Celebrating God's Goodness and Community Impact
Summary
Celebrating the goodness of God is at the heart of our gathering today. We are in a season of reflection and gratitude, acknowledging the incredible work God has done in our church and in our lives over the past year. This is a time to pause and truly see the hand of God in our midst, from the new families joining our community to the lives transformed through baptisms and decisions for Christ. We are reminded that God is faithful, even when we are not, and that His love and mercy are new every morning.
Today, we also celebrate the launch of our Limitless Student Ministries, a new venture aimed at ministering to our middle and high school students. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation in their faith journey. We invite those with a passion for youth ministry to join us in this exciting endeavor.
Our church has been blessed with the resources to move forward with our building project, thanks to the generous giving of our congregation. We are nearing the completion of this project, and we are filled with anticipation for what God will do in our new space. This is a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective faith and generosity.
Moreover, our outreach efforts have extended beyond our local community to places like Zambia, where we have been able to make a significant impact through our support of Operation I Dream. This mission work is a powerful reminder of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, both locally and globally.
As we look forward to the new year, we are filled with hope and expectation for the new things God will do in our hearts and in our church. We are committed to being a community that celebrates God's goodness, supports one another, and reaches out to those in need. Let us continue to walk in faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Presence in the Moment: In a world full of distractions, it's crucial to focus on the present and recognize God's work in our lives. By being present, we open ourselves to experiencing His presence and blessings. [02:56]
- Gratitude as Worship: Expressing gratitude is a form of worship. Acknowledging God's faithfulness and goodness in our lives leads us to a deeper relationship with Him. Gratitude transforms our perspective and aligns our hearts with His. [03:36]
- Community and Vulnerability: True community is built on vulnerability and support. Sharing our struggles and victories with others allows us to lift each other up and experience God's presence in powerful ways. [01:08:27]
- Generosity and Mission: Our giving extends beyond financial contributions; it is an act of faith and partnership in God's work. Supporting missions and outreach reflects our commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus. [49:20]
- Transformation and New Beginnings: Baptism symbolizes a public declaration of faith and a new beginning in Christ. It is a powerful reminder of the transformation that occurs when we commit our lives to Jesus. [01:25:36]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:17] - Focus and Presence
[03:36] - Gratitude and Worship
[04:25] - Launch of Student Ministries
[37:04] - Celebrating New Members
[39:04] - Giving and Building Project
[43:03] - Recognizing God's Work
[46:11] - Outreach and Missions
[49:20] - Impact in Zambia
[52:25] - Future Mission Opportunities
[55:56] - Testimony and Community
[01:05:15] - Encountering God's Presence
[01:14:23] - Worship and Connection
[01:25:36] - Baptism Celebration
[01:37:07] - Encouragement and Support
[01:45:56] - Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Lamentations 3:22-23 - "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
2. Matthew 25:35-40 - "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."
3. Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the specific ways the sermon highlighted God's faithfulness and goodness in the past year? ([37:04])
2. How did the church's outreach efforts in Zambia reflect the message of Matthew 25:35-40? ([49:20])
3. What new initiatives were launched in the church, and how do they align with the theme of "new beginnings"? ([04:25])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community and vulnerability in experiencing God's presence? ([01:08:27])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God's mercies being "new every morning" influence the way believers approach each day? ([03:36])
2. In what ways does the church's mission work in Zambia serve as a practical application of being the "hands and feet of Jesus"? ([49:20])
3. How can the launch of the Limitless Student Ministries be seen as a commitment to nurturing the next generation in their faith journey? ([04:25])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of gratitude as a form of worship, and how does it transform our perspective? ([03:36])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent moment when you were able to recognize God's work in your life. How did being present in that moment impact your faith? ([02:56])
2. How can you incorporate gratitude into your daily routine as a form of worship? What specific actions can you take to express gratitude to God this week? ([03:36])
3. Think about a time when you were vulnerable with your community. How did that experience help you grow in your faith, and how can you encourage others to be vulnerable? ([01:08:27])
4. In what ways can you contribute to the church's mission and outreach efforts, both locally and globally? Consider one specific action you can take this month. ([49:20])
5. How can you support the new Limitless Student Ministries, either through direct involvement or by encouraging others to participate? ([04:25])
6. Reflect on the idea of transformation and new beginnings. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to a new beginning? How can you take a step towards that this week? ([01:25:36])
7. Identify a person or group in your community who might be in need. What practical steps can you take to serve them and demonstrate the love of Christ? ([49:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Presence in the Present
In a world filled with distractions, it is essential to focus on the present moment and recognize God's work in our lives. By being present, we open ourselves to experiencing His presence and blessings. This involves setting aside time to reflect on the ways God has been active in our lives, from the small daily blessings to the significant life changes. It is in these moments of presence that we can truly appreciate the depth of His love and faithfulness. [02:56]
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one distraction you can set aside today to be more present with God and recognize His work in your life?
Day 2: Gratitude as a Pathway to Worship
Expressing gratitude is a profound form of worship that acknowledges God's faithfulness and goodness in our lives. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we deepen our relationship with Him and transform our perspective. Gratitude aligns our hearts with God's, allowing us to see His hand in every situation, whether joyful or challenging. By intentionally practicing gratitude, we open ourselves to a more profound experience of His love and presence. [03:36]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: What are three specific things you are grateful for today, and how can you express this gratitude as an act of worship?
Day 3: Building Community Through Vulnerability
True community is built on vulnerability and support, where individuals share their struggles and victories with one another. This openness allows us to lift each other up and experience God's presence in powerful ways. By being vulnerable, we create a space where others can also be open, fostering a community that reflects the love and grace of God. It is through these authentic connections that we can grow together in faith and support one another on our spiritual journeys. [01:08:27]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to today to share your struggles or victories, and how can you support them in their journey?
Day 4: Generosity as an Act of Faith
Generosity extends beyond financial contributions; it is an act of faith and partnership in God's work. Supporting missions and outreach reflects our commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus. When we give generously, we participate in God's mission to transform lives and communities. This act of giving is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision, allowing us to impact the world around us in meaningful ways. [49:20]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can practice generosity today, whether through your time, resources, or talents, to support God's work in your community or beyond?
Day 5: Embracing Transformation and New Beginnings
Baptism symbolizes a public declaration of faith and a new beginning in Christ. It is a powerful reminder of the transformation that occurs when we commit our lives to Jesus. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continual process of growth and renewal. As we embrace new beginnings, we are invited to live out our faith with boldness and authenticity, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. [01:25:36]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you desire transformation, and how can you invite God to bring about a new beginning in this area today?
Quotes
"Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity that we have to worship you today. Thank you, God. God, I thank you for all. I thank you for all that you are doing in this house and through your people. You are worthy to be praised. You are Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. You hold it all together, God. And we are so grateful for that." [00:03:22] (24 seconds)
"And as a result of that gratefulness, God, in these next few moments, we sing to you. We sing for you. And we pray that just like the children of Israel, that you would inhabit our praise. Thank you, God, for being God in our lives. We honor you. We praise you. We thank you." [00:04:32] (26 seconds)
"We had an opportunity to show them the inside of the building. And so they got a chance to see all of the different. Things that are going on, the electrical that's being put in, our tech room, the new bathrooms that have been built, all of the stuff. Some people were up on the balcony and they got to watch what it would look like for somebody to sit on the balcony in service and see service happening." [00:43:11] (23 seconds)
"In 2024, we did a couple of outreaches and we got a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this city as we partner with Convoy of Hope. As we partner with the YOLO Food Bank and Davis Christian Fellowship. Come on. In 2024, we celebrated 75 water baptisms. I feel like we might double those numbers this year." [00:46:29] (33 seconds)
"And I've seen the hurt and I've seen the need that is desperate. I was talking to Pastor Sam yesterday and I said, hey, I just want to let you know to this day I have a Zambian coin that's right by my water faucet. So when I wake up in the morning and I turn the water on. I see that coin and I'm reminded that there are hundreds and thousands of people in Zambia that don't have the privilege to simply turn a faucet on." [00:48:51] (29 seconds)
"This is why the scripture says he loves a cheerful giver. Why? Because a cheerful giver recognizes that he has something to be glad about. Why am I giving? I'm just glad at what God has done. I'm glad for what he continues to do. I'm glad that he continues to bless me and give me the breath of life. I'm glad he continues to cover me." [01:39:38] (21 seconds)
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