Embracing God's New Season of Transformation and Unity
Summary
Today marks a pivotal moment for our church family as we step into a new season, one marked by God’s unmistakable movement and invitation to participate in His unfolding work. We began by affirming the importance of spiritual leadership, praying over our newly elected board and elders, recognizing that their service must be led by the Spirit, not by human strength. This sets the tone for all of us: to be a people who are attentive and responsive to what God is doing in our midst.
God is calling us to “see”—to perceive the new thing He is doing, as declared in Isaiah 43:19. This is not just a call to observe, but to participate, to allow our hearts to be awakened and our faith to be stretched. The prophetic word released over our church likened us to the firstfruits in Nehemiah 5, a people who, though facing challenges and lack, are being called to respond not with fear or self-preservation, but with the radical generosity and unity of Acts 4. God is promising to pour out resources, to set the oppressed free, and to make us a community where none are in need—if we will walk in honesty, humility, and faith.
We are reminded that our foundation is to be rooted in God’s presence. Like the tree planted by streams of water in Jeremiah 17, we are called to draw our strength, purpose, and fruitfulness from Him. This means prioritizing worship, seeking God’s face, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us beyond routine into genuine encounters. Our faith is not just a private matter; it is meant to overflow into action, into reaching our city and beyond.
God is already at work: through ministries like Jolly Jammers, the Malayalam service, new church plants, and outreach to the elderly, foreign workers, and the unreached in our neighborhoods. Opportunities are opening up—new housing estates, hospitals, and even digital education platforms—each a mission field waiting for us to step in. The challenge is great, but the promise is greater: God is with us, and He is the one who transforms, provides, and protects.
As we look ahead, the call is clear: forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. Instead, perceive the new thing God is doing. Whether you feel strong or weak, experienced or new, God invites you to step forward—not in your own strength, but by His Spirit. Let us be a people who respond, who believe, and who make ourselves available for His purposes in this new season.
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Key Takeaways
- Spiritual Leadership Flows from the Spirit, Not the Flesh
True leadership in the church is not about administrative skill or personal charisma, but about being led by the Holy Spirit. When leaders and members alike surrender their own agendas and seek God’s guidance, the church becomes a vessel for God’s purposes, not just human plans. This posture of humility and dependence is essential for stewarding the new things God wants to do. [00:45]
- God’s New Work Requires Spiritual Perception and Faith
Isaiah 43:19 calls us to “see” the new thing God is doing, which often requires us to look beyond our circumstances and past disappointments. Spiritual perception is cultivated in God’s presence—through worship, prayer, and openness to prophetic words. Faith is not just mental agreement, but a willingness to step out, to act on what God reveals, even when it stretches us beyond comfort. [19:10]
- Radical Generosity and Unity Release God’s Blessing
The early church in Acts 4 was marked by a spirit of generosity and unity, where resources flowed freely and needs were met. God is calling us to move beyond self-preservation and to become a community where no one is left behind. This requires honesty, integrity, and a willingness to let go of control, trusting that as we give, God will supply all that is needed for His mission. [27:30]
- God Transforms Our Weakness into His Strength
The story of Jacob becoming Israel reminds us that God is in the business of transformation. Our past failures, limitations, or fears do not disqualify us; rather, they become the very places where God’s power is made perfect. When we acknowledge our need and invite God in, He redeems, empowers, and leads us into new assignments that we could never accomplish on our own. [38:15]
- Every Member Has a Role in God’s Expanding Mission
God’s new season is not just for a select few, but for every believer—regardless of age, background, or ability. Whether through established ministries, new church plants, or simple acts of invitation and service, each person is called to participate. The key is to be rooted in God’s presence, attentive to His leading, and willing to take the first step, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower and guide. [01:23:25]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction of Church Board and Elders
[04:30] - Praying for Spiritual Leadership
[07:10] - Entering a New Season: Seeing What God is Doing
[12:00] - The Power of Worship and Spiritual Sensitivity
[19:10] - Prophetic Word: Isaiah 43 and Nehemiah 5
[27:30] - Acts 4: Generosity, Unity, and the Early Church
[32:50] - Rooted in God’s Presence and Purpose
[38:15] - God as Creator, Redeemer, and Transformer
[45:00] - Forgetting the Past, Embracing the New
[50:30] - Testimonies: Jolly Jammers and Outreach Ministries
[57:40] - New Church Plants and Mission Fields
[01:03:42] - Community Engagement: Hospitals and Elderly Homes
[01:13:00] - Mapping Our Mission: Reaching the East
[01:23:25] - Responding to God’s Call: By His Spirit
[01:34:59] - Altar Call and Prayer for a New Season
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "A New Season – Seeing and Responding to God’s Work"
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### Bible Reading
- 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.”
- Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
- Acts 4:32-35
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God command His people to do regarding the past, and what new promise does He give them?
2. According to Jeremiah 17:7-8, what are the characteristics of a person who trusts in the Lord? What is the result of being “planted by the water”?
3. In Acts 4:32-35, how did the early church demonstrate unity and generosity? What was the outcome for the community?
4. The sermon described several new ministries and mission opportunities that have opened up for the church (e.g., Jolly Jammers, outreach to elderly, new church plants). What are some specific examples mentioned? [01:03:42]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God tells His people not to dwell on the past in Isaiah 43:18-19? How might holding onto the past prevent someone from seeing or participating in God’s new work? [45:00]
2. The image of a tree planted by water in Jeremiah 17:7-8 is used to describe a person rooted in God’s presence. What does it look like practically for a believer to be “rooted” in God’s presence today? [32:50]
3. The early church in Acts 4 responded to needs with radical generosity and unity. What might be some obstacles to this kind of community in our church or small group? [27:30]
4. The sermon emphasized that God transforms our weaknesses into His strength, using the story of Jacob becoming Israel. How does this truth encourage or challenge you when you feel inadequate or unqualified? [38:15]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “see” and perceive the new thing God is doing. Is there an area in your life or in the church where you sense God is inviting you to step out in faith, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar? What might be holding you back? [19:10]
2. Spiritual leadership was described as being led by the Holy Spirit, not by human strength or ability. In your current roles (at home, work, church), what would it look like for you to depend more on the Spirit’s leading rather than your own plans or skills? [00:45]
3. Radical generosity and unity were key marks of the early church. Is there a practical way you can share your resources, time, or gifts to meet a need in our community this month? What step could you take this week? [27:30]
4. The sermon mentioned that God is already at work in various ministries and new mission fields (e.g., new housing estates, hospitals, digital education). Is there a specific ministry or outreach that you feel drawn to support or get involved in? What is one action you can take to explore this? [57:40]
5. The call to “forget the former things” includes letting go of past disappointments or failures. Is there a past experience that you need to release to God so you can move forward into the new season He has for you? How can the group pray for you in this? [45:00]
6. The sermon highlighted that every member has a role in God’s expanding mission, regardless of age or background. What unique gifts or experiences do you have that could be used for God’s purposes in this season? [01:23:25]
7. The pastor encouraged the church to prioritize worship and seek genuine encounters with God, not just routine. What is one way you can make space for deeper worship or prayer in your daily or weekly rhythm? [12:00]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person perceive and respond to the new things He is doing, and to empower the group to walk in faith, unity, and generosity in this new season.
Devotional
Day 1: God Is Doing a New Thing—Perceive It!
God is always at work, even when we do not see it. He invites us to open our spiritual eyes and recognize the new things He is bringing forth in our lives, our church, and our community. Instead of dwelling on the past or being stuck in old routines, we are called to be attentive and responsive to His leading. God promises to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, providing hope and direction where there seems to be none. Will you choose to perceive and participate in what God is doing today? [23:10]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to let go of the past and embrace something new He is doing? How can you respond to His invitation today?
Day 2: Trusting in God—Rooted in His Presence and Power
Blessed are those who put their trust and confidence in the Lord. Like a tree planted by the water, those who are rooted in God’s presence will not fear when challenges come, but will continue to flourish and bear fruit. Our strength and purpose come not from our own efforts, but from being deeply connected to God, drawing from His Spirit and power. In every season, especially in times of uncertainty, God calls us to remain rooted in Him, seeking His presence above all else. [44:00]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Reflection: In what practical way can you intentionally root yourself in God’s presence this week—perhaps through worship, prayer, or time in His Word?
Day 3: God Is Our Creator, Redeemer, and Protector
God reminds us that He is the One who created us, calls us by name, redeems us, and walks with us through every trial. No matter what challenges or dangers we face—whether deep waters or fiery trials—He promises to be with us and to protect us. He is not only the God of our church or our nation, but the God of all nations, sovereign over every circumstance. When we remember who God is, our faith is strengthened to trust Him for transformation, deliverance, and restoration. [36:00]
Isaiah 43:1-3, 5 (ESV)
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.’”
Reflection: What is one fear or challenge you are facing right now? How does remembering God’s character as Creator, Redeemer, and Protector help you face it differently?
Day 4: The Power of Belief—Responding in Faith to God’s Word
God calls us not just to be believers in name, but to truly believe Him and His promises with our whole hearts. When God speaks and releases a word, He invites us to respond in faith, trusting that He will do what He has said. Our journey of faith may be at different stages, but God honors even the smallest step of trust. Like the early church, when we believe and act on God’s word, we become part of His greater work and see lives transformed. [54:43]
John 14:12-14 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to fully believe? What step of faith can you take today to trust Him more deeply in that area?
Day 5: Responding to God’s Call—By His Spirit, Not Our Strength
God is inviting each of us to step out and participate in His work—not by our own strength, but by the power of His Spirit. Whether you feel weak, fearful, or unqualified, God promises to equip and empower you as you respond to His call. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, guiding, strengthening, and enabling us to do what we could never do on our own. As we surrender our worries and routines, and open ourselves to the Spirit’s leading, we become vessels for God’s new thing in our church, our community, and beyond. [01:34:59]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’”
Reflection: Where do you sense God prompting you to step out in faith, even if you feel inadequate? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s strength rather than your own today?
Quotes
I have entitled my message today very interestingly I call it A new season. Now if you look at the word you're like Pastor, you're terrible, you're English, your wife never correct you, Season. It's not spelled like that. Okay. But I want us to just remember this particular message because it's a message of seeing, seeing what God is doing and to see the sun in all that is happening in our church. [00:42:23]
See, see, I'm doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? I'm making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. [00:44:19]
Because our God is a living God and God is doing something in our midst that many of us may not be aware of it. That is why in verse 19 it says, Do you not perceive it? [00:44:44]
An assembly of God is not a democracy. It is not socialism. It is a monarchy. Jesus is king. God is in charge. Amen. God is in charge. [00:46:59]
The people's hearts will be awakened. But the response of this assembly will not be like Nehemiah 5. Those who are in debt will be set free. Amen. All the families around the walls will be able to continue to work because resources shall flow. There shall be no oppression by those who are blessed with resources. It will be like Acts chapter 4 verse 32 to 37. [00:47:58]
But be careful. Search your heart. Do not become like Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5. They had resources. They lied to Peter and in lying they lied to the Holy Spirit. They kept some of the resources when they told Peter, I've given everything, but they kept aside. So a lying spirit was in them. [00:49:08]
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the streams. It does not fear when heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. [00:50:33]
We are not going to be fearful about whatever that happens around us. We will continue to bear fruit. Right? And this is going to be done not on our own effort but by His spirit. [00:51:02]
Be rooted in his presence, in his power, and in his purpose. [00:52:25]
As God is moving, then we must be ready. Now God will want to do something, but God wants his people to move with him. So our spiritual antenna must be up. We must be ready to sense what God is doing in our midst. [00:53:08]
Are you a believer? Now if the person says I don't believe yet, then he says okay, later I'll pray for you. Alright. Then he says if you are a believer, he says do you really believe? Because sometimes we can say I believe in God, but I do not completely believe. [00:54:01]
If you really believe in this God, then let's believe all the way. I know all of us are in the journey, different levels of faith. That's okay. You know, just like the father who brought the son before Jesus and then he knows that Jesus can do something. [00:54:21]
Let's have faith in this God because He is our God. He is our Creator. He is the one who transforms us. He is the one who redeemed us. [00:58:02]
It's going to be a journey that you will take in God. But in this journey you will encounter challenges, challenges that will seem dangerous, challenges that will seem to destroy you. But God will be with you. This is the promise of God. [00:58:28]
God is the Creator. God is in the business of transforming. God is our protector. When we go through difficult times, He will be there with us. [00:58:51]
Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. As a church we went through a difficult season as a church, but we thank God for every season is always a refining season. We learn things from every challenging thing. You know, somebody says this, some lessons can only be learned through the fire. [01:02:00]
Through that difficult thing I believe that our church has become stronger. We learn from the lessons and begin to adapt and begin to say this is what we need to do. Right? We've made some mistakes. Now we're going to make it right. We continue to move and verse 18 says don't dwell, don't keep going back to that place, but let's move on. [01:02:20]
If God has resources, God has given us, has blessed us so much, then our response is to respond to what He's doing. [01:25:03]
If God wants us to do it, then I want to say God, it's not going to be my strength but by your spirit. [01:26:07]
When we are in his presence and we know who God is, our prayer request will be requests that is upon the heart of God. That's why Jesus says whatever you ask I will give it to you. [01:31:33]
I don't think I can do it. I'm glad you say that because it's not going to be you who will be doing it. You'll be by His spirit. [01:32:44]
Remember Isaiah 43 says I'm doing a new thing. I want you today to just open your mind to allow the Holy Spirit to begin to lead you to where He will lead you. [01:33:14]
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