Aligning Our Lives with God's Vision for 2025
Summary
In this message, we explore the vision for 2025, focusing on the core values that guide our lives and our church community. As we embark on this new year, it's essential to align our lives with the principles of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, is foundational. This love propels us to fulfill the Great Commission, sharing the gospel and bringing others into a relationship with Jesus.
The vision of Abundant Life Church is to bring life, love, and value to everyone, everywhere, every day. This mission is not just for the church but for each of us individually. We are called to think big, recognizing that we serve a big God who desires to do big things through us. Excellence is another core value, as it increases our influence and reflects our commitment to growth and improvement. Giving, both in terms of our resources and our time, is an act of worship and a demonstration of our trust in God.
Evangelism is crucial, as we are God's plan to reach the world. We must be proactive in sharing the message of salvation, understanding that the world is in need of the hope that only Jesus can provide. As we move forward, we must also focus on the internal aspects of our faith. Working hard is a value that honors God, and integrity is non-negotiable, guiding our actions and decisions.
Serving others is a reflection of Christ's example, and life transformation is the goal, not just behavior modification. We are new creations in Christ, and our lives should reflect that change. Finally, embracing change is vital, as God is always at work, transforming us and our church to better align with His purposes.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Great Commandment and Commission: Our lives should be centered around loving God and others, and sharing the gospel. This dual focus ensures that we are fulfilling our purpose as believers, bringing others into the light of Christ. [03:37]
2. Vision of Life, Love, and Value: Our mission is to bring life, love, and value to everyone, everywhere, every day. This vision is not just for the church but for each of us, as we seek to impact the world positively. [06:22]
3. Excellence and Influence: Striving for excellence in all we do increases our influence and reflects our commitment to growth. Excellence is a moving target, requiring us to continually improve and push forward. [09:08]
4. Integrity and Truthfulness: Integrity is foundational to our walk with God. Being truthful aligns our heart and mind, enabling us to speak with authority and power. This alignment is crucial for spiritual effectiveness. [27:46]
5. Embracing Change: Change is a natural part of growth, both personally and as a church. We must be willing to confront challenges and embrace positive change, allowing God to transform us and our methods to reach the world effectively. [42:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:37] - The Great Commandment and Commission
[06:22] - Vision of Life, Love, and Value
[08:39] - Working Hard
[09:08] - Excellence and Influence
[10:07] - The Value of Hard Work
[13:38] - Working for God
[16:05] - Hard Work and Fulfillment
[18:33] - Effort Over Perfection
[19:23] - Eternal Perspective
[20:47] - Working on the Right Things
[22:43] - Integrity and Business Success
[27:46] - The Power of Truthfulness
[30:53] - Integrity in Action
[33:36] - Blind Spots and Accountability
[36:10] - Serving Others
[38:56] - Life Transformation
[40:47] - Next Steps in Faith
[42:17] - Embracing Change
[45:11] - Review and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 22:37-39 (The Great Commandment)
2. Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
3. Proverbs 10:4, 9 (Diligence and Integrity)
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two main components of the Great Commandment as mentioned in the sermon? [03:37]
2. How does the sermon describe the vision of Abundant Life Church for 2025? [06:22]
3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between excellence and influence? [09:08]
4. What example did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of integrity in everyday situations? [25:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Great Commandment guide the personal and communal life of believers according to the sermon? [03:37]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that striving for excellence can impact one's spiritual journey and influence? [09:08]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of integrity in a believer's life and its impact on their spiritual effectiveness? [27:46]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of embracing change in one's spiritual life and church community? [42:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal alignment with the Great Commandment. How can you better love God and your neighbors in your daily life? [03:37]
2. The sermon emphasizes the vision of bringing life, love, and value to everyone. How can you incorporate this vision into your personal mission statement? [06:22]
3. Consider an area in your life where you can strive for greater excellence. What practical steps can you take to improve and grow in that area? [09:08]
4. Integrity is highlighted as a core value. Can you identify a recent situation where you had to choose between integrity and convenience? How did you handle it? [27:46]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of hard work. How can you apply the principle of working hard in your spiritual journey or in serving others? [08:39]
6. Change is a natural part of growth. What is one area in your life or faith where you feel God is calling you to embrace change? [42:17]
7. Evangelism is described as crucial. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the message of hope in Jesus. How can you share the gospel with them this week? [07:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Centered on Love and Mission
Our lives as believers are anchored in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. This dual focus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is not passive; it actively propels us to share the gospel and bring others into a relationship with Jesus. By centering our lives on these principles, we fulfill our purpose and bring others into the light of Christ. This alignment with God's heart ensures that our actions are not just about personal growth but about expanding His kingdom. [03:37]
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (ESV): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally share the love of God with this week, and how will you do it?
Day 2: Bringing Life, Love, and Value
The vision of Abundant Life Church is to bring life, love, and value to everyone, everywhere, every day. This mission extends beyond the church walls and is a call for each of us to impact the world positively. By thinking big and recognizing that we serve a big God, we are encouraged to step out in faith and allow God to do big things through us. This vision challenges us to see every interaction as an opportunity to reflect God's love and to add value to the lives of those around us. [06:22]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring life, love, and value to someone in your community today?
Day 3: Pursuing Excellence and Influence
Excellence is a core value that increases our influence and reflects our commitment to growth and improvement. It is not about perfection but about continually striving to do our best in all areas of life. This pursuit of excellence is a moving target, requiring us to push forward and improve continually. By doing so, we not only enhance our personal growth but also expand our ability to influence others positively. Excellence in our work and relationships reflects our dedication to honoring God with our lives. [09:08]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life can you strive for greater excellence, and what specific steps will you take to achieve it?
Day 4: Living with Integrity and Truthfulness
Integrity is foundational to our walk with God. It involves being truthful and aligning our heart and mind, enabling us to speak with authority and power. This alignment is crucial for spiritual effectiveness and ensures that our actions and decisions are guided by truth. Living with integrity means being consistent in our values and actions, even when no one is watching. It is about being honest with ourselves and others, which builds trust and credibility in our relationships. [27:46]
Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you struggle with integrity? What steps can you take to align your actions with your values?
Day 5: Embracing Change for Transformation
Change is a natural part of growth, both personally and as a church. Embracing change allows God to transform us and our methods to reach the world effectively. It requires a willingness to confront challenges and adapt to new circumstances. By being open to change, we allow God to work in us and through us, aligning us more closely with His purposes. This transformation is not just about modifying behavior but about becoming new creations in Christ, reflecting His image in our lives. [42:17]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace change, and how can you invite God to guide you through this transformation?
Quotes
And we are plan A, there is no plan B, praise God. We have to be all about getting people saved, born again, and on their way to heaven. About three people. No wonder we're moving so lightning fast. You know what I mean? We were talking before service a little bit about the idea that, you know, when it comes to evangelism, you know, where do, you know, people have talked about, well, I don't want to be a part of a big church. [00:06:56] (23 seconds)
But if you want to grow in God, then you always have to be pushing forward to find a better way. Find a better way to execute excellence at a higher level. And you're always... You're always wanting to push that, at least I want to do it, all right? Then we talked about what? Giving, obviously. And that has to do with giving, worshiping God with our substance. Sacrifice, kind of connected to the idea of giving. And this is giving God our time, our talent, and our treasure. [00:06:22] (25 seconds)
Some people know, boy, she was going to work. And listen, but I will tell you that if you want something in the kingdom, you're still going to have to work hard. There's nothing wrong with hard work. We should not shy away from hard work. And we should teach our kids and our grandkids that hard work pays off, praise God. It should be all right. If you want something in life, go work hard for it. Hey, and here's the flip side. And don't be listening to people that don't want to work hard that criticize you for working hard. [00:09:15] (29 seconds)
You only have to do it for 114, 114 years. And, you know, most of us aren't going to 114, you know, but let's say 114. Can you give your all for 114? Bless God, I can. I'm going to give my all for 114. Praise God. Amen. If it turns out to be 120 for the last four, I'm chilling. But no, I'm just kidding. Oh, come on. That was a joke. Was it six? My math was off. Yeah, it was. It was. [00:19:49] (31 seconds)
Here's what I mean by this. You should work hard, but by working hard, here's what I'm not saying. Don't compare yourselves among yourself, the Bible says, for in that you do harm. In other words, you're not more saved because you gave more. Okay? You're to run your race, stay in your lane. Don't compare yourself among yourself. Well, they're not doing this and they're not doing that. Stop. They're God's business, not yours. You're to give your all and not worry about everybody else. [00:21:04] (27 seconds)
And listen, it should be huge in your life because it's huge in mine. It should be huge. Integrity matters. Listen to what the Bible says. I got four scriptures I want you to hear. And again, this is Proverbs 10 .9, not 10 .4. 10 .4, good buddy, was work hard. 10 .9 is all about integrity. Listen to what it says. He walks with integrity. Walks what? Securely. Whenever you're making a decision, you ask yourself, would integrity do this? Would integrity do this? [00:22:00] (32 seconds)
What happens is, watch this. If you, say, the way you were wired, the way God made you, is you're to speak things from your spirit out of your mouth, and you're supposed to speak with authority so it changes things in the earth. Okay. And the way it flows is from your spirit out of your soul, mind, will, and emotions into the earth, and it changes things. Okay. That's the way. So watch this. Whenever you want to speak to cancer. Die in Jesus' name. [00:27:04] (28 seconds)
We are the church and we exist for the world. Do you believe that? Come on. I believe that with all my heart. So what does that look like? Here's what it looks like. What can I do to serve better? What can I do? What can I put my hands to? Start serving somewhere. Church, life groups, ministries, community. Find a place to invest yourself. Why? Nothing makes you better. Nothing makes you better. Nothing makes you better. Nothing makes you better. [00:36:10] (26 seconds)
Religion focuses on behavior modification. Do this. do that. Don't do this. Don't do that. Christianity focuses on life transformation. It happens on the inside. God wants to do something on the inside. Listen to this. I love these verses. 2 Corinthians 5 .17. I believe with all my heart you should memorize this verse. 2 Corinthians 5 .17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a what? New creation. Old things have passed away, and behold, all things have become new. [00:36:50] (30 seconds)
Come on, God is a God of change. Listen to this. Genesis 1 -2, or 1 -1. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, let there be light. And guess who activated on that? The Holy Spirit. Can I tell you, from Genesis all the way to Revelation, the Holy Spirit has been moving. [00:42:17] (27 seconds)
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