Embracing Community, Obedience, and God's Unchanging Word
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the journey of Radiate Church and the incredible things God has done over the past 13 years. Despite the challenges, such as the persistent rain in 2025, we remain committed to our mission and excited for what God has in store. We celebrated the power of community and the importance of serving together, emphasizing that our church is built on the sacrifices of many, not the talents of one. We also discussed the significance of giving, not just as an act of obedience, but as a way to resource God's work and make a difference in people's lives.
We delved into the story of Jonah and Nahum, exploring the theme of running from God's presence and the consequences it brings. Jonah's story reminds us that running from God affects everyone connected to us. We must be mindful of who we allow on our "ship" and be willing to throw overboard anything that hinders our relationship with God. The book of Nahum serves as a sequel to Jonah, highlighting the Assyrians' return to their old ways and the impending destruction due to their disobedience. This narrative underscores the importance of staying true to God's word and the dangers of reverting to our comfort zones.
We also touched on the book of Obadiah, which addresses the pride and arrogance of the Edomites. Their downfall serves as a reminder that pride comes before destruction, and when we make life all about ourselves, we distance ourselves from God. The overarching message is that God is always true to His word, and we cannot change His mind. Our actions have consequences, and we must choose to walk in obedience and humility.
As we move forward, we are excited to announce our upcoming Revival Nights, where we will gather to worship, pray, and experience God's presence in powerful ways. These nights are an opportunity for breakthrough and transformation, and we invite everyone to join us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community and Service: Our church thrives on the collective sacrifices of its members. Serving together not only strengthens our community but also allows us to fulfill our mission of reaching others for Christ. Each act of service is a testament to our commitment to God's work. [12:46]
2. The Power of Giving: Giving is an act of obedience and a way to resource God's kingdom. It reflects our trust in God's provision and our desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Every contribution, no matter the size, has the potential to impact lives for eternity. [20:15]
3. Running from God: Jonah's story teaches us that running from God's presence affects everyone connected to us. We must be willing to confront the things that hinder our relationship with God and be intentional about staying in His presence. [38:00]
4. Pride and Destruction: The story of the Edomites in Obadiah reminds us that pride leads to destruction. When we make life all about ourselves, we distance ourselves from God. True humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and aligning our lives with His will. [50:43]
5. God's Unchanging Word: God is always true to His word, and we cannot change His mind. Our actions have consequences, and we must choose to walk in obedience and humility. God's promises are steadfast, and we can trust Him to fulfill them in our lives. [01:09:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Reflecting on Radiate Church's Journey
- [05:30] - The Importance of Community and Service
- [10:00] - The Significance of Giving
- [15:00] - Jonah's Story: Running from God
- [20:00] - The Book of Nahum: Consequences of Disobedience
- [25:00] - Revival Nights Announcement
- [30:00] - The Book of Obadiah: Pride and Destruction
- [35:00] - God's Unchanging Word
- [40:00] - Invitation to Experience God's Presence
- [45:00] - Prayer and Commitment
- [50:00] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jonah 1:1-3
2. Nahum 1:7-8
3. Obadiah 1:3-4
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Jonah, what was Jonah's initial reaction to God's command, and how did it affect those around him? [38:00]
2. How does Nahum describe God's character in Nahum 1:7-8, and what does this reveal about God's response to those who take refuge in Him versus His enemies?
3. What does Obadiah 1:3-4 say about the pride of the Edomites, and how does this pride lead to their downfall?
4. How did the sermon describe the role of community and service in the life of Radiate Church? [10:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What are the consequences of running from God's presence as illustrated in Jonah's story, and how might this apply to modern believers? [38:00]
2. How does the book of Nahum serve as a warning about returning to old ways after experiencing God's mercy, and what does this suggest about the nature of repentance? [45:52]
3. In Obadiah, the Edomites' pride led to their destruction. How does this narrative challenge the way individuals view their own achievements and security? [01:05:08]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of giving as an act of obedience. How does this perspective on giving challenge common views on generosity and resource management? [20:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you, like Jonah, tried to avoid a task or calling from God. What steps can you take to confront and embrace God's direction in your life? [38:00]
2. The sermon highlighted the power of community and service. How can you actively contribute to your church community, and what specific actions can you take to serve others this week? [10:00]
3. Consider the role of pride in your life. Are there areas where pride might be distancing you from God? What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility and dependence on God? [01:05:08]
4. The sermon mentioned the upcoming Revival Nights as an opportunity for transformation. How can you prepare your heart and mind to fully engage in these events, and what are you hoping to experience or change? [45:52]
5. Giving was described as a way to resource God's kingdom. How can you evaluate your current approach to giving, and what changes might you consider to align more closely with the biblical perspective shared in the sermon? [20:15]
6. Reflect on the idea that God's word is unchanging and that our actions have consequences. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and long-term goals? [01:09:38]
7. The sermon discussed the dangers of returning to comfort zones after experiencing God's mercy. Identify a comfort zone in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth, and plan a specific action to step out of it this week. [45:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Strength of Community and Service
Our church community is a testament to the power of collective sacrifice and service. It thrives not on the talents of a single individual but on the shared commitment of its members to serve one another and the broader mission of reaching others for Christ. When we serve together, we not only strengthen our bonds but also fulfill our mission, demonstrating our dedication to God's work. Each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good and reflects our commitment to living out our faith in tangible ways. [12:46]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you serve today, and how can you make a tangible impact in their life through your actions?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Giving
Giving is more than an act of obedience; it is a powerful way to resource God's kingdom and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. When we give, we express our trust in God's provision and our desire to contribute to His work. Every contribution, regardless of its size, has the potential to impact lives for eternity. By giving, we align ourselves with God's purposes and participate in His mission to transform the world. [20:15]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current giving habits. How can you increase your generosity to reflect your trust in God's provision and your commitment to His work?
Day 3: Confronting the Consequences of Running from God
The story of Jonah serves as a powerful reminder that running from God's presence affects not only ourselves but also those around us. We must be willing to confront and discard anything that hinders our relationship with God. By staying in His presence, we ensure that our lives are aligned with His will, and we avoid the negative consequences that come from disobedience. [38:00]
"But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord." (Jonah 1:3 ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you might be running from God. What steps can you take today to confront this and realign yourself with His presence?
Day 4: The Dangers of Pride and Self-Centeredness
The story of the Edomites in Obadiah highlights the destructive nature of pride and arrogance. When we make life all about ourselves, we distance ourselves from God and set ourselves on a path to destruction. True humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and aligning our lives with His will. By doing so, we avoid the pitfalls of pride and live in harmony with God's purposes. [50:43]
"The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'" (Obadiah 1:3 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where pride may have influenced your actions. How can you practice humility and dependence on God in similar situations moving forward?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Unchanging Word
God's word is steadfast and unchanging, and our actions have consequences. We must choose to walk in obedience and humility, trusting that God's promises will be fulfilled in our lives. By aligning ourselves with His word, we ensure that we are living in accordance with His will and experiencing the fullness of His blessings. [01:09:38]
"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in God's unchanging word? How can you actively choose obedience and humility in this area today?
Quotes
"What do I do when I don't want to do what God asks me to do? And make no mistake, if we give our lives to Jesus, you will be asked to do things that are going to make you uncomfortable. It says from the presence of the Lord multiple times in this scripture and beyond when it talks about Jonah running. Why? Because it's not enough to just run from what God asks. If you stay in the presence of God, you're always going to feel the call to still go and do what He asks you to do. He didn't just run from the call. He didn't just run from the commission. He ran from the presence of the Lord." [00:32:57] (33 seconds)
"Here's what you've got to remember, Dad. Here's what you've got to remember, husband, wife, mom, friend, life group leader, worship leader, whoever you are. Hear me today. Running from God affects everybody connected to your life. And here's the truth. Listen to me. It doesn't mean we cut people off because they're not following God. But who are we allowing on our ship? And we're sitting there complaining about the storm when God's going, if you just throw it off, if you throw that dependence on that thing or that person, if you throw the addiction you got, if you throw that off the ship, it would stop the storm. But you're not willing to throw overboard what needs to be thrown overboard because you'd just rather run from God." [00:34:17] (40 seconds)
"It happens throughout the Bible all the time. Here's the difficulty of turning back to God whenever you're a pagan nation like Assyria was. So today, whenever we give our lives to Jesus, our lives completely change. The Bible says this, that when I put my life in Jesus Christ, that there's one way to the Father except through Jesus. And so whenever, no one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ. And when I do that, my life should change. Amen? Amen. That's right. My life should change, right? The way I pray, the way I talk, the way I read, the way I worship, everything should shift over time." [00:43:24] (35 seconds)
"Because discipline and commitment take over at some point. So the Assyrians, over time, they turn their heart back to God. But then eventually, the emotion of avoiding God's wrath, watch this, fades. So guess what they did? Went right back to what they know. Went right back to all they knew. Went right back to their comfort. And in 760 BC, Nineveh repented and turned from God. However, in 722 BC, the Assyrians then start messing with God's kids. So they attack, kill, torture, take advantage of, pillage, rob, everything. The northern kingdom. Well, the northern kingdom was God's chosen people. It was God's nation. You didn't mess with God's people. You don't mess with God's children." [00:45:22] (46 seconds)
"Everything we like and don't like. Everything we understand and don't understand is inspired by God. It's profitable or good for teaching reproof, for correction and training in righteousness so that the man and woman of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. This scripture right here is why I believe coming to church on Sundays and hearing me preach is never good enough. It's a good start. It's not a good meal. Come on, y 'all. It's a good start, but the Bible was never meant to be a buffet. It was meant to be something we ate every day. Come on, y 'all." [00:46:29] (39 seconds)
"Whenever we hear God taught a lot of times in today's world, we hear God taught as an agreeing God, that because he loves, that it's okay for you to do, live, and act however you want to live. Pat on the back. You're good to go. Can I tell you something? There is scripture that says this. God is the same what? Yesterday? Come on. Today and forever. And that means he never changes. If God looks at enemies and he has wrath, what makes me think that I'm any different today? And whenever I go against God's ways, hear me, I become his enemy." [00:50:28] (35 seconds)
"Because it says I'm in the family of God whenever I walk in the ways of God, and I accept the Son of God. Hear me today. And what we want to think, and it's a feel-good gospel out there, that you do whatever you want to do. God is gracious and merciful and loving, and he is all of that. He is all of that. However, when we decide to go against God's ways, we are choosing to become an enemy. We are choosing to fight against God's ways. And God does have consequences for every action, and God does have rewards for every action. And we have to look at that at the same." [00:50:58] (36 seconds)
"When I begin to walk in pride, I become my own God. And the fastest way to destruction is to start uttering this. It's not me. You can't mess with me. I got it built. I got it worked on. So guess what happens next? Verses 10 through 11. Because of violence to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame. And you will be cut off forever. On the day that you stood aloof. On the day that strangers carried off his wealth. And foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem. You too were as one of them." [01:07:53] (31 seconds)
"When it's all about me, it's not about God. When your job is all about you and what you've done, it's not about God. When my paycheck is all about me and what I want, it's not about God. When my relationship with somebody else is all about me and what I want, it's not about God. I have to remember when it's all about me, it's not about God. And pride is all about me. And pride always comes before a fall. It always comes before the stumbling. It always comes because I am now my own God. But when I'm my own God, I can't worship the God." [01:09:27] (36 seconds)
"Here's some things He promises in His Word. If we pray, He answers. If we worship, He shows up. If we seek Him, He is found. If He gives, if we give, He gives more. If we serve, He works through us. If we seek the Lord, He hears and He answers. It's promises of God that don't change. And you can't negotiate your way out of God's promises. And here's what God says. If you turn to me, you get to walk in the full life that I have. But if you go against me, then vengeance is mine, says the Lord. Why? You don't mess with my kids." [01:11:09] (43 seconds)
"Here's what I'd love to say. For some of us in the room, you've been seeking a full life of peace and grace and mercy and love and goodness. And you've been wanting to get away from the past. And you've been wanting to walk into something greater. And I just need to tell you, God promises. And because God never lies, I know this is true. God promises that when I give my life to Jesus, that all I was passes away. And all I will ever be comes to life in Christ, in God. And the reality is, is I now walk, John chapter 10, verse 10, into a full life with Jesus Christ." [01:12:08] (30 seconds)
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