Embracing Change: Gratitude, Fellowship, and God's Mission
Summary
In this season of change, as the leaves turn and the air cools, we are reminded of God's perfect timing and His ability to make everything beautiful in its own time. We gather with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging God's protection and provision throughout our lives. Psalm 91 assures us of His angels watching over us, and we are encouraged to lift prayers of thanksgiving, blessing the Lord for His forgiveness, redemption, and the good things He fills our lives with. Our gratitude extends to our families, our church community, and the world around us, as we recognize that in Him we live, move, and have our being.
Reflecting on the concept of Koinonia, we are reminded that fellowship with God and one another is the foundation of the church. Acts chapter 2 illustrates the early church's commitment to learning, sharing, and growing together, resulting in gladness, sincerity, and praise. This fellowship is not just about being together but about growing and maturing in our faith, being sincere about our spiritual journey, and creating an atmosphere of praise that transcends circumstances.
Our new bishop, Cynthia Moy Kokoi, emphasizes the need for spiritual grounded leadership and healing within the church. Despite challenges, we are called to be excited about our mission to make disciples and transform the world. This excitement is contagious and essential for drawing others into the joy and hope found in Christ. The parable of the banquet reminds us that God's kingdom is ready for us, and we are invited to partake in His mission of hope, healing, and hospitality.
As we conclude, we are reminded that the church is not a building but a community of believers united in Christ. We are called to be a church full of excitement, joy, and love, reaching out to others and inviting them into the transformative power of God's kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Perfect Timing: In every season, God makes all things beautiful in His time. We are encouraged to trust in His timing and acknowledge His protection and provision in our lives. Our prayers of thanksgiving should reflect our gratitude for His constant presence and care. [0:00]
2. The Foundation of Koinonia: True fellowship with God and one another is the bedrock of the church. Acts 2 shows us that when we gather in sincere fellowship, we experience gladness, sincerity, and praise. This deep connection with God and each other strengthens our community and faith. [19:23]
3. The Power of Praise: Praise is a natural outflow of a heart filled with gratitude and joy. When we cultivate an atmosphere of praise, we invite God's presence into our lives, transforming our circumstances and filling us with strength and joy. [25:15]
4. Excitement in Our Mission: Our mission to make disciples and transform the world is exciting and life-giving. We are called to be enthusiastic about our faith, drawing others into the joy and hope found in Christ. This excitement is essential for a vibrant and growing church community. [29:00]
5. Invitation to God's Kingdom: The parable of the banquet reminds us that God's kingdom is ready for us, and we are invited to partake in His mission of hope, healing, and hospitality. We are called to extend this invitation to others, sharing the love and joy of Christ with the world. [42:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - God's Perfect Timing
[2:15] - Prayers of Thanksgiving
[5:00] - Gratitude for Community
[7:45] - Reflecting on Koinonia
[10:30] - The Foundation of Fellowship
[13:00] - Effects of Koinonia
[15:45] - The Power of Praise
[18:30] - Excitement in Our Mission
[21:00] - Invitation to God's Kingdom
[24:00] - Engaging with the World
[27:00] - Building Treasures in Heaven
[30:00] - The Greatest Love
[33:00] - Partaking in God's Mission
[36:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 91:11-12 - "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
2. Acts 2:42-47 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
3. Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet.
Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 91, what role do angels play in our lives? How does this passage assure us of God's protection? [00:00]
2. In Acts 2, what activities did the early church devote themselves to, and what were the results of their fellowship? [22:03]
3. How does the parable of the banquet in Luke 14 illustrate the invitation to God's kingdom? What excuses did people make for not attending? [36:02]
4. What are some of the effects of Koinonia mentioned in the sermon, and how do they manifest in a church community? [22:03]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of God's protection in Psalm 91 influence a believer's sense of security and gratitude? [00:00]
2. What does the commitment to fellowship and sharing in Acts 2 reveal about the priorities of the early church? How might these priorities apply to modern church communities? [22:03]
3. In the parable of the banquet, what do the excuses given by the invitees reveal about human nature and priorities? How does this relate to our own lives? [36:02]
4. How does the concept of Koinonia challenge individuals to deepen their relationships within the church? What are the potential barriers to achieving this level of fellowship? [22:03]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection in your life. How did it impact your faith and gratitude? [00:00]
2. In what ways can you contribute to creating a community of Koinonia in your church? Identify one specific action you can take this week to foster deeper fellowship. [22:03]
3. Consider the excuses made in the parable of the banquet. Are there similar excuses you make that prevent you from fully engaging in God's kingdom work? How can you overcome them? [36:02]
4. How can you cultivate an atmosphere of praise in your daily life, even amidst challenging circumstances? What practical steps can you take to maintain a heart of gratitude and joy? [25:15]
5. The sermon emphasized the excitement in our mission to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can share the joy and hope of Christ with this week. What approach will you take? [29:00]
6. Reflect on the role of spiritual leadership in your church. How can you support and encourage your leaders in their mission to bring healing and hope to the community? [27:38]
7. How can you extend the invitation to God's kingdom to those around you? Think of a specific way you can demonstrate hospitality and love to someone in need this week. [42:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
In every season of life, there is a divine timing orchestrated by God. As the natural world around us changes, we are reminded that God makes everything beautiful in its own time. This understanding calls us to trust in His timing, even when it doesn't align with our own plans or desires. Psalm 91 assures us of His protection and provision, encouraging us to lift prayers of thanksgiving for His constant presence and care. Our gratitude should reflect an acknowledgment of His perfect timing and the beauty He brings into our lives. [0:00]
"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 of your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you practice gratitude for His provision in this area today?
Day 2: The Foundation of True Fellowship
Koinonia, or fellowship, is the bedrock of the church, as illustrated in Acts chapter 2. This fellowship is not merely about gathering together but involves a deep connection with God and one another. It is characterized by learning, sharing, and growing together, resulting in gladness, sincerity, and praise. Such fellowship strengthens our community and faith, creating an atmosphere where spiritual growth and maturity can flourish. As we engage in sincere fellowship, we experience the joy and strength that comes from being part of a faith-filled community. [19:23]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a sincere and joyful atmosphere of fellowship in your church community this week?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Praise
Praise is a powerful expression of a heart filled with gratitude and joy. When we cultivate an atmosphere of praise, we invite God's presence into our lives, which can transform our circumstances and fill us with strength and joy. This natural outflow of gratitude not only uplifts our spirits but also impacts those around us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and hope. By focusing on praise, we align our hearts with God's goodness, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives. [25:15]
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can incorporate praise into your daily routine to invite God's presence into your life?
Day 4: Embracing Excitement in Our Mission
Our mission to make disciples and transform the world is a source of excitement and life. This enthusiasm is essential for a vibrant and growing church community, as it draws others into the joy and hope found in Christ. Despite challenges, we are called to be excited about our faith and the transformative power it holds. This excitement is contagious, inspiring others to join in the mission of spreading God's love and hope to the world. By embracing this excitement, we become active participants in God's work on earth. [29:00]
"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." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you share your excitement for your faith with someone in your life this week, inviting them to experience the joy and hope found in Christ?
Day 5: Inviting Others to God's Kingdom
The parable of the banquet reminds us that God's kingdom is ready for us, and we are invited to partake in His mission of hope, healing, and hospitality. This invitation is not just for us but extends to others as well. We are called to share the love and joy of Christ with the world, inviting others to experience the transformative power of God's kingdom. By extending this invitation, we participate in God's mission, creating a community that reflects His love and grace. [42:29]
"And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.'" (Luke 14:23, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can invite to experience the love and joy of God's kingdom? How can you extend this invitation in a meaningful way?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1. "God makes everything beautiful in his own time he's the God of time he's the God of season he's the God that changes the time and the season there is a God in heaven who changes the times and the season and in this season in this season of fall our hearts are faced towards God we look up to him who to the Lord who radiates our faces with his love with his joy with his peace and as we come into his presence we want to acknowledge God that he's the God who makes all things beautiful we come into this presence with thanksgiving in our hearts so this this morning I don't know how your week was um maybe it was heartache maybe it was it went so fast and long and short but in the midst of all want to take a breath want to take a moment and give God thanks thank God for being with you throughout the week thank God for causing his angels in Psalm 91 he said I will cause my angels to take charge over you that you will not use your feet to hit any stone God has been the God of protection" [07:29] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And we established the fact that Koinonia is having fellowship with God and having fellowship with one another. Amen. Amen. Because when we miss the fellowship with God, having fellowship with one another becomes difficult. Amen. It becomes difficult, but when we have a strong fellowship with God, when we, on our individual levels, we spend time with God, when we come together and pray together, there's a saying that when you pray together, you stay together, right? Amen." [20:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we connect our relationship with God, it becomes so easy to build the strong community of faith that is connecting with each other, not on the surface level, but at a deeper level. Amen. So that Koinonia means that we become family. We become family all together. I want to just, you know, catch up from where we stopped last two weeks and then, you know, wrap it up for us today. We stopped last week, last two weeks in Acts chapter 2, where the disciples came together and they began to, to learn together. They began to walk in the teachings of the apostles. Amen. And we saw that the power of God was made available for them." [21:09] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "gladness and sincere hearts and I'm beginning to think that we cannot see kolonia but we can see the effects of kolonia and one of the efforts we see with the dis new disciples was that when they gather and they break bread together that was gladness somebody say gladness and there was sincerity of heart there was gladness that means that there was a joy that exhumed from their fellowship there was a job the joy of the Lord have filled their heart that gave them strength to go out there even though they were persecuted they go out there and share Share the love of Jesus to everyone they meet. But not only that, was there gladness and there was sincerity of heart. But there was also, verse 47 says, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. And the Lord added to their number daily those that were saved. So, there was also praise. Somebody say praise." [22:32] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The effect of kolonia is praise. It's that we can praise God in the sanctuary. We can praise God in the highway and the byway. We can praise God when we feel like and when we don't feel like. We can praise God when you are driving. You can put on some praising shoes. You can put on your praising songs. Create an atmosphere of praise around you. When you praise God, the situations around you becomes like a valley. Amen. When you praise God, you are filled with joy." [25:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The bishop said to her she said get excited get excited because as as united method is we are called to make disciples for the transformation of the world that is exciting it's exciting to see one life transform it's exciting to see that we can put a smile on the face of somebody it's exciting to see that somebody comes to church on a sunday and it gets them through their week it's exciting to see that a tap on their back makes somebody to be to be encouraged that when they're going through tough time there is something when they come to the church family they are able to find spiritual strength they are able to find hope it's exciting to know that we have a god who listened to us when we come to the altar and when we pray god hears our prayer it is exciting to know that we are a family together you we are a church family together a church of colonia when we come together there is no mountain that is too high for us there is no valley that is too deep for us there is nothing we cannot do there is no ocean that we cannot cross it is so much exciting" [30:26] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "when was the last invitation you received that was really make you feel with gladness and joy because when you receive an invitation you have been thought of when somebody invites you it means that they have thought about you right am i communicating right when somebody invites you it means that they've thought about you and that is why they have given you they've thrown their hand of hospitality for you and not only do they do that but they also prepare a banquet they prepare the table for you and the bible said when the table was ready at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who have been invited come for everything is now ready for you in the kingdom of god everything is ready amen it depends on how we tap into the blessing of god how we tap into god's plan for our lives but god has prepared a banquet he's prepared a place for us he's prepared the atmosphere that we can be blessed god has prepared the healing the healing rooms what we need is healing hope and hospitality and on that banquet table god has prepared everything so he said you go and invite them to come and then people started doing what they started making excuses" [34:11] (110 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "they want to see but they also want to prove they they want to he said i have bought this in other words i'm not sure of what i've bought i i how can you buy oxygen you you didn't try them out before your body but anyway they they want to prove that what they have is really for them but how many know that in this journey of work with god it's not what we have jesus said a man's life does not con consist of the abundance of things that they have but it consists of the treasures that we have in heaven oh my god everything you do in the kingdom of god you are not building for yourself treasures here on this earth where molds and tears will will eat but when you are part of the kingdom of god you are building for yourself treasures in heaven is it that exciting when you put a smile on the face of somebody who is not a person when you pray for somebody when you stand in the gap for somebody when you do something for the lord you are building for yourself treasures in heaven you don't need to prove to any man or any woman what you are doing you don't need to let people know what you are doing all you need to do is to know that you are building for yourself a kingdom because the kingdom of heaven is not just the kingdom we have on earth god wants his kingdom to come right here on this earth people want to prove something they want to prove that they have money they want to prove that they they have building houses they want to prove but all that is in this world will pass away everything will pass away only the word of god will never pass away everything in this life will pass and go but the joy of the lord is our strength oh my god kingdom will come you and kingdom will go nations will come and nations will go president will come and president will go but the king of kings and the lord of lords the king jesus the lord of lords will never pass we don't need to prove anything to anybody my god my lord and my god they wanted to see they wanted to prove so this is really telling us outlets that we can engage people right they want to prove because that is the human quest they want to prove that i have this oxen they want to prove that i have these they want to prove the things that they have but the more and more they get" [38:22] (167 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "the more and more they become empty the more and more they get the more and more they realize that something is missing but in the kingdom of god it's different it's a very opposite you know kingdom it's an upside down kingdom amen in the world you get all you you have and can all you you have but in the kingdom you get all you have and give all you have that is the upside kingdom in the kingdom of god we get we can work hard and get everything we need and get as much as we need because money and god belongs to god but when we get it he said i'm blessing you so that you will be a blessing that is the difference to witness at all this morning hallelujah and the last person said i" [41:08] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "we are all invited to be part of God's mission he said go out there anybody you see just invite them into the kingdom we are invited to partake in the mission that brings hope everybody say hope healing and hospitality amen let us pray holy God we thank you for your words we just pray that God you will continue to bless our time today help us to be a church of Koinonia in Jesus name Amen come on give some clap to the Lord amen" [43:28] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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