Embracing God's Work Beyond Our Expectations
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we celebrate the achievements of our community members, especially those who have graduated. We also acknowledge the efforts of those involved in the Girls Bible Study, which has been a cornerstone for our young girls, helping them grow in their faith. Now, let's dive into our teaching for today.
God desires everyone to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. We often find ourselves surprised when God works outside the conventional spaces we expect. The Spirit moves where it pleases, and we must remain open and aware of God's work around us. I shared a story from Pastor Erwin McManus about a woman named Sucho, who experienced a profound revelation of God during a worship service, despite her initial skepticism. This story reminds us that God can reveal Himself to anyone, anywhere, and we should be ready to help others understand and validate their spiritual experiences.
In our own church, we have seen both positive and challenging encounters. Some people come with genuine questions and a desire to grow, while others approach with cynicism and a critical spirit. We must be mindful not to let negativity hinder those who are genuinely seeking God. There is a spiritual hunger in our community, both inside and outside the church, and we must nurture this desire to see God work in powerful ways.
The story of the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14 illustrates the depth of devotion and sacrifice that pleases God. Jesus praised her act of pouring expensive perfume on His head, recognizing it as a preparation for His burial. This act of worship was misunderstood by others, but Jesus saw the deeper significance. Similarly, we must strive to see beyond the surface and recognize the profound work of God in our midst.
We need to shift from merely acknowledging the theoretical presence of God to experiencing His tangible presence in our lives. This shift requires us to be awake and aware of God's work around us. Jesus taught His disciples to see the world differently, to recognize God's presence in every situation. This awareness transforms how we live, love, and serve others.
The story of Eldad and Medad in Numbers 11 and the disciples' reaction to someone casting out demons in Jesus' name in Luke 9 highlight the importance of celebrating God's work, even when it happens outside our expected boundaries. Jesus and Moses both emphasized that God's Spirit can work through anyone, anywhere. We must avoid a fixed, narrow view of God's work and instead embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective.
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, signifying a new reality where God's presence is manifest in His people. This shift means that we can experience God's tangible presence in our daily lives, not just in specific religious settings. We must cultivate a hunger for God's presence and be open to His work in every aspect of our lives.
As we prepare to baptize Taylor, we celebrate her commitment to follow Jesus and live under His authority. Baptism is a powerful symbol of dying to our old selves and being born again in the Spirit. It signifies our commitment to live in community, support one another, and grow in Christ-like maturity.
In conclusion, we must remain open to God's work, both inside and outside the church. We should celebrate and support those who are genuinely seeking God, and strive to experience His tangible presence in our lives. Let us pray for fresh eyes to see God's work and the courage to step into the life He has for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Spirit Moves Beyond Our Expectations: We often limit our expectations of where and how God can work. The story of Sucho at Mosaic Church reminds us that God can reveal Himself to anyone, anywhere, even outside our conventional religious settings. We must remain open and ready to help others understand and validate their spiritual experiences. [14:08]
2. Guard Against Cynicism: In our community, we encounter both genuine seekers and those with a critical spirit. It's crucial to guard against cynicism and negativity, which can hinder others from experiencing God. Instead, we should foster an environment of openness and support for those who are genuinely seeking to grow in their faith. [16:33]
3. Recognize the Depth of Devotion: The story of the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14 teaches us to see beyond the surface and recognize the profound acts of devotion and sacrifice that please God. Jesus praised her act of worship, which others misunderstood. We must strive to see the deeper significance of God's work in our midst. [28:01]
4. Experience God's Tangible Presence: We need to move from merely acknowledging the theoretical presence of God to experiencing His tangible presence in our lives. This shift requires us to be awake and aware of God's work around us, transforming how we live, love, and serve others. [27:15]
5. Celebrate God's Work Outside Our Boundaries: The stories of Eldad and Medad in Numbers 11 and the disciples' reaction in Luke 9 highlight the importance of celebrating God's work, even when it happens outside our expected boundaries. We must avoid a fixed, narrow view of God's work and embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective. [09:31]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - Celebrating Graduates and Community Members
[02:50] - Girls Bible Study Acknowledgment
[05:10] - Disciples' Concern and Jesus' Response
[09:31] - Eldad and Medad: God's Work Outside the Tent
[14:08] - Story of Sucho: God Revealing Himself
[16:33] - Guarding Against Cynicism
[17:35] - Spiritual Hunger in Our Community
[18:30] - God Comes Where He's Wanted
[19:29] - Fixed Worldview vs. Expanding God's Kingdom
[22:46] - The Shift at Pentecost
[27:15] - Experiencing God's Tangible Presence
[28:01] - The Woman with the Alabaster Jar
[30:25] - Jesus' Teaching on Deeper Devotion
[33:35] - Developing Radar for God's Work
[35:04] - Taylor's Baptism Introduction
[41:42] - Trusting God's Work in Our Lives
[44:12] - Inviting God's Presence in Our Homes
[45:16] - Spiritual Gifts and Community Involvement
[47:24] - Prayer for Fresh Eyes and Courage
[48:14] - Community Vows and Baptism Preparation
[51:34] - Community Commitments
[52:56] - Taylor's Baptism Ceremony
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 9:49-50 (NIV): "Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him because he is not one of us." "Do not stop him," Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."
2. Numbers 11:24-29 (NIV): "So Moses went out and told the people what the Lord had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but did not do so again. However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders but did not go out to the tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and told Moses, 'Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.' Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, 'Moses, my lord, stop them!' But Moses replied, 'Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!'"
3. Mark 14:3-9 (NIV): "While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, 'Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.' And they rebuked her harshly. 'Leave her alone,' said Jesus. 'Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the disciples when they saw someone driving out demons in Jesus' name in Luke 9:49-50?
2. In Numbers 11:24-29, what was Joshua's concern about Eldad and Medad, and how did Moses respond?
3. Describe the act of devotion performed by the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14:3-9 and the reaction of those present. How did Jesus respond to their criticism?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was not threatened by someone outside the group performing miracles in His name? How does this reflect on the inclusivity of God's work? [05:58]
2. Moses wished that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them (Numbers 11:29). What does this desire reveal about Moses' understanding of God's work and presence?
3. The woman with the alabaster jar performed an act that was misunderstood by others but praised by Jesus (Mark 14:3-9). What does this teach us about recognizing and valuing acts of devotion and worship?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you saw God working outside the conventional boundaries you expected. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [09:31]
2. How can you guard against cynicism and negativity in your community, especially when encountering those who are genuinely seeking God? What practical steps can you take to foster an environment of openness and support? [16:33]
3. The woman with the alabaster jar showed deep devotion and sacrifice. Identify a way you can show a similar level of devotion in your own life. What might you need to sacrifice to honor God more fully? [28:01]
4. Jesus taught His disciples to see the world differently and recognize God's presence in every situation. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's tangible presence in your daily life? What specific practices can help you stay awake and aware of God's work around you? [27:15]
5. The story of Eldad and Medad highlights the importance of celebrating God's work, even when it happens outside our expected boundaries. How can you embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective of God's work in your community and beyond? [09:31]
6. As we prepare to baptize Taylor, we celebrate her commitment to follow Jesus. Reflect on your own commitment to live under Jesus' authority. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him and support others in their faith journey? [35:04]
7. The sermon emphasized the need to shift from acknowledging the theoretical presence of God to experiencing His tangible presence. What changes can you make in your life to move from theory to experience? How can you invite God's presence into your home, work, and community? [27:15]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Spirit Moves Beyond Our Expectations
God's Spirit is not confined to our expectations or conventional spaces. Often, we limit where and how we think God can work, but the Spirit moves freely and reveals Himself in unexpected ways. The story of Sucho at Mosaic Church is a powerful reminder that God can touch anyone, anywhere, even those who initially approach with skepticism. We must remain open and ready to help others understand and validate their spiritual experiences, recognizing that God's work is not limited by our preconceived notions. [14:08]
John 3:8 (ESV): "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Reflection: Think of a time when you were surprised by God's work in an unexpected place or person. How can you remain open to seeing God's Spirit move in unconventional ways today?
Day 2: Guard Against Cynicism
In our community, we encounter both genuine seekers and those with a critical spirit. It's crucial to guard against cynicism and negativity, which can hinder others from experiencing God. Instead, we should foster an environment of openness and support for those who are genuinely seeking to grow in their faith. By doing so, we create a space where spiritual hunger can be nurtured and where people feel safe to explore their relationship with God without fear of judgment. [16:33]
Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Reflection: Reflect on your own attitude towards others in your community. Are there areas where you have allowed cynicism to take root? How can you actively foster a more supportive and open environment for those seeking God?
Day 3: Recognize the Depth of Devotion
The story of the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14 teaches us to see beyond the surface and recognize the profound acts of devotion and sacrifice that please God. Jesus praised her act of worship, which others misunderstood. We must strive to see the deeper significance of God's work in our midst, understanding that true devotion often involves personal sacrifice and a heart fully surrendered to God. [28:01]
Mark 14:6-9 (ESV): "But Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.'"
Reflection: Consider an act of devotion or sacrifice you have witnessed or experienced. How did it impact your understanding of worship and commitment to God? How can you cultivate a heart of deeper devotion in your daily life?
Day 4: Experience God's Tangible Presence
We need to move from merely acknowledging the theoretical presence of God to experiencing His tangible presence in our lives. This shift requires us to be awake and aware of God's work around us, transforming how we live, love, and serve others. Jesus taught His disciples to see the world differently, to recognize God's presence in every situation. This awareness transforms our daily interactions and deepens our relationship with God. [27:15]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's tangible presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this awareness and allow it to transform your interactions and service to others?
Day 5: Celebrate God's Work Outside Our Boundaries
The stories of Eldad and Medad in Numbers 11 and the disciples' reaction in Luke 9 highlight the importance of celebrating God's work, even when it happens outside our expected boundaries. We must avoid a fixed, narrow view of God's work and embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective. God's Spirit can work through anyone, anywhere, and we should rejoice in His work, regardless of where it occurs. [09:31]
Numbers 11:26-29 (ESV): "Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, 'Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.' And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, 'My lord Moses, stop them.' But Moses said to him, 'Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you witnessed God's work outside of traditional or expected boundaries. How did it challenge your understanding of how God operates? How can you celebrate and support God's work in unexpected places today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Look, the purpose of church is not to escape but to open ourselves up to the presence of God everywhere. Here in so many ways is where we are learning to see and seek God everywhere else. It's here where we are learning to wake up to the God who is present everywhere. And he wants to show up and usher in the life of the ages. His rule and reign. His kingdom. And so church, church should be a place where we are becoming aware and awake of the God who is everywhere else. Who is with us to the very end of the age." [41:42]
2. "Remaining aware of God's presence moment by moment can't help but revolutionize how we actually live. Surrendering to God. Surrendering to God's will takes us out of our self-focused flesh mindset and empowers us to see what God sees, love as God loves, and sacrifice for others the way God sacrificed for us. Nothing could be as socially impacting as this. Nothing could impact the culture of your family more than this. Nothing could impact your heart more than this." [42:55]
3. "God comes where he's wanted. And in our streets. This paradigm has been so helpful for me from Duncan Campbell. Heart, home, church and streets in our world. God give me eyes to see where you are at work. Where are there Taylor Davies in my life and in my world? God help me to see my primary vocation and job as a disciple of you and joining you in the renewal of all things more than anything else." [45:16]
4. "The manifest presence of God is transformational. Not just theological. Not just intellectual. The manifest presence of God, the tangible presence of God is particular, not general. It's personal and it requires then pursuit. It's covenantal, which means it's deeply relational and it's specific. And this, in light of today, is what's so important to see. This is the shift in the birth of the church. God initiates this new covenant. And it doesn't happen in the temple in Jerusalem where everything happens. Everything happens in the temple. No, no. At Pentecost, at the new reality that we are living into now, if you were to believe it as a follower of Jesus. The birth of the church. No, no. God does this initiating of the new covenant and the pouring out of his spirit." [25:01]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Why are we surprised when people come to Jesus who are not? I don't know. Inside the church. Why are we surprised when we see God at work in the lives of those around us outside of the normal bounds and places and spaces that we've come to expect God to show up? The Spirit is going to blow where it pleases. The wind is going to go where it, this is what it is to live in tune and awake and aware to the things of God. What God is after, what pleases God. He wants everything. He wants everyone to come to a knowledge of the truth." [14:08]
2. "We cannot come up with theological gymnastics to justify our lack of experience. This is what Jesus offers. He offers a richer life, a deeper life, a life beyond whatever box you've been handled, handed. We cannot be a church that says, I know he said that, but I haven't experienced it. So it must not be real. More than anything, stories like this and pictures like this should stir our hunger. I'm going to go after that. I believe in you, Lord. I want to have some of that. I'm going to claim my inheritance and trust that my inheritance is that I can walk in that kind of love and power and beauty." [32:19]
3. "The wind blows where it wants. The wind blows where it wants. People outside the religious gathering are hearing the truth. I think sometimes what happens is we create a bucket. We create a closed world view. We either give ourselves this bucket or an old denomination or like a religious institution gives us a bucket. It says to people, this is how God works. This world view. So a person who's been given a fixed bucket. And told if it's not in there, it's not legitimate. He's been given a version of the way of Jesus that is tepid and stoic." [19:29]
4. "The omnipresence is God in the room. But the manifest presence is God showing us that he's in the room. And that's what's happening at Pentecost. That's what's happening at the birth of the church. That's the reality we're still living in today. The manifest, tangible presence of God. It's more than just a deeper awareness and some vague sense that, yeah, yeah, God is sort of everywhere. It's a story. It's a reality that we can walk as a living temple through every moment of our day." [24:18]
5. "Jesus is teaching the disciples to see levels of depth that everyone else is missing. Something deeper and more profound is happening. They're all up here on the surface and they are missing the beauty and depth and richness of life. In fact, what she's doing is so profound, we're told it's going to be told again and again and again and again and again. Her passion, her pursuit of God, her openness to something bigger happening in her midst right now." [30:25]
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