The Local Church
“…Perhaps that’s the real meaning a of balanced Christian life, one that enters both extremes in a way that lights my life with supernatural fire, a fire that blazes only when I’m so broken over my sin that I value God’s grace over every other blessing.
I see a movement emerging. It’s not yet developed into revival but it’s heading that way. It’s a movement toward a genuine spirituality that pretends about nothing, that destroys all illusions, and leaves us with only – Christ! The potential exists for this movement to form an alternative community that stands out like a rose in a patch of weeds in our self-obsessed, self-honoring, self-dependent world.
If the church is ever to become that alternative community that catches the world’s attention by the “balanced life” its members live, and live together, we need to hear from balanced teachers, passionate and gifted teachers who live in the trenches of real life, who involve themselves in its messiness, who persevere in absolute dependence on the Spirit to do anything of enduring value. We need to hear voices that stir up the courage to look deeply enough into ourselves to see our self-centeredness and that awakens our thirst to know Christ in His resurrection power…”
~Larry Crabb (Foreword to All Consuming Fire)
Dori Sear’s greatest passion is to see transformation in the lives of regular church-going believers who have become comfortable simply “doing church”. What moves us from comfortable Christianity to passionate, sacrificial living? It is the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, lived out in authentic community. It is why the proclamation of God’s Word, soul care/mentoring, spiritual friendships, and small groups are vitally important in the life of each believer. Significant, spiritual conversations don’t just happen. Intentionality is the key.
The best way to make the most out of Sunday morning (or evening) corporate assembly is to talk about the sermon with guided thought and discussion questions. Each sermon gains ground in hearts and lives when discussed within the context of healthy relationships where people are surrounded by caring, praying believers. These people are encouraged to go deeper into the places where they struggle to apply God’s Word.
Dori has had the privilege of writing weekly Sermon Guides and Life Group Leader’s Guides for Pastor Jeff Daley (Senior Pastor of Southern Gables Church) and formerly for Pastor Emeritus Jerry Nelson.
Life Group Leader’s Guides, Sermon Guides and audio recordings of sermons for four sermon series can be accessed through the Sermon Materials web page.