Embracing God's Work Amidst Challenges and Growth

 

Summary

Reflecting on the past year, it's clear that God's work has been beyond our comprehension. The growth and impact of Cornerstone Church have reached global dimensions, with church plants and missions extending to various parts of the world. This expansion is not just about numbers but about lives being transformed through the gospel. Thousands are tuning in online, and our initiatives, like feeding starving children and training pastors, are making a significant difference. It's a humbling realization that what God is doing is far greater than what we can fully grasp or articulate.

However, with these blessings come challenges. This past year has been tough for many, including myself. The emotional and physical toll of ministry can be overwhelming, yet it's a privilege to pour out love and care for others. The story of Kurt and his family, who faced the loss of Gretchen, reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of community and support. It's in these moments of pain and loss that we often find ourselves drawing closer to God, realizing the depth of His grace and the hope we have in Him.

As we enter a new year, it's crucial to remember that despite the trials, we must not give up. The world is in desperate need of the hope and love that only Christ can provide. The video we watched highlights the disconnect many have with the true meaning of Christmas and the gospel. This should stir compassion within us, just as it did with Jesus and Paul, who were moved to tears by the lostness of people. Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those who are wandering without a shepherd.

We are also called to make room for more people to encounter God. Plans to expand our facilities are underway, not for the sake of growth itself, but to ensure that no one is turned away from hearing the gospel. As we embark on this new year, let's commit to deepening our relationship with God through prayer and scripture, and to being a light in a world that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Work is Beyond Comprehension: The growth and impact of our church are a testament to God's power and grace. It's a reminder that His plans are far greater than what we can understand or control. We are merely vessels through which He works, and it's humbling to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves. [02:36]

- The Cost of Caring Deeply: Loving others deeply can be exhausting, yet it's the most fulfilling way to live. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray and recharge, showing us the importance of balancing ministry with rest. Our capacity to love and serve is a reflection of God's love working through us. [06:38]

- Finding God in the Midst of Pain: Trials and losses can draw us closer to God, as they strip away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency. In our weakness, we find His strength, and in our sorrow, we discover His comfort. This year, let's embrace the challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth. [11:34]

- Compassion for the Lost: The disconnect many have with the gospel should break our hearts and move us to action. Jesus and Paul were deeply moved by the lostness of people, and we are called to share in that compassion. Our mission is to be a light in the darkness, guiding others to the hope found in Christ. [23:48]

- Commitment to Spiritual Growth: As we start a new year, let's commit to deepening our relationship with God through daily scripture reading and prayer. This spiritual discipline will sustain us through the challenges and enable us to be effective in our mission to reach the lost. [32:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Reflecting on God's Work
- [01:29] - Global Impact and Outreach
- [02:10] - Training Pastors Worldwide
- [03:25] - The Challenge of Explaining God's Work
- [04:36] - Personal Struggles and Growth
- [06:38] - The Cost of Caring Deeply
- [08:43] - Praying for Those in Pain
- [11:06] - Finding God in Trials
- [13:42] - The Temptation to Quit
- [15:49] - Compassion for the Lost
- [19:24] - The Reality of the World
- [23:48] - The Heartbreak of Rejection
- [27:03] - Making Room for More
- [30:36] - Commitment to Spiritual Growth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 9:36 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
2. Philippians 3:18 - "For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the global impacts and outreach efforts mentioned in the sermon that Cornerstone Church has been involved in? [01:29]

2. How does the pastor describe the emotional and physical toll of ministry, and what example does he give to illustrate this? [06:38]

3. What was the reaction of Jesus when he saw the crowds, according to Matthew 9:36, and how does this relate to the pastor's message about compassion for the lost? [20:22]

4. How does the pastor describe the disconnect people have with the true meaning of Christmas, and what emotions does this evoke in him? [19:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the pastor suggest that trials and losses can draw us closer to God, and how does this align with the biblical understanding of suffering? [11:34]

2. How does the pastor's story about Kurt and his family illustrate the importance of community and support during times of loss? [08:14]

3. What does the pastor mean when he says that the growth and impact of the church are "beyond our comprehension," and how does this reflect the nature of God's work? [02:36]

4. How does the pastor's call to "make room for more people to encounter God" challenge the church's current approach to outreach and expansion? [27:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the challenges in your life. How did you find strength in God during that period, and what can you do to rely on Him more in future trials? [11:34]

2. The pastor talks about the cost of caring deeply for others. How can you balance your emotional and physical well-being while serving others in your community? [06:38]

3. Consider the disconnect many people have with the true meaning of Christmas. How can you share the message of Christ's love and hope with someone who may not understand it? [19:24]

4. The pastor emphasizes the importance of compassion for the lost. Identify one person in your life who seems to be wandering without direction. How can you be a source of guidance and support for them? [20:22]

5. As the church plans to expand its facilities, think about how you can contribute to making room for more people to encounter God. What practical steps can you take to support this mission? [27:03]

6. The pastor encourages deepening our relationship with God through prayer and scripture. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize these spiritual disciplines? [32:47]

7. Reflect on the pastor's message about not giving up despite trials. What is one area in your life where you feel tempted to quit, and how can you find encouragement to persevere? [15:21]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Unfathomable Work in Our Lives
Reflecting on the past year, it's evident that God's work is beyond human comprehension. The growth and global impact of Cornerstone Church serve as a testament to His power and grace. This expansion is not merely about numbers but about lives being transformed through the gospel. Thousands are tuning in online, and initiatives like feeding starving children and training pastors are making a significant difference. It's a humbling realization that what God is doing is far greater than what we can fully grasp or articulate. We are merely vessels through which He works, and it's humbling to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves. [02:36]

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you seen God's work in your life that you cannot fully understand or explain? How can you embrace the mystery of His plans today?


Day 2: The Exhausting Yet Fulfilling Cost of Deep Love
Loving others deeply can be exhausting, yet it's the most fulfilling way to live. The emotional and physical toll of ministry can be overwhelming, but it's a privilege to pour out love and care for others. Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray and recharge, showing us the importance of balancing ministry with rest. Our capacity to love and serve is a reflection of God's love working through us. This year, let's embrace the challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and remember that our strength comes from Him. [06:38]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs your love and care today, and how can you ensure you are also taking time to recharge and rest in God's presence?


Day 3: Discovering God in Our Pain
Trials and losses can draw us closer to God, as they strip away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency. In our weakness, we find His strength, and in our sorrow, we discover His comfort. The story of Kurt and his family, who faced the loss of Gretchen, reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of community and support. It's in these moments of pain and loss that we often find ourselves drawing closer to God, realizing the depth of His grace and the hope we have in Him. [11:34]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What pain or trial are you currently facing, and how can you invite God into that space to find His comfort and strength?


Day 4: Compassion for the Lost and Wandering
The disconnect many have with the gospel should break our hearts and move us to action. Jesus and Paul were deeply moved by the lostness of people, and we are called to share in that compassion. Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those who are wandering without a shepherd. The world is in desperate need of the hope and love that only Christ can provide, and we are called to be a light in the darkness, guiding others to the hope found in Him. [23:48]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is disconnected from the gospel, and how can you show them the love and compassion of Christ today?


Day 5: Commitment to Spiritual Growth
As we start a new year, it's crucial to commit to deepening our relationship with God through daily scripture reading and prayer. This spiritual discipline will sustain us through the challenges and enable us to be effective in our mission to reach the lost. Plans to expand our facilities are underway, not for the sake of growth itself, but to ensure that no one is turned away from hearing the gospel. Let's commit to being a light in a world that desperately needs it, and to making room for more people to encounter God. [32:47]

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God through scripture and prayer? How can this commitment impact your ability to reach others with the gospel?

Quotes


it was so cool because 2005 really was the first year where so many things were going on that I couldn't get my arms around it like I couldn't explain everything I thought well there's no way in half an hour I can explain what God did because it's the first year where everything just kind of went out from here [00:00:31]

I can't tell you how many thousands of hits we've gotten from that all around the world all these people from all these different continents just thanking us I I can't tell you how many start starving kids we fed this year we gave you a little video of a glimpse of it oh we did with a few hundred th000 [00:01:11]

this is just Way Beyond us now this thing is just just out of control which is great you know and people constantly are leaving Cornerstone to go to these Church plants to go out of the mission field man there are people all around the world right I can't tell you all of our missionaries I can't tell you how they're doing what they're all doing [00:02:54]

I thank God for it and go wow that's what what brought me closer to him and and for a lot of us it's a tough year and and we go gosh I the trials and and yet you can still thank God for it not because it was fun and not because you laugh through the whole year but you go you know it it changed me it did something for me [00:11:39]

you know what some people quit this year and they regret it and it's been a horrible year for some people some people quit and said you know what I I just can't handle reality and they get addicted you know to some substance or or pornography or whatever it is and I just want to escape the real world [00:13:40]

I know it's hard to follow him sometimes I know it's hard to to to walk the straight narrow and live the way that God wants you to but there's a world out there that's dying that needs our help and and we got to do something you you don't give up on that you don't quit on that [00:15:31]

when Jesus saw these crowds of people it says they felt compassion but that that word compassion doesn't really do it justice Because the actual Greek word is the is the word for bowels it's the idea that that that he had this this pain in the pit of his stomach when he saw these crowds of people wandering around [00:20:40]

Paul says I I've said it I've told you this many times he goes but there are people who hate the cross and everything it stands for but Paul doesn't just say ah you know it it stinks all these people hate the cross he says says I'm saying this with tears see so often in churches churches can appear angry [00:22:44]

it's not about the building it's just about you know what we need a we need space that'll fit another 6 700 people in there every service and it's like okay that'll that'll help alleviate some of the crowd problems and and this or that but it's it's not about crowds it's just about souls [00:30:21]

some of you guys need some prayer if you guys want some prayer I'll be up here in the prayer room maybe you're just hurting today and you just need someone to talk to some of you maybe you want to get baptized right now and just say you know what I want to start the new year right I believe in Jesus [00:31:59]

some of you need to start reading the Bible every day you we going give you these pieces of paper you can get this blue one it it's just a reading plan to read through the Bible in a year um like this morning I I read the first one Genesis 1:3 and Matthew 1 and and and me it took me and this is me with reading [00:32:33]

I really challenge you to try to read through the Bible this year and I in this way if we all go through this plan then I can you know on the weekends go ah it's like what we read you know this week in Genesis 1 and we can refer to some of those things as well but uh whatever you need to do during this time [00:33:10]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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