God has created each of us with a unique design and purpose, reflecting the diversity and beauty of His creation. This diversity is not just a testament to His creativity but also a call for us to manifest His kingdom in our own unique ways. Embracing our uniqueness means recognizing the specific gifts and callings we have been given and using them to bring forth God's purposes on earth. It is a celebration of the variety that God loves and a reminder that our differences are a part of His divine plan. [00:31]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others and manifest His kingdom today?
Day 2: Cultivate Extravagant Faith
Faith is the foundation, continuation, and culmination of our relationship with God. It is through faith that we please God and believe in His ability to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. This extravagant faith is not just for personal gain but for the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. We are called to trust in God's promises and to believe that He can accomplish more than we can imagine. This kind of faith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's plan for our lives. [04:24]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to have extravagant faith, and what steps can you take today to trust Him more fully?
Day 3: Build a Supportive Community
The journey of bringing forth God's purposes is not meant to be a solo endeavor. We need a community of believers, a Sisterhood of Destiny Helpers, to support and encourage us. Just as Mary sought the company of Elizabeth, we too need to surround ourselves with people of like precious faith who can nurture the seed of God's word in us. These relationships are crucial as they provide the support and encouragement needed to navigate the challenges and trials we face. [24:50]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that encourage and support your faith journey, and how can you invest in those relationships this week?
Day 4: Find Strength in Adversity
Bringing forth God's purposes requires strength, both physical and spiritual. It is not an easy process, and there can be long delays and trials. However, we are reminded that God is faithful, and His promises are sure. We must judge Him faithful who has promised and receive the strength to conceive and bring forth His purposes in our lives. This strength is found in trusting God's faithfulness and relying on His promises, even in the midst of adversity. [45:06]
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you rely on God's strength and faithfulness to persevere through it?
Day 5: Be Productive in Trials
Bringing forth is about productivity and fruitfulness, even in the midst of adversity. It is not about what happens to us but how we respond to it. Our daily tests are opportunities for eternal testimonies. We are called to embrace the grace of God and bring forth His purposes, regardless of our circumstances. This means choosing to be fruitful and productive, even when faced with challenges, and trusting that God can use our trials for His glory. [51:50]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you choose to be productive and fruitful in the midst of a current challenge, and what steps can you take to turn your trials into testimonies?
Sermon Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of "bringing forth" in our lives, emphasizing that God has uniquely designed each of us to manifest His purposes. We began by acknowledging the diversity and beauty in God's creation, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual and the variety of gifts and callings we possess. This diversity is a testament to God's love for variety and His desire for us to bring forth His kingdom in our unique ways.
We delved into the concept of faith, highlighting that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is not just the beginning of our walk with God but also the continuation and culmination of it. We are called to be extravagant in our faith, believing that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. This faith is not just for personal gain but for the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
The journey of bringing forth is not a solo endeavor. We need a community, a Sisterhood of Destiny Helpers, to support and encourage us. Just as Mary sought the company of Elizabeth, we too need to surround ourselves with people of like precious faith who can nurture the seed of God's word in us. These relationships are crucial as they provide the support and encouragement needed to navigate the challenges and trials we face.
Bringing forth requires strength, both physical and spiritual. It is not an easy process, and there can be long delays and trials. However, we are reminded that God is faithful, and His promises are sure. We must judge Him faithful who has promised and receive the strength to conceive and bring forth His purposes in our lives.
Ultimately, bringing forth is about productivity and fruitfulness, even in the midst of adversity. It is not about what happens to us but how we respond to it. Our daily tests are opportunities for eternal testimonies. We are called to embrace the grace of God and bring forth His purposes, regardless of our circumstances.
Key Takeaways
1. Diversity in God's Creation: God loves variety, and each of us is uniquely designed to manifest His purposes. Our differences are a testament to His creativity and love. Embrace your uniqueness and use it to bring forth God's kingdom. [00:31]
2. Extravagant Faith: Faith is essential in our walk with God. It is the foundation, continuation, and culmination of our relationship with Him. We are called to have extravagant faith, believing that God can do more than we can imagine. [04:24]
3. Community Support: Bringing forth is not a solo journey. We need a community of believers, a Sisterhood of Destiny Helpers, to support and encourage us. Surround yourself with people of like precious faith who can nurture the seed of God's word in you. [24:50]
4. Strength in Adversity: Bringing forth requires strength, both physical and spiritual. It is not an easy process, and there can be long delays and trials. However, God is faithful, and His promises are sure. Judge Him faithful who has promised and receive the strength to bring forth. [45:06]
5. Productivity in Trials: Bringing forth is about productivity and fruitfulness, even in adversity. It is not about what happens to us but how we respond to it. Our daily tests are opportunities for eternal testimonies. Embrace God's grace and bring forth His purposes, regardless of circumstances. [51:50] ** [51:50]
In Genesis 1:27-28, what specific instructions did God give to humanity after creating them in His image? How does this relate to the concept of "bringing forth" as discussed in the sermon? [11:15]
According to Hebrews 11:11, what was the key factor that enabled Sarah to receive strength to conceive? How does this relate to the theme of faith in the sermon? [46:06]
In Luke 1:34-45, how did Mary respond to the angel's message, and what role did Elizabeth play in supporting her? How does this illustrate the importance of community support mentioned in the sermon? [25:56]
The sermon mentioned the importance of having a "Sisterhood of Destiny Helpers." How does the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth exemplify this concept? [24:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the diversity in God's creation, as mentioned in Genesis 1:27-28, reflect His purpose for us to bring forth His kingdom in unique ways? [00:31]
What does it mean to have "extravagant faith," and how can this type of faith impact our ability to bring forth God's purposes in our lives? [04:24]
How can the story of Sarah in Hebrews 11:11 inspire us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible? [46:06]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that community support is essential for bringing forth God's purposes, and how can we apply this in our own lives? [24:50]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use these to bring forth His kingdom in your daily life? [00:31]
Think of a situation in your life where you need to exercise extravagant faith. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [04:24]
Identify a "Sisterhood of Destiny Helpers" or a supportive community in your life. How can you actively engage with them to nurture the seed of God's word in you? [24:50]
Consider a current trial or adversity you are facing. How can you draw strength from God's promises to bring forth productivity and fruitfulness in this situation? [45:06]
Reflect on a time when you felt alone in your journey. How can you reach out to others for support, and how can you be a support to someone else in their journey? [24:50]
How can you embrace God's grace in your life, especially in areas where you feel inadequate or challenged? What practical steps can you take to rely more on His strength? [51:50]
Think about a daily test you are currently facing. How can you transform this test into an eternal testimony by changing your response to it? [51:50]
Sermon Clips
You know God makes us in different shapes and sizes, doesn't he? And that's the beauty of God, the variety, the different nations of the world, the different races, different colors, different languages, right? So God loves variety. If everybody looked like me, it would be boring. [00:29:40]
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. And the Bible said that over and over and over again. And why is that? Because when God repeats anything in scripture, it's for emphasis. So faith, without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is critical. [00:45:20]
Bringing forth is not a solo journey. Nurturing the seed of God's word to bring you to that place where you will bring forth, you know, it's not something you do on your own. You know what you need? You need people who I call the enablers of bringing forth. [00:49:36]
Bringing forth requires strength. Have you ever been to the labor world? Have you seen a woman give birth? Even if you haven't been there, have you watched it on TV? Because there are movies that show women giving birth. Can watch a documentary. [00:56:53]
Bringing forth is not easy. Why is bringing forth not easy? Because it takes time. It is not an overnight process. There can be long delay. Am I speaking the truth? Bringing forth is not easy. It's like you're bringing forth between a rock and a hard place. [00:59:33]
Ultimately, then, it's not really about what happens to us. Sit down for a minute as I wrap this up. Ultimately, then, it's not about what happens to us. It's about how we respond to what happens to us. [01:10:33]
The goal of this conference and the goal of this meet of any meeting you can attend is not for you to come and be thrilled and filled for one afternoon or for one day. Many conferences, Christian meetings, that's all they do for most people. [01:10:53]
So when you go home and you go back to be with yourself and your thoughts and your emotions and your bad government and bad taskmasters and your bad family, what are you going to do? What are you going to do then? [01:12:32]
Bringing forth is about productivity. Hallelujah. It's about, and it happens even in the midst of tremendous adversity. Bringing forth happens in prison. Bringing forth happens in slavery. Bringing forth happens after long delay. [01:16:06]
Your daily tests will turn into eternal testimonies. Every day that you get up and you shame and the pain and the disgrace found to slap you in the face again, look at you, your mate, where are you? I reply with grace, mercy, and favor. [01:17:59]
Yes, you may have failed. Yes, you may have sinned. Yes, you missed some great opportunities. Yes, I've done so too. How about you? Yes, I've made mistakes. Yes, you have. Yes, people have mistreated you, abandoned you, rejected you like Joseph. [01:20:02]
You may never be famous. You may never be recognized and applauded. You may never be, you may never have the biggest ministry. You may never, but will you be fruitful in your waiting? Will you be fruitful and bring forth in your obscurity? [01:19:50]