to you, are the same size to God.
5. The ability to defeat giants comes from God.

Top 10 Things I Want to Say to Clarity

1. I am HONORED to be the pastor of this awesome church! I count it a privilege and a sobering responsibility to lead as I follow Christ.

2. I am thrilled that YOU are a part of this. Every single one of you represents a series of miracles that have led you here for this time.

3. As we unite around Jesus Christ, His Kingdom WILL come and shake our community with God’s love in ways that we can’t even imagine right now.

4. Pray for the people God has put in your life. Family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Get to know them. LOVE them. INVITE them to Clarity to hear the good news of Jesus... that they are LOVED beyond measure and are invited into the greatest journey of all time, following Him.

5. If you have recently become a follower of Jesus, I am SO pumped about your new journey. Talk to God, read your Bible (start with John), and stay committed to attending Clarity. I encourage you to get connected with a small group and get baptized on May 22nd. Email Info@clarity.la for more info.

6. You did an absolutely amazing job with the Eggstravaganza and our first four Sunday morning gatherings at McKinley! We have connected with over 1,100 new people, tripled the average size of our gatherings, and seen at least six people decide to become followers of Jesus! THAT is worth it all.

7. As we transition into this new season of our church’s life; even though there is a lot to do, it’s not that hard if we all just do our part. We are in this for the long haul, so set your pace for a marathon, not a sprint. Learn to LOVE the work, ENJOY the journey, and have JOY in the process. Good attitudes are contagious.

8. Support your team leaders like CRAZY! Nothing strengthens a church more than when the people encourage, believe in, pray for, and have the backs of their leaders.

9. Leaders, support your teams like CRAZY! Nothing strengthens a church more than when the leaders encourage, believe in, pray for, and have the backs of their team members.

10. Think right now about the “GIANT” you want to confront and overcome during this series. Now read 2 Samuel 17:1-51 and build up your faith! I can’t wait for Sunday as we take the next step in learning to defeat Goliath! See you then.

What to Do Every Day

Here’s a great principle I recently heard from John Maxwell. Every day you should wake and ask, “How can I add value to someone’s life today?” Here’s how I understand that...

To add value means to find something that you can improve or strengthen that will bless someone else. The most successful and happy people are those who make others successful and happy.

Many times, this principle is the only thing that can break you out of a rut because it will cause you to take your attention off yourself (and your problems) and seek the best for someone else.

The ultimate fulfillment of this is Jesus. Greater love has no one than he who lays down his life for a friend. Jesus did it for us. Try it now.

Eight Gifts of Hope in the Midst of a Mess

Eight Gifts of Hope in the Midst of a Mess

1. Read John 20:1-2 - If you’re a great failure like Peter, or a great sinner like Mary Magdalene (the prostitute), than you’re a perfect candidate for God to use powerfully and to be in the inner circle of his followers.

2. Read John 20:3-9 - If you don’t fully understand God’s plan or what He has repeatedly told you, you are in good company, and his plan is unfolding perfectly.

3. Read John 20:10-15 - You may not recognize Jesus in the midst of your trials, but He is right in front of you, speaking to you.

4. John 20:16-18 - In the midst of your blindness, Jesus calls your name, reassures you that you are His family, and gives you a purpose.

5. Read John 20:19-20 - Jesus stands among you in the midst of your fear, shows Himself to you (and your loved ones), and gives you peace that leads to joy.

6. Read John 20:21-23 - Jesus gives you peace, gives you the Holy Spirit, and sends you on His mission with authority.

7. Read John 20:24-30 - God is not threatened by your honest feelings in the midst of trials. Even then, He will prove Himself to you.

8. Read John 20:31 - Jesus is the Christ and is the living hope. He gives you life in the midst of your mess.

Easter Sunday ReCap!

We had an awesome Easter gathering this morning at Clarity! Despite an angry dude showing up and threatening to shut us down (which he can't... but we were graceful about it), we had 45 first timers (over 15 of which were kids!), and 2 first time decisions to follow Jesus. The Clarity team killed it (again) and everyone had an awesome time.

This was a huge weekend for us between the Eggstravaganza and Easter morning! We invested a lot of time, energy, and resource into it all... many months of prep. Because of this, many people took significant steps forward in the journey with God... and that makes it all worth it!

See you all this Sunday as we host Austin Andrews from this season of the Biggest Loser! Bring some friends... anyone who loves the show!

Clarity Eggstravaganza ReCap!

We had a GREAT Clarity Eggstravaganza today! With 500 kids, 1,100 people, and lots of new community connections, it was a huge success! The Clarity Team (and our extra help from Bakersfield) were amazing! They successfully set up and pulled off this whole event while making everyone feel welcomed and loved! We met so many wonderful families that we look forward to getting to know!

This was a lot of time, energy, and resource well used! The school district and city staff said they have never worked with a better and more organized team... a testament to the teams quality. BE SURE to come to our Easter gathering and see the team in action again. More importantly, see the God that inspires and is the motivation for this team. Every Sunday morning at McKinley Elementary at 11 AM!

The sky diving easter bunny landing was... and I hate to use this word... EPIC! Video coming. All 25,000 eggs gone :) Thanks to everyone who came and helped out. Wow!

How wise do you work?

I can work with the best of them. When I am passionate about something, there is little that can stop me from doing it. BUT, the truth is, working HARD doesn’t always mean working WISE. For instance, it’s not wise to but all your time and energy into moving in the wrong direction.

The bible puts a VERY high premium on wisdom!

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Proverbs 3:21-22

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7

...for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:11

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5

Take a step back. Ask God for wisdom. Evaluate your priorities. Determine your main focus. What is your mission? What has God called you to do? What are you most passionate about? Where should you be putting your greatest time and energy?

I encourage you to ask these questions prayerfully and in light of God’s word. There is no way to truly find clarity without the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. God will renew your mind, change your motives, and set you on a course that is divine. It will not be easy. In fact, Jesus promises you will have trouble in this world, but that we can take heart, because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Join us at Clarity Easter Sunday, April 24 to learn how to walk in peace in the midst of chaos.