Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Our Kingdom Mission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Peak City Church family! Today, we celebrate seven years of God's faithfulness and reflect on His incredible work in our community. We are reminded of the importance of vision, which is the ability to see clearly where God is leading us. Habakkuk 2:2 emphasizes that knowing our destination helps us get there faster. Our mission remains steadfast: leading people to new life in Jesus Christ. This mission is shared by the global Church, and it is our primary focus because Jesus is the only way to God.
We celebrate the tangible ways God has blessed us this past year. Financially, we received over $709,000 in tithes and offerings, and an additional $142,000 towards our building project. We also gave nearly $71,000 to church planting, outreach, benevolence, and missions. Our attendance has increased by 13%, and we have seen significant spiritual growth, with 148 people giving their lives to Jesus and 30 baptisms.
As kingdom people, we pursue a relationship with God, discover our purpose, and do something that makes an eternal difference. Our vision is built around these principles: reaching people with the gospel, growing disciple-making disciples, and sending the church to fulfill its God-given purpose. We are committed to being evangelistic, growing in maturity, and serving generously.
Kingdom people are distinct in their actions and attitudes. They are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. They hunger and thirst for righteousness and are willing to be persecuted for their faith. Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the world, shining His light through our good works and pointing others to Him.
To become a kingdom person, we must put our faith in Jesus alone. When we do, our lives are transformed, and we become ambassadors for Christ, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world. Today, if you feel called to put your faith in Jesus, know that He can make you brand new and give you a purpose that impacts eternity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Vision and Mission: Vision is the ability to see clearly where God is leading us, and our mission is to lead people to new life in Jesus Christ. This mission is shared by the global Church and is crucial because Jesus is the only way to God. Understanding and embracing this vision helps us move forward with purpose and direction. [04:46]
2. God's Faithfulness: Over the past year, God has blessed us financially and spiritually. We received significant tithes and offerings, saw an increase in attendance, and witnessed many people giving their lives to Jesus. This faithfulness encourages us to continue trusting God and being generous in our giving and service. [10:23]
3. Kingdom People: As kingdom people, we pursue a relationship with God, discover our purpose, and do something that makes an eternal difference. Our lives are marked by distinct attitudes and actions, such as being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. These qualities reflect our transformation through Christ. [18:12]
4. Reaching, Growing, and Sending: Our vision involves reaching people with the gospel, growing disciple-making disciples, and sending the church to fulfill its God-given purpose. This involves being evangelistic, growing in maturity, serving generously, and being committed to community and fellowship. [20:47]
5. Faith in Jesus: To become a kingdom person, we must put our faith in Jesus alone. When we do, our lives are transformed, and we become ambassadors for Christ, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world. This faith is not just for our benefit but is meant to impact others and spread the hope of heaven. [44:08]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:50] - Connect Card and Giveaway
3. [02:43] - Offering and First-Time Guests
4. [03:37] - Vision and Annual Report
5. [04:46] - Importance of Vision
6. [06:26] - Mission of Peak City Church
7. [07:22] - Kingdom People and Eternal Life
8. [09:10] - Baptism and New Life in Christ
9. [09:51] - Celebrating God's Faithfulness
10. [10:23] - Financial Blessings and Generosity
11. [12:32] - Building Project and Phase Two
12. [14:31] - Attendance Growth and Record Numbers
13. [16:10] - Salvations and Baptisms
14. [18:12] - Characteristics of Kingdom People
15. [20:47] - Vision of Peak City Church
16. [22:02] - Reaching, Growing, and Sending
17. [23:27] - Community Outreach and Love Week
18. [26:46] - Urgency in Reaching the Lost
19. [30:17] - Importance of Community and Service
20. [32:05] - Unique Purpose and Serving God
21. [33:17] - Ambassadors for Christ
22. [34:30] - Sermon on the Mount and Kingdom People
23. [41:47] - Being Salt and Light
24. [44:08] - Faith in Jesus and Transformation
25. [45:17] - Invitation to Faith in Jesus
26. [47:48] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Habakkuk 2:2 - "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.'"
2. John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
3. Matthew 5:3-10 - The Beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Habakkuk 2:2 say about the importance of vision? How does this relate to the mission of Peak City Church? [04:46]
2. According to John 14:6, what does Jesus declare about Himself? Why is this significant for the mission of the church? [08:15]
3. In Matthew 5:3-10, what are the characteristics of "kingdom people" as described by Jesus? How do these characteristics reflect the transformation through Christ? [18:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does having a clear vision, as described in Habakkuk 2:2, help a church or individual move forward with purpose and direction? [04:46]
2. Why is it crucial for the church to emphasize that Jesus is the only way to God, as stated in John 14:6? How does this shape the church's mission and outreach? [08:15]
3. What do the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 reveal about the attitudes and actions of those who are part of God's kingdom? How should these qualities manifest in the lives of believers? [18:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the vision of Peak City Church, how can you personally contribute to leading people to new life in Jesus Christ? What specific steps can you take this week to share the gospel with someone? [06:26]
2. Considering the financial blessings and growth mentioned in the sermon, how can you practice generosity in your own life? What is one way you can give back to your community or church this month? [10:23]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of being "kingdom people" with distinct attitudes and actions. Which characteristic from the Beatitudes do you feel you need to develop more in your life? How can you start working on this? [18:12]
4. The vision of Peak City Church includes reaching, growing, and sending. How can you be more involved in these areas within your church community? Is there a specific ministry or group you feel called to join or support? [20:47]
5. The sermon emphasized putting faith in Jesus alone for transformation. Are there areas in your life where you have been relying on your own strength instead of trusting Jesus? How can you shift your focus to depend more on Him? [44:08]
6. How can you be a "salt and light" in your daily interactions, as Jesus calls us to be in Matthew 5:16? Identify one practical way you can shine your light in your workplace, school, or neighborhood this week. [41:47]
7. Reflect on the urgency of reaching the lost, as discussed in the sermon. Is there someone in your life who is far from God that you can reach out to? What steps will you take to share God's love with them? [26:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Vision and Mission
Vision is the ability to see clearly where God is leading us, and our mission is to lead people to new life in Jesus Christ. This mission is shared by the global Church and is crucial because Jesus is the only way to God. Understanding and embracing this vision helps us move forward with purpose and direction. As we reflect on Habakkuk 2:2, we are reminded that knowing our destination helps us get there faster. Our mission remains steadfast: leading people to new life in Jesus Christ. This mission is shared by the global Church, and it is our primary focus because Jesus is the only way to God. [04:46]
Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.'"
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to align your daily actions with the vision and mission of leading people to new life in Jesus Christ?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness
Over the past year, God has blessed us financially and spiritually. We received significant tithes and offerings, saw an increase in attendance, and witnessed many people giving their lives to Jesus. This faithfulness encourages us to continue trusting God and being generous in our giving and service. Reflecting on these blessings, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and stewardship. God's faithfulness is a testament to His unwavering love and provision for His people. [10:23]
Psalm 37:25-26 (ESV): "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing."
Reflection: How can you express gratitude for God's faithfulness in your life today, and in what ways can you be more generous in your giving and service?
Day 3: Kingdom People
As kingdom people, we pursue a relationship with God, discover our purpose, and do something that makes an eternal difference. Our lives are marked by distinct attitudes and actions, such as being poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. These qualities reflect our transformation through Christ. Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the world, shining His light through our good works and pointing others to Him. [18:12]
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: Which of the kingdom qualities (poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, peacemaker) do you feel God is calling you to develop more deeply in your life today?
Day 4: Reaching, Growing, and Sending
Our vision involves reaching people with the gospel, growing disciple-making disciples, and sending the church to fulfill its God-given purpose. This involves being evangelistic, growing in maturity, serving generously, and being committed to community and fellowship. By focusing on these principles, we can make a significant impact on the world around us and fulfill the Great Commission. [20:47]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can contribute to reaching, growing, or sending in your church community this week?
Day 5: Faith in Jesus
To become a kingdom person, we must put our faith in Jesus alone. When we do, our lives are transformed, and we become ambassadors for Christ, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world. This faith is not just for our benefit but is meant to impact others and spread the hope of heaven. By putting our faith in Jesus, we are given a purpose that impacts eternity and the opportunity to be a light in a dark world. [44:08]
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation through Jesus, and how can you share this message with them today?
Quotes
1. "And in the same way, you having a clear vision, I having a clear vision, us having a clear vision for where he wants his church to go, is only going to help us get to where God is calling us and leading us to that much faster. And that's why the mission of Peak City Church will never change. And it's my hope that the mission of Peak City is very similar. Similar to the mission of the Capital C Church everywhere. Because the mission of Peak City Church, this is what we're all about. It is leading people to new life in Jesus Christ." [05:27] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Helping people know that Jesus came and paid for their sins so that they wouldn't have to. It is one of the greatest, most heartbreaking thoughts that I ever have in my lifetime. When somebody says, ah, you know, Jesus, this just isn't for me. I'm gutted when someone says that. Because what they're doing is they're saying, you know what? I'd rather take a gamble on my own self. I'd rather pay my own debt for my sin. Instead of letting Jesus take it. Let's do that for me. Friends, you don't have to pay for your sin." [06:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Kingdom people. We know that heaven and hell are real places. It's not some made-up fairy tale that your parents told you to keep you acting good when you were a little kid. But rather, this is real. That life and death is on the line for eternity. And our first and our most important mission is to point people to Jesus. Why? Why is that the most tantamount, most important thing as a church for us? It's because Jesus, and only Jesus, He is the only way to God. That there is no other way for a person to go to heaven except through Jesus Christ." [07:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are a church that's built on Jesus, founded on Jesus, that's growing because Jesus is giving the increase. And everything we say and do is to make famous, the name of Jesus Christ. We don't invite people to join Peak City Church. Did you know that? We invite people to join Jesus Christ, to join the family of God. That's what we're interested beyond anything else, because in eternity, that's all that matters. Amen." [09:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Kingdom people also do something that makes a difference with their life. They don't ever have to look back at their life and go, well, I hope it mattered. No, listen. If you are a person that's been ushered into God's kingdom. If you've been saved by the grace of God. And you're leveraging your one and only life to help other people know who Jesus is. Your life matters. What you do matters. Your everyday life. In your place of business. Or where you have friends. Or where you do, you know, what you do during the week. When you carry the presence of God with you. And you take opportunities to point people to Jesus. You have no idea the impact that that has on somebody else." [20:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Why are we reaching so hard all the time? Well, it's because God searches for lost things. And I was that lost thing. And He came and He found me. And for every single person in this room that follows Jesus Christ, you were that lost thing. Lost things are important to God. And we search for lost things, don't we? You may be like me. Where I can remember a conversation I had with you down to every detail seven years ago. But if I set my keys down in a room and I walk into another room, I might as well have mailed them to Abu Dhabi. I don't know, okay?" [26:46] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you think the church is too large, then I think that your love for people is too small. That if you think somehow it's too big. It's not going to work. It's not convenient or good enough for me anymore. You lost the vision a long time ago when it became about you. One of our value statements at Peak City Church is, it's not about me. That we are one of the only organizations that exist in the world for the people that haven't shown up yet." [28:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Kingdom people are spiritual contributors. Listen, the church does not exist for us. But we are the church. And we exist for the world. This is God's plan A. That He would send us into the world. To carry the hope that comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And how if someone puts all of their faith, hope, and trust in Him. That they will be saved. We are kingdom people. This world is not our home. We are citizens of God's kingdom. And it makes us think. It makes us act. It makes us speak differently." [32:43] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Blessed are the meek. For they shall inherit the earth. Kingdom people are meek people. You know what meekness is? It's not weakness. In fact the definition of meekness is extreme power under control. It's someone who even though somebody wants to pick a fight and argue. And even though they know that they're right. They temper their words. And they don't eviscerate them so they can win an argument. Because meek people know. You never really win an argument do you? Everybody walks away hurt. But you point the way of love. You point the way of truth. And you point people to Jesus. That's what a kingdom person looks like." [36:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When you take all of your faith. And you put it in the place that it was actually intended for you to put it. When you take all of the faith that you have in your heart. And instead of putting it in yourself. And your ability. Or Lord help you. In other people. Because you will crush other people if you put all your faith in them. Because they were never meant to have to bear all of your faith. And when they let you down. And your world is smashed. It's going to smash theirs too. Congratulations. We don't do that. But when you put your faith in the one that can shoulder it. That can handle it. The one that it was intended for you to put in all along. When you put your faith in Jesus Christ. All of a sudden. When you connect yourself into the power source. That light comes on." [44:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?