Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Our Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: God Is Not Contained by Buildings

While we may dedicate and refresh physical spaces for worship, God is not confined to any building or structure; rather, He is present wherever His people gather in His name. Our sanctuary is a place of rest and community, but it is not the dwelling place of God—He is the Lord of heaven and earth, and His presence fills all creation. As we come together, we are reminded that our true sanctuary is found in Him, and our gathering is an opportunity to experience His nearness and to encourage one another in faith. [37:22]

Acts 17:24 (ESV)
"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man."

Reflection: How does knowing that God is not limited to a building change the way you approach worship and community, both inside and outside the church walls?

Day 2: God Exceeds Our Expectations

God is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, working in ways that surpass our limited understanding and expectations. Even as we pray and plan, God’s power is at work within us, often bringing about outcomes that are greater than we could have imagined. This truth invites us to trust Him more deeply, to pray boldly, and to remain open to the surprising ways He chooses to move in our lives and in our church. [54:57]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one area of your life or ministry where you need to trust God to work beyond your own plans or expectations today?

Day 3: Rooted and Grounded in the Love of Christ

The foundation for spiritual growth and unity in the church is being rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge and fills us with the fullness of God. When we truly grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love, we are empowered to love others and to serve with humility and joy. This deep experience of God’s love is the soil in which faith flourishes and the church thrives. [52:41]

Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV)
"That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Reflection: In what practical way can you seek to deepen your understanding of Christ’s love for you this week, and how might that overflow into your relationships with others?

Day 4: Generational Faithfulness and God’s Glory

God is glorified as His faithfulness is displayed through the generations, with each one building upon the foundation laid by those who came before. The ongoing work and growth of the church are the result of many who have remained steadfast in their commitment to the gospel and to loving God’s people. We honor God not only by celebrating present achievements but also by remembering and appreciating the sacrifices and faithfulness of previous generations, ensuring that His glory continues to shine through us for years to come. [01:02:15]

Psalm 145:4 (ESV)
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts."

Reflection: Who in a previous generation has impacted your faith journey, and how can you honor their legacy by investing in the next generation today?

Day 5: Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory

Every member of the church has a role to play in God’s work, and when we offer our time, talents, and resources, we participate in something greater than ourselves. The unity and fruitfulness of the church are strengthened as each person serves with a heart to glorify God, whether through visible leadership or behind-the-scenes faithfulness. Our collective efforts, motivated by love for Christ, become acts of worship that point others to His goodness and grace. [01:12:28]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your gifts or resources this week to serve others and bring glory to God in your church or community?

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of celebration and gratitude, as we pause to reflect on God’s faithfulness and kindness to our church family. Over the past several months, we have witnessed not just a physical transformation of our sanctuary, but a deeper work of God in our midst. The refreshed space is a visible sign of God’s ongoing work, but it is only the surface of what He is accomplishing among us. Our journey to this point began years ago, with dreams and sketches, and was marked by seasons of waiting, prayer, and discernment. Even as the world changed around us, especially during the challenges of 2020, God’s hand was evident—sustaining, growing, and uniting us.

We have seen God answer prayers in remarkable ways: new faces joining us, young adults and families finding a home here, and many taking steps of faith through baptism and membership. The growth we are experiencing is not just numerical, but spiritual—lives being changed, faith deepened, and a renewed sense of community. This project was only possible because of the unity, generosity, and sacrificial service of so many. From the initial vision to the final touches, God orchestrated every detail, providing resources, skills, and willing hearts at just the right time.

Yet, as we dedicate this space, we remember that God is not confined to buildings. He dwells among His people, and our sanctuary is a place where we gather to find rest, worship, and encouragement. The Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 3 remind us that God is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to His power at work within us. Our confidence is not in our plans or efforts, but in God’s ability to exceed our expectations as we remain rooted in His love and committed to His Word and to one another.

We stand on the foundation laid by generations before us, and we are called to continue that legacy—faithful to the gospel, loving God’s people, and making room for more to encounter the goodness of Jesus. Today, we give thanks for every person who has prayed, served, and given. We dedicate this space to God’s glory, trusting Him to continue His work in and through us for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s work in our midst is always deeper and broader than what we see on the surface. The visible changes in our sanctuary are just the tip of the iceberg; the true miracle is the spiritual growth, unity, and transformation happening in the lives of His people. When we pause to reflect, we see that God’s faithfulness weaves through every season, preparing us for what He has next. [33:27]
2. God is not confined to buildings or human plans. While we value and steward our physical space, we must remember that God’s presence is with His people wherever they gather. Our sanctuary is a place of rest and worship, but it is the gathering of hearts devoted to Him that makes it sacred. This perspective keeps us humble and focused on what truly matters. [37:22]
3. Spiritual and numerical growth are both gifts from God, but the most significant growth is found in lives changed by the gospel. The increase in attendance, baptisms, and new members is a sign of God’s blessing, but even more important is the deepening of faith, the steps of obedience, and the sense of belonging that comes from being rooted in Christ and His love. [49:10]
4. God often exceeds our expectations, working far beyond what we can ask or imagine. Paul’s doxology in Ephesians 3 is a reminder that God’s power is not limited by our prayers or understanding. When we remain rooted in Christ’s love and committed to His Word, we create space for God to do the unimaginable in and through us. [56:11]
5. The legacy of faith is built through generations of ordinary people who remain faithful to God’s call. Our current blessings are the fruit of sacrifices, prayers, and steadfastness of those who came before us. As we honor their legacy, we are called to continue building for the next generation—serving, loving, and giving for God’s glory, so that His name is lifted high in every season. [62:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:27] - More Than a Building: God’s Deeper Work
[35:52] - God’s Presence Beyond Temples
[37:22] - The Sanctuary as a Place of Rest
[38:46] - The Journey to Sanctuary Refresh
[40:36] - God’s Faithfulness Through Challenges
[42:33] - Signs of Growth and New Generations
[43:50] - Planning and Unity in Change
[45:26] - God’s Providence in the Project
[46:45] - Generosity and Stewardship
[49:10] - The Heart of Healthy Growth
[50:13] - God Exceeds Our Expectations
[51:02] - Ephesians 3: Paul’s Prayer and Doxology
[54:57] - God’s Abundant Work in Us
[56:11] - Rooted in Christ’s Love
[57:10] - Generational Faithfulness
[62:15] - Honoring the Foundation Laid
[63:45] - Celebrating Service and Sacrifice
[67:36] - Recognizing the Team
[69:40] - Final Thanks and Dedication
[74:02] - Prayer of Dedication
[75:48] - Project Video Presentation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 3:14-21 — (Paul’s prayer for the church, focusing on God’s power to do more than we ask or imagine, and the importance of being rooted in Christ’s love.)

- Acts 17:24
(“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.”)

- 1 John 4:19
(“We love because he first loved us.”)

Observation Questions

In Ephesians 3:14-21, what does Paul specifically pray for the believers to experience and understand?
According to Acts 17:24, what does Paul say about where God dwells? Why is this significant for how we view church buildings? [35:52]
The sermon mentioned that the visible changes in the sanctuary are “just the tip of the iceberg.” What are some of the deeper works of God that were highlighted? [33:27]
What two things did people in the church say they valued most about the church’s ministry? [49:10]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize being “rooted and grounded in love” before talking about God’s power to do more than we ask or imagine? How does this foundation affect a church’s growth? [51:02]
The sermon says God is not confined to buildings or human plans. How should this truth shape the way we think about our church’s physical space and our gatherings? [37:22]
The pastor described both spiritual and numerical growth as gifts from God, but said the most important growth is spiritual. Why might spiritual growth be more significant than just having more people attend? [49:10]
The sermon talked about the legacy of faith built by previous generations. What does it mean to “continue building for the next generation”? [01:02:15]

Application Questions

The sanctuary refresh was described as a visible sign of God’s ongoing work, but the real miracle is the spiritual growth and unity happening in people’s lives. In what ways have you personally seen God working beneath the surface in your own life or in our church? [33:27]
The sermon reminded us that God is not limited to a building. How can you carry a sense of God’s presence with you throughout the week, not just when you’re at church? Are there specific places or situations where you forget that God is with you? [37:22]
The church experienced growth in young adults and families after focused prayer and intentional outreach. Is there a group of people you feel called to pray for or reach out to in our church or community? What is one step you could take this month? [42:33]
The pastor said, “Preach God’s Word and love God’s people.” Which of these do you find easier, and which is more challenging for you? How can you grow in the area that’s harder? [49:10]
Paul’s doxology in Ephesians 3 says God can do “far more abundantly than all we ask or think.” Can you share a time when God exceeded your expectations? How does this encourage you to pray or trust Him with current challenges? [56:11]
The sermon highlighted the importance of honoring the sacrifices and faithfulness of those who came before us. Who in your life has laid a spiritual foundation for you? How can you honor or thank them this week? [01:02:15]
As we dedicate this space for God’s glory, what is one way you can use your gifts, time, or resources to serve the church or help others encounter Jesus in the coming season? [01:14:02]

Sermon Clips

Two things are shared a lot. Number one, our commitment to teach the Scriptures as God's inspired Word. And two, that this church is a community to belong to and to be cared for. And so, it's not a magical plan. Maybe I could write a book on it. I'll probably sell 10 copies. But it's just very simple. Preach God's Word and love God's people. And I think that's what God is doing as He's honoring the commitment that we are making here at this church to uphold those things. [00:49:32] (42 seconds)

See, what is happening here is only because of God. We shouldn't be surprised. But it is amazing. It got me thinking about how our God works and how He often does more than we can imagine. [00:50:13] (18 seconds)

``Now to Him, who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever forever and ever. Amen. [00:51:56] (24 seconds)

It shouldn't surprise us, but our confidence today is a result of God doing far more abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think. Isn't that how God works? Do you ever think in your mind, okay, this is how God's going to show up. This is what God's going to do. This is how he's going to work. I've read about it. And then he does something like, whoa, I did not think he could do that. [00:55:43] (28 seconds)

And it's not that he's doing things that are contrary to his will. But what I'm saying is, I think sometimes we approach God with this limited understanding and our finite minds thinking, this is how he has to work. And God shows up and he goes far more beyond that, that it just kind of blows the doors off of our minds and hearts. And we're like, oh my word, I can't believe that this is what God does. We ask for something and God exceeds. And even when we ask, the testimony of God's work is often far greater than we can comprehend. [00:56:11] (40 seconds)

And I firmly believe even though I'm still in awe that God is doing what he is doing because as a church we remain committed to the church we remain committed to the gospel through the sufficiency of God's word and we remain committed to loving one another see in Paul's understanding we cannot love others unless we know God's love first that's what he's saying in this prayer that we can't grow in the love that we have for each other without first understanding and knowing the love of Jesus and John said it in first John 4 19 this way we love because he first loved us so when those conditions are met God is able to exceed our expectations. [00:59:04] (50 seconds)

This doxology then is a reminder and a caution it's a reminder of what God does and we praise God when he does it but it's also a caution it's a caution for us as we read this that God can't do these things in a very specific way if we are not committed to knowing the love of Christ and so there should be pause in us as we think through this the conclusion of the doxology supports the praise of our all -powerful God to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever amen. [00:59:54] (46 seconds)

Now within the context of Ephesians our salvation is a free free gift as a result of the sovereign plan of God from eternity past that results in a supernatural change causing spiritually dead people to become the children of God that is a God only work how dead people become alive and not just become alive and animated but they're they're alive to know the God that made them and that he doesn't just know us to know us in our minds but he knows us by bringing us into his family that we are called the dearly beloved children of God that work is only something God can do that is why the Lord received the glory and praise in the church through his son forever and ever. [01:00:39] (57 seconds)

It also serves as a reminder that all that is accomplished in the local church here is a result of God's power and he deserves the glory forever. So let's not lose sight of that. But also let's not forget the generations. It's interesting that Paul includes this that throughout every generation that God would be glorified in his church and that God is glorified when he works through the generations because the generations have remained faithful in their commitment in the love of Christ to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. [01:01:35] (40 seconds)

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