Embracing God's Faithfulness in Our Church Family
Summary
God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our hope, even when life’s circumstances are difficult or confusing. Looking around our church family, it’s clear that God has turned many stories of pain and uncertainty into testimonies of His grace and power. Not everything that happens is good, but God is always working for our good, shaping us through every season. Trusting Him isn’t always easy, but as we look back, we can see how He’s been at work, even in the chapters we didn’t like.
Our church is a living, breathing family—not a perfect one, but one that is perfect for us. We’re not about building a name for ourselves, but about lifting up Jesus, the true game changer. With so many new faces and stories, it’s important to remember that every person matters deeply to God and to this community. Each of us is a unique piece of the puzzle, designed by God to fit into His plan for our church and our city. There are no insignificant people here; everyone has a place and a purpose.
The local church is God’s gift to help us grow up in Christ, not just grow old in our faith. We’re called to mature, to leave behind the things that hold us back, and to step into the fullness of what God has for us. This happens as we learn God’s Word, submit to spiritual leadership, and connect with one another in real, caring relationships. When one of us suffers, we all suffer; when one is honored, we all rejoice. That’s what it means to be family.
Getting connected isn’t just about being cared for—it’s about caring for others. God has given each of us gifts, and no one else can fill your spot in the body of Christ. My role is to equip you to serve, to help you discover your place, and to encourage you to step into the work of building up the church. Ultimately, it all starts with a relationship with Jesus. If you haven’t taken that step, today is the day to say yes to Him. You matter to God, you matter to this family, and there’s a seat at the table just for you.
Key Takeaways
- God’s faithfulness is often most visible in hindsight. Even when we don’t understand the “why” behind our struggles, we can trust that God is working for our good, shaping us through every season. Our stories of pain can become testimonies of His grace if we keep trusting Him, even when the outcome is unclear. [28:05]
- The church is not an organization but a family, made up of unique individuals who are all essential to God’s plan. There are no insignificant people or pieces; everyone has a role to play, both in receiving care and in giving it. When we step into community, we discover both our value and our purpose. [47:38]
- Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires intentional steps. God calls us not just to grow old in our faith, but to grow up—leaving behind sin and immaturity, and pressing forward into maturity in Christ. The local church is God’s primary environment for this growth, providing teaching, accountability, and encouragement. [33:45]
- Caring for one another is at the heart of God’s design for the church. When one member suffers, we all suffer; when one is honored, we all rejoice. True community means showing up for each other in practical ways—praying, serving, celebrating, and carrying burdens together. [49:07]
- Every believer is uniquely gifted and called to serve. No one else can fill your place in the body of Christ; you are a “10” in some area, designed by God for a purpose. Stepping into your role is not just about what you receive, but about what you contribute to building up the church and advancing God’s mission. [54:14]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:05] - God’s Faithfulness in Our Stories
[29:05] - Trusting God Through Difficult Seasons
[31:36] - Celebrating New Life and Growth
[33:45] - The Importance of Church Family
[45:01] - The Gift of Spiritual Leadership
[45:51] - The Church as a Body
[46:42] - Why You Need a Church Family
[47:38] - Caring for Each Other
[49:07] - Sharing in Suffering and Joy
[50:43] - Practical Acts of Service
[53:13] - Equipping the Church to Serve
[54:14] - Discovering Your Unique Role
[56:29] - The Church is People, Not an Organization
[58:09] - You Matter to God’s Plan
[58:51] - Beginning a Relationship with Jesus
[01:03:05] - Invitation to Say Yes to Christ
[01:06:00] - Taking Your Next Step in the Family
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
- 1 Corinthians 12:12, 18, 25-26
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ... But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be... so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."
- Ephesians 4:11-12
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:28, what does God promise to do with the difficult or confusing circumstances in our lives?
2. In 1 Corinthians 12, what is the purpose of God placing each part in the body just as He wants? ([45:51])
3. What does Ephesians 4:11-12 say is the role of pastors and teachers in the church? ([53:13])
4. In the sermon, what are some practical examples given of church members caring for each other? ([50:43])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God allow us to go through seasons or chapters in life that we don’t like or understand? How does this shape our faith? ([28:05])
2. What does it mean for the church to be a family rather than just an organization? How does this affect the way we relate to one another? ([56:29])
3. Why is it important for every believer to discover and use their unique gifts within the church? What happens if someone chooses not to get involved? ([54:14])
4. How does being connected to a church family help us grow up in Christ, rather than just grow old in our faith? ([33:45])
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you didn’t understand why something hard was happening in your life. Looking back, can you see any ways God was working for your good? How does this help you trust Him in your current season? ([28:05])
2. The sermon said, “There are no insignificant people here; everyone has a place and a purpose.” Do you ever struggle to believe that about yourself? What is one step you could take to discover or step into your place in the church family? ([58:09])
3. When was the last time you cared for someone in the church family, or someone cared for you? What did that look like, and how did it impact you? ([49:07])
4. Are there any “old habits” or areas of immaturity that you sense God is calling you to leave behind so you can grow up in Christ? What’s one practical step you can take this week? ([33:45])
5. The sermon mentioned that getting connected isn’t just about being cared for, but about caring for others. Who is one person in the church you could reach out to, encourage, or serve this week? ([47:38])
6. The pastor said, “You are a 10 in some area, designed by God for a purpose.” What do you think your gifts might be? How could you use them to build up the church? ([54:14])
7. If you haven’t yet begun a relationship with Jesus, what’s holding you back? If you have, how can you help someone else take that step? ([58:51])
---
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
Even when life brings pain, confusion, or chapters we don’t like, God’s faithfulness remains unshaken. He is always working, even when we can’t see it, and He promises to turn things around for our good in His perfect timing. Our role is to trust Him wholeheartedly, even when we don’t understand the “why,” knowing that eventually, we will see how He was shaping us and using our story for His glory. [29:58]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one area of your life right now where you’re struggling to trust God’s faithfulness? How can you surrender that to Him today, believing He is working for your good?
Day 2: The Power and Purpose of Church Family
God designed the church as a family where every person matters and has a place. When you are connected, you both receive care and have the opportunity to care for others. The church is not just an organization but a living, breathing family where we celebrate together, support each other in hard times, and grow together in Christ. [47:38]
1 Corinthians 12:18, 25-26 (ESV)
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose... that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
Reflection: Who in your church family can you reach out to this week—either to encourage, celebrate with, or support in a time of need?
Day 3: You Are Uniquely Gifted and Needed
Every believer is a one-of-a-kind, God-designed masterpiece with a unique role to play in the body of Christ. You are not insignificant or replaceable; your gifts and presence complete the church family. When you step into your God-given purpose, you help build up the church and experience the joy of serving others as God intended. [55:41]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
Reflection: What is one gift, talent, or passion you have that you could use to serve and build up your church family this month?
Day 4: Becoming a Child of God Through Faith
No one is born a Christian; each person must make a personal decision to trust Jesus Christ as Savior. Salvation is not about religion or good works, but about believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection and inviting Him into your life. When you do, you become a true child of God and begin a new relationship with Him. [01:01:29]
John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Reflection: Have you personally made the decision to receive Jesus as your Savior? If not, what is holding you back from taking that step today? If you have, how can you share your story with someone else this week?
Day 5: Growing Up, Not Just Growing Old, in Christ
God’s desire is not just that we grow old in our faith, but that we grow up—maturing in Christ, learning His Word, and living it out. The church is a gift to help us on this journey, providing teaching, encouragement, and accountability. As we grow, we leave behind old patterns and step into the fullness of God’s plan for our lives. [45:01]
Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to intentionally grow in your faith—whether it’s joining a group, reading your Bible daily, or seeking accountability?
Quotes
Proverbs 3, 5, and 6 is really cool on a coffee mug. Trust in the Lord. Cool story. With all of your heart, okay. Lean on to thine own understanding. I'm trying. In all your ways acknowledge me. I am. I think. And I will direct your paths. Okay, but can you do it by lunchtime? It isn't easy. But God is faithful. And He's a good, good Father. And we just have to trust Him. And eventually, not maybe, maybe not initially, eventually, we'll say, oh, oh, okay. I didn't like it. I still don't like it. But I see what you were doing. I see what you did inside of me. Now use it for your glory. [00:29:07] (58 seconds)
God's plan is for you to be a part of a church family. I don't want to be. You don't have to be. I'm just telling you what God's plan is. And there's some real reasons why God wants you to be a part of a church family. I'll show you this in this text as well. He says it makes harmony among the members. And here it is. So. It's very important. You see that comma there? Don't miss it. God says, I put all these parts together and you're to be members of this family. And there's a reason. So that all the members can do what? Care for each other. So they can care for each other. [00:46:50] (45 seconds)
This isn't a complicated message today. It's pretty simple. And the simple thing is, for the hundreds of you that call Granite United Church, you call this going to be your home. I just want to encourage you to jump in because the water's fine. I want you not only to know Jesus, I want you to be known by a church family. And I want you to be cared for. I want you to be loved. But I want you to help us to love people as well. I want you to help us care for people who can't sometimes care for themselves. I want people to pray with you and pray for you, pray over you. And then I want you to grow to a point in your life where you can pray for people, encourage people. [00:52:39] (44 seconds)
You are a one of a kind, God designed. Masterpiece. No matter what you feel about yourself, you've been saved on purpose for a purpose. You are not an accident. You are not insignificant. You complete the body of Christ. [00:55:22] (16 seconds)
Our church isn't an organization. It's a people. It's a family. And like I said earlier, sure, we put the fun in dysfunction sometimes. But granted, United is not a perfect church. But she's perfect for me. And it's perfect for you. If this is where God has called you, my responsibility is to get you growing forward. You, God's people, the saved, the redeemed, to get connected, to get to work, to help us build up the church, which is the, what are the last three words? Body of Christ. You matter to God's plan. You matter to the church. And I'm glad you're here. [00:56:47] (58 seconds)
Psalm 139 says you are a beautiful woven creation. God knit you together in your mother's womb. You're pretty stinking awesome. And don't you let the devil get up here. God's got some great plans for your life. But you have to step into. You have to take your piece of the puzzle and say, well, I don't know what I can do, how much I can do, when I can do it. It's okay. You get connected. Because God wants you in this family to be cared for. And he wants you to help care for others as well. [00:58:09] (46 seconds)
The Bible says that we're lost and we need to be rescued. The Bible says that we're all sinners. And our sin separates us from God. The Bible says we can't do anything about it by ourselves. The Bible says that we can't do anything about it by ourselves. but the father sent his son to this world. He was crucified, buried three days. How many of you know Jesus Christ rose again from the dead? Amen. Why does that matter? Because the resurrection of Christ, it proves to us that Jesus is who he said he is and he can do what he said he can do. [00:59:10] (40 seconds)
But to all, that means you're included, but to all who believe him and accept him, it is to those people that God the Father gives the right, don't miss these two words, to become the children of God. So when somebody says to you, I've always been a Christian. No, you may have always known about Christ. You may have grown up in a Christian denomination, but you need to become a child of God. And you only do that by asking Jesus Christ to be your Savior. [01:01:50] (37 seconds)
All of us have to weigh out this step in our lives. Anybody else? I don't want to miss you. So cool. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome to the family. Granite, if you call Granite United at home and you've been part of this church and, and you pray for this church and, and you serve in this church and you, and you bless the Lord, you give to the Lord through the church to impact people. What just took place? Thank you for your faithfulness. Lives were just changed. [01:05:22] (38 seconds)
For those of you that have been coming to Granite for a while now, you have a step to take. And it's not just about being cared for, it's helping us to care for other people. You matter. I'm glad you're here. We got a lot of work to do and there's no greater high than serving Jesus. None. [01:06:00] (32 seconds)
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