Embracing Community and Trusting God's Providence
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of community in our journey with Christ. The speaker emphasized that our call to Christ is also a call to community, and we are not meant to walk this journey alone. The sermon also highlighted the significance of having a life ambition that is bigger than ourselves, something that requires God's intervention to succeed. The speaker used the story of Dr. Leslie, a Canadian doctor who felt called to use medicine to expand the kingdom of God in Africa, as an example of such an ambition. Despite facing discouragement and feeling like a failure, Dr. Leslie's work resulted in a network of reproducing churches throughout the jungle, demonstrating that our perceived failures may not be failures in God's eyes.
The sermon also touched on the theme of God's providence, reminding us that we cannot outrun God's coverage. Even when we feel like we are running away, God's grace is always ahead of us, ready to meet us when we turn back. The speaker shared personal experiences from his trip to the Congo, where he witnessed miracles and the hand of God's providence at work. The sermon concluded with a call to faith, encouraging us to trust in God's character and run the race set before us, even when life doesn't go as planned.
Key Takeaways:
- Our call to Christ is also a call to community, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and support in our spiritual journey ([01:27]).
- Having a life ambition that requires God's intervention not only gives our lives purpose but also deepens our reliance and trust in God ([04:01]).
- Even when we feel like we are running away from God, His grace is always ahead of us, ready to meet us when we turn back ([27:50]).
- Our perceived failures may not be failures in God's eyes. God can use what we see as failures to accomplish His purposes ([45:22]).
- Trusting in God's character and running the race set before us, even when life doesn't go as planned, is a key aspect of living a good life ([47:42]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The call to Christ is a call to community. We are not meant to walk this journey alone, but rather in fellowship with others. This is a key aspect of our faith and our growth as Christians. [01:27]
2. Our life ambition should be something bigger than ourselves, something that requires God's intervention to succeed. This ambition should be aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives. [04:01]
3. In this world, we will face trouble and challenges. However, it's not our failures but our continual surrender to Christ's victory, trusting in God's character, and running the race He sets before us that determines the good life. [47:01]
4. God is constructing His grand story out of the small, inconsequential, painful dead ends of our life. He will never give up on us and there's a recipe to live in obedience with Him. [10:09]
5. The days when the judges ruled were marked by theological, moral, and leadership compromise. This led to a period of rebellion and pride in Israel's history. [14:11]
Bible Chapters for Group Reading:
1. Book of Ruth
2. Judges 21
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What are some key themes you observed in the Book of Ruth?
2. How does the story of Ruth reflect the main points from the sermon?
3. What can we learn from the period when the judges ruled as described in Judges 21?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Book of Ruth demonstrate God's faithfulness in the midst of trials and challenges?
2. What does the period when the judges ruled teach us about the consequences of compromising our faith?
3. How does the story of Ruth illustrate the concept of life ambition that is aligned with God's will?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you faced a "dead end" in your life? How did you see God working in that situation?
2. How does your current life ambition align with God's purpose for your life? If it doesn't, what steps can you take to realign it?
3. Have you ever compromised your faith to fit in with the culture around you? How can you stand firm in your faith amidst societal pressures?
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