Embracing Change: A Future of Faith and Service

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Change with Faith

As we embark on a new chapter in our church's journey, it's essential to lean into the future with faith and hope. Change can be daunting, but it also brings opportunities for growth and renewal. Our congregation has prepared diligently for this moment, and now we step forward, trusting that God will guide us through this transition. Embracing change with faith means believing that God has a plan for us and that He will provide the strength and wisdom we need to navigate this new season.

Reflecting on Colossians 3, we are reminded to set our sights on the realities of heaven, which helps us maintain a heavenly perspective even amidst earthly changes. This perspective allows us to approach transitions with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control. As we welcome new leadership and look forward to the future, let's do so with a heart full of faith, ready to embrace the new opportunities God has in store for us. [38:51]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What specific changes in your life or in our church are you finding challenging? How can you trust God more fully in these areas and embrace them with faith?

Day 2: Focusing on Heavenly Realities

Colossians 3 encourages us to shift our focus from earthly concerns to the realities of heaven. This shift in perspective is crucial for living a life that honors God. By setting our minds on things above, we are better equipped to put to death sinful behaviors and embrace virtues like kindness, humility, and patience. This heavenly focus helps us to live in a way that reflects God's love and grace to those around us.

In our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness and distractions of the world. However, by intentionally focusing on heavenly realities, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and live out our faith more authentically. This means prioritizing spiritual growth, seeking God's will in all we do, and allowing His Word to guide our actions and decisions. As we strive to live with a heavenly perspective, let's remember that our ultimate goal is to honor God and reflect His character in all aspects of our lives. [46:16]

Colossians 3:5-6 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming."

Reflection: What earthly distractions are preventing you from focusing on heavenly realities? How can you intentionally shift your focus to align more closely with God's will?

Day 3: Representing Jesus in All We Do

Colossians 3:17 serves as a powerful reminder that whatever we do, we should do it as representatives of Jesus. This means that our actions, words, and even our thoughts should reflect His love and grace. Whether it's in our church activities, community outreach, or personal interactions, we are called to glorify God in all aspects of our lives. By doing everything in Jesus' name, we honor Him and demonstrate His character to those around us.

Living as representatives of Jesus requires intentionality and mindfulness. It means being aware of how our behavior impacts others and striving to be a positive influence. It also involves seeking opportunities to serve and bless others, showing them the love of Christ through our actions. As we go about our daily lives, let's remember that we are ambassadors for Christ, and our mission is to reflect His love and grace in all that we do. [50:07]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you represent Jesus in your daily interactions and responsibilities? How can you ensure that your actions and words consistently reflect His love and grace?

Day 4: Serving the Community with Christ's Love

Our church facilities and programs are designed to serve the community, not just our congregation. By making our resources available to others, we demonstrate Christ's love and hospitality, creating opportunities for people to experience His grace. This commitment to community service reflects our mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need and showing them the love of Christ.

Serving the community involves more than just providing resources; it requires a heart of compassion and a willingness to engage with others. It means being attentive to the needs of those around us and seeking ways to make a positive impact. As we open our doors and extend our hands to the community, let's do so with a spirit of generosity and love, always aiming to reflect Christ's character in our actions. [52:37]

Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you personally contribute to serving our community and demonstrating Christ's love? What specific actions can you take this week to make a positive impact on those around you?

Day 5: Unity and Love in Action

As we transition to new leadership, it's essential to maintain unity and love within our congregation. Our actions should always aim to honor Christ, and we should support and encourage one another as we work together for His glory. Unity and love are foundational to a healthy and thriving church community, and they enable us to effectively carry out our mission and serve others.

Maintaining unity requires a commitment to open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work through differences. It also involves extending grace and forgiveness to one another, recognizing that we are all part of the body of Christ. As we move forward together, let's prioritize unity and love, seeking to build each other up and create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. [56:19]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity and love within our congregation? How can you support and encourage others as we transition to new leadership and work together for God's glory?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today marks a significant transition for our church as we welcome Pastor Jake and Bethany, along with their two boys, into our community. This day is not about looking back but about leaning into the future with hope and anticipation. Our congregation has undergone many changes to prepare for this moment, and I am deeply grateful for the support and cooperation from everyone, especially those who have been with us for a long time.

Reflecting on my journey, I was initially prepared to speak from 2 Timothy 4, but during my devotions, God led me to Colossians 3. This chapter emphasizes setting our sights on the realities of heaven and putting to death the sinful earthly things within us. It calls us to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and to forgive as the Lord forgave us. Above all, we are to clothe ourselves with love, which binds us together in perfect harmony.

My life verse, Colossians 3:17, encapsulates the essence of our mission: "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." This verse reminds us that everything we do should be done in the name of Jesus, for His honor and glory. Whether it's our church activities, community outreach, or personal interactions, our actions should reflect Christ's love and grace.

As we move forward, it's crucial to remember that our facilities and programs are not just for us but for the community. We aim to make our church a welcoming place where people can experience the love of Christ. Our indoor children's playground, for example, is available for community use, reflecting our commitment to serve others in Jesus' name.

In conclusion, as we transition to new leadership, let's continue to do everything for the glory of God. Our actions, whether big or small, should always aim to honor Christ. Let's lean into the future with faith, love, and a commitment to serve Him in all that we do.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Leaning into the Future with Faith: Today is a day of transition and anticipation. We are called to look forward with hope, embracing the changes and opportunities that lie ahead. Our journey has been one of preparation, and now we step into the future with faith, trusting that God will guide us. [38:51]
2. Setting Our Sights on Heaven: Colossians 3 encourages us to focus on the realities of heaven rather than earthly things. This shift in perspective helps us to live a life that honors God, putting to death sinful behaviors and embracing virtues like kindness, humility, and patience. [46:16]
3. Doing Everything in Jesus' Name: Colossians 3:17 serves as a powerful reminder that whatever we do, we should do it as representatives of Jesus. This means our actions, words, and even our thoughts should reflect His love and grace, aiming to glorify Him in all aspects of our lives. [50:07]
4. Community and Service: Our church facilities and programs are designed to serve the community, not just our congregation. By making our resources available to others, we demonstrate Christ's love and hospitality, creating opportunities for people to experience His grace. [52:37]
5. Unity and Love in Action: As we transition to new leadership, it's essential to maintain unity and love within our congregation. Our actions should always aim to honor Christ, and we should support and encourage one another as we work together for His glory. [56:19]
### [56:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:51] - Introduction of Pastor Jake and Bethany
[39:36] - Reflecting on the Past and Preparing for the Future
[40:33] - Leaning into the Future
[41:28] - Change of Sermon Topic to Colossians 3
[42:37] - Story of the Young Preacher
[43:12] - Importance of Following God's Call
[45:30] - Reading from Colossians 3
[46:16] - Setting Our Sights on Heaven
[47:18] - Putting to Death Sinful Behaviors
[48:22] - Clothe Yourself with Love
[49:23] - Singing to God
[50:07] - Life Verse: Colossians 3:17
[51:04] - Doing Everything for Christ
[52:37] - Community Outreach and Service
[54:09] - Welcoming New People
[56:19] - Leaning into the Future with Unity
[59:04] - Belief in the Congregation and New Leadership
[60:10] - Invitation to Pray
[71:05] - Installation of New Pastor

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Colossians 3:1-2 instruct believers to focus on, and why is this important? [46:16]
According to Colossians 3:5-9, what are some of the sinful behaviors that believers are called to put to death? [47:18]
What virtues are believers encouraged to clothe themselves with in Colossians 3:12-14? [48:22]
How does Colossians 3:17 summarize the mission of believers in their daily actions and words? [50:07]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize setting our sights on the realities of heaven rather than earthly things in Colossians 3:1-2? How might this perspective change our daily lives? [46:16]
In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul lists virtues like kindness, humility, and patience. How do these virtues contribute to unity and harmony within a church community? [48:22]
Colossians 3:17 calls believers to do everything in the name of Jesus. What does it mean to be a representative of the Lord Jesus in our actions and words? [50:07]
The sermon mentioned the importance of community outreach and service. How does Colossians 3:17 support this idea, and why is it crucial for a church to serve its community? [52:37]

Application Questions

Reflecting on Colossians 3:1-2, what are some practical ways you can shift your focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities in your daily life? [46:16]
Colossians 3:5-9 lists behaviors to put to death. Are there any specific behaviors in your life that you need to address? How can you take steps to overcome them? [47:18]
Considering the virtues in Colossians 3:12-14, which one do you find most challenging to practice? What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate that virtue? [48:22]
Colossians 3:17 encourages us to do everything in Jesus' name. Think of a recent action or decision you made. How could you have approached it differently to better represent Jesus? [50:07]
The sermon emphasized the importance of community and service. How can you personally contribute to making your church a more welcoming and loving place for newcomers? [52:37]
Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from your church community. What steps can you take to foster unity and love within your congregation, especially during times of transition? [56:19]
The sermon mentioned using church facilities for community outreach. How can you get involved in or support initiatives that serve the broader community in the name of Jesus? [52:37]

Sermon Clips

1. "When we came, we came with the intention to prepare for tomorrow. Right? Those of you that were here. And we made a lot of changes. Moved around, changed around. And I want to say thank you to all of you who are my age, around my age, because you leaned in, and you said, let's go for it, let's do it. And I know there have been things that have made you sad, but you've loved, and you've encouraged, and you've supported. You couldn't ask for any more cooperation in what we've been trying to do." [40:33] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Whatever you do, be sure you can do it in His honor. Be sure you can do it in His name. Whatever you do. Whatever's the big word there. Whatever you do, do it for Him and in Him and through Him. This is the Lord's word for us this morning. And you may be seated." [51:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Whatever you do. Patty and I have lived this way since we got married in 1967. A month after we got married, we took our first assignment. And we've been in assignments of one kind or another ever since. And they've not all been as easy and joyful as this assignment. I've told them about Indianapolis the first four years of hell over there. These are people from Indianapolis and they're my friends now. But there was a time when any one of them would have shot me if they could have gotten by with it. It was rough." [57:25] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Whatever we do, people going into the future, we do it for Him, for His glory. Not so people will think highly of the church or the pastor or any one of you. We do it to the glory of God and that's the only reason we should ever do anything is to honor and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. And as we lean into the future, let's lean that way. Windows can be repaired. Furniture can be replaced. Walls can be painted." [56:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So how they respond has nothing to do with what we do. I've told you before, we were helping a young man in one place and he came to me one day and he said, why do you do this? I said, well it's not for you. I'm doing it for Jesus and you just happen to be in the way right now. So that's what we do. We do what we do for Jesus and if you happen to be in the way, you get the benefit of that or the pain, whatever it is we're administering at the moment." [55:46] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We have built that indoor playground to honor Christ. And it's my prayer that people driving by will see it and they'll call the church office and say, Hey, I'd like to have a birthday party for my six-year-old. Could we rent that building? And we would say, No. No, you can't rent the building. But you can use the building. Well, what do you charge? Well, we don't charge anything for the building. The building is here for the community. There is a cleanup fee that we need you to pay. Whatever it costs to clean up after it's over. But we make the building available." [52:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So whatever we do or say as a congregation, we must do it because it's worthy of Christ. And we must do it in the name of Christ. If it's not worthy of Christ, then we shouldn't be doing it. If it won't honor Him, we shouldn't be doing it. We have all kinds of activities going on in this room throughout the week. But we do it all to honor Christ." [51:57] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. That's pretty good, isn't it? Whatever you do, be sure you can do it in His honor. Be sure you can do it in His name. Whatever you do. Whatever's the big word there. Whatever you do, do it for Him and in Him and through Him." [50:07] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We do it in the name of Jesus. Whatever you do, do it for Christ. Everything we do must have the purpose of influencing someone for Christ. We had a... I've told some of you this before. We had an extravaganza here a few years ago. And it snowed, sleeted, rained all in one day. And John and Carol Stinson served 300 and some odd cups of hot chocolate that day. Everybody... We had hundreds of people and they're all jammed in the foyer. And our children's pastor at the time was really nervous. She said, What if they damage the building? I said, This is not a museum. This is a building for people. We built this to the glory of God." [53:26] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I believe in you. I believe in this congregation. I've watched you adapt and be patient and kind. I believe in you. And I believe in this couple right here. I believe in this couple. And you believe in this couple. Most of all, I believe in Christ. I've asked Scott to come sing one of my favorite hymns. We have an aversion to hymns here, but I think it's kind of a hymn, isn't it? Sort of? Yeah, it's a hymn. And he can sing it. It's where I am today. It's where Patty and I are. It's where I hope you are." [59:40] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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