Embracing Change Through God's Grace and Love
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on the grace of God, I am reminded of how undeserving I am of His blessings. As I prepare to transition from my role here, I am filled with a mix of sadness and excitement. This journey has been a testament to God's grace, taking me from a place of brokenness to being part of His work at Cornerstone. It's a humbling reminder that God uses the weak and the foolish to accomplish His purposes, not because of our strength, but because of His power.
In this season of change, I am about 80% sure of the path ahead, acknowledging that certainty is rare in life. My family and I are stepping out in faith, trusting God to guide us as we explore new opportunities to serve Him. This decision is rooted in prayer and biblical reflection, seeking to align our lives with the examples set by Jesus and the apostles. It's a journey of faith, not without doubts, but with a peace that surpasses understanding.
Reflecting on church history, I am challenged by the mistakes of the past and inspired by those who stood firm in their faith. As we look at our current generation, I see a consumer-driven church culture that needs to shift towards active discipleship and mission. We must move beyond merely consuming spiritual content to actively making disciples and living out our faith in tangible ways.
I am encouraged by the awakening I see in many of you, a desire to return to the basics of loving God and loving people. This is the essence of our faith, and it's what will sustain us in the face of challenges. As we step out in faith, we must remember that our relationship with God is personal and must be nurtured individually. We are called to be lovers of God and people, allowing His love to transform us and flow through us to others.
Key Takeaways:
- God's grace is the foundation of our journey. We are reminded that our strength and abilities are not what qualify us for His work; rather, it is His grace that empowers us to serve Him. When we feel inadequate, God uses us to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His power through our weaknesses. [01:17]
- Certainty in life is rare, and faith often requires stepping out without complete assurance. Like the biblical figures who acted on faith, we must be willing to move forward with the peace that God provides, even when we are not 100% sure of the outcome. [04:46]
- Reflecting on church history, we see both triumphs and failures. It's crucial to learn from the past and strive to be a generation that actively makes disciples and lives out our faith, rather than merely consuming spiritual content. [25:27]
- Our relationship with God must be personal and genuine. It's essential to cultivate a love for God that is independent of external influences, ensuring that our faith is truly our own. This personal relationship will sustain us in times of trial and uncertainty. [39:12]
- Loving God and loving people are the core commandments that should guide our lives. As we focus on these foundational principles, we become conduits of God's love, impacting those around us and fulfilling our calling to make disciples. [43:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Reflecting on God's Grace
[01:46] - A Season of Transition
[03:27] - Embracing Change and Faith
[05:44] - The Role of Prayer and Scripture
[07:54] - Overcoming Doubts and Fears
[10:19] - Learning from Church History
[13:43] - Personal Relationship with God
[16:49] - The Speed of Life
[20:22] - Standing Firm in Faith
[23:54] - The Consumer Age of the Church
[28:10] - Awakening to Discipleship
[31:31] - A New Generation Rising
[37:39] - Returning to the Basics
[43:30] - Loving God and People
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 5:17 - "Elijah was a man just like us."
2. Hebrews 11:6 - "Without faith, it is impossible to please God."
3. Matthew 22:37-39 - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the role of God's grace in our lives, especially when we feel inadequate? ([01:17])
2. How does the pastor describe his process of decision-making and the role of faith in it? ([04:46])
3. What are some historical mistakes of the church mentioned in the sermon, and how do they serve as lessons for us today? ([19:13])
4. According to the sermon, what is the current state of the church, and what shift does the pastor see happening? ([25:27])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's reflection on James 5:17 challenge the common perception of biblical figures as "super saints"? ([10:19])
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that faith requires action, and how does this relate to Hebrews 11:6? ([13:18])
3. How does the pastor interpret the command to love God and love people in Matthew 22:37-39, and why is this foundational for our faith? ([38:38])
4. What does the pastor mean by a "consumer-driven church culture," and how does he propose we move beyond it? ([25:27])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate but experienced God's grace empowering you. How can this memory encourage you in your current challenges? ([01:17])
2. The pastor mentions being 80% sure of his decisions. How do you handle uncertainty in your life, and what role does faith play in your decision-making process? ([04:46])
3. Consider the historical mistakes of the church mentioned in the sermon. How can we ensure that we learn from these and avoid similar pitfalls in our own faith communities? ([19:13])
4. The pastor talks about moving from a consumer-driven church culture to active discipleship. What steps can you take to be more active in making disciples and living out your faith? ([25:27])
5. How can you cultivate a personal and genuine relationship with God that is independent of external influences? What practices can help you deepen this relationship? ([39:12])
6. Reflect on the command to love your neighbor as yourself. Who in your life might need to experience God's love through you this week, and how can you show it to them? ([43:30])
7. The pastor describes a personal awakening to discipleship. What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel called to grow or change, and what steps will you take to pursue this growth? ([31:31])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Grace Empowers Our Weaknesses
Reflecting on the grace of God, we are reminded that our own strength and abilities are not what qualify us for His work. Instead, it is His grace that empowers us to serve Him. When we feel inadequate, God uses us to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His power through our weaknesses. This understanding is a humbling reminder that God often chooses the weak and the foolish to fulfill His plans, not because of their strength, but because of His power. As we embrace our weaknesses, we open ourselves to be vessels of His grace, allowing His strength to be made perfect in our lives. [01:17]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most inadequate? How can you invite God's grace to work through your weakness today?
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith Without Certainty
Certainty in life is rare, and faith often requires stepping out without complete assurance. Like the biblical figures who acted on faith, we must be willing to move forward with the peace that God provides, even when we are not 100% sure of the outcome. This journey of faith is not without doubts, but it is accompanied by a peace that surpasses understanding. As we step out in faith, we trust God to guide us, knowing that He is faithful to lead us in the right direction. This requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty and to rely on God's promises rather than our own understanding. [04:46]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8 ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you lack certainty? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in God's guidance?
Day 3: Learning from Church History
Reflecting on church history, we see both triumphs and failures. It's crucial to learn from the past and strive to be a generation that actively makes disciples and lives out our faith, rather than merely consuming spiritual content. The consumer-driven church culture of today needs to shift towards active discipleship and mission. This means moving beyond merely attending services or consuming spiritual content to actively engaging in the work of making disciples and living out our faith in tangible ways. By learning from the mistakes and successes of the past, we can be inspired to stand firm in our faith and to be a light in our generation. [25:27]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7 ESV)
Reflection: How can you move from being a consumer of spiritual content to an active participant in discipleship and mission this week?
Day 4: Cultivating a Personal Relationship with God
Our relationship with God must be personal and genuine. It's essential to cultivate a love for God that is independent of external influences, ensuring that our faith is truly our own. This personal relationship will sustain us in times of trial and uncertainty. As we nurture our relationship with God, we are reminded that it is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about developing a deep and intimate connection with our Creator. This requires intentional time spent in prayer, reflection, and studying His Word, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. [39:12]
"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6 ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your personal relationship with God, independent of external influences?
Day 5: Loving God and People as Our Core Commandments
Loving God and loving people are the core commandments that should guide our lives. As we focus on these foundational principles, we become conduits of God's love, impacting those around us and fulfilling our calling to make disciples. This love is not just a feeling, but an action that requires us to put others before ourselves and to serve them with humility and grace. By prioritizing love in our daily interactions, we reflect the heart of God and create opportunities for His love to flow through us to others, transforming lives and communities. [43:30]
"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show love to today, and how can you demonstrate God's love to them in a practical way?
Quotes
As we were singing about the grace of God, he just reminded me about how this is all only because of his grace and it made me think about 20 years ago just my life what a mess what an absolute mess I was. Didn't think I would ever go into ministry again at that point and for God to take someone like that and to allow him to do anything for him much less be a part of what God's done here at Cornerstone. [00:00:27]
The moment you start thinking that you're strong or you're able to do something God humbles you. I love the words that Matt shared about just reminding us look that's when God uses you is when you feel inadequate and God chooses to use those who are foolish to shame those who are wise those who are intelligent he uses the weak to shame those who are strong. [00:01:00]
I'm about 80% sure of what I'm doing now. But isn't that true with most things in life are we ever 100% sure and haven't there been times when you were 100% sure and you were 100% wrong right? And you can be 100% sure and 100% wrong and I've just learned in life to just go okay you know what here's what I believe the Lord is leading me toward. [00:04:27]
Most of the decisions that I make come from thinking biblically and praying. It's praying and thinking, praying and think I call it pranking. I just prank prank prank and I just go okay what biblically you know as we're looking through the book of Acts we're looking at Luke's Luke we're looking at first John I'm reading and going okay what makes sense what makes sense you know in the mind of God. [00:06:02]
Elijah was a man just like us. I just love that Elijah was a man just like us and then it talks about his prayer life but he had this serious prayer life but love the phrase Elijah was a man just like us because it brings him down to my level Elijah who called fire down from heaven you know Elijah who does all these Miracles the Bible says he was just a person he was a man. [00:09:10]
Without faith it's impossible to please God so if you're living a life where you're just kind of going yeah I can't do this I can't it's a lack of belief in God in that type of Life the Bible says it's impossible to please him without the kind of faith that these people had and when you read Hebrews 11 their faith was not just something that was internal that no one could see. [00:12:48]
I believe if it ended now there'd be a little period of History right here called the consumer age of the church where the norm was you show up to these places and you consume. It's an age that was weird because there was more Bible knowledge than ever before more Bible knowledge accessible through the internet you can listen to anything you had all this information about God and about the scriptures right at their fingertips. [00:25:20]
I believe what I see is that God is taking us out of that phase. I see it happening in some of your own lives where some of you are going yeah it never really quite made sense and I've always known I need to be more aggressive about going out and sharing with people I always knew that I was supposed to make disciples and I should raise my children in the way of the Lord. [00:27:52]
I get excited because there's a younger generation rising up that going gosh the way we've been doing it doesn't make sense. I'm scared of some of the conclusions are coming to because some are moving away from the word of God but others are going closer to it and it gets exciting and people are saying you know what I haven't been about making disciples and I need to. [00:28:36]
Whenever in my life I get too confused I just go back to the basics and let me just read a passage to you because I want to make sure no matter what happens in the future we always just remember the basics and we never stray from it because where the church has made tremendous mistakes in the past is when we Elevate things that are not the core issue. [00:37:39]
Jesus made it very simple for us he says in Matthew chapter 22 when he was asked what's the most important command teacher which is the great command in the law and he said to him you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind this is the first the great and first commandment and a second is like it you shall love your neighbor as yourself. [00:38:49]
I want to be 40 years into my relationship with God and still be broken over the fact that he would save a sinner like me. I want people come in contact with me just to go man he like looked in my eyes like he really cared he genuinely loved me that's what God does for us okay this isn't going to be by your own power you don't muster up a love like that. [00:49:45]
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