Embracing Faith: Baptism, Giving, and Community Movement

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the transformative power of Jesus and the importance of baptism as a public declaration of faith. We were reminded that baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Christ. It's a significant step for believers, symbolizing their commitment to Jesus and their desire to share that commitment with their community. We also discussed the church's mission to move forward, emphasizing that God honors movement both in our personal lives and as a church community. This movement is not just about physical actions but also about spiritual growth and stepping out in faith.

We explored the biblical perspective on giving, focusing on the story of the widow's mite from Luke 21. This story illustrates that God values the heart and sacrifice behind our giving more than the amount. The widow, despite her poverty, gave all she had, demonstrating profound faith and trust in God. This challenges us to consider our own giving, not in terms of quantity but in terms of the heart and sacrifice involved. We are encouraged to give from a place of gratitude and trust, recognizing that everything we have comes from God.

As a church, we are embarking on a Next Generation initiative, aiming to baptize 150 people in the next two years, start a residency program for those called to ministry, and partner with Harvest India to support their work. This initiative is an invitation for everyone to participate, not just financially but through prayer and involvement in the church's mission. We are called to seek God, listen to His guidance, obey His direction, and watch what He does through our collective efforts.

Key Takeaways:

- Baptism as a Public Declaration: Baptism is a powerful symbol of an internal decision to follow Jesus. It is an opportunity to publicly declare one's faith and commitment to Christ, serving as a testimony to family and the church community. This act of obedience is a significant step in a believer's spiritual journey. [20:16]

- God Honors Movement: Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to move, both physically and spiritually. Movement signifies faith and obedience, and God blesses those who step out in faith. As a church, we are called to be on mission, moving forward in our purpose to reach others with the gospel. [22:04]

- The Heart of Giving: The story of the widow's mite teaches us that God values the heart and sacrifice behind our giving more than the amount. True generosity is measured by the willingness to give sacrificially, trusting God to provide for our needs. This challenges us to examine our own giving and to prioritize sacrifice over sum. [37:25]

- Participating in God's Work: We are invited to be part of God's work through our giving and involvement in the church's mission. This participation is not about meeting a financial need but about joining in what God is doing and experiencing the joy and peace that come from being part of His plan. [42:15]

- Trusting God with Our Resources: Everything we have comes from God, and He invites us to trust Him with our resources. By giving first, we honor God and acknowledge His provision. This act of trust allows us to experience contentment and freedom, knowing that God will take care of our needs. [51:53]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:16] - Baptism as a Public Declaration
[22:04] - God Honors Movement
[23:57] - Prayer for Guidance
[24:39] - Everything Comes from God
[25:36] - The Importance of Money
[26:59] - Synoptic Gospels
[28:14] - The Theme of the Widow
[29:12] - Jesus Sees You
[30:52] - Offering in the Temple
[32:18] - The Widow's Mite
[33:35] - Different Methods of Giving
[35:22] - The Widow's Sacrifice
[37:25] - Sacrifice Over Sum
[39:45] - The New Testament Standard of Giving
[40:45] - Open Hands, Open Heart
[41:40] - Investing in Eternity
[42:15] - God Doesn't Need Our Money
[43:22] - Giving First Honors God
[45:12] - Generosity Myths
[46:28] - Trusting God with Our Resources
[48:15] - Next Generation Initiative
[49:08] - Seek, Listen, Obey, Watch
[49:45] - Commitment Sunday
[51:53] - Giving, Saving, Living
[52:43] - Celebration Sunday
[54:12] - The Church on Mission
[55:19] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 21:1-4
- 1 Chronicles 29:14-15

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 21:1-4, what did Jesus observe about the widow's offering compared to the offerings of the rich?
2. How does 1 Chronicles 29:14-15 describe the source of all that we have and give?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of baptism as discussed in the context of a believer's journey? [20:16]
4. What are some of the key initiatives mentioned in the sermon that the church is planning to undertake? [23:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the widow's offering in Luke 21:1-4 teach about the nature of true generosity and sacrifice?
2. How does the understanding that "everything comes from God" (1 Chronicles 29:14) influence a believer's approach to giving?
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God honors movement, both personally and as a church community? [22:04]
4. How does the sermon challenge the common perceptions of wealth and generosity? [37:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own baptism or decision to follow Christ. How have you publicly declared your faith, and what impact did it have on your spiritual journey? [20:16]
2. Consider the concept that God honors movement. What is one area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith, and what practical steps can you take to move forward? [22:04]
3. The widow gave all she had out of her poverty. How can you practice sacrificial giving in your own life, and what might that look like practically? [37:25]
4. The sermon emphasizes trusting God with our resources. Identify one area of your finances where you struggle to trust God, and discuss ways to grow in this trust. [51:53]
5. How can you participate in the church's Next Generation initiative, whether through prayer, involvement, or financial support? What specific action will you take this week? [49:08]
6. Reflect on the idea that God doesn't need our money but invites us to be part of His work. How does this perspective change your attitude towards giving? [42:15]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of seeking, listening, obeying, and watching what God does. How can you incorporate these practices into your daily life, and what changes do you anticipate as a result? [49:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism as a Testimony of Faith
Baptism is a profound act of obedience and a public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer's decision to follow Christ and serves as a testimony to their family and church community. This outward expression reflects an inward transformation and commitment to live according to the teachings of Jesus. Baptism is not just a ritual but a significant step in a believer's spiritual journey, marking their identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It is an opportunity to share one's faith story and to invite others to witness the transformative power of Jesus in their life. [20:16]

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27-28 ESV)

Reflection: Have you publicly declared your faith in Jesus through baptism? If not, what steps can you take to prepare for this important milestone in your spiritual journey?


Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Movement
God calls His people to move, both physically and spiritually, as a demonstration of faith and obedience. Movement signifies a willingness to step out in faith, trusting God to guide and bless the journey. As individuals and as a church community, embracing movement means being open to God's leading and being proactive in fulfilling His mission. This involves spiritual growth, stepping out of comfort zones, and actively participating in God's work. Movement is not just about physical actions but also about aligning one's heart and mind with God's purposes. [22:04]

"And the Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.'" (Exodus 14:15 ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to move forward? How can you take a step of faith today to align with His direction?


Day 3: The Heart of Sacrificial Giving
The story of the widow's mite illustrates that God values the heart and sacrifice behind our giving more than the amount. True generosity is measured by the willingness to give sacrificially, trusting God to provide for our needs. The widow, despite her poverty, gave all she had, demonstrating profound faith and trust in God. This challenges us to examine our own giving, not in terms of quantity but in terms of the heart and sacrifice involved. We are encouraged to give from a place of gratitude and trust, recognizing that everything we have comes from God. [37:25]

"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: Reflect on your current giving habits. Are you giving out of abundance or sacrifice? How can you adjust your giving to reflect a heart of gratitude and trust in God?


Day 4: Participating in God's Mission
We are invited to be part of God's work through our giving and involvement in the church's mission. This participation is not about meeting a financial need but about joining in what God is doing and experiencing the joy and peace that come from being part of His plan. The church's Next Generation initiative is an opportunity for everyone to engage, not just financially but through prayer and active involvement. By seeking God, listening to His guidance, and obeying His direction, we can witness the incredible things He does through our collective efforts. [42:15]

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's mission this week? Consider ways you can contribute your time, talents, or resources to support God's work.


Day 5: Trusting God with Our Resources
Everything we have comes from God, and He invites us to trust Him with our resources. By giving first, we honor God and acknowledge His provision. This act of trust allows us to experience contentment and freedom, knowing that God will take care of our needs. Trusting God with our resources is a step of faith that reflects our belief in His goodness and faithfulness. It challenges us to prioritize God's kingdom over our own desires and to live with open hands and open hearts. [51:53]

"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your finances where you struggle to trust God? How can you take a step of faith to honor Him with your resources today?

Quotes

"Baptism is now when you let everybody know it. It's a, it's a public expression of what's already happened on the inside. And so we have a baptism because I know you were going to ask, when's your next baptism? Sunday, February 9th. That's Superbowl Sunday. But the celebration is going to be in this room, not later in the day. Does this make sense? Because what happens in this room will long outlive. Whoever, whoever wins a Superbowl." [00:20:20] (26 seconds)


"Everything comes from you. David says and we have given you only what comes from your hand. As a as a young dad, we had three little girls were run around when Christmas was approaching. They wanted to buy mom and dad a gift. And so, but they didn't have any money. They didn't have any income. And so, you know how that went, right? Here's to each of you. Here's some money that you can take to go buy me something nice, right? Something real nice." [00:24:20] (33 seconds)


"There's two types of churches, right? We've probably been to both churches. The church that never talks about money. It's like I don't even know. I don't know where they collect an offering. I don't know where to give my money to. They never pass the plate. I don't know how they're paying the bills. And then we've maybe all been to the church that it's like every week for 20 minutes. We're talking about money, right? And so Jesus talks a lot about money. Over 2,000 verses in the Gospels. Jesus is talking about money. Why? Because money is really important." [00:25:36] (28 seconds)


"Jesus tells the story, shares this. Luke chapter 21. Luke 21. Jesus looked up. Jesus looked up. Let's not, let's not read too fast. We don't, so we don't miss that. Jesus sees. I think of Matthew when it says, Jesus saw the crowds and he had compassion on them. Jesus sees you today. Jesus sees you. Whatever you're going through, he sees you. He looks at you. That's powerful. Jesus looks up. Now, he's there at the temple. Is he teaching?" [00:29:47] (39 seconds)


"When you're thinking and praying about what to give God, let me just say that. Again, it is not about the sum. God is not concerned with the amount. He's more concerned with the heart and the sacrifice. What does he say here? This is powerful. She gave more than the cumulative amount of everybody else for that entire day. Amount-wise, no. Sacrificial-wise, yes. This is beautiful. She gives more. Now, I'm doing the math, all right? I'm not the smartest when it comes to math, but I think percentage, she gave two out of two. I think that's 100%. What did she give? Everything." [00:37:25] (53 seconds)


"God does not need my money. He owns it all. There's an old hymn that says, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. What's the point of that? He owns it all. He owns everything. And so, we don't give because, oh, if I don't give, God's purposes are not going to move forward. No, he's inviting us to be part of what he's doing. And as we do that, we experience a peace and a joy that you will never have or experience when you hold on to your money." [00:42:15] (33 seconds)


"Here at Boulder Mountain, we give first because giving first honors God. In every area of your life, any area of your life you want God to bless you, you want to honor him first. Your marriage, your parenting, your grandparenting, your job, you want to honor God first. Saving second builds wealth and prepares for that rainy day. Prepares for the future. And then living on the rest teaches us contentment." [00:51:53] (28 seconds)


"Thank you for loving us. We recognize that everything we have comes from you. Our bank account. Our homes. Our cars. Our 401Ks. Our clothes. Our food. God, it comes from you. You are so generous. And we recognize, God, that you've invited us to be a part of what you're doing in this place. God, in some ways. We have no business asking for this. This is bigger than us. This is far beyond anything that we could do, humanly speaking. So we're going to pray that you would do the impossible." [00:55:19] (38 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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