Embracing God's Presence: Stories of Faith and Community

Hosanna in the highest—this is the cry of a people who recognize their deep need for God and His worthiness above all else. In moments of fear, worry, or shame, it’s easy to forget that God is Lord over today and that we never had to be worthy in ourselves. He is the great I Am, our peace, our strength, and the One who sees and knows us intimately. When we make room for His presence, He meets us, renews us, and reminds us that we are not alone. In this space, we are invited to lay down our fears and shame at His feet, to lift our weary hands and hearts, and to allow His love to wash over us.

As a church, we celebrate not just milestones like our seventh anniversary, but the stories of transformation that God is writing in each life. Every story matters—no matter how unfinished or imperfect it may seem. We are called to share our stories, to be vulnerable, and to invite others into the journey of faith. Community is essential; we were never meant to follow Christ alone. From the very beginning, the vision has been to keep adding chairs to the table, making room for everyone, regardless of age or background. Every generation has a place and a purpose, and no one is too old or too young to be used by God.

God calls us to step out in faith, not worrying about the outcomes, but trusting Him with the results. Our faith is not just for ourselves, but for those around us—our families, our friends, and even strangers we encounter. The enemy will always try to hold us back with lies about our inadequacy, but God uses imperfect people who are simply willing to say yes. The miracles and wonders God wants to do are not limited by our age, experience, or perceived worthiness. We are designed to bring glory, wonder, and awe to a world in need of hope.

Today, the invitation is to break agreement with every lie and fear, to step into the authority and calling God has placed on our lives, and to become all He has created us to be. Whether it’s leading, serving, inviting someone in, or simply taking a step closer, God is calling each of us to participate in His story. Let’s open our hearts, trust His voice, and move forward with courage and boldness, knowing that He is enough and that He will use us to make His name known.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Presence Transforms and Renews When we intentionally make space for God, He meets us in our weakness, fear, and shame, offering peace and strength that we cannot manufacture ourselves. His presence is not just a comfort but a catalyst for real change, reminding us that we are seen, known, and loved. In these moments, we are invited to lay down our burdens and receive His renewing love, which empowers us to face whatever lies ahead. [32:59]
• 2. Your Story Matters—Even When It’s Unfinished Every person’s journey with God is significant, regardless of how incomplete or messy it may feel. Sharing our stories, even in vulnerability, is a powerful way God works through us to encourage others and build authentic community. We don’t need to have everything figured out before we invite others in; God uses our real, ongoing stories to reveal His grace and faithfulness. [43:29]
• 3. Faith Is for Community, Not Isolation God never intended for us to follow Him alone; from the beginning, He called people into groups, families, and communities. True spiritual growth happens when we are planted in community, sharing life, supporting one another, and stepping out together in faith. The church is a table with ever-expanding chairs, where everyone—regardless of age or background—has a place and a purpose. [78:30]
• 4. Step Out and Trust God with the Outcome Often, fear of inadequacy or failure keeps us from reaching out or sharing our faith. But God calls us to step out in obedience, trusting Him with the results rather than being paralyzed by what we cannot control. Our responsibility is to be faithful and courageous; God’s responsibility is the outcome, and He is already at work in the stories of those around us. [83:50]
• 5. Break Agreement with Lies and Step into Your Calling The enemy’s strategy is to keep us sidelined with lies about our age, experience, or worthiness, but God’s call is for every season and every person. We are invited to break agreement with these lies, embrace our identity as God’s sons and daughters, and step boldly into the assignments He has for us. Our faith is meant to inspire awe and wonder in others, pointing them to a God who is greater than our limitations. [95:31]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [31:15] - Entering God’s Presence
• [32:04] - Laying Down Fear and Shame
• [32:59] - God Sees and Knows You
• [35:33] - Renewing Our Minds and Breaking Agreement
• [36:30] - Making Room for God’s Presence
• [38:25] - Celebrating Seven Years of Evolve
• [39:13] - Stories of Transformation
• [40:06] - Foundations and Community
• [41:59] - Sharing Our Stories
• [43:29] - The Power of Vulnerability
• [63:05] - Prayer and Miracles in Community
• [71:57] - Every Generation Matters
• [78:30] - The Expanding Table: Room for All
• [83:08] - Reaching Out Beyond Our Circle
• [83:50] - Trusting God with the Outcome
• [88:17] - Becoming for the Sake of Others
• [92:17] - Designed for Wonder and Awe
• [93:22] - Responding to the Holy Spirit
• [95:31] - Breaking Lies and Stepping into Calling
• [99:16] - Celebration and Community Party

Bible Reading

Luke 5:17-26 (NLT) — One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Observation Questions

1. In the story from Luke 5, what actions did the friends of the paralyzed man take to get him to Jesus? What does Jesus say is the reason for the man’s healing?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the things we are invited to lay down at Jesus’ feet? ([32:04])
3. What does the sermon say about the importance of sharing our stories, even when they feel unfinished or imperfect? ([43:29])
4. How does the sermon describe the church’s vision for community and making room for others? ([01:18:30])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus respond to the faith of the friends, not just the paralyzed man himself? What does this say about the role of community in our faith journey? (Luke 5:20)
2. The sermon talks about breaking agreement with lies and fears that hold us back. What are some examples of these lies, and why do they have such power over us? ([01:34:30])
3. The message says, “God uses imperfect people who are simply willing to say yes.” What does it mean to say yes to God, even when we feel unqualified? ([01:29:25])
4. The crowd in Luke 5 is “gripped with great wonder and awe.” According to the sermon, how are we designed to bring that same wonder and awe to the world around us? ([01:32:17])

Application Questions

1. The sermon invites us to lay down fear, shame, and worry at Jesus’ feet. Is there a specific fear or shame you are carrying right now? What would it look like to give that to God this week? ([32:04])
2. The friends in Luke 5 went to great lengths to bring someone to Jesus. Who in your life might need you to “carry their mat” and help them encounter Jesus? What practical step could you take for them this week? (Luke 5:18-19)
3. The message says, “Your story matters—even when it’s unfinished.” Is there a part of your story you’ve been hesitant to share? What would it take to be vulnerable and let someone else in? ([43:29])
4. The church’s vision is to keep adding chairs to the table, making room for everyone. Is there someone you could invite into your circle, small group, or church community this month? What’s holding you back? ([01:18:30])
5. The sermon challenges us to break agreement with lies about our age, experience, or worthiness. Which of these lies do you most often believe about yourself? How can you remind yourself of God’s truth instead? ([01:34:30])
6. The message says, “Our faith is not just for ourselves, but for those around us.” How can you use your faith to encourage or serve someone else this week? ([01:23:50])
7. The invitation is to step out in faith and trust God with the outcome. What is one area where you sense God calling you to step out, even if you don’t know what will happen? What’s your next step? ([01:23:50])