Embracing God's Grace: Looking Forward to New Beginnings
Summary
In the shared message, the focus is on the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of looking forward to the new things God is doing. The message begins with an acknowledgment of God's goodness and mercy, despite human unworthiness. The speaker expresses gratitude for God's roles as a rescuer, healer, redeemer, and father, emphasizing God's love even when individuals are unlovable.
The message then shifts to practical advice on discerning God's will. Individuals are encouraged to take action within their church community, even if it means starting with tasks that may not be their favorite. The speaker shares personal experiences of growing up in the church and the expectation of long-term commitment to specific ministries, but clarifies that the kingdom of God operates differently, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to try different roles.
A significant portion of the message is dedicated to the concept of looking forward and not dwelling on the past. The speaker references Isaiah 43 and Philippians 3, highlighting the importance of forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. The message emphasizes that God is always doing something new and that individuals should be open to change and growth.
The speaker shares a personal story of ministering in a dangerous situation abroad, where flexibility and trust in God's protection were crucial. This story serves as an example of the unexpected ways God can work through individuals when they are open to His leading.
The message also touches on the unique identity and purpose of each church, suggesting that churches have their own complexion, which changes over time as leadership and congregations evolve. The speaker encourages embracing the future and the growth that comes with it, even if it means not knowing everyone in a growing church community.
The speaker shares personal reflections on their own life and ministry, discussing the transition from pastoring to a district role and the challenges of finding one's place in different seasons of life. The message encourages ambition and imagination within the context of God's kingdom and highlights the importance of understanding one's unique gifting and calling.
The message concludes with a blessing and an exhortation to look forward, trust in God's plans, and be open to the new things God is doing both in individual lives and in the church community as a whole.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing God's grace and mercy is foundational to Christian life, and gratitude for His love and provision should be a constant posture. This gratitude is not based on human merit but on God's character as a loving and gracious Father. [26:03]
- To discern God's will, one must be willing to take action and serve where needed. Flexibility and openness to trying different roles can lead to discovering one's true calling and purpose within the church. This approach is about being active and responsive to the needs of the community, trusting that God will guide through the process. [35:27]
- Focusing on the future and God's new works is essential for spiritual growth. Dwelling on past achievements or failures can hinder progress. Scripture encourages believers to look forward to the new pathways God is creating, which requires a mindset of anticipation and readiness for change. [40:23]
- Each church has a unique identity and mission, shaped by its leadership and congregation. As churches grow and change, they will reach different people and serve various needs. This diversity within the body of Christ is part of God's design, and individuals should seek to contribute to their church's unique calling. [01:26:28]
- Personal stories and testimonies are powerful tools for ministry and can inspire others to trust in God's provision and guidance. Sharing one's experiences can encourage others to step out in faith, even in challenging or uncertain circumstances, knowing that God is always at work. [47:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)
> “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
2. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
> “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What roles of God are highlighted in the sermon, and how do they reflect His character? ([26:03])
2. According to Isaiah 43:18-19, what new things does God promise to do for His people?
3. In Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul say is essential for spiritual growth and progress?
4. How did the speaker’s personal story of ministering in a dangerous situation illustrate the need for flexibility and trust in God? ([47:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to forget what is behind and focus on what is ahead, according to Philippians 3:13-14? How does this relate to spiritual growth? ([40:23])
2. How can the concept of God doing something new in Isaiah 43:18-19 be applied to both individual lives and the church community?
3. What does the speaker mean by saying that each church has its own unique identity and mission? How does this affect the way we serve in our church? ([01:26:28])
4. How does sharing personal testimonies and stories of God’s provision encourage others in their faith journey? ([47:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s grace and mercy. How did it change your perspective on His love and provision? ([26:03])
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel stuck in the past? How can you apply Philippians 3:13-14 to move forward and embrace the new things God is doing? ([40:23])
3. What practical steps can you take to be more flexible and open to trying different roles within the church community? How might this help you discover your true calling? ([35:27])
4. How can you contribute to the unique mission and identity of your church? What specific actions can you take to support its growth and outreach? ([01:26:28])
5. Think of a personal story or testimony of God’s work in your life. How can you share this with others to inspire and encourage them in their faith? ([47:59])
6. How do you handle changes and transitions in your life and church community? What can you do to better embrace these changes and see them as opportunities for growth? ([01:26:28])
7. Identify one area where you need to trust God more fully. What steps can you take this week to rely on His guidance and protection in that area? ([47:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude for Unmerited Grace
Gratitude is not contingent on our worthiness but on the recognition of God's unending grace and love. Acknowledging God as our rescuer and redeemer, we are called to maintain a posture of thankfulness for His mercy, which is freely given despite our flaws. This gratitude shapes our identity and daily walk with Him. [26:03]
Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice of gratitude for God's grace, even when you feel unworthy?
Day 2: Serving with Openness and Flexibility
True discernment of God's will involves a willingness to serve in various capacities, embracing roles that may challenge our preferences. By engaging in different ministries, we open ourselves to God's guidance and the discovery of our unique purpose within the church community. This service is an act of faith, trusting that God will lead us through our willingness to act. [35:27]
Romans 12:6-8 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."
Reflection: What is one area in your church or community where you can serve this week, stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace a new role?
Day 3: Embracing God's New Works
Focusing on the future and the new things God is doing is crucial for spiritual growth. Letting go of past successes and failures allows us to move forward with God, who is constantly creating new pathways for us. This mindset of anticipation and readiness for change aligns us with God's dynamic nature and His unfolding plans. [40:23]
Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: What past achievements or failures might you be holding onto that prevent you from seeing and embracing the new things God is doing in your life?
Day 4: Identity and Mission of the Church
Each church has a distinct identity and mission, which evolves with its leadership and congregation. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to contribute to our church's unique complexion, embracing growth and change. This diversity is a testament to God's design, allowing us to reach a variety of people and meet different needs. [01:26:28]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's evolving mission and identity, contributing your unique gifts to its growth?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision and Guidance
Sharing personal stories of faith can inspire others to trust in God's provision and guidance. These testimonies encourage us to step out in faith, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances, and remind us that God is always at work. Our experiences can become a beacon of hope and a testament to God's faithfulness. [47:59]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
Reflection: Can you share a personal story of faith with someone this week to encourage them to trust in God's provision and guidance?
Quotes
1) "If you're wondering what God's will for my life is, do what needs to be done. If there's a role that needs to be filled in the church, do it. In the doing, God will actually guide you in direction." [33:33] (Download)
2) "God always changes the way he does things. He never changes, but he changes in the way he deals with his people. He changed his mind about Saul because Saul did this." [01:21:39] (Download)
3) "God wants us to understand, listen, I did things this way. But that doesn't mean I'm going to do it that way forever." [01:22:11] (Download)
4) "God has plans for you, because how does this church grow? You grow. How does this church prosper? You prosper. That's God's plan." [01:25:19] (Download)
5) "God wants to use you. Look forward to what God is doing. Do not let what has happened in your past, hinder you. Your past can hold you or your past can accelerate you." [01:27:26] (Download)
6) "God will bring people that will fit in this church that you can minister to and then they will partner with you and you can reach other people because of it." [01:32:10] (Download)
7) "God says, forget all that. It's nothing compared to what I'm going to do. If God says, oh, you ain't seen nothing yet, it's going to get good." [40:01] (Download)
8) "God, you loved us, even when we were unlovable. Lord, we just stand in your presence this morning, and we are grateful for your goodness and your mercy." [26:03] (Download)
9) "I call him Jehovah Sneaky, because he tricked me into finding my calling, because I was just doing what needed to be done, to facilitate the church advancing in the kingdom." [01:10:20] (Download)
10) "The Holy Spirit doesn't direct us as long as we're sitting still. We've got to be taking steps, taking steps of faith, taking steps of obedience." [33:55] (Download)
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