Building Together: A Journey of Faith and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to our three-year anniversary celebration! Today, we reflect on the incredible journey God has led us through and the amazing things He has done in our community. We are blessed to have each one of you here, and we look forward to sharing testimonies, enjoying fellowship, and, of course, some delicious tacos.
Our theme today is "If the Lord Builds the House," inspired by Joshua 24:15, where Joshua declares, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This declaration is not just for individual families but for our entire church community. We aim to serve the Lord collectively, building a strong foundation for the future.
We discussed five key areas: Big God, Big Dreams, Big Purpose, Big Future, and Big Plans. Our God is a big God, greater than all other gods, and He has shown His greatness through various events and milestones in our church. From participating in the Hanover Harvest Festival to baptizing 17 new believers, God has been at work in powerful ways.
Our big dreams include expanding our reach and impact. We have seen a 30% increase in our Dream Team, those who serve in various capacities, and have provided significant community outreach through food distribution, serving over 10,000 people since we started.
Our big purpose is to fulfill God's mission for us. As Mother Teresa said, "The purpose of life is to find your mission and fulfill it." We are committed to helping each member discover and pursue their God-given purpose.
Looking to the future, we have exciting plans, including the potential purchase of land for a permanent church location. This will include a main building, a youth center, and an event center to serve the community better.
Finally, we emphasize the importance of allowing God to build our homes and our church. When God builds, nothing can tear it down. We invite everyone to commit to this vision, ensuring that our homes and our church are places where God is honored and His presence is felt.
### Key Takeaways
1. Big God, Big Faith: Our God is not a small god; He is the God of gods, the Lord of lords. This understanding should shape our faith and actions. When we recognize His greatness, we can trust Him with our biggest dreams and challenges, knowing He is mighty and awesome. [41:48]
2. Community Impact: Our church has made significant strides in community outreach, serving over 10,000 people through food distribution. This is a testament to what can happen when we come together to serve others. It’s a reminder that our faith should extend beyond the church walls and into the community. [01:04:43]
3. Purpose-Driven Life: Each of us has a unique purpose given by God. As a church, we are committed to helping each member discover and fulfill their mission. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. [51:54]
4. Future Vision: We have big plans for the future, including purchasing land for a permanent church location. This vision includes a main building, a youth center, and an event center. These plans are not just about physical structures but about creating spaces where God’s work can flourish. [01:12:14]
5. Foundation of Faith: Joshua’s declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," is a call to build our lives and homes on a foundation of faith. When God builds the house, it stands firm against any storm. This commitment should be at the heart of our personal and communal lives. [01:13:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:45] - Blessing the Children
[39:21] - Joshua's Declaration
[41:48] - Big God
[43:33] - Community Outreach
[45:18] - Choir and Worship
[51:54] - Big Purpose
[01:03:24] - Food Distribution Impact
[01:04:43] - Serving the Community
[01:12:14] - Future Plans
[01:13:32] - Building a Foundation of Faith
[01:15:05] - Worship and Commitment
[01:16:23] - Invitation to Commit to Christ
[01:21:52] - Closing Prayer
[01:22:48] - Final Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 24:15 - "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
2. Deuteronomy 10:17 - "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome."
3. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
#### Observation Questions
1. What declaration does Joshua make in Joshua 24:15, and how does it relate to the theme of the sermon? [39:21]
2. According to Deuteronomy 10:17, how is God described, and why is this significant for our faith? [41:48]
3. What are some of the community outreach efforts mentioned in the sermon, and how have they impacted the community? [01:04:43]
4. How has the church's Dream Team grown, and what does this signify about the church's mission and purpose? [51:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Joshua's declaration in Joshua 24:15 serve as a foundation for both individual families and the church community? [39:21]
2. In what ways does recognizing God as the "God of gods and Lord of lords" (Deuteronomy 10:17) influence our trust and faith in Him? [41:48]
3. How does the church's involvement in community outreach, such as food distribution, reflect the call to serve others beyond the church walls? [01:04:43]
4. What does Romans 8:28 teach us about God's purpose for our lives, and how can this understanding shape our actions and decisions? [51:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Joshua 24:15 calls us to serve the Lord in our homes. What specific steps can you take to ensure that your household is committed to serving God? [39:21]
2. Reflecting on Deuteronomy 10:17, how can you remind yourself daily of God's greatness and allow this truth to shape your faith and actions? [41:48]
3. The church has made significant strides in community outreach. How can you personally get involved in serving the community, and what impact do you hope to make? [01:04:43]
4. Romans 8:28 speaks of God's purpose for those who love Him. What is one area of your life where you feel called to fulfill God's purpose, and what steps will you take to pursue it? [51:54]
5. The sermon mentioned the church's future plans, including purchasing land for a permanent location. How can you contribute to this vision, whether through prayer, volunteering, or other means? [01:12:14]
6. How can you apply the principle of "If the Lord builds the house" to your personal life, ensuring that your actions and decisions are aligned with God's will? [01:21:52]
7. Think about a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your faith in God's greatness and purpose help you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it? [41:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Greatness
Our God is not a small god; He is the God of gods, the Lord of lords. This understanding should shape our faith and actions. When we recognize His greatness, we can trust Him with our biggest dreams and challenges, knowing He is mighty and awesome. Reflecting on the vastness of God’s power and love can transform our perspective on life’s difficulties and opportunities. It encourages us to dream big and to have faith that God can accomplish what seems impossible to us.
In our church community, we have witnessed God’s greatness through various events and milestones. From participating in the Hanover Harvest Festival to baptizing 17 new believers, God has been at work in powerful ways. These experiences remind us that when we place our trust in God, He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. Let us continue to acknowledge His greatness in our lives and in our church. [41:48]
Psalm 95:3-5 (ESV): "For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land."
Reflection: What is one big dream or challenge you are facing right now? How can you trust God’s greatness to help you through it?
Day 2: Extending Faith Beyond Church Walls
Our church has made significant strides in community outreach, serving over 10,000 people through food distribution. This is a testament to what can happen when we come together to serve others. It’s a reminder that our faith should extend beyond the church walls and into the community. Serving others is a tangible expression of God’s love and compassion, and it allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.
When we engage in community outreach, we not only meet physical needs but also build relationships and share the hope of the gospel. Our actions can open doors for conversations about faith and provide opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways. Let us continue to look for ways to serve our community and make a positive impact. [01:04:43]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: Think of one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you show them the love of Christ through your actions?
Day 3: Discovering and Fulfilling Your Purpose
Each of us has a unique purpose given by God. As a church, we are committed to helping each member discover and fulfill their mission. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Understanding our God-given purpose gives our lives direction and meaning, and it motivates us to live in a way that honors Him.
Discovering our purpose often involves seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It also involves recognizing our gifts and talents and finding ways to use them to serve others. As we pursue our purpose, we can trust that God will equip us and provide opportunities for us to make a difference. [51:54]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to serve others and fulfill your God-given purpose?
Day 4: Embracing a Vision for the Future
We have big plans for the future, including purchasing land for a permanent church location. This vision includes a main building, a youth center, and an event center. These plans are not just about physical structures but about creating spaces where God’s work can flourish. Embracing a vision for the future requires faith, commitment, and a willingness to step out in obedience to God’s leading.
As we look to the future, it’s important to remember that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and advance His kingdom. The physical spaces we create are tools to help us fulfill our mission of making disciples and serving our community. Let us pray for God’s guidance and provision as we pursue this vision, and let us be open to how He may use us to accomplish His purposes. [01:12:14]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the vision and future plans of our church? How can you support this vision through prayer, giving, or serving?
Day 5: Building a Foundation of Faith
Joshua’s declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," is a call to build our lives and homes on a foundation of faith. When God builds the house, it stands firm against any storm. This commitment should be at the heart of our personal and communal lives. Building a foundation of faith involves prioritizing our relationship with God, spending time in His Word, and seeking to live in obedience to His commands.
As we build our lives on a foundation of faith, we create a legacy that can impact future generations. Our commitment to serving the Lord can inspire and influence those around us, including our families, friends, and community. Let us make a conscious decision to serve the Lord and to build our lives on the solid rock of His truth. [01:13:32]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation of faith? How can you ensure that your home is a place where God is honored and His presence is felt?
Quotes
1. "We want to let you know what an amazing God we serve. He has done great things. How great it is when you get to partner with God in this, and we get through partnering with God to change the world around us." [39:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Joshua believed not in a little God but he believed in a big God. For this reason, when the nation of Israel was wobbling in their walk with God, Joshua stood firm and said you guys decide for yourself who you want to serve. Our desire is for each one of each family here at Influence Church to be able to say that just like Joshua, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." [39:21] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The purpose of life is to find your mission and fulfill it. Think about it. And of course, you know I'm a pastor, I'm going to give you a Bible verse going along with that. Also in Romans 8:28, Apostle Paul is saying this: and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." [51:54] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our goal is not to just make it through life. Our goal is to fulfill our mission in life. He has a purpose for each one of you, but also he has a purpose for all of us as a church. Of course, for all of us, the purpose is to glorify God, but also each one of us has smaller purposes that we can accomplish in our life." [51:54] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If the Lord builds a house, no matter the storm, no matter the trials, no matter the struggles, it's not going to come down. Heavenly Father, we are here declaring that we need you to build the house. We need you to build the house. And once what is built, we want to give you the keys that you will be able to come in and go out as you please, anytime you want." [01:21:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Our plan is to take all our ideas, all our plans, and put them in God's hands. For three years, God has been building the foundation and he's been building walls. And I do believe that we are going to enter a season where God is going to start building the roof, which that's kind of the exciting part." [01:15:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We want to bless the community because we believe as a church we are here to serve the community. So the third building we would like to have on the property is an event center that is going to be able to be used for different purposes for the community." [01:13:32] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Our goal and purpose is to be able to say that as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Each family at home to be able to say that and to commit our lives to God. He's going to do through us more than we can even imagine and is going to build something good, something strong." [01:13:32] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We are asking for you to bless us with a deeper desire to pursue you. We are asking for you to bless our health, bless our finances, bless everything that we do, because through everything that we do, we want to honor you. So be with us now and forever." [01:22:48] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We are here to inspire people to lean and trust God, surrender their lives to God. Also this year, for the first time in the history of Influence Church, we had an Easter choir and a Christmas choir. It was so amazing, it was so good." [45:18] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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