This Is Us | Sunday Message (Pastor Jonathan Laurie)

9 snips

Sep 21, 2025

Discover how spiritual edification is essential for Christians to grow in faith. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building life on Jesus as the cornerstone. Listeners learn about a framework for church strategy—Upward, Inward, and Outward. The podcast highlights the role of parents in teaching children biblical truths to protect their spiritual journey. It also explores how edification fosters maturity, resilience, and stability in believers, urging everyone to contribute their gifts for the church's growth.

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ANECDOTE

Leaning Tower Example

Greg Laurie tells the story of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to show what happens when a foundation is poor.
He uses the tower to argue that lives and churches must be built on Jesus as the sure foundation.

INSIGHT

Upward, Inward, Outward Framework

Laurie frames faith-building around Upward, Inward, Outward: glorify God, edify each other, and evangelize.
Edification (inward) exists so the church can better glorify God and reach others.

ADVICE

Use Leadership To Equip Saints

Read Ephesians 4:11–12 as a blueprint: leaders equip the saints for ministry and edifying the body.
Do not treat church as passive; use leaders and gifts to build a firm Christ-centered foundation.

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A “stagnant Christian” should be an oxymoron. God's plan for His children is that they be edified, constantly moving forward in faith. But the Christian can't become spiritually mature alone...

Notes:

Focus verse - Ephesians 4

We don’t stand in our own strength, but we are built up together on the foundation of Christ.

Upward – glorify God
Inward – edify each other
Outward – reach people with the Gospel

Edification happens inside each of us when we submit ourselves to God and allow Him to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus.

We are built up so that He is lifted up.

1. Edification Is Jesus’ Blueprint.
Ephesians 4:11–12

Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;
Whoever believes will never be shaken.”

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—
it’s up to you to make sure these children are prepared for spiritual battle.

Be proactively teaching your kids Biblical truth or they will be led astray.

When Jesus is the cornerstone, and when His people are equipped and built up in truth, the church stands strong.

Romans 14:19 (ESV)
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Let us pursue.

2. Edification Produces Maturity.
Ephesians 4:13–14 (NKJV)

Edification gives us:
- discernment
- stability
- resilience

Longevity doesn’t equal maturity.

Jesus loved them enough to tell them the truth and call them to repentance.

True love doesn’t enable sin; it confronts it.

3. Edification Requires Every Member’s Contribution.
Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV)

It is essential, that we speak the truth in love.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Our goal is to lead people to Christ, to be a light in the world.

Speak the truth in love.
Use your gifts.
Pour into others.

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

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