Aligning Our Lives with God's Eternal Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Eternal Hope Anchors Life

Eternal hope in God provides a steadfast foundation that transcends the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and achievements. This hope is a secure anchor in the tumultuous seas of life, offering peace and stability amidst uncertainty. It is the bedrock upon which one can build a life of faith and purpose, knowing that God's promises are unshakable and everlasting. [46:22]

Hebrews 6:19 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."
Reflection: How does the eternal hope in God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Day 2: Mirroring Christ's Actions

Believers are called to mirror the actions of Jesus, such as meeting needs, offering salvation, and extending patience. This is not merely an aspiration but a tangible reality when one aligns with God's plan. It requires a conscious effort to prioritize God's will and to be willing to serve others as Jesus did, thereby becoming a vessel for His work on earth. [01:38:44]

James 2:17-18 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: What is one way you can actively demonstrate Jesus' love and service in your community this week?

Day 3: Fellowship and Obedience

The act of sharing a meal, as Jesus did, is a profound expression of fellowship and an opportunity to listen and obey God's instructions. It is in these moments of communion that believers can discern God's voice and receive guidance on how to serve and contribute to His kingdom. This practice fosters a deeper connection with God and with one another, creating a space for spiritual growth and kingdom impact. [01:44:32]

Luke 24:30-31 - "When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight."
Reflection: How can you create intentional moments of fellowship this week to listen for God's guidance in your life?

Day 4: Upholding Biblical Principles

In a society that often challenges Christian values, it is crucial to stand firm on biblical principles, such as the sanctity of life. This includes making informed decisions that reflect God's heart, especially in areas like civic engagement and voting. Upholding these values is a testament to one's faith and a commitment to being a light in the world, influencing society for the better. [01:02:36]

Proverbs 31:8-9 - "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Reflection: What is one action you can take this week to advocate for a biblical principle that is important to you?

Day 5: Focused Impact through God's Calling

The concept of "do less better" encourages believers to concentrate their efforts on God's specific calling for their lives. By focusing on areas where they can make a significant impact, they can unlock spiritual resources and power, leading to transformative results. This approach allows for a more intentional and effective ministry, aligning with God's purpose and maximizing the kingdom impact. [01:30:34]

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can simplify your commitments to better serve God's calling?

Sermon Summary

In his sermon titled "Who's Next? - We Belong in the 127," Pastor Nathan Funk begins by inviting the congregation to worship and acknowledge God's unchanging presence. He emphasizes that life is not founded on earthly things but on the eternal hope in God. Pastor Funk calls for unity and support among the congregation, especially for those feeling weary, reinforcing the message that no one is alone in their struggles.

Pastor Funk then delves into the purpose of life according to God's plan, referencing John 14 to illustrate that believers are called to do works like Jesus and even greater. He clarifies that this requires a willingness to dedicate time and resources, and align one's life with God's priorities. The pastor lists the actions of Jesus—meeting needs, salvation, patience, miracles, healing, redemption, and teaching—as examples of what believers can expect to see in their own lives when they align with God's plan.

The significance of Jesus eating with people is highlighted as a model for believers to follow, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's instructions. Pastor Funk urges the congregation to focus on what God is saying about being part of the 127 and to step out in faith to serve.

In a prayerful segment, Pastor Funk prays for healing, encouragement, and provision for those in need, addressing mental health and addiction. He calls for the congregation to take authority over their lives and trust in Jesus. The pastor also welcomes newcomers and stresses the importance of an authentic presence of God in the church.

The sermon continues with a discussion on the importance of making decisions based on God's guidance, including in civic responsibilities like voting. Pastor Funk encourages the church to stand for life and to focus on impacting their immediate community before expanding their reach.

Pastor Funk then speaks about the significance of remembering God's purpose in our daily lives, using the example of thermal cups as a reminder of God's presence. He emphasizes the importance of voting in alignment with the sanctity of life and invites those seeking Jesus to accept Him.

Reflecting on the power of God's voice, Pastor Funk compares it to the story of Jonah, encouraging the congregation to be a source of life, hope, and love. He shares his excitement about being invited to statewide conversations about creating safe environments for children.

The pastor also discusses the importance of learning names and acknowledging individual worth, mentioning a special guest, Terri Handy, who is contributing to a playground project. He emphasizes the need for emotional connectivity and the impact of God's connections on their vision.

Pastor Funk expresses excitement about the impact of sharing their message and encourages involvement in the "127" initiative. He mentions plans to create merchandise to support their work and invites the congregation to participate.

Lastly, Pastor Funk addresses the challenges of standing up for God's voice in a post-Christian society, specifically mentioning issue one as a moral and biblical matter. He concludes by discussing the community's involvement in designing a playground, emphasizing transparency and inviting neighborhood participation.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 14:12-14 (NIV) — > Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

2. Exodus 33:12-14 (NIV)
> Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

3. Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
> The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

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Observation Questions

What does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him according to John 14:12-14?
In Exodus 33:12-14, what does Moses ask of the Lord, and how does the Lord respond?
How does Matthew 25:40 relate to the concept of serving others in the sermon? [01:01:25]
What are some of the works of Jesus mentioned in the sermon that believers are called to emulate? [01:37:19]

Interpretation Questions

How can believers today do "greater things" than Jesus did, as mentioned in John 14:12-14? What might this look like in practical terms?
What does it mean for God's presence to go with us, as promised in Exodus 33:14? How does this assurance impact our daily lives and decisions?
How does the principle of serving "the least of these" in Matthew 25:40 challenge our current approach to community service and outreach? [01:01:25]
Pastor Funk emphasized the importance of listening to God's voice and aligning our actions with His will. How can we practically tune in to what God is saying to us? [01:40:45]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt weary and needed encouragement. How did the support of your community help you through that period? How can you offer similar support to others in your church? [43:58]
Pastor Funk mentioned the importance of making decisions based on God's guidance, including civic responsibilities like voting. How do you ensure that your decisions align with biblical principles? [01:03:18]
The sermon highlighted the significance of knowing and remembering names as a way to show individual worth. How can you make a conscious effort to learn and remember the names of people in your community? [01:10:04]
Pastor Funk spoke about the "127" initiative and the importance of focusing on specific areas to make a significant impact. What specific area or group of people is God calling you to focus on, and how can you start making a difference there? [01:31:19]
The sermon emphasized the power of God's voice and the importance of stepping out in faith. Can you identify a situation in your life where you need to take a step of faith? What is holding you back, and how can you overcome it? [01:27:30]
Pastor Funk encouraged the congregation to be involved in the playground project and other community initiatives. What practical steps can you take to contribute your time, talent, or resources to these efforts? [01:18:11]
Reflect on the concept of "do less better" mentioned in the sermon. How can you apply this principle to your own life to focus on what truly matters and make a more significant impact? [01:08:31]

Sermon Clips

"When you buy a t-shirt, you're not only standing with us and saying, I belong to the 127. We should probably develop a shirt that says that, right? But you're basically helping to financially fund the things that are happening in the 127. In a very practical way." [01:49:33] (Download)

"And when in Matthew chapter 25, when Jesus said, when you've done it to the least of these, you've done it unto me, that sometimes we have to stand and fight for those that cannot fight for themselves." [01:02:36] (Download)

"When we begin to tune in to the station that God wants us to be tuned in on, and we rotate our satellite dish to his channel, then all of a sudden we hear the thing that he's saying, and it really creates an opportunity that's way bigger than you and I." [01:22:47] (Download)

"You can manufacture success in a lot of ways in your life, but you cannot manufacture the favor of God in your life. The authority and the favor of God represents itself in a way that contradicts your human capacity." [01:24:57] (Download)

"When you connect yourself to the thing that God's saying, something miraculous happens every single time." [01:04:13] (Download)

"We're going to stand for life. That we will not be silenced by the word of God. That we will respond the way you'd have us to respond, even in this issue, that we will not be silent because every voice matters, even the ones that can't speak." [01:06:05] (Download)

"Voting no means that you're standing with the sanctity of life. And listen, every child in this neighborhood matters and I want to prove it by even, even in the opportunity that we have to even vote with our voice." [01:51:20] (Download)

"The security that we have in you is so much greater than the instability of this world. But God, our lives are not established on the things that we can grab our hands around here in the natural." [42:15] (Download)

"Because those that work for the Lord don't labor in vain. We don't labor for ourselves. We labor with a kingdom focus and a kingdom mindset." [44:12] (Download)

"Thank you, God, that you're fulfilling your purpose. That he that has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it in the name of Jesus." [46:22] (Download)

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