Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Community Transformation
Summary
In a heartfelt message, Andy, the Connections Pastor at Kingsway, invites the congregation to reflect on the faithfulness of God and the growth of their community. He begins by emphasizing the importance of praising God at all times, as stated in Psalm 34, which he has preached on multiple times. The psalm encourages believers to continually bless the Lord, regardless of circumstances, and to let the afflicted hear and rejoice. This sets the tone for a celebration of God's work within the church and beyond.
Andy shares the exciting news of Kingsway's growth, highlighting a 7% increase in attendance from the previous year. This growth is not just a number; it represents 60 individuals who have committed their lives to Christ and followed through with baptism. The church's Starting Point program, which introduces new members to the church's beliefs and mission, saw a staggering 96% increase, further indicating a thriving community.
The message then shifts to personal transformation, illustrated by the story of Travis, a church member who initially resisted attending a men's retreat. Travis's experience at the retreat, where he encountered God in a powerful way, led to a significant change in his life. He went from being a loner to forming deep connections with others and experiencing spiritual renewal. This story serves as an encouragement for others to step out of their comfort zones and allow God to work in their lives.
Looking back at 2023, Andy celebrates the church's global engagement, which increased by 57%. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the church has been persistent in its mission efforts, planning trips to Ireland, Mexico, Peru, and potentially India. These mission trips are not leisurely vacations but opportunities for members to serve and witness God's work in different cultures.
Andy also introduces Rooted, an 11-week small group experience designed to deepen participants' connection with God, the church, and their purpose. Rooted has already impacted 110 people in the past year, leading to confessions, repentance, and increased service and generosity. The church plans to continue this transformative program, inviting more members to join the global movement.
As the church looks forward to 2024, the focus remains on lifting the name of Jesus and drawing all people to Him. The church will continue to engage the youth through events like Ciy for high schoolers and Middle School Camp, which are pivotal in shaping young believers' faith journeys. For the younger children, the church partners with Spring Hill day camps to provide a fun and gospel-centered environment.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Kingsway is partnering with the Department of Child Services (DCS) to renovate spaces within the church for children in need and their families. This project will provide a safe and caring environment for children awaiting foster placement and facilitate family meetings. This innovative approach has the potential to inspire other churches nationwide to undertake similar endeavors.
Key Takeaways:
- Praising God in all circumstances fosters a heart of gratitude and joy, which can be contagious to those facing challenges. When we focus on God's faithfulness and blessings, our perspective shifts from our problems to His provision, leading to a more generous and positive outlook on life. [19:11]
- Personal transformation often occurs when individuals step out of their comfort zones and into environments where they can encounter God in new ways. Retreats and spiritual gatherings can be catalysts for change, prompting growth in relationships with God and others. [16:31]
- Global engagement and mission work are not only about serving others but also about the spiritual enrichment of those who serve. Participating in missions can be a profound experience that brings blessings far greater than the sacrifices made. [24:40]
- Small group experiences like Rooted can have a significant impact on individuals and the church community. By fostering deep conversations and connections, such programs help believers discover their purpose and grow in their faith. [26:44]
- Innovative partnerships between the church and social services demonstrate the church's commitment to practical love and service. By providing resources and support to vulnerable populations, the church can be a beacon of hope and a model for others to follow. [31:47]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV)
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
2. John 12:32 (ESV)
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to bless the Lord at all times, and how can this be reflected in a person's daily life?
2. In Psalm 34, what is the expected response of the humble when they hear others praising God?
3. According to John 12:32, what is the result of Jesus being lifted up from the earth?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How can continual praise influence a believer's perspective during challenging times?
2. What might be the impact on the community when individuals collectively exalt God's name?
3. In what ways can the act of lifting up Jesus draw people from various backgrounds to Him?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a difficult situation you are currently facing. How can you intentionally praise God in the midst of this circumstance?
2. Identify a moment this week when you can join with others to magnify the Lord. What could this look like in a practical sense?
3. Think of someone you know who is not a believer. What is one specific action you can take to lift up Jesus in your interaction with them?
4. Consider your own experience of spiritual growth or transformation. What is one step you can take this week to encourage someone else in their faith journey?
5. Is there a mission or service opportunity you feel called to participate in? What is one thing you can do this week to move towards that calling?
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude Shapes Perspective
Gratitude is not merely a response to favorable circumstances; it is a chosen attitude that can transform one's outlook on life. When individuals praise God in all situations, they cultivate a heart that sees beyond immediate struggles and recognizes the enduring faithfulness of God. This act of worship is not only for personal edification but also serves as an encouragement to those around them who may be facing their own battles. By choosing to focus on God's provision and blessings, believers can inspire a community-wide shift towards a more generous and hopeful perspective, even in the midst of challenges.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Reflection: How can you intentionally practice gratitude today, even in a situation that feels challenging or discouraging? [19:11]
Day 2: Embracing Transformational Encounters
Personal transformation often begins when one steps into unfamiliar territory, allowing for encounters with God that challenge and expand their faith. Retreats and spiritual gatherings provide spaces where individuals can break away from their routine and meet God in profound ways. These experiences can lead to significant life changes, such as the development of deeper relationships and a renewed spiritual vigor. It is in these moments of vulnerability and openness that transformation takes root, reshaping lives and strengthening the community of believers.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." - Acts 2:42-43
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to move out of your comfort zone in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God? [16:31]
Day 3: The Blessings of Global Service
Engaging in global missions is a powerful expression of faith that extends beyond the act of service itself. Those who participate in mission work often find that they receive far more than they give, experiencing spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's work in the world. Serving in different cultures allows believers to witness the transformative power of the Gospel across diverse communities, enriching their own faith and broadening their perspective on the church's global mission.
"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." - Matthew 25:35
Reflection: How can you engage with the global mission of the church from your current context, and what might be your first step towards this engagement? [24:40]
Day 4: Deepening Faith Through Community
Small group experiences, such as Rooted, play a crucial role in the spiritual development of individuals and the church at large. These groups create a space for honest conversations, mutual support, and a deeper exploration of one's purpose in God's plan. As participants share their journeys, confess struggles, and commit to acts of service and generosity, they find themselves growing closer to God and to each other, fostering a vibrant and transformative church community.
"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
Reflection: What is one topic or question you would like to explore with others in a small group setting to deepen your faith? [26:44]
Day 5: Innovative Love in Action
When the church partners with social services to meet the needs of the vulnerable, it embodies the practical love of Christ in a tangible way. Projects like renovating spaces for children in need demonstrate a commitment to serving the least of these and can inspire other faith communities to take similar action. By providing a safe and caring environment for those awaiting foster placement, the church becomes a beacon of hope and a model of innovative ministry that can have a lasting impact on society.
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:27
Reflection: What is one practical way you can contribute to the church's efforts to serve vulnerable populations in your community? [31:47]
Quotes
1) "I've never had anybody come back and say that was a waste of my time. I've had people have to make significant sacrifices to pull these off and every time they come back and tell me they were more blessed to give than to receive." [24:40] (Download)
2) "The group who Every Day celebrated what they're thankful for had better attitudes, were more positive, were more thankful, and were more generous with their time, their efforts, and their energy." [19:11] (Download)
3) "Before I went to The Retreat I knew a good handful of people... but now I can hardly keep count of the people I know. I went from wandering around in the woods alone at night to staying up till 3:00 in the morning talking with friends." [16:31] (Download)
4) "As a result of rooted, some people are confessing sin they've never confessed to anybody and they're repenting and turning away from it, some people are stepping into serving, some generosity." [26:16] (Download)
5) "Our job as a church... it's to lift up Jesus over and over and over. Jesus says if I am lifted up I will draw all men to myself... so our number one job... is to lift up Jesus." [27:51] (Download)
6) "We are taking two rooms in our building... we're going to renovate those rooms... we're providing a space so that they can come in and use our building and stay overnight until they're placed into a foster home situation." [31:17] (Download)
7) "When you look at Kings Way's attendance 2023 compared to 2022, what we saw is there was a 7% increase in attendance year-over-year... 60 people gave their lives to Christ and were united with him in baptism." [22:01] (Download)
8) "We had a 96% increase in starting point last year... it tells you who we are, what we believe about God, what we're trying to do in the world." [22:31] (Download)
9) "I will bless the Lord at all times... let The Afflicted hear and rejoice... those who are going through a hard time... will actually Rejoice because they will see the hand and the activity of God in the midst of the challenge." [20:56] (Download)
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