Embracing Connection: You Matter to God

Devotional

Day 1: You Matter to God and Us

Description: No matter your past or present circumstances, you are valued and loved by God and our community. Your presence here is not by accident; you are here for a reason. Embrace the truth that you matter deeply to God and to us. God’s love is unconditional and all-encompassing, and He sees you as precious and significant. This truth is foundational to understanding your worth and purpose in life. [35:47]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt insignificant or overlooked. How does knowing that you are chosen and valued by God change your perspective on that experience?

Day 2: God Meets Us Where We Are

Description: Jesus meets us right in the midst of our mess, our doubts, and our imperfections. He doesn't wait for us to have everything together before He calls us. Your current state, no matter how messy, is not a barrier for God. He wants to walk with you through it. This is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. [46:10]

Psalm 40:1-2 (ESV): "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure."

Reflection: Identify an area of your life that feels messy or out of control. How can you invite Jesus into that specific situation today and trust Him to walk with you through it?

Day 3: Transformation Through Jesus

Description: Peter's life shows that transformation is a journey. From a fiery fisherman to a bold preacher, Peter's story illustrates that God can use anyone for His purpose. Your journey with Jesus will be imperfect, but it will be transformative. This transformation is not about instant perfection but about continuous growth and change as you walk with Jesus. [52:32]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent change or growth in your spiritual life. How has Jesus been transforming you, and what steps can you take to continue this journey of transformation?

Day 4: God Walks With Us Personally

Description: Jesus doesn't just call us to follow Him; He walks with us every step of the way. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. Your journey with Jesus is a personal one, filled with His presence and guidance. This personal relationship with Jesus is marked by His constant companionship and support, no matter what you face. [53:09]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Think about a current challenge or fear you are facing. How can you lean on Jesus' promise to be with you and support you through this situation?

Day 5: Partnering with God

Description: When we partner with God, He partners with us. Peter's transformation into a leader in the early church shows that God can use our strengths and weaknesses for His glory. Your willingness to walk with God opens the door for Him to work powerfully in your life. This partnership is about aligning your life with God’s purposes and allowing Him to work through you. [01:00:57]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you can partner more closely with God. What steps can you take today to align your actions and decisions with His purposes for you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome to Friend Day 2024 at Radiate Church! Today is all about connection, celebration, and recognizing that every single person matters. Whether it's your first time here, or you've been coming for years, you are valued and loved by both us and God. We have a variety of fun activities planned, including a Belgian waffle truck, a photo booth, and a dance party, all designed to make you feel at home and part of our community.

The core message today revolves around the life of Peter, one of Jesus' disciples. Peter's journey with Jesus is a powerful example of how God meets us right where we are, no matter how messy or imperfect our lives may be. Peter was a fisherman, a fiery and curious individual who often acted before thinking. Despite his flaws, Jesus called him to be a "fisher of men," inviting him to be part of something greater than himself.

Peter's story teaches us that God doesn't wait for us to have everything together before He calls us. He meets us in our mess and walks with us through our journey. Peter's transformation from a fisherman to a preacher who boldly proclaimed the gospel to thousands shows that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

Today, you are invited to take that first step in your journey with Jesus. Whether you feel unworthy, skeptical, or just curious, know that you matter to God. He has a purpose and a plan for your life, and He wants to walk with you every step of the way. As we celebrate together, remember that you are loved, valued, and have a significant role to play in God's kingdom.

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Key Takeaways

1. You Matter to God and Us: No matter your past or present circumstances, you are valued and loved by God and our community. Your presence here is not by accident; you are here for a reason. Embrace the truth that you matter deeply to God and to us. [35:47]
2. God Meets Us Where We Are: Jesus meets us right in the midst of our mess, our doubts, and our imperfections. He doesn't wait for us to have everything together before He calls us. Your current state, no matter how messy, is not a barrier for God. He wants to walk with you through it. [46:10]
3. Transformation Through Jesus: Peter's life shows that transformation is a journey. From a fiery fisherman to a bold preacher, Peter's story illustrates that God can use anyone for His purpose. Your journey with Jesus will be imperfect, but it will be transformative. [52:32]
4. God Walks With Us Personally: Jesus doesn't just call us to follow Him; He walks with us every step of the way. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. Your journey with Jesus is a personal one, filled with His presence and guidance. [53:09]
5. Partnering with God: When we partner with God, He partners with us. Peter's transformation into a leader in the early church shows that God can use our strengths and weaknesses for His glory. Your willingness to walk with God opens the door for Him to work powerfully in your life. [01:00:57]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:34] - Introduction to Friend Day
[20:13] - Ways to Worship
[21:34] - Opening Prayer
[34:58] - Enjoy the Festivities
[35:47] - You Matter
[36:30] - Welcoming All Backgrounds
[39:02] - Peter's Introduction
[39:57] - Peter Meets Jesus
[42:10] - Peter's Curiosity
[44:24] - Jesus Calls Peter
[46:10] - God Meets Us Where We Are
[52:32] - Peter's Immediate Response
[53:09] - Jesus Walks With Us
[56:26] - Peter's Fiery Nature
[58:41] - Peter's Denial
[60:57] - Partnering with God
[65:01] - Celebrating You
[66:27] - Prayer for Salvation
[69:01] - Closing and Giveaways

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 1:16-18 (NIV) — > As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him.

2. John 18:10-11 (NIV)
> Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

3. Acts 2:14 (NIV)
> Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.”

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Observation Questions

What was Peter doing when Jesus first called him to follow Him? (Mark 1:16-18)
How did Peter react when the guards came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? (John 18:10-11)
What significant action did Peter take in Acts 2:14, and why is it important?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose Peter, a fisherman, to be one of His disciples? What does this tell us about how God views our potential? [39:57]
How does Peter's impulsive action in the Garden of Gethsemane reflect his character, and what can we learn from Jesus' response to him? [56:53]
In Acts 2:14, Peter, who once denied Jesus, boldly addresses a crowd. What does this transformation tell us about the impact of walking with Jesus?

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or unqualified. How does Peter's story encourage you to see your potential differently? [39:57]
Peter was known for his fiery nature and impulsiveness. How can you relate to Peter's struggles, and what steps can you take to allow Jesus to transform those areas in your life? [41:14]
Jesus meets us right where we are, even in our mess. What "messy" area of your life do you need to invite Jesus into today? [46:10]
Peter's journey with Jesus was imperfect but transformative. What steps can you take to start or continue your journey with Jesus, even if it feels messy or uncertain? [54:04]
How can you partner with God in your daily life, using both your strengths and weaknesses for His glory? [01:00:57]
Think of a person in your life who might feel unworthy or skeptical about faith. How can you share Peter's story with them to encourage them to take a step towards Jesus? [36:30]
Peter's boldness in Acts 2:14 came from his transformation through Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to boldly share your faith with others? [01:02:12]

Sermon Clips

1. "For God to really do big things in our life, we kind of need to have some of the small hinges together. Character, integrity, things like that, and what that looks like and means." [35:47] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You matter. I want everybody in the room today to know that you matter. You matter to God, as my wife said, and you matter to us. And I'm honored you're here today, but here's what I also know, right? I know there's some people in the room, like, this is your first time ever walking into church. You just never, like, you just weren't about the whole religious thing, the church thing wasn't your deal." [35:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "No matter, no matter if yesterday was a bad day, no matter if this morning was a bad morning, I want you to know something. You matter. You matter so much that before you got here, can I tell you, we've been praying, and there's been people in this church praying for you by name for over a week now to come and be here. We've been ready. We've been preparing. And not only that, you matter so much to God that he beat you here today." [37:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus meets us right where we are. We all need to hear that. Because here's what, here's what happens. We hear that. Yeah, Jesus meets you where you are. And that sounds good until where we are is pretty dirty. And pretty muddy. And pretty nasty. Right? And I'm going to let you in on my life a little bit. Right? So you're probably going to judge me a little bit. And if you do, I will judge you back. I'm just letting you know." [46:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God does not want you to get it together before you come to him. God wants you to get it together with him. And he will help you when you bring it to him. And it's not this idea that I got to be right before I go to God. See, God meets us right where we are. You may feel like today, like you don't even belong in church. You don't even belong sitting in these chairs. I, if they only knew. I don't care. You belong here. You matter." [49:56] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You may feel like you can't be loved. It's too late. I'm too far gone. I've done too much. No. The thing is, is God dares you. Dares you to accept his love. Dares you to love him back. God's sitting there going. I know you feel unloved. And unvalued. I know all of that. In fact, in the midst of that. You may feel like you can't be forgiven for everything that you've done. Oops. The price is already paid. The price is already paid. You don't have to do anything to be loved. You're already loved." [50:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Your value is set by what someone is willing to pay for it. And Jesus thought enough of you, right where you are today, that he gave his life so that you could have life. So that you can have eternal life with God the Father, the one that created you for all of eternity. Your value has been set. Your bill has been paid. You've already been forgiven. I just got to walk in it. And wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you've done, God is welcoming us right where we are." [51:33] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The greatest thing you can do is recognize that right where you are is not where you have to stay. And Jesus goes, if you'll just let me into where you are, I'll change where you're going. I'll redeem where you're going. The Bible says it like this, if I put my life in Christ, then the old things pass away and all things become new." [01:03:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I just believe that if we'll just go, you know what? I do matter. I don't have it all figured out, but I'm walking out with a little bit of hope today. I'm walking out with a little bit of joy today. I'm walking out with a little bit of purpose today. I got a little bit inside of me. I may have sat in the overflow seating, but I got some purpose. Maybe I was online. I got some purpose. I'm in the room. I was yelling at my kids in the car, but God did something in me today. Right where I was. He met me. He met me." [01:05:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The greatest thing you can do is recognize that right where you are is not where you have to stay. And Jesus goes, if you'll just let me into where you are, I'll change where you're going. I'll redeem where you're going. The Bible says it like this, if I put my life in Christ, then the old things pass away and all things become new." [01:03:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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