Embracing God's Promises: Living Out Our Mission
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound promises of God, as highlighted in Isaiah, where He assures us of His unwavering presence and strength, even in our most challenging times. We are reminded of the privilege of entering God's presence and the importance of allowing His word to take root in our hearts, producing fruit in our lives. Our church, Granite United, is not just a building or a name; it is a community of believers committed to living out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. We are called to love God and others, to share the gospel, and to treat others as we wish to be treated, embodying the Golden Rule.
Our recent mission trip to Guatemala exemplifies our commitment to these principles. Twenty-two of us traveled to serve, but we found ourselves blessed by the experience. We witnessed the transformative power of God's love in action, as we fed, clothed, and shared the gospel with children and families. This mission work is a testament to our belief that we are saved on purpose for a purpose, and that purpose is to extend God's grace and mercy to others.
Jesus, the greatest missionary, left His heavenly home to seek and save the lost. He calls us to follow His example, to break our hearts for what breaks His, and to serve others selflessly. Our mission work, both locally and globally, is an expression of this calling. We are not just meeting physical needs; we are sharing the hope and love of Christ, clothing people in righteousness, and offering them the bread of life.
As we continue to grow in our understanding of God's love, we are encouraged to give cheerfully and generously, trusting that God will provide all we need. Our generosity enables us to support feeding centers, orphanages, and missionaries around the world. We are blessed to be a blessing, and our actions here have eternal significance.
For those who have not yet crossed the line of faith, today is an invitation to say yes to Jesus, to experience the fullness of life that comes from knowing Him. As a church, we are committed to living on mission, to being faithful stewards of God's blessings, and to expanding His kingdom for His glory.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Promises in Trials: God's promises in Isaiah assure us of His presence and strength during our trials. He is committed to being with us, strengthening us, and never leaving us, even when we cannot see His hand at work. This assurance invites us to trust Him deeply and lean into His faithfulness. [46:32]
2. Living the Great Commandment and Commission: As a church, we are called to love God and others, share the gospel, and treat others as we wish to be treated. This commitment shapes our identity and mission, driving us to be a community that embodies the love and teachings of Jesus. [49:30]
3. The Heart of Missions: Missions reflect the heart of God, who sent Jesus as the ultimate missionary. Our mission work, both locally and globally, is an expression of God's love, meeting physical needs while sharing the hope and salvation found in Christ. [55:08]
4. Generosity and God's Provision: We are encouraged to give cheerfully and generously, trusting that God will provide all we need. Our generosity enables us to support various ministries and missions, and in turn, we experience the blessings of being a blessing to others. [01:14:19]
5. Invitation to Faith: For those who have not yet accepted Christ, today is an invitation to cross the line of faith and experience the fullness of life in Him. This decision is a step into a new life of purpose, hope, and eternal significance. [01:17:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [46:32] - Gratitude and Community
- [48:07] - Pastor Appreciation and Team Acknowledgment
- [49:30] - Granite United's Mission and Values
- [50:46] - The Great Commandment and Commission
- [52:15] - Mission Trip to Guatemala
- [53:39] - The Authority of Jesus
- [55:08] - The Heart of Missions
- [56:43] - The Blessing of Serving
- [58:10] - The Nature of True Service
- [59:24] - Understanding God's Love
- [01:01:08] - Experiencing the Fullness of Life
- [01:03:35] - The Power of Love
- [01:07:12] - The Blessing of Generosity
- [01:14:19] - Invitation to Faith and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 41:10 - "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
3. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 - "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the specific promises God makes in Isaiah 41:10, and how do they provide comfort during trials? [46:32]
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission that Jesus gives to His disciples? [53:39]
3. How does the sermon describe the impact of the mission trip to Guatemala on both the participants and those they served? [52:15]
4. What does 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 say about the attitude we should have when giving, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on generosity? [01:14:19]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the promises in Isaiah 41:10 encourage someone facing a difficult situation to trust in God's presence and strength? [46:32]
2. In what ways does the Great Commission challenge believers to live out their faith actively and intentionally? [53:39]
3. How does the experience of serving on a mission trip, as described in the sermon, reflect the heart of God and the example set by Jesus? [55:08]
4. What does it mean to be a cheerful giver, and how can this attitude of generosity impact both the giver and the recipient? [01:14:19]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a challenging period. How did His promises in Isaiah 41:10 manifest in your life? [46:32]
2. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission within your local community? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [53:39]
3. Consider the mission work described in the sermon. How can you support or get involved in similar initiatives, either locally or globally? [55:08]
4. What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life? Is there a specific area where you feel called to give more cheerfully? [01:14:19]
5. For those who have not yet crossed the line of faith, what questions or concerns do you have about taking that step? How can the group support you in this journey? [01:17:12]
6. Think about someone in your life who might be open to hearing about the love of Christ. How can you share your faith with them in a meaningful way this week? [53:39]
7. How can the principles of the Great Commandment and the Golden Rule guide your interactions with others in your daily life? Identify a specific relationship where you can apply these teachings. [49:30]
Devotional
I'm ready to present the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined:
Day 1: Trusting God's Presence in Trials
In the midst of life's challenges, God's promises in Isaiah remind us of His unwavering presence and strength. Even when we cannot see His hand at work, He assures us that He is with us, strengthening us and never leaving us. This assurance invites us to trust Him deeply and lean into His faithfulness, knowing that He is committed to being with us through every trial. As we navigate difficult times, we are encouraged to hold onto these promises, allowing them to anchor our faith and provide hope. [46:32]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively trust in God's presence and strength today, even if you cannot see the outcome?
Day 2: Living Out Love and Mission
As a community of believers, we are called to embody the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. This means loving God and others, sharing the gospel, and treating others as we wish to be treated. Our identity and mission as a church are shaped by these commitments, driving us to be a community that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. By living out these principles, we become a beacon of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it. [49:30]
Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV): "And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: Identify one way you can intentionally love someone in your community this week. How can you share the gospel through your actions and words?
Day 3: The Heart of Missions
Missions are at the core of God's heart, as demonstrated by Jesus, the ultimate missionary. Our mission work, both locally and globally, is an expression of God's love, meeting physical needs while sharing the hope and salvation found in Christ. By participating in missions, we follow Jesus' example of selfless service, breaking our hearts for what breaks His. This calling challenges us to look beyond ourselves and serve others, embodying the transformative power of God's love in action. [55:08]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Consider a local or global mission opportunity you can support or participate in. How can you contribute to sharing God's love and hope with others?
Day 4: Generosity and God's Provision
We are encouraged to give cheerfully and generously, trusting that God will provide all we need. Our generosity enables us to support various ministries and missions, allowing us to experience the blessings of being a blessing to others. As we give, we are reminded that our actions have eternal significance, and we are blessed to be a blessing. This perspective shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness. [01:14:19]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Reflect on your current giving habits. How can you increase your generosity this week, trusting in God's provision for your needs?
Day 5: Invitation to Faith
For those who have not yet accepted Christ, today is an invitation to cross the line of faith and experience the fullness of life in Him. This decision is a step into a new life of purpose, hope, and eternal significance. As a church, we are committed to living on mission, being faithful stewards of God's blessings, and expanding His kingdom for His glory. This invitation is not just about a momentary decision but a lifelong journey of faith and transformation. [01:17:12]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: If you have not yet accepted Christ, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith? If you have, how can you deepen your relationship with Him and live out your faith more fully?
Quotes
1. "People ask me all the time, hey, man, what's different? What's the difference between Granite United and other churches? We don't talk about other churches. And I'm going to tell you what is cool about Granite United. We got this thing called a stump speech. It's kind of like our elevator speech. When people say, hey, tell me about your church, I always reply this way. I say, we are a great commandment church. Here's what this means if you're new. All right. Because remember, at Granite, we want to know what does the Bible say? Where does the Bible say? And what are you going to do? OK, because we're serious about this because the word of God, Jesus said, my word is truth and the truth shall set you. So we want to know what the Bible says. Right. And so I always say this. Well, we're a great commandment church. And this is what this means, because if you're going to come to Granite, you might as well hear this now. And if this is going to be a church that you lock arms with, we're going to be a church that loves God and loves other people. Amen. Love other people. Number one is a great commandment. Then we're going to be a great commission church. What is a great commission? In short, it is this, that we're going to go everywhere telling everyone about Jesus. We refuse to allow Jesus Christ to be our best kept secret. Amen. And we're not going to do that. I mean, because hope has a name and his name is. And then here's the other thing. We're going to be a great a golden rule church. All this is Bible. What is the golden rule? The golden rule, Jesus said, listen, how about we just treat other people the way we want to be treated? All right. And what we're called to do as hope dealers, as we make disciples. The truth is, at the end of the day, we're just extending to others what our heavenly father has freely extended to us. Grace, mercy." [49:30] (106 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Here's a question. How many of you are thankful that we serve a long suffering, impatient God? Raise your hand. Oh, yeah. Some of you have really worn God's patience out. I get it. Right. We're all there. Right. Thank God that he is a God who loves us. He meets us where we are, but he loves us too much to keep us there. Amen. And so as a church, we are a church that strives to live on mission. And this is why a number of us, 22 of us, actually, and a number of people in this service, went on this trip. Raise your hand. I know we got Kelly, Jimmy, Hanoi, Patrice. We got the Graves over here. We all went. 22 of us just got back from Guatemala. And so, yeah, it was great. Matter of fact, there they are right there. That's the gang right there. we had such a great time. It was absolutely incredible. And we really do believe as the body of Christ that we're saved on purpose for a purpose because, God's got a great purpose for us. Amen. Do me a favor. On the count of three, look at the person on the other side of you. Point a finger at that person and say to them, God's got big plans for you. And give them a round of applause. Ready? One, two, three. God's got big plans for you. Give them a round of applause. I'm just telling you, it's true." [50:46] (86 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Missions is the heart of God. As a matter of fact, the greatest missionary to ever walk the planet, his name was Jesus. Jesus left his home. He crossed the galaxies. The word became flesh. Jesus Christ left his home, came to us to chase us down. I've come to seek and to save those who were lost. Jesus Christ came here to step into your spiritual poverty, and brokenness. He came here, the Bible says, he became poor so that we can become spiritually rich. Who's thankful for that today? Amen. This is the Bible. Jesus said, I didn't come as a missionary to be served. I left my home to come serve you because you needed hope. You needed help. And all God's kids said, amen, right? And here's the beautiful thing about the Bible. The Bible says this, when we ask God to break our hearts for what breaks his. When we chase after the things that Jesus Christ modeled for us, there is a blessing that comes with that." [55:08] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to hear, well done, thou good and faithful servant. I want to step into eternity, and I want to be blessed where it actually matters in forever. Amen. I'm grateful that our Father blesses. I'm grateful that our Father blesses us in the here and now, but I want to make sure I'm blessed in the when and then. I am going to unlock something for some of you today that it's going to help you 1,000 years from now. I'm going to unlock something for some of you that's going to matter 10 years from now. Are you saying 10 years from now I'm going to be in eternity? Maybe. I'm unlocking something. Then the King would say to those in his right hand, come you who are blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you for the rest of your life. And then the creation of the world. Verse 35. Don't miss this. Don't miss this. This is King Jesus speaking. This is I referring to the King, the capital K, King of kings and Lord of lords. For I was hungry, you fed me. I was thirsty, you gave me drink. I was a stranger, you invited me into your home. I was naked, you gave me clothing. I was sick, you cared for me. I was in prison, You visited me. Then the righteous ones will reply." [56:43] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And the king, Jesus, will say, I'll tell you the truth. When you did it to one of the. My brothers and sisters, you were. Isn't that a beautiful passage of scripture? See, they weren't doing it to build a religious resume. They were doing it because you know what? They had the nature of the father. See, our God is a giving God. Our God is a God of love. And this isn't shallow. As a matter of fact, the apostle Paul said in Ephesians chapter three, verse 17, I love this verse. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him more and more and more and more and more. In other words, he's like, hey, I pray now that you're in Christ. You. You will continue to grow and grow and grow and grow and grow and grow and grow. OK, may your roots go down deep into the soil of what church? He's like, hey, God's marvelous love. And we're like, OK, verse 18, this gets so good. And may you have the power to understand as all God's people should. If you're saved and you know it, say amen." [01:00:13] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "He said, I'm praying. You have the power to understand what I'm about to unpack for you. So Paul's saying through the Holy Spirit, through Paul, how wide, how long, how high, how deep his love. You want to know what he said? Why he says you got to understand what it how is what his love really is like. He's like, because we can barely comprehend it. You got to work at this man. Here's why. Ready? This is so great. May you experience the love of Christ. The Though it is so great, you will what? He's like, this is awesome. Like, it's mind blowing. And as you grow more and more and more and more and more and more, your mind's going to be blown more and more and more and more and more. And listen, it even gets better. You're never going to fully understand it. But what a journey it is. And he goes on to say, keep that verse up. He goes on to say. In verse 19, then you will be filled with the fullness of life." [01:01:08] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want you to be so, so filled with the love of Christ that you experience the fullness of life. I'm in love and I don't care who knows it. And he goes, and the power that comes from that. You think the love of God is shallow. No, no, no, no. In Revelation chapter three, actually, there were like these churches. There were seven churches. Jesus like was speaking into one church. He says, you're doing everything right. But man, there's just one thing that bothers me. It's not that you're not doing it, that you're doing things wrong. You're doing right things, but you lost the passion for why you're doing it. And the reason why we want to understand the love of Christ, because when you have the love of Christ in the heart of Christ. Remember when you're drawing little hearts on your, your bookcases, you know, your book covers and carving hearts in trees. And you go to the beach with the big heart with the arrow. C.E. Christie as low heart. A.M. Anthony, my list. And people are locked walking around like man. And they strange. They're like, I don't care what you think, fool. I'm in love. It is. It's absolutely incredible." [01:03:35] (107 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I just want to say this. This whole message was about thanking you. You know, we're blessed to be a, and I love our church because of your heart of generosity. None of this happens. That's just Guatemala. You need to understand, I think we have somewhere like five or seven feeding centers, a couple orphanages. We work with 30 missionaries. Last Sunday, just in Toga, West Africa, we were part of starting, just in the last 12 months, a sixth church in Toga this year alone, and they had 430 people show up on opening day. All right? And here's what the Bible says. The Bible says in 1 Timothy chapter 6, to me, this is our church. Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money. I love our church because I feel like we love God and love people more than we love stuff. I really do. That's our church because stuff's so unreliable. Their trust should be in God who richly gives us what, gang? For our enjoyment. Thank God. Nothing wrong with having stuff as long as stuff doesn't have us. Amen? Verse 18. Tell them. And this is, I love this about our church. Tell them to use their money. They should be what? And what? Always being ready to do what? Thank you for being awesome. Thank you for giving. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for allowing us here in Salem, Haverhill, Lawrence, New England, the United States of America, and in other parts of the world. Thank you for living beyond. Yourself living for the glory of God. God's using you and your commitment and your sacrifice in big ways." [01:11:59] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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