Embracing a New Season of Divine Grace
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound concept of seasons as described in Ecclesiastes 3, emphasizing that we are entering a new season ordained by God. This season is marked by a divine shift where God is turning what was meant for evil into good. It is a time of multiplied grace, as symbolized by the Hebrew year 5785, which coincides with 2025. This new season is not just for individuals but also for our nation, as we align with God's calendar and His purposes.
Reflecting on the journey of our church, we remember the humble beginnings and the faithfulness required to reach where we are today. The story of our first pulpit and the early days of the church serves as a testament to God's provision and guidance. Despite challenges and doubts, we remained steadfast, trusting in God's promises and His vision for our ministry.
The significance of the Jewish New Year and the Hebrew calendar is highlighted, reminding us that God's timing is perfect. The transition from the years of "pay" (judgment and voice) to "hey" (multiplied grace) signifies a shift from a period of trials to one of abundant grace. This is a call to action, urging us to align our choices with God's will, especially in matters of national importance.
The message also underscores the importance of remembering our roots and the journey that brought us here. The vision God gave for our church, including the name "Lord of Hosts," reflects His strategic purpose for us as a spiritual command center. This vision is not just about growth in numbers but also about having a national and global impact.
Finally, the presence of God is emphasized as the cornerstone of our ministry. We are reminded of the importance of maintaining a pioneering spirit and not becoming complacent. The presence of God must remain central to all we do, ensuring that our ministry continues to be a place where His glory dwells and His purposes are fulfilled.
Key Takeaways:
1. Seasons of Change: We are entering a new season ordained by God, where He is turning what was meant for evil into good. This season is marked by multiplied grace, symbolized by the Hebrew year 5785, which calls us to align with God's timing and purposes. [03:16]
2. Faithfulness in Beginnings: The journey of our church from humble beginnings to where we are today is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite challenges, staying true to God's vision and promises has led to growth and impact. [09:21]
3. Aligning with God's Calendar: The significance of the Jewish New Year and the Hebrew calendar reminds us of God's perfect timing. The transition from judgment to grace calls us to align our choices with His will, especially in national matters. [14:43]
4. Vision and Purpose: The vision for our church, including the name "Lord of Hosts," reflects God's strategic purpose for us as a spiritual command center. This vision is about having a national and global impact, not just growth in numbers. [17:02]
5. Centrality of God's Presence: The presence of God is the cornerstone of our ministry. Maintaining a pioneering spirit and ensuring His presence remains central is crucial for fulfilling His purposes and experiencing His glory. [25:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:16] - Entering a New Season
[09:21] - Reflecting on Our Journey
[14:43] - Significance of the Jewish New Year
[17:02] - Vision for the Church
[20:53] - God's Strategic Purpose
[25:49] - Importance of God's Presence
[30:00] - Maintaining a Pioneering Spirit
[35:00] - Aligning with God's Will
[40:00] - God's Provision and Guidance
[45:00] - Embracing Multiplied Grace
[50:00] - National and Global Impact
[55:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."
2. Isaiah 42:9 - "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them."
3. Exodus 33:14-15 - "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, what is the significance of recognizing different seasons in our lives? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about entering a new season? [03:16]
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the transition from the years of "pay" to "hey" in the Hebrew calendar? What does this signify for the church and the nation? [14:43]
3. Reflect on the pastor's story about the church's humble beginnings. What role did faithfulness play in the church's journey from its early days to its current state? [09:21]
4. How does the pastor emphasize the importance of God's presence in the ministry, and what examples does he provide to illustrate this point? [25:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the pastor mean by a "divine shift" where God turns what was meant for evil into good? How can this concept be applied to personal and national contexts? [03:16]
2. How does the pastor interpret the significance of the Jewish New Year and the Hebrew calendar in aligning with God's timing and purposes? What implications does this have for decision-making, especially in national matters? [14:43]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that maintaining a pioneering spirit is crucial for the church's future? How does this relate to the presence of God being central to the ministry? [25:49]
4. How does the vision for the church as a "spiritual command center" reflect God's strategic purpose, and what does this mean for its national and global impact? [17:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change or new season in your life. How did you recognize it, and what steps did you take to align with God's purposes during that time? [03:16]
2. The pastor speaks about the importance of faithfulness in beginnings. How can you apply this principle in your current endeavors or challenges? What does staying true to God's vision look like for you? [09:21]
3. Considering the transition from judgment to grace in the Hebrew calendar, how can you align your choices with God's will in your personal life and in matters of national importance? [14:43]
4. The pastor emphasizes the centrality of God's presence. What practices can you incorporate into your daily life to ensure that God's presence remains central in your personal and spiritual journey? [25:49]
5. How can you contribute to the church's vision of having a national and global impact? What specific actions can you take to support this vision in your community or beyond? [17:02]
6. Reflect on the pastor's story about the church's humble beginnings. How can you apply the lessons of perseverance and faithfulness in your own life, especially when facing challenges or doubts? [09:21]
7. The pastor talks about maintaining a pioneering spirit. What steps can you take to cultivate this spirit in your personal life or within your church community? How can you avoid complacency and continue to pursue God's purposes? [25:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's New Season
In Ecclesiastes 3, we are reminded that life is full of seasons, each ordained by God for a specific purpose. As we enter this new season, it is marked by a divine shift where God is transforming what was meant for evil into good. This is a time of multiplied grace, symbolized by the Hebrew year 5785, which aligns with 2025. This season is not just for individuals but also for our nation, as we align with God's calendar and His purposes. It is a call to embrace the changes God is bringing and to trust in His perfect timing and plan for our lives. [03:16]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you sense God is bringing a new season? How can you actively embrace this change and align with His purposes today?
Day 2: Faithfulness in Humble Beginnings
Reflecting on the journey of our church, we remember the humble beginnings and the faithfulness required to reach where we are today. The story of our first pulpit and the early days of the church serves as a testament to God's provision and guidance. Despite challenges and doubts, we remained steadfast, trusting in God's promises and His vision for our ministry. This journey is a powerful reminder that faithfulness in small beginnings can lead to significant growth and impact when aligned with God's will. [09:21]
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a small beginning in your life or ministry. How can you remain faithful and trust in God's provision and guidance as you continue this journey?
Day 3: Aligning with God's Perfect Timing
The significance of the Jewish New Year and the Hebrew calendar reminds us of God's perfect timing. The transition from the years of "pay" (judgment and voice) to "hey" (multiplied grace) signifies a shift from a period of trials to one of abundant grace. This is a call to action, urging us to align our choices with God's will, especially in matters of national importance. By aligning with God's calendar, we can better understand His timing and purposes for our lives and our nation. [14:43]
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily decisions with God's timing and purposes? How can this alignment impact your personal life and your community?
Day 4: Vision and Purpose for Global Impact
The vision for our church, including the name "Lord of Hosts," reflects God's strategic purpose for us as a spiritual command center. This vision is not just about growth in numbers but also about having a national and global impact. It is a call to remember our roots and the journey that brought us here, as well as to embrace the vision God has given us for the future. By focusing on God's strategic purpose, we can make a significant impact on the world around us. [17:02]
"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes." (Isaiah 54:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the vision and purpose of your church for national and global impact? What steps can you take today to support this mission?
Day 5: Centrality of God's Presence
The presence of God is the cornerstone of our ministry. We are reminded of the importance of maintaining a pioneering spirit and not becoming complacent. The presence of God must remain central to all we do, ensuring that our ministry continues to be a place where His glory dwells and His purposes are fulfilled. By prioritizing God's presence, we can experience His glory and fulfill His purposes in our lives and ministry. [25:49]
"And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'" (Exodus 33:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize God's presence in your daily life and ministry? How can this focus transform your relationship with Him and your impact on others?
Quotes
1) "But to everything, there is a season and a time. There is a time to every purpose under heaven. So, we stand here today. We're actually, you guys are seated, but we're here today on what is the last 9 o'clock service. I remember when God told us to go to two services. We used to have one, only one. I think it was at what, 10, 10.30? I don't remember. God said, go to two services. And you know, hardly anybody came to this service. And I was driving home to the house, and Brenda, I said, Brenda, I think, I think I'm just going to, I'm just going to miss God. I'm done. And she said, no. She pointed her finger up. She said, you hear God. And she said, I've lived with you long enough. When you hear God, Hank, you don't waver. Don't waver. Stick it out. And then things just began. to grow and look at where we're at today." [00:50] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "And this is what God is saying to us in this new season. That's why we have this beautiful building over there. It's because God is saying, look. I mean, people are driving by taking pictures. They're amazed. I mean, businesses around here can't believe what's happening. Because God is literally saying in this new season, hey. He's saying it over your life, hey. He's saying it over our country, hey. I'm trying to be the attention, saith the Lord. And so He's saying, hey. H -E -Y. And what it means is the fact that it's 5785, you got to go back to 5780 to 5784. 2020 through 2024. What was that? That was the Hebrew years pay. P -E -Y. It meant judgment. It meant a sense of harshness. It meant breath. It meant voice. And if you think about all the COVID years, the lockdown, the mass, notice how it had to do with the voice. It had to do with the breath. You can see that. And God's now saying, okay, it's an end of all of that nonsense." [05:12] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "You know, the scripture says, don't despise the days of small beginnings. Here's the problem with Israel. God remembered and wanted them to put Him in remembrance. But the people kept forgetting. And so, what I have here is I have the first pulpit. I had it saved. This means a lot to me. I've preached I don't know how many messages behind this thing. The first pulpit was a table and somebody in the church said, well, Pastor, you can't keep preaching behind a table. So, they made me this pulpit. I brought my first Bible that I've had since 1989. And this was given to me by Brenda's father. He's in Heaven. And I want to show you some scriptures. And I actually photo, what do you call it, screenshotted when the Lord spoke to me and gave me scriptures about what I was to step into." [10:36] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "I was driving my minivan and all of a sudden I heard the Lord speak to me. And he said, Hank, and it was like an audible voice. I don't know if you ever heard that before I ever had that, but that's the way it sounded to me. And it kind of scared me. And I heard him say to me, Hank, will you pastor? And I was like, what? So I pulled over to the side of the road and I said, God, I started crying. I said, God, I know this is your voice. If you want me to, I'll do it. And he said, go lay before me and I'll show you what I have waiting for you. So I went and I laid on my bed and told Brenda, I said, God just spoke to me. I need to be with the Lord. And I went up and I laid on my bed and he said to me, he said, I want you to go to Omaha, Nebraska." [12:56] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "I was fasting and God gave this to me on May 24th. Thy people also shall be righteous. That's what I love about this church. We have a righteous standard here. And they shall inherit the land. That's Shiloh. I mean, that's our next project. That's why we got to get all this stuff knocked out. Let's go get that. Get our retreat center, our Bible school built, prayer center. It's the work of whose hands? His hands. That I may be what? That God may be glorified. Now watch this. This is the one we held on to. A little one shall become a thousand. Do you know, I didn't realize that God was calling us to a mega church and I didn't see it. I didn't believe it. And every time I'd go and look at empty chairs, I never believed that scripture. That scripture, God mocked me. If God speaks something to you, you stay with it. It'll come to pass." [17:02] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "I have raised you up in righteousness. That's what God is saying, that he wanted a righteous work. And I'll direct all your ways and you'll build my city. And you shall let go of my captives, not for a price, not for a reward, saith the Lord. In other words, I'm not in it. I'm not concerned about my reputation. I don't care what people think. I want to please God. Thus saith the Lord, the labor of Egypt, merchandise of Ethiopia, the Sabins, men of stature shall come over unto thee. There is a point where I'll never forget it. We were just trying to buy cameras and we were just trying to remodel the building. And there was a very prominent business person that I knew and I invited him to church service. And they just kind of laughed through the whole time. They even said, I heard them say it. They said it loud. They said it to somebody else. They said, there's no money in this church. Man, I walked away. I hung my head after that service. And Brenda looked at me and she said, you look at me, honey. That's the devil. And she said, you and I from this moment forward are going to mock those words. And we're going to start saying, no, there's money here and that we have everything we needed. And it shifted something in me." [20:53] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "The presence of God is so important. And we have to realize that I've watched churches go through something. Have you ever known of a church in their season they were great at one time? And then you look back and you're like, man, what has happened to that church, man? I know pastors that were holy ghosts and now they're woke. I knew one pastor that, man, he's just, oh, man, he's a mess. He likes guys now. And, you know, it's just crazy stuff. And you have to realize that we can't lose something, church. And those of you that are watching, and it's called the pioneer spirit. You know, the pioneers get all the arrows, they say. You know, it took a lot to get us to this point. I mean, people standing, and that's why I hate the Oscar statue, because, you know, people would stand up in the middle of my service and they would stand there like this. And wanting me to quit, wanting me to shut up. And you think that I've always preached this way? Yes, I have. And they would mock. They would walk out. They would get so mad at me when we first started. And I thought, God, you called me to the wrong city." [25:49] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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