Embracing God's New Chapter for Our Church

 

Summary

In the heart of our journey as a church family, we stand at the precipice of a new chapter, one that is both exhilarating and humbling. We have witnessed the hand of God moving powerfully among us, orchestrating events and encounters that can only be described as divinely appointed. Our community has grown, not by our own efforts, but by the irresistible pull of the Holy Spirit drawing souls to the truth and love found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have seen the Lord provide in miraculous ways, from the unexpected financial gifts for our new building to the specific talents within our congregation that perfectly meet the needs of our growing ministry. This is not a coincidence; it is the Lord's provision. As we prepare to transition into our new church home, we are reminded that it is not about the building itself, but about the people of God and the kingdom we are building together.

Our mission is clear: to be a beacon of hope, a place where people can come to hear from God, be built up, changed, and transformed. This transformation is not due to our own doing but is the work of the Spirit moving through His Word and our fellowship. We are merely stewards of what God is doing, and our prayer is for wisdom to facilitate His work without getting ahead or lagging behind His perfect timing.

As we look to the future, we are filled with anticipation for what God has in store. We are called to be active participants in His plan, finding our place on the wall, so to speak, and serving with the gifts He has given each of us. Our church is not to be a stagnant building used only a few hours a week but a vibrant hub of ministry, outreach, and discipleship, impacting lives every day.

In this season of growth, we are also reminded to look inward, to allow God to continue His work of sanctification in us. Just as our new building will be a work in progress, so are we, being shaped and molded into the likeness of Christ. This process is lifelong and requires our willingness to submit to the Potter's hands.

Key Takeaways:

- God is orchestrating the growth of our church, drawing people to Himself, and providing for our needs in ways that surpass our understanding. We must remain humble and recognize that it is His work, not ours, that brings about true transformation in the lives of individuals and communities. [49:33]

- Our church is called to be more than a building; it is to be a living, breathing community where the Holy Spirit is active. As we move into our new space, we must embrace the opportunities to serve and minister, recognizing that every member has a unique role to play in the body of Christ. [58:17]

- The process of sanctification is mirrored in the ongoing work within our new church building. Just as the building will undergo renovations and improvements, so must we allow God to continue His refining work in our lives, making us more like Jesus every day. [41:00]

- We are reminded of the importance of unity and intergenerational fellowship within the church. The vitality of our congregation comes from the diversity of ages and experiences, each contributing to the health and growth of the body. Young and old alike need each other for encouragement, wisdom, and zeal. [33:00]

- As we step into this new season, we must be prepared for the increase God has promised. This preparation is not just logistical but spiritual, requiring a heart ready to receive, serve, and steward the influx of souls seeking the truth. We must be ready to expand our ministries and our hearts to accommodate what God is bringing to our doorstep. [55:14]

In conclusion, we stand on the threshold of a Kairos moment, an appointed time of God's favor and opportunity. Let us move forward with faith, expectation, and a willingness to serve, knowing that the Lord who has begun this good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:14-21
- "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

2. Nehemiah 8:1-8
- "Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen!' while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading."

3. Mark 16:15-18
- "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul pray for the believers in Ephesians 3:14-21?
2. In Nehemiah 8:1-8, what was the response of the people when Ezra read the Book of the Law?
3. According to Mark 16:15-18, what signs will follow those who believe and preach the gospel?
4. What were some of the miraculous provisions and growth mentioned in the sermon that the church experienced? ([04:25])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 reflect the needs and desires of our church community as we transition to a new building? ([44:50])
2. What can we learn from the unity and attentiveness of the people in Nehemiah 8:1-8 when they gathered to hear the Word of God?
3. How should the signs mentioned in Mark 16:15-18 influence our expectations and actions as a church community?
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of being stewards of God's work and not getting ahead or lagging behind His timing? ([49:18])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Ephesians 3:14-21, how can you personally contribute to the spiritual strength and unity of our church community during this transition period?
2. In what ways can we as a church ensure that our new building becomes a vibrant hub of ministry, outreach, and discipleship, rather than just a physical structure? ([58:17])
3. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification, allowing God to refine and mold you as we move into this new season? ([41:00])
4. Considering the importance of unity and intergenerational fellowship mentioned in the sermon, how can you build relationships with members of different ages and experiences within our church? ([33:00])
5. What specific steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind for the increase and opportunities God is bringing to our church? ([55:14])
6. How can you use your unique gifts to serve and minister within our church community, especially as we transition to the new building? ([58:17])
7. Reflecting on the sermon, how can you ensure that you are following God's timing and not getting ahead or lagging behind in your personal walk and in your service to the church? ([49:18])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Orchestration of Growth
God's hand is evident in the growth of the church, drawing people to Himself and providing for the congregation's needs in extraordinary ways. This growth is not a product of human effort but a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. The church's expansion is a clear sign of divine orchestration, where every financial provision and talent within the community aligns with the unfolding plan of God. It is a humbling reminder that the church is built not on human ambition but on the foundation of God's grace and purpose. The congregation is encouraged to recognize this divine hand at work and to maintain a posture of humility and gratitude, acknowledging that it is God who brings about transformation in both individuals and the community as a whole. [49:33]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

Reflection: How have you seen God's provision in your life or church community in ways that you could not have anticipated or achieved on your own?

Day 2: Beyond the Building
The church is called to be a dynamic community where the Holy Spirit is actively at work, not just a physical structure used for weekly gatherings. As the congregation transitions to a new church home, it is an opportunity to embrace the full potential of what it means to be the body of Christ. Each member is encouraged to find their unique role and serve with the gifts God has given them. The church should be a vibrant hub of ministry, outreach, and discipleship, impacting lives every day. This vision extends beyond the walls of a building and into the lives of people, fostering a living, breathing community that embodies the love and message of the Gospel. [58:17]

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42)

Reflection: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve and build up the church community?

Day 3: Sanctification as a Journey
The ongoing work within the new church building is a metaphor for the process of sanctification in the lives of believers. Just as the building will undergo renovations and improvements, individuals are called to allow God to refine and shape them into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is a lifelong journey that requires submission to God's will and an openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. The congregation is reminded that they are works in progress, continually being molded by the Potter's hands, and that this process of sanctification is essential for personal growth and the health of the church. [41:00]

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to allow God to work more deeply, and what steps can you take to cooperate with His transforming process?

Day 4: Unity and Intergenerational Fellowship
The vitality of the church is enriched by the diversity of ages and experiences within the congregation. Unity and intergenerational fellowship are crucial for the health and growth of the church body. The congregation is encouraged to value the contributions of each member, from the youngest to the oldest, recognizing that every individual brings unique perspectives and gifts. This fellowship across generations provides a rich tapestry of wisdom, encouragement, and zeal, which strengthens the community and fosters a deeper sense of belonging and purpose. [33:00]

"So that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another." (1 Corinthians 12:25)

Reflection: How can you actively engage with and learn from someone of a different generation within your church community?

Day 5: Preparing for God's Promised Increase
As the church steps into a new season of growth, there is an anticipation of the increase God has promised. This preparation involves not only logistical planning but also a spiritual readiness to receive, serve, and steward the influx of souls seeking truth. The congregation is called to expand their ministries and hearts to accommodate the new people God is bringing into their midst. This readiness is a call to action, prompting each member to be open to the ways God wants to use them in the lives of others and to be willing to embrace change for the sake of the Gospel. [55:14]

"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes." (Isaiah 54:2)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart and actions for the new people God is bringing into your church community?

Quotes

- "It's not about the building, it's about the people of God and building the kingdom. The building is only a tool." [58:17] (Download | )

- "Healthy sheep reproduce... that's what Kristen and I are trying to do... to have you the people of God be the best fed, best taught, best cared for, most loved sheep around." [28:12] (Download | )

- "God's doing something special right now, right now, and we all get to be a part of it. It is a joy to see God working in so many of your lives." [29:23] (Download | )

- "The younger people need the older people and the older people need the younger people... we need each other, we need the whole body." [33:00] (Download | )

- "Steward what God's doing. He's doing it, and we just have to not mess it up. We have to get out of the way and just follow after him." [49:58] (Download | )

- "God wants to do more than we could think or ask... God's able to completely do more than what I can even conjure up or think according to the power that works in us." [45:23] (Download | )

- "We are making a full-on concerted effort to be in by Easter... we just need to get in and I think and I hope that most of you will be okay if it's not perfect." [39:54] (Download | )

- "The remodeling project begins right and he literally starts going just like kind of room by room dealing with things... making us ultimately more like Jesus and guess what it's a lifetime thing." [41:00] (Download | )

- "When stuff happens with us like it happens really quickly... when it seems like yeah that's what God's doing it's just like boom boom boom boom boom." [13:57] (Download | )

- "We didn't even come to Redwing honestly to have a growing church... but when God's doing something it's just natural that you'd want to go tell people." [25:43] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?