Abiding in God's Grace Amidst Uncertainty
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to focus on the authority and control of God in our lives, especially in times of uncertainty and division. We began with announcements about upcoming events, including a beach day and a meeting for parents of middle and high school students. We celebrated the generosity of our community, particularly the children who exceeded their fundraising goal during Vacation Bible School. This generosity is a testament to the hope we find in Jesus Christ, who is our only true hope in a chaotic world.
We then transitioned into a time of worship and prayer, emphasizing God's ultimate authority and control over all things, including the upcoming elections and the state of our nation. We were reminded that God is never surprised by events and that our role is to remain faithful and obedient to His Word.
I shared about our recent mission trip to Africa, where we partnered with Missions of Hope International (MOHI). This organization is doing incredible work in the slums of Nairobi, providing education, health services, and the gospel to over 30,000 children. The trip was a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from serving others and the importance of children's ministry both abroad and at home.
We then delved into John 5:1-8, where Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. This story highlights that Jesus' healing is not based on our achievements or understanding but on His grace. The man did nothing to earn his healing; it was a gift from Jesus. This challenges us to reconsider how we view our relationship with God. It's not about what we achieve but about abiding in His love and grace.
We often fall into the trap of thinking that God's love is something we need to earn through our actions and achievements. However, the story of the invalid man teaches us that God's love is unconditional. Our obedience should stem from a place of abiding in His love, not from a desire to prove ourselves or earn His favor.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Authority and Control: In times of uncertainty and division, it's crucial to remember that God is in control. He is never surprised by events, and our role is to remain faithful and obedient to His Word. This assurance allows us to face the future with confidence and peace. [15:45]
2. Generosity and Community: The generosity of our community, especially the children during Vacation Bible School, is a powerful testament to the hope we find in Jesus Christ. This generosity not only meets immediate needs but also spreads the gospel and the love of Christ to those who need it most. [14:03]
3. The Power of Service: Our mission trip to Africa with Missions of Hope International was a profound reminder of the blessings that come from serving others. The joy and love we experienced were mutual, highlighting the beauty of the body of Christ working together. [41:01]
4. Grace Over Achievement: The story of the invalid man in John 5 teaches us that Jesus' healing and love are not based on our achievements but on His grace. This challenges us to shift our focus from trying to earn God's love to simply abiding in it. [54:25]
5. Obedience as Abiding: True obedience to God comes from a place of abiding in His love, not from a desire to achieve or prove ourselves. When we understand that God's love is unconditional, our obedience becomes a natural response to His grace rather than a means to earn His favor. [56:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:45] - Beach Day Announcement
[13:28] - Parent Meeting for Middle and High Schoolers
[14:03] - Vacation Bible School Success
[14:57] - Offering and Worship Introduction
[15:45] - God's Authority and Control
[16:18] - Prayer for the Nation
[17:39] - Jesus' Authority and Our Faithfulness
[18:23] - The Cross and God's Plan
[19:21] - Introduction of Matt and Rachel King
[38:17] - Mission Trip to Africa
[39:57] - Missions of Hope International Overview
[41:01] - Serving in Nyeri
[42:03] - Dance Parties and Joy in Service
[42:58] - Importance of Children's Ministry
[44:24] - Team Experience and Testimonies
[45:14] - Emotional Tethering to MOHI
[46:14] - Flooding in Kenya and Generosity
[47:22] - Reflection on Daily Experiences
[48:14] - Intentional Walking and Survival
[49:10] - Critique on Achievement
[49:47] - John 5:1-8: The Healing at Bethesda
[51:54] - Jesus' Gracious Healing
[52:57] - The Invalid's Response
[54:25] - Grace Over Achievement
[55:34] - God's Love is Unconditional
[56:49] - Obedience as Abiding
[58:40] - Heroes of the Faith
[59:39] - Parable of the Talents
[01:00:17] - Do You Want to Be Healed?
[01:01:21] - Obedience: Achievement vs. Abiding
[01:03:01] - The Reward of Obedience
[01:05:15] - Produced by Abiding
[01:06:18] - Callings and Living for Jesus
[01:07:15] - Abiding in God's Love
[01:08:11] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 5:1-8
- 1 John 4:19
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 5:1-8, what was the condition of the man that Jesus healed, and how long had he been in that condition?
2. What was the man's initial response when Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed? ([51:54])
3. According to the sermon, what did the children achieve during Vacation Bible School, and how did it reflect the hope found in Jesus Christ? ([14:03])
4. What was the main purpose of the mission trip to Africa, and what organization did the church partner with? ([39:57])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed, even though it seemed obvious? What does this question reveal about Jesus' approach to healing and grace? ([51:54])
2. How does the story of the invalid man challenge the common belief that we need to earn God's love and favor through our achievements? ([54:25])
3. Reflecting on the mission trip to Africa, what does the mutual blessing experienced by the team and the children in Nairobi teach us about the nature of service in the body of Christ? ([41:01])
4. How does the concept of "obedience as abiding" differ from "obedience as achievement," and why is this distinction important in our relationship with God? ([56:49])
#### Application Questions
1. In times of uncertainty and division, how can you remind yourself that God is in control and not be overwhelmed by anxiety? What practical steps can you take to remain faithful and obedient to His Word? ([15:45])
2. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to earn God's love through your actions. How can the story of the invalid man in John 5 help you shift your focus to abiding in God's unconditional love and grace? ([54:25])
3. The children at Vacation Bible School demonstrated generosity by exceeding their fundraising goal. How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity in your own life, and what specific actions can you take to spread the love of Christ to those in need? ([14:03])
4. The mission trip to Africa highlighted the importance of children's ministry. How can you get involved in serving children, either in your local community or through international missions? ([43:47])
5. Jesus' healing of the invalid man was an act of grace, not based on the man's achievements. How can you apply this understanding of grace in your daily interactions with others, especially those who may feel unworthy or overlooked? ([54:25])
6. The sermon emphasized the difference between obedience for achievement and obedience as abiding. Identify one area in your life where you have been striving for achievement. How can you shift your mindset to one of abiding in Christ's love and trusting in His grace? ([56:49])
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of reflecting on daily experiences to see what God is doing in our lives. How can you incorporate a regular time of reflection into your routine, and what questions will you ask yourself to discern God's work in your life? ([47:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Uncertain Times
In times of uncertainty and division, it is crucial to remember that God is in control. He is never surprised by events, and our role is to remain faithful and obedient to His Word. This assurance allows us to face the future with confidence and peace. When we look at the world around us, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos and unpredictability. However, as believers, we are called to trust in God's ultimate authority and control over all things, including the upcoming elections and the state of our nation.
God's sovereignty means that He has a plan and purpose for everything, even when we cannot see it. Our responsibility is to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory. This trust in God's sovereignty should lead us to a place of peace and confidence, knowing that He is in control and that we can rely on His wisdom and guidance in all circumstances. [15:45]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 2: The Impact of Generosity in Community
The generosity of our community, especially the children during Vacation Bible School, is a powerful testament to the hope we find in Jesus Christ. This generosity not only meets immediate needs but also spreads the gospel and the love of Christ to those who need it most. When we give generously, we reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for our salvation.
Generosity is not just about financial giving; it also includes our time, talents, and resources. When we give selflessly, we become conduits of God's love and grace to others. The impact of our generosity can be far-reaching, touching lives in ways we may never fully understand. It is a tangible expression of our faith and a powerful witness to the world of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. [14:03]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your daily life? Think of one specific way you can give of your time, talents, or resources this week.
Day 3: The Blessings of Serving Others
Our mission trip to Africa with Missions of Hope International was a profound reminder of the blessings that come from serving others. The joy and love we experienced were mutual, highlighting the beauty of the body of Christ working together. Serving others is not just about meeting their needs; it is also about building relationships and sharing the love of Christ in tangible ways.
When we serve, we are blessed in return. The act of serving others helps us to grow in our faith, develop a deeper understanding of God's love, and experience the joy that comes from selfless giving. It also allows us to see the world through God's eyes, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The blessings of serving others are not just for those we serve but also for us as we grow in our relationship with God and with each other. [41:01]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you show the love of Christ through your actions?
Day 4: Embracing Grace Over Achievement
The story of the invalid man in John 5 teaches us that Jesus' healing and love are not based on our achievements but on His grace. This challenges us to shift our focus from trying to earn God's love to simply abiding in it. The man did nothing to earn his healing; it was a gift from Jesus. This story reminds us that God's love is unconditional and not dependent on our actions or achievements.
We often fall into the trap of thinking that we need to earn God's love through our actions and achievements. However, the truth is that God's love is a free gift, given to us through His grace. Our relationship with God should be based on abiding in His love and grace, not on trying to prove ourselves or earn His favor. This understanding frees us from the pressure of performance and allows us to rest in the assurance of God's unconditional love. [54:25]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: In what ways have you been trying to earn God's love through your actions? How can you shift your focus to simply abiding in His grace?
Day 5: Obedience as a Response to God's Love
True obedience to God comes from a place of abiding in His love, not from a desire to achieve or prove ourselves. When we understand that God's love is unconditional, our obedience becomes a natural response to His grace rather than a means to earn His favor. Obedience is not about following a set of rules to gain God's approval; it is about living in a way that reflects our love for Him and our gratitude for His grace.
When we abide in God's love, our actions and decisions are guided by our desire to honor Him and live according to His will. This kind of obedience is not burdensome but joyful, as it flows from a heart that is fully surrendered to God. It is a response to the love and grace we have received, and it leads to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. [56:49]
John 15:9-10 (ESV): "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love."
Reflection: How can you practice obedience as a response to God's love this week? What specific steps can you take to abide more fully in His love and grace?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But church, let me assure you of this. God is in control. All right? I know even for me sitting here this morning, I'm like, how am I going to process this? How am I going to lead in this? What wisdom can I give? That's it. God is in control. God is in control. He has authority. He knows what's going on. None of this surprised him. Whatever's going to happen in November, it's not a surprise to him. But he has called us to be faithful. Faithful and obedient to his word." [15:45] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so as we go into offering, we want to remind you, you can give through the box around the room. You can give online or you can give on the app. But today, we're gonna start a little different without the corporate prayer. I want to take some time in praying for the offering, but really in praying for our nation and praying together for that." [14:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We don't know what tomorrow holds. We don't know what the next day or the next day or the next day. But we know that you know exactly what's going on. And at times like this and other times, we can be like, what, God, what is going? God, why don't you intervene? Why didn't you let something happen differently? Why didn't you, all these questions. And those are the same questions that have been asked since the fall of man." [17:39] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We do know that Jesus Christ has come. Come to this earth, died on the cross for our sins and risen from the grave. We do know that you have given us your Holy Spirit to live as faithful followers to you. And so God, not just in our nation, do we pray for your authority, but we pray for that in our homes and in our lives. God, you have authority and we trust in you no matter what." [18:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so just a reminder. Both overseas and here, the importance of children's ministry. When you pour your heart out to kids. When you share with them the love of Christ. There's an openness to that. That is of critical importance to introduce them to." [43:47] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Achievement isn't God's reason to love you. His love, Is his reason to love you. It's not achievement. That's not his reason to love you. Otherwise, he would have gone to the lame man And he said, hey, listen, here's what's going to happen. Here's what I expect of you. You better make a difference for my kingdom. You better get after it. Are you ready? Yeah? Okay, healed. He said, do you want to be healed? And the invalid said, I can't, I can't, I can't. And he goes, get up, take up your mat and walk." [56:09] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so in this tension that I live in of this, yeah, but God, but, but God, you, you want something of me. You want me to do, you want me to create me as a, as a pastor. You want, you want this church to grow. You want the word spoken. Yes, he wants all those things, but that is not why he loves me. That's not why he loves you. It's not achievement. He loves you because he loves. This is who he is." [56:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so how do we interact with this? How then do we interact and react? Number one is we have to answer. The question first, the first question we answer is, do you want to be healed? This is an offer that only Jesus can make. Let me be clear. There's a lot of things that we can be healed from, but he's talking about not just the physical healing, the invitation from Jesus Christ to each one of us is, do we really want Jesus to heal us?" [01:00:17] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so God's teaching me, Drew, it's not about your achievements. To evaluate my life and say, why do I have this tension? When I, when I look at those who are simply surviving and saying, how pleased is God with them? And he says to the invalid, take up your mat and walk. Enjoy the gifts that I've given you in the same way. The mother in the slum whose husband has died, who simply makes barely enough to feed her kids and loves them like Christ loves them and invites them to understand Jesus is a hero of the faith." [58:40] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so when we look at all those, achieve says earn. Abide says embrace. Abide says trust. Abide says produced. We stop looking at those around us. And say, are they? Or can they? Or where are they? Because that's all me statement. And we say, God, I embrace the work of Jesus Christ. And I trust his word. And therefore, because of that, what is produced in me is what God has called me to live into. And therefore, any achievement, anything I do is to the glory of God and because of him." [01:05:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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