Embracing Divine Renewal: Trusting God's Transformative Work

 

Summary

In the serene setting of Estes Park, Colorado, amidst the beauty of freshly fallen snow, I reflected on the profound message of renewal and transformation found in Revelation 21:5, where God declares, "Behold, I am making everything new." This declaration is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ongoing work to renew all creation, including our hearts and lives. The snow, with its ability to cover and transform the landscape, serves as a parable for this divine renewal. It reminds us that God is actively working to remove all that is wrong and broken, bringing about a newness that encompasses everything, including our own hearts.

Drawing from Dallas Willard's insights in "Renovation of the Heart," we are reminded that God's movements throughout history, from the exodus of the Hebrews to the emergence of the early church, are part of His grand design to achieve His purposes. These movements often occur in unexpected ways, beyond our control or comprehension, yet they are part of an incoming tide of God's life that lifts us toward eternity.

In our personal journeys, we may face challenges, failures, and moments of deep despair. Yet, like the woman with the semicolon tattoo, we are called to trust in God's ongoing work in our lives. The semicolon symbolizes a pause, not an end, a commitment to continue trusting in God's plan even when we cannot see it. It is a testament to the belief that God is still at work, bringing about change and renewal.

As we navigate our own voyages into eternity, let us remain open to the newness God is bringing into our lives. Let us not be defeated by opposition or regret but instead embrace the transformation God offers. In doing so, we join the chorus of those who have gone before us, singing and shouting the victory that comes from seeing Jesus and experiencing the fullness of His renewal.

Key Takeaways:

- God's declaration in Revelation 21:5 that He is making everything new is a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and ongoing work in our lives. This renewal encompasses all creation, including our hearts, and invites us to participate in His transformative work. [01:12]

- The snow serves as a parable for divine renewal, covering and transforming the landscape just as God works to remove all that is wrong and broken in our lives. This transformation is a testament to God's active presence and His desire to make us new from the inside out. [02:06]

- Throughout history, God has moved in unexpected ways to achieve His purposes, often beyond our control or comprehension. These movements are part of an incoming tide of God's life, lifting us toward eternity and inviting us to join in His work. [03:43]

- The semicolon tattoo symbolizes a pause, not an end, reminding us to trust in God's ongoing work even in moments of deep despair. It is a commitment to continue believing in God's plan and His ability to bring about change and renewal in our lives. [07:27]

- As we journey toward eternity, we are called to embrace the newness God is bringing into our lives. By remaining open to His transformation, we join the chorus of those who have gone before us, singing and shouting the victory that comes from seeing Jesus. [09:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:33] - Gathering in Estes Park
- [01:12] - Revelation 21:5: Making Everything New
- [02:06] - Snow as a Parable of Renewal
- [03:28] - Highlights from "Renovation of the Heart"
- [04:44] - God's Movements in History
- [05:14] - Incoming Tide of God's Life
- [05:55] - Embracing Newness in Our Lives
- [06:19] - Stories of Tattoos and Transformation
- [07:27] - The Semicolon: A Symbol of Hope
- [08:10] - Worship and Victory in Jesus
- [09:17] - Claims About Reality and Hope
- [09:44] - The Warrior Spirit and God's Grace
- [09:58] - Final Reflections on Renewal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 21:5 - "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "I am making everything new" in Revelation 21:5 suggest about God's role in the world and in our lives? [01:12]
2. How does the imagery of snow in the sermon serve as a parable for divine renewal? What aspects of snow are highlighted to illustrate this point? [02:06]
3. What historical movements are mentioned in the sermon as examples of God's unexpected ways of achieving His purposes? [03:43]
4. What is the significance of the semicolon tattoo mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to the theme of ongoing trust in God's plan? [07:27]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God making everything new challenge or affirm your understanding of personal transformation and renewal? [01:12]
2. In what ways does the snow metaphor deepen our understanding of God's transformative work in our lives? How does this metaphor resonate with your personal experiences? [02:06]
3. How do the historical examples of God's movements in the sermon illustrate the idea of an "incoming tide of God's life"? What does this mean for believers today? [05:14]
4. How does the semicolon tattoo serve as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of despair? What does this symbol teach us about faith and perseverance? [07:27]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of renewal or transformation in your life. How did you recognize God's hand in that process? [01:12]
2. The sermon uses snow as a metaphor for divine renewal. What are some "snow moments" in your life where you felt a fresh start or a new beginning? How did you respond to them? [02:06]
3. Consider the unexpected ways God has worked in your life or the lives of those around you. How can you remain open to God's movements that may be beyond your control or comprehension? [03:43]
4. The semicolon tattoo represents a pause, not an end. Is there an area in your life where you need to embrace a semicolon instead of a period? How can you trust in God's ongoing work in that area? [07:27]
5. As you journey toward eternity, what newness is God bringing into your life right now? How can you actively participate in His transformative work? [09:17]
6. How can you support others in your community who may be experiencing moments of deep despair, similar to the woman with the semicolon tattoo? What practical steps can you take to offer hope and encouragement? [07:27]
7. Reflect on the idea of joining the chorus of those who have gone before us, singing and shouting the victory that comes from seeing Jesus. How can this perspective shape your daily life and interactions with others? [09:17]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty in Renewal
God's declaration in Revelation 21:5, "Behold, I am making everything new," is a profound reminder of His sovereignty and His ongoing work in our lives. This renewal is not limited to the physical world but extends to our hearts and souls. It is an invitation to participate in His transformative work, allowing Him to reshape and renew us from the inside out. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that God's work is continuous and all-encompassing, touching every aspect of creation and our personal lives. [01:12]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to invite God's renewing power today? How can you actively participate in His transformative work in that area?


Day 2: The Parable of Snow
The imagery of snow covering and transforming the landscape serves as a powerful parable for divine renewal. Just as snow blankets the earth, covering imperfections and bringing a sense of purity, God's renewal works to remove all that is wrong and broken in our lives. This transformation is a testament to God's active presence and His desire to make us new from the inside out. It is a reminder that no matter how broken or flawed we may feel, God's grace is sufficient to cover and renew us. [02:06]

Psalm 51:7 (ESV): "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's renewal in your life, similar to the transformative power of snow? How can you embrace this renewal more fully today?


Day 3: God's Unexpected Movements
Throughout history, God has moved in unexpected ways to achieve His purposes, often beyond our control or comprehension. These movements are part of an incoming tide of God's life, lifting us toward eternity and inviting us to join in His work. From the exodus of the Hebrews to the emergence of the early church, God's hand has been evident in guiding His people toward His ultimate plan. This understanding calls us to trust in His sovereignty, even when we cannot see the full picture. [03:43]

Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV): "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told."

Reflection: Can you identify a time when God moved in an unexpected way in your life? How did it change your perspective on His sovereignty and purpose?


Day 4: The Semicolon of Hope
The semicolon tattoo symbolizes a pause, not an end, reminding us to trust in God's ongoing work even in moments of deep despair. It is a commitment to continue believing in God's plan and His ability to bring about change and renewal in our lives. This symbol serves as a powerful reminder that our stories are not over, and God is still at work, writing new chapters of hope and transformation. [07:27]

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

Reflection: What is a "semicolon moment" in your life where you need to pause and trust in God's ongoing work? How can you embrace this pause as a symbol of hope and renewal?


Day 5: Embracing Newness
As we journey toward eternity, we are called to embrace the newness God is bringing into our lives. By remaining open to His transformation, we join the chorus of those who have gone before us, singing and shouting the victory that comes from seeing Jesus. This call to embrace newness is an invitation to let go of past regrets and opposition, allowing God's transformative power to lead us into a future filled with hope and renewal. [09:17]

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are resisting God's newness? How can you open your heart to embrace the transformation He offers today?

Quotes

"Then he who sits on the throne, and now what does that mean that picture of God sitting on the throne is that God is strong and God is governing. God can reign. God is able to do what God wants to do, and this is his intent. See, he says, behold I'm making everything new." [00:01:16]

"God is going to remove everything that is wrong, everything that is off, all sins, suffering, pain, sorrow. God is at work to do this project, and that everything includes me and it includes you, and God is doing this. I'm making everything new, and that's why the book is called the renovation of the heart." [00:01:39]

"The snow is kind of a parable, kind of a picture of this. It reminded me of a wonderful passage from Frederick Buechner. I think it's in his book 'Telling the Truth.' He says you wake up on a winter morning and pull up the shade, and what lay there the evening before is no longer there." [00:02:06]

"God periodically moves upon all his people and in their surrounding culture to achieve his everlasting purposes for that tiny stretch of cosmic time that we call human history. This usually happens in ways that no one but he could have planned or foreseen, and in ways that lie far beyond our control or comprehension." [00:03:38]

"The quest for spiritual formation, really spiritual transformation, is in fact an age-old and a worldwide one. It's far beyond any religion, even Christianity. It is rooted in the deep personal and even biological need for goodness that haunts humanity. It has taken many forms and has now resurfaced at the beginning of the 21st century to meet our present situation." [00:04:41]

"Let your life be lifted today for our voyage into eternity. You like it or not, are on a voyage into eternity. The one who sits on the throne says, behold I am making everything new. So look for the newness of God in the renovation of your thoughts, your heart, your spirit today." [00:05:28]

"Do not be defeated or destroyed by anything that looks like opposition, failure, inadequacy, guilt, or regret. I was with a group of people from a great church in Amarillo over the last couple of days, and one of the questions I was asking at one point for people was tell me about your tattoos." [00:05:56]

"One woman had like eight different tattoos and it was amazing. It was the story of her life. It was like a book written on her skin, and then there was another woman who had only one tattoo and it was very very small, and she was a little slow in telling about it but it was a semicolon." [00:06:22]

"Both of them suffered from different forms of depression that could run very very deep and make it feel as though life was just not worth living and bring enormous pain. And so that was a little covenant that they made with each other and with God that I will not put the period, I will not end my life." [00:07:00]

"I will not say it's over, I will not cause it to stop. I will trust that God has something for me even if I do not see it yet. It is an old expression I think never put a period where God has placed a comma, and I thought the courage of that woman to have that tattoo where she could keep looking down at it." [00:07:27]

"When she's tempted to stop life, to place a period, remember no I made a promise and there's another person in my life that's dependent on me. It's not a period, it's just a semicolon. There is yet one who sits on the throne who says I am making everything new. It still snows, God is still bringing change." [00:07:55]

"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, and then when we all see Jesus we'll sing and shout the victory. And I have this sudden image of Dallas, and I don't know what the afterlife works like and how the resurrection fits in and timing and everything but I just had this image of Dallas seeing Jesus and shouting the victory." [00:08:41]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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