Embracing Community: Transformation Through Kindness and Faith
Summary
This morning, I shared a message that God placed on my heart, emphasizing the importance of community and the power of welcoming others into our lives. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recounted how small acts of kindness, like being offered milk and eggs by church members, made me feel welcomed and valued. This sense of community is vital, as it opens doors and makes people feel at home in our church.
We delved into John 12:20-33, where Jesus speaks about the necessity of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying to produce much fruit. This metaphor illustrates the spiritual principle that life often begins with death. In God's kingdom, transformation starts in the darkness, in the valleys, and through the trials we face. It's in these moments that God prepares us for greater things. We must be willing to die to our own desires, control, and fears to allow God to work through us.
I also discussed the significance of understanding the times and seasons in our lives, as illustrated by the sons of Issachar in the Bible. Recognizing the spiritual seasons we are in allows us to align with God's work and triggers the blessings He has prepared for us. This involves a change of mindset, moving away from religious thinking that limits us, and embracing the new things God is doing.
Furthermore, I shared stories of God's supernatural work around the world, from Iran to Africa, where people are experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus, leading to cultural transformations. This global movement is a testament to the power of the gospel and the drawing of all people to Christ.
Finally, I encouraged the congregation to align with the vision of our church, especially in the context of our building fund. By sowing into what God is doing, we position ourselves for the blessings and expansion He has in store. It's not about the size of our resources but the posture of our hearts and our willingness to step out in faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community and Kindness: Small acts of kindness within a church community can have a profound impact, making newcomers feel welcomed and valued. This sense of belonging is crucial for fostering a supportive and loving environment. [56:22]
2. Life Begins with Death: In God's kingdom, transformation often starts in the darkness and through trials. We must be willing to die to our own desires and control to allow God to work through us, leading to new life and growth. [59:09]
3. Understanding Seasons: Recognizing the spiritual seasons in our lives helps us align with God's work. This involves a change of mindset, moving away from limiting religious thinking, and embracing the new things God is doing. [01:06:06]
4. Global Movement of God: Around the world, people are experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus, leading to cultural transformations. This global movement is a testament to the power of the gospel and the drawing of all people to Christ. [01:13:46]
5. Aligning with God's Vision: By sowing into what God is doing, we position ourselves for the blessings and expansion He has in store. It's not about the size of our resources but the posture of our hearts and our willingness to step out in faith. [01:17:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Personal Story of Community
- [03:45] - Introduction to John 12
- [06:10] - The Grain of Wheat Metaphor
- [09:00] - Understanding Spiritual Seasons
- [12:30] - The Power of a Changed Mindset
- [15:45] - Global Testimonies of God's Work
- [19:30] - The Importance of Spiritual Alignment
- [22:15] - Sowing into God's Vision
- [25:00] - Encouragement to Step Out in Faith
- [28:30] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [30:00] - Invitation to Connect with the Church
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 12:20-33
- Genesis 8:22
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 12:24, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying. What does this metaphor suggest about the process of transformation in God's kingdom? [59:09]
2. The sermon mentioned the sons of Issachar and their understanding of the times and seasons. How does this biblical reference relate to the importance of recognizing spiritual seasons in our lives? [01:06:06]
3. The pastor shared personal stories about receiving milk and eggs from church members. How did these small acts of kindness impact his sense of community and belonging? [56:22]
4. The sermon highlighted global testimonies of people experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus. What does this suggest about the power and reach of the gospel today? [01:13:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit relate to the idea of dying to our own desires and control to allow God to work through us? [59:09]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding spiritual seasons. How can recognizing these seasons help us align with God's work and trigger the blessings He has prepared for us? [01:06:06]
3. The pastor shared stories of God's supernatural work around the world. What do these stories reveal about the global movement of God and the cultural transformations taking place? [01:13:46]
4. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul talks about sowing and reaping. How does this principle apply to the idea of aligning with God's vision and stepping out in faith? [01:17:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when a small act of kindness made you feel welcomed and valued. How can you extend similar acts of kindness within your church community to foster a sense of belonging? [56:22]
2. Consider an area in your life where you need to "die" to your own desires or control. What steps can you take to surrender this area to God and allow Him to work through you? [59:09]
3. Identify a spiritual season you believe you are currently in. How can you align your actions and mindset with what God is doing in this season of your life? [01:06:06]
4. The sermon mentioned the global movement of God and cultural transformations. How can you participate in this movement, either locally or globally, to share the gospel and witness its power? [01:13:46]
5. Reflect on your current mindset regarding giving and resources. How can you shift your perspective to focus on the posture of your heart rather than the size of your resources when sowing into God's vision? [01:17:32]
6. Think about a specific area where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to this call and align with His vision for your life? [01:17:32]
7. The pastor shared a story about a woman in need and the unexpected blessing that followed his act of kindness. How can you be more attentive to opportunities to help others, trusting that God will provide for your needs as you do so? [01:37:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Welcoming Community
Small acts of kindness within a community can have a profound impact, making newcomers feel welcomed and valued. This sense of belonging is crucial for fostering a supportive and loving environment. When individuals feel accepted and appreciated, they are more likely to engage and contribute positively to the community. The simple gesture of offering milk and eggs, as mentioned in the sermon, can be a powerful expression of love and acceptance. It is through these small acts that we can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the love of Christ. [56:22]
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a newcomer in your community or church. What small act of kindness can you extend to them this week to make them feel welcomed and valued?
Day 2: Transformation Through Surrender
In God's kingdom, transformation often starts in the darkness and through trials. We must be willing to die to our own desires and control to allow God to work through us, leading to new life and growth. This principle is illustrated in John 12:20-33, where Jesus speaks about the necessity of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying to produce much fruit. It is in these moments of surrender that God prepares us for greater things. By letting go of our fears and desires, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God. [59:09]
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Recognizing Spiritual Seasons
Recognizing the spiritual seasons in our lives helps us align with God's work. This involves a change of mindset, moving away from limiting religious thinking, and embracing the new things God is doing. The sons of Issachar in the Bible were known for their understanding of the times and seasons, which allowed them to align with God's purposes. By discerning the spiritual season we are in, we can better cooperate with God's plans and receive the blessings He has prepared for us. [01:06:06]
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the current season of your life. How can you align your actions and mindset with what God is doing in this season?
Day 4: Witnessing Global Transformations
Around the world, people are experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus, leading to cultural transformations. This global movement is a testament to the power of the gospel and the drawing of all people to Christ. Stories from places like Iran and Africa highlight the supernatural work of God in drawing people to Himself. These testimonies remind us of the universal reach of the gospel and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. [01:13:46]
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be a part of God's global movement in your own community? What steps can you take to share the gospel and be a witness to those around you?
Day 5: Sowing into God's Vision
By sowing into what God is doing, we position ourselves for the blessings and expansion He has in store. It's not about the size of our resources but the posture of our hearts and our willingness to step out in faith. Aligning with the vision of the church, especially in the context of a building fund, is an opportunity to invest in God's work. When we give with a willing heart, we open ourselves to the blessings and growth that God has planned for us. [01:17:32]
"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 resources and how you can sow into God's vision. What is one step you can take this week to give with a cheerful heart and align with God's work?
Quotes
I remember the first day I came here after church, Eugene, is he here? Eugene invited me out and asked me to go out to lunch with him. And, um, I had an appointment so I couldn't go. And then as time came on, he said to me, do you like milk? And I said, yeah. He said, I have my own cow. I can get you milk every week. So I thought he was going to bring me like a little pint of milk. Next time he shows up with a gallon of milk. [00:52:23] (26 seconds)
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me, and where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, him my Father will honor. [00:55:46] (27 seconds)
So Jesus was actually trying to explain to them that what is happening right now, you have to really understand what is happening in order to get an idea of everything that is going to actually happen as a result of that. He said that when God really begins to do a work, come on, when God begins to do a work, the first thing that you notice that happens is that death has to take place. [00:59:09] (28 seconds)
And the Bible says that the sons of Issachar had an understanding of the times because they knew the times and the seasons. What I want to tell you this morning, church, there is a season in this house. Come on. We're getting ready to tear down and build, and I believe that what is happening in the natural, come on, is a picture of what God is doing in the spirit. God is tearing down some things, come on, in your life, and God is preparing you to build some things in your life. [01:07:43] (31 seconds)
And when we understand that, we cooperate with what the spirit of God is doing in our own lives. And so because of what God is doing in our lives in the spirit, I believe that we have to get ready and understand. So that we can actually exercise the necessary triggers to see the breakthrough that God wants to do. Hallelujah. Oh, this is exciting. [01:09:56] (22 seconds)
And you know, I see that as I travel, I'm in front row seat to see what God is doing around the world. You know, I grew up in a crusade age when we have crusades and thousands of people show up and you pray for them, but you know, that is beginning to fade. God is just doing a new thing. God is just revealing himself supernaturally to people. [01:11:07] (22 seconds)
In my own tribe in Africa, my time is kind of gone. I have a lot of things to say, so I'm going to skate some of it. But in my own tribe of Africa, I grew up in an idol-worshipping tribe. And to see the revival that is taking place in my own tribe, to see thousands and thousands of people serving God. I mean, I am there in the church, and people are crying and standing there with tears in their eyes. [01:12:00] (23 seconds)
And I believe that because of what God is doing in the church, we have to position ourselves. When Jesus explained the whole thing to them, Jesus says that some things are about to happen, but you have to understand what is happening. You have to prepare yourself to respond, and then you have to wait for a season of harvest to take place. Three things. [01:18:32] (23 seconds)
And God says that, if you can trust me, come on. And if you can lay down your will, your ways, and your wants, come on, and trigger the anointing by stepping into what I have for you, I'm going to bring you into a new season. Come on. Season of your life. [01:47:10] (20 seconds)
And I believe that Pastor Jeff, as pastor of this house, he's not here today. I believe that some of you need to do that prophetic thing. Come on, come into alignment and say, now God is giving me a whole new mindset. God is giving me a fresh understanding of who I am and I want to come into alignment, come on, by sowing and by putting into this church, into this building, what God wants to release in this house. [01:50:45] (28 seconds)
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