Embracing Forgiveness and Living God's Vision
Summary
In reflecting on the past four years, it's clear that our journey as a church has been marked by challenges and growth. We've been called to examine our vision and purpose, rooted in the biblical mandate from Matthew 28:19-20, to make disciples of all nations. This vision is not just a statement but a call to action, urging us to move in the power of the Spirit and grow in our love for God and His kingdom. Our journey is one of humility, repentance, and forgiveness, recognizing that these are not mere words but actions that require us to turn away from sin and embrace God's grace fully.
The passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us that humility, prayer, and repentance are essential for receiving God's forgiveness and healing. Forgiveness is not just about accepting God's grace but also about extending it to others. Unforgiveness acts like a chain, keeping us bound and unable to move forward. We must break free from this bondage by truly forgiving those who have wronged us, just as Christ has forgiven us.
Our vision is to be a church that impacts locally, nationally, and globally, taking the gospel to all and moving in the power of the Spirit. This requires us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His power to transform our words and actions. We are called to be a family, growing in love for one another and for God, reflecting His kingdom in our lives.
Our values of humility, hunger, and holiness are the foundation upon which we build our lives and our church. Humility is the fertile ground for growth, hunger drives us to seek God passionately, and holiness sets us apart for His purposes. We must resist the enemy's attempts to sow discord and division, standing firm in our commitment to God's vision for us.
As we move forward, let us be a people who not only hear God's word but also do it. Let us align ourselves with His vision and values, taking practical steps to live out our faith in every area of our lives. Together, we can be a powerful force for God's kingdom, transforming lives and communities with His love and grace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Forgiveness and Repentance: True forgiveness requires repentance. It's not enough to claim forgiveness without turning away from sin. Just as an ATM card is useless without withdrawing money, forgiveness is ineffective without repentance. We must actively seek to let go of offenses and embrace God's grace. [03:46]
2. Breaking Free from Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness is like a chain that keeps us bound, much like an elephant tethered by a small stake. We must recognize that the enemy uses unforgiveness to hinder our spiritual growth and resist God's work in our lives. By choosing to forgive, we break free from this bondage and step into the freedom God offers. [09:22]
3. Vision and Mission: Our church's vision is rooted in the Great Commission, calling us to make disciples locally, nationally, and globally. This mission requires us to move in the power of the Spirit, allowing God's power to transform our words and actions. We are part of a global body, and our impact extends beyond our local community. [12:37]
4. Values of Humility, Hunger, and Holiness: Humility is the fertile ground for growth, hunger drives us to seek God passionately, and holiness sets us apart for His purposes. These values are essential for living out our faith and fulfilling God's vision for our church. We must prioritize prayer, worship, and the Word of God in our lives. [27:42]
5. Resisting the Enemy: The enemy seeks to sow discord and division within the church. We must resist these attempts by obeying God and standing firm in our commitment to His vision. By aligning ourselves with God's will, we can overcome the enemy's schemes and see His power at work in our lives and community. [36:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:46] - Forgiveness and Repentance
[06:46] - The Enemy's Tactics
[09:22] - Breaking Free from Unforgiveness
[12:37] - Vision and Mission
[15:34] - Power of the Spirit
[17:47] - Building Family
[20:02] - Global Impact
[23:21] - Reinhard Bonnke's Example
[25:42] - Kingdom Identity
[27:42] - Values of Humility, Hunger, and Holiness
[30:15] - Living in Holiness
[33:28] - Resisting the Enemy
[36:26] - Overcoming Division
[40:51] - Worship and Worthiness
[43:03] - Aligning with God's Vision
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
- Matthew 28:19-20
- Philippians 2:3-4
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Chronicles 7:14 say about the conditions for receiving God's forgiveness and healing? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on humility and repentance? [03:46]
2. According to the sermon, how is unforgiveness compared to the story of the elephant and the stake? What does this analogy illustrate about the power of unforgiveness in our lives? [09:22]
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 serve as the foundation for the church's vision and mission as described in the sermon? [12:37]
4. What are the three core values mentioned in the sermon, and how are they described as essential for living out the church's vision? [27:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the relationship between forgiveness and repentance? Why is repentance necessary for true forgiveness according to the pastor? [03:46]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unforgiveness can hinder spiritual growth and resist God's work in our lives? How does this align with the analogy of the elephant? [09:22]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling the church's mission? How does this relate to the idea of moving in the power of the Spirit? [15:34]
4. How are the values of humility, hunger, and holiness described as foundational for the church's vision? What practical steps are suggested to cultivate these values? [27:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation where you have struggled with unforgiveness. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of true forgiveness and repentance? [09:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humility. How can you practice humility in your interactions with others this week, especially in challenging situations? [27:42]
3. Consider the Great Commission's call to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can reach out to with the love of Christ this week. What specific action will you take? [12:37]
4. The sermon highlights the need to resist the enemy's attempts to sow discord. How can you actively work to promote unity and love within your church community? [36:26]
5. How can you prioritize seeking God passionately in your daily life? What specific changes can you make to ensure prayer, worship, and the Word of God are central to your routine? [29:36]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s call to live in holiness. Is there a specific behavior or habit you need to turn away from to align more closely with God's will? What steps will you take to address this? [31:01]
7. The sermon encourages aligning with God's vision and values. What is one practical step you can take this week to live out your faith more fully in your community? [47:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Forgiveness Requires Action
True forgiveness is not a passive acceptance of grace but an active turning away from sin. It involves a conscious decision to let go of offenses and embrace God's grace fully. This process of repentance is akin to withdrawing money from an ATM; without the action of repentance, forgiveness remains ineffective. The journey of forgiveness is a transformative one, requiring us to actively seek reconciliation and healing in our relationships. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His abundant grace. [03:46]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific sin or offense you need to repent of today. How can you take a concrete step towards seeking God's forgiveness and grace in this area?
Day 2: Breaking Chains of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness acts as a chain that binds us, much like an elephant tethered by a small stake. It hinders our spiritual growth and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's work in our lives. Recognizing the enemy's use of unforgiveness to keep us bound is the first step towards freedom. By choosing to forgive, we break free from this bondage and step into the freedom that God offers. This act of forgiveness is not just for the benefit of others but is a liberating experience for ourselves, allowing us to move forward in our spiritual journey. [09:22]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Identify someone you have struggled to forgive. What steps can you take today to begin the process of forgiveness and release the chains of unforgiveness?
Day 3: Embracing the Great Commission
The vision of the church is deeply rooted in the Great Commission, calling us to make disciples of all nations. This mission extends beyond our local community, requiring us to move in the power of the Spirit and allow God's power to transform our words and actions. As part of a global body, our impact is not limited to our immediate surroundings but reaches far and wide. Embracing this mission involves a commitment to living out our faith and sharing the gospel with others, both near and far. [12:37]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how you can actively participate in the Great Commission today. What practical steps can you take to share the gospel with someone in your community or beyond?
Day 4: Cultivating Humility, Hunger, and Holiness
The values of humility, hunger, and holiness are foundational to living out our faith and fulfilling God's vision for our church. Humility provides the fertile ground for growth, hunger drives us to seek God passionately, and holiness sets us apart for His purposes. These values require us to prioritize prayer, worship, and the Word of God in our lives. By cultivating these values, we align ourselves with God's will and become vessels for His work in the world. [27:42]
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on which of these three values—humility, hunger, or holiness—you need to cultivate more in your life. What specific actions can you take to grow in this area today?
Day 5: Standing Firm Against Division
The enemy seeks to sow discord and division within the church, hindering our ability to fulfill God's vision. Resisting these attempts requires obedience to God and a firm commitment to His vision. By aligning ourselves with God's will, we can overcome the enemy's schemes and witness His power at work in our lives and community. This involves a conscious effort to promote unity and love within the church, standing together as a powerful force for God's kingdom. [36:26]
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of division or discord in your church or community. How can you be a peacemaker and promote unity in this situation today?
Quotes
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. You see this verse isn't just for us as individuals it's for us as a community. [00:02:00] (24 seconds)
Our vision, the big picture for this church is completely and utterly based out of Matthew 28, 19 to 20. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to obey all that I have commanded. [00:12:22] (19 seconds)
Humility is the fertile ground from which all good and righteous things grow. Humility. Humility. If you plant something in dodgy ground, it won't grow. If you plant something in unforgiveness, in malice, in rage, in division, in discord, then all you'll grow is rage, malice, unforgiveness, discord, division. [00:27:52] (29 seconds)
Holiness means being set apart for God. Turning away from sin. And living in obedience to his word. It's about being imitators of Jesus in every aspect of life. It isn't just about saying sorry. It's about turning away from it if you know it's sinful then run a mile from it. [00:30:42] (26 seconds)
Gossip creates division and destroys trust. If you as a believer and a follower of Jesus have somebody come to you to tell you something about someone else, tell them no. Stop it dead. I think it's Proverbs 6, around verse 15, maybe 19. That talks about God hates six things and seven things he abhors. [00:35:37] (37 seconds)
The Bible gives you the way to do that. Obey God. Resist the devil and he will flee. You don't get to. You don't get to. Resist the devil and he will flee without first obeying God. Don't keep looking so down and so ugh and all confused about why things aren't going right. [00:37:45] (25 seconds)
What is one thing you can do this week to align yourselves more fully with the vision God has given the flame? What is one thing you can do this week to align yourselves more fully with the values that God has placed? What is one thing you can do this week to align yourselves more fully with the values that God has placed on our hearts here at Flame? [00:46:34] (22 seconds)
Lord, let us not just be hearers of your word. But also doers, as James said. I ask that in Jesus' name. And all God's people say, Amen. If those who are on teas and coffees can run and get set up, I'm sorry. I've really taken. [00:48:50] (17 seconds)
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