Embracing God's Active Love and Our Transformative Journey
Summary
In the sacred journey of faith, we are reminded that God's goodness and unfailing love are not passive attributes but active forces in our lives. They pursue us relentlessly, offering hope and comfort even as we traverse the most challenging terrains of our existence. This truth is encapsulated in the beloved Psalm 23, which assures us of God's presence and provision throughout our lives, culminating in an eternal dwelling in His house.
As we gather together, it is essential to recognize that some among us are enduring trials that test the very fabric of our faith. Yet, in these moments, we are called to cling to the promise of God's unwavering love and mercy. This hope is not rooted in a vague optimism but anchored firmly in the person of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the unshakable character of our Heavenly Father. It is this faith that we must allow to rise within us, transforming our hearts and minds.
Baptism Sunday is a celebration of inward transformation made visible. It is a testament to the work of Christ within us, a public declaration of a personal commitment to follow Him. Jesus Himself set the example for us, and in obedience to His command, we baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This act does not perfect us but propels us further along the path of discipleship.
Our giving is another expression of our faith, rooted in the understanding that as we obey God's command to bring our tithes into the storehouse, He opens the floodgates of heaven to pour out blessings. This generosity is not for our glory but to declare the greatness of our risen King, Jesus.
Prayer is the foundation upon which our church is built. It is a time of intercession and spiritual warfare, where we seek God's movement in our world, nation, community, and church. We are in a series titled "The Puzzle of Purpose," exploring the universal need for purpose and the understanding that it is found not within ourselves but through our Creator. Ephesians 4 teaches us that we are called by God, equipped with gifts to build up the church and fulfill our divine purpose.
The gift of shepherding is one such calling, where individuals are motivated to care for the spiritual well-being of others. Shepherds create safe environments for healing and growth, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a deep impulse to help and protect. This gift is not limited by age or stage in life; it is a vital part of the church's puzzle, complementing other gifts and revealing God's glory when united.
In closing, we are reminded that Jesus is our ultimate shepherd, exemplifying protection, awareness, commitment, and knowledge. He knows us intimately and desires that we know Him. For those who have yet to receive His love, the invitation stands open to experience His forgiveness and leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- God's goodness and love actively pursue us, offering hope and comfort in our darkest moments. This pursuit is a testament to His faithfulness and desire for us to dwell with Him eternally. As we face life's challenges, we must remember that our hope is secure in Christ, who has triumphed over death and sin. [24:33]
- Baptism is a powerful symbol of our inward decision to follow Christ, reflecting an outward commitment to live for Him. It is a step of obedience, following Jesus' example, and a declaration of our faith to the world. As we witness baptisms, we celebrate the transformative work of God in the lives of believers. [26:17]
- Our giving is an act of worship and obedience, trusting in God's promise to provide abundantly as we honor Him with our resources. It is not for our own glory but to proclaim the majesty of Jesus, who is our provider and sustainer. As we give, we participate in God's work and witness His multiplication for the kingdom. [42:38]
- Prayer is the bedrock of our church's ministry, a time of focused intercession for the broader needs beyond our immediate circles. It is through prayer that we engage in spiritual warfare, believing for God's powerful movement in our lives and the lives of others. [43:51]
- The gift of shepherding is a call to care for others' spiritual well-being, to be soul healers who foster environments of healing and growth. Shepherds are empathetic, patient, and protective, playing a crucial role in the body of Christ. This gift is essential for the church to be a place where people are cared for and can serve God effectively. [01:11:33]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23:4-6 (NIV)
> Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
2. Ephesians 4:1-7 (NIV)
> As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
3. John 10:11-14 (NIV)
> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 23:4-6 say about God's presence and protection in our lives?
2. According to Ephesians 4:1-7, what are the characteristics of a life worthy of the calling we have received?
3. In John 10:11-14, how does Jesus describe His role as the good shepherd compared to a hired hand?
4. What are the key attributes of shepherding mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to Jesus' example? [50:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of God's goodness and love pursuing us in Psalm 23:6 provide comfort during difficult times? [23:39]
2. What does it mean to live a life worthy of the calling we have received, as described in Ephesians 4:1-7? How can this be applied in our daily lives?
3. How does Jesus' commitment to His sheep in John 10:11-14 challenge our understanding of leadership and care within the church?
4. The sermon mentioned that shepherds create safe environments for healing and growth. How can this principle be applied in our small group or church community? [50:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's goodness and love actively pursuing you. How did this experience impact your faith? [23:39]
2. Baptism is a public declaration of an inward transformation. If you have been baptized, how did this step of obedience affect your spiritual journey? If not, what might be holding you back? [26:17]
3. Our giving is an act of worship and obedience. How can you cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life, and what steps can you take to trust God with your resources? [42:38]
4. Prayer is the foundation of our church's ministry. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine, and what specific needs can you bring before God in intercession? [43:51]
5. The gift of shepherding involves caring for others' spiritual well-being. Identify someone in your life who might need spiritual support. How can you demonstrate empathy, patience, and protection towards them this week? [50:02]
6. Jesus is our ultimate shepherd, knowing us intimately and desiring that we know Him. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus and experience His leadership in your life? [50:02]
7. Reflect on the concept of living a life worthy of the calling you have received. What specific actions or changes can you make to align your life more closely with this calling? [45:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Pursued by Divine Love
God's goodness and love are not merely comforting ideas; they are dynamic forces that actively seek us out, especially during our darkest times. This pursuit is a clear demonstration of God's commitment to us, a promise that we are never alone, no matter the circumstances we face. It is in the valleys of life that His presence can be most profoundly felt, guiding us, providing for us, and reassuring us of His eternal love. This divine pursuit is not based on our merit but on His gracious character, ensuring that hope and comfort are always within reach, even when we feel undeserving.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." - Psalm 23:6
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt lost or alone. How can you now see God's goodness and love pursuing you during that period? [24:33]
Day 2: The Symbolism of Baptism
Baptism is a profound external expression of an internal transformation. It symbolizes the death of the old self and the birth of a new life in Christ. This sacrament is a step of obedience, mirroring Jesus' own baptism, and serves as a public declaration of a personal commitment to follow Him. It is a celebration of the work Christ has done within us, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship. Baptism doesn't signify that we have reached perfection but that we are actively moving forward on the path that Jesus has set before us.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reflection: How does your baptism reflect the ongoing transformation in your life, and how can you live out this commitment daily? [26:17]
Day 3: Generosity as Worship
Giving is an integral part of worship, reflecting our trust in God's provision and our desire to honor Him with our resources. It is an act of obedience to God's command to bring our tithes into the storehouse, with the assurance that He will open the floodgates of heaven in response. Our generosity is not meant to bring us glory but to magnify the greatness of Jesus, our risen King. Through our offerings, we participate in the expansion of God's kingdom, witnessing how He multiplies our gifts to meet the needs of others and advance His purposes.
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." - Malachi 3:10
Reflection: What is one way you can exercise generosity this week as an act of worship and trust in God's provision? [42:38]
Day 4: Prayer as the Church's Foundation
Prayer is the bedrock upon which the church stands, a powerful tool for intercession and spiritual warfare. It is through prayer that we seek God's intervention in our world, nation, community, and church. This dedicated time of communion with God allows us to lay down our burdens, seek guidance, and stand in the gap for others. Prayer is not a passive activity but an active engagement in the spiritual realm, where battles are fought and victories are won.
"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16b
Reflection: What specific situation in your community or church can you commit to praying for this week, believing for God's powerful intervention? [43:51]
Day 5: Shepherding as a Divine Calling
The gift of shepherding is a divine calling to care for the spiritual well-being of others. Shepherds are those who create environments conducive to healing and growth, marked by empathy, patience, and a protective instinct. This gift is not confined by age or life stage but is a crucial aspect of the church's life, allowing for a community where individuals are nurtured and can thrive in their service to God. Shepherds reflect the heart of Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd, who knows us intimately and leads us with love and wisdom.
"And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." - Jeremiah 3:15
Reflection: How can you embody the qualities of a shepherd in your interactions with others this week, offering support and guidance? [01:11:33]
Quotes
"The promise is that if you will follow Him, surely the goodness of God and the unfailing love and the mercies of God will pursue you all the days of your life." [24:33] (Download | )
"Baptism represents that someone has made an inward decision to follow Christ, and now it's being expressed outwardly." [26:17] (Download | )
"Baptism is just one more step in the journey of saying I want to fully obey the example of Christ." [27:43] (Download | )
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." [42:38] (Download | )
"Shepherds are those who are motivated to care for the spiritual wellbeing and growth of other followers of Jesus... they care deeply about others." [50:36] (Download | )
"Do you find yourself naturally empathizing with the pain of others? Do people comment that you are a good listener? Do you tend to avoid conflict? Do you have a lot of patience for other people's brokenness? Do you feel an impulse to help others?" [53:04] (Download | )
"Jesus longs to protect you, he's aware, he sees you, he cares about you, he is committed to you, he gave his life for you, and he knows you." [01:14:19] (Download | )
"Jesus is so committed, he doesn't just say I'm committed, he lays down his life as a sacrifice for you." [01:12:57] (Download | )
"Jesus knows you and he longs for you to know him. He knows everything about you and he knows the right approach for you, the right timing for your life." [01:12:57] (Download | )
"Jesus longs to shepherd you, he longs to protect you, he's aware, he sees you, he cares about you, he is committed to you, he gave his life for you, and he knows you." [01:14:19] (Download | )
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