Embracing Grace, Truth, and God's Sovereignty in Life

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound truth that Jesus Christ embodies grace and truth, surpassing the law that came through Moses. In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself to Moses as "I am," a name that Jesus further unveiled in the New Testament by declaring Himself as the light of the world, the resurrection, and the life. This revelation assures us that Jesus is everything we need Him to be, and for that, we give thanks. As we enter into a time of corporate prayer, we acknowledge the challenges and unexpected realities of the past week. Yet, we find solace in the presence of God, who refuels and replenishes us. In our moments of emptiness, we are reminded that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, and by seeking His kingdom first, all things will be added unto us.

We also took time to pray for those in our community who are grieving, particularly the families of Sister Norton and Sister Barbara Waddell. Life is unpredictable, but we trust in God's sovereignty, knowing He holds our today and tomorrow. We praised God for His unmatched greatness and faithfulness, acknowledging that He sustains and protects us through all circumstances. In our brokenness, we bring our burdens to God, confident that He is the healer who can restore us and lift us from despair. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and even when joy seems elusive, we find peace and hope in Him.

As we continue in worship, we are reminded of the importance of giving. Our financial stewardship is crucial for the sustainability of our church, and we are encouraged to give with open and cheerful hearts. God can multiply our offerings beyond what we can imagine, just as He did with the loaves and fishes. We also celebrated the work of our Angel Tree ministry and the seasoned saints who participated in the Christmas spectacular. As we conclude, we are challenged to recognize and respond to the "Herods" in our lives—those forces that seek to steal our joy. By resting in God's sovereignty and trusting in His guidance, we can overcome these challenges and embrace the abundant life Jesus offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus as the Great "I Am": Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's revelation as the "I am" from the Old Testament. He is the light, the resurrection, and the life, embodying everything we need. This truth invites us to rely on Him for all our needs and to praise Him for His sufficiency. [26:11]

2. The Power of Prayer: In moments of emptiness and exhaustion, prayer becomes a restorative practice. By coming before God, we allow His Spirit to refill and renew us, reminding us that those who seek Him will be filled. This practice is essential for spiritual replenishment. [27:25]

3. Trusting in God's Sovereignty: Life's unpredictability can be daunting, but trusting in God's sovereignty provides peace. He holds our future, and in His unmatched greatness, He sustains and protects us. This trust is a source of strength and comfort. [32:51]

4. The Joy of the Lord as Strength: Even when joy seems absent, the joy of the Lord remains our strength. By bringing our burdens to God, we find healing and restoration. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a divine gift that sustains us. [33:53]

5. The Importance of Giving: Financial stewardship is vital for the church's sustainability. Giving with a cheerful heart allows God to multiply our offerings, just as He did with the loaves and fishes. This act of obedience and faithfulness is crucial for the church's mission. [54:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:11] - Jesus as the Great "I Am"
- [27:25] - The Power of Prayer
- [28:13] - Seeking God's Refilling Presence
- [31:00] - Trusting in God's Sovereignty
- [32:51] - Praising God's Greatness
- [33:53] - The Joy of the Lord as Strength
- [35:14] - Comfort for the Grieving
- [36:38] - Embracing Hope and Joy
- [37:09] - Worship and Fellowship
- [44:11] - Welcoming Visitors
- [47:52] - Fellowship and Announcements
- [50:02] - Celebrating Ministry Work
- [54:13] - The Importance of Giving
- [58:43] - Offering and Worship
- [01:36:58] - Overcoming Life's Challenges
- [01:43:49] - Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
2. Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe Jesus as the fulfillment of God's revelation as the "I Am"? [26:11]
2. What role does prayer play in the life of a believer according to the sermon? [27:25]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the unpredictability of life and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty? [31:00]
4. What examples from the sermon highlight the importance of giving with a cheerful heart? [54:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus being the "I Am" impacts our daily lives and needs? [26:11]
2. How does the sermon connect the practice of prayer with spiritual replenishment and renewal? [27:25]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between God's sovereignty and our peace during life's challenges? [31:00]
4. How does the sermon encourage believers to view financial stewardship as part of their faith journey? [54:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt empty or exhausted. How did prayer help you find restoration, and how can you incorporate more prayer into your daily routine? [27:25]
2. Consider the unpredictability of life. How can you practice trusting in God's sovereignty more fully in your current circumstances? [31:00]
3. Identify a "Herod" in your life—something that seeks to steal your joy. How can you respond with wisdom and rest in God's sovereignty to overcome it? [01:36:58]
4. Think about your current approach to giving. What steps can you take to give more cheerfully and generously, trusting God to multiply your offerings? [54:13]
5. How can you actively seek God's kingdom first in your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might this require in your life? [28:13]
6. Reflect on the joy of the Lord as your strength. How can you cultivate this joy in your life, even when circumstances are challenging? [33:53]
7. How can you support those in your community who are grieving or facing difficult times, as mentioned in the sermon? [35:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Fulfillment of "I Am"

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's revelation as the "I Am" from the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, the resurrection, and the life, fulfilling the profound truth of God's presence and sufficiency. This understanding invites believers to rely on Jesus for all their needs, recognizing that He is everything they require. By acknowledging Jesus as the Great "I Am," individuals are encouraged to praise Him for His sufficiency and to trust in His ability to meet every need. This truth is a cornerstone of faith, offering assurance and hope in the face of life's uncertainties. [26:11]

Exodus 3:14 (ESV): "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus as the "I Am"? How can you actively rely on His sufficiency today?


Day 2: The Restorative Power of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful practice that restores and replenishes the soul, especially in moments of emptiness and exhaustion. By coming before God in prayer, believers allow His Spirit to refill and renew them, reminding them that those who seek Him will be filled. This practice is essential for spiritual replenishment, offering a source of strength and comfort. In a world filled with challenges and unexpected realities, prayer becomes a vital tool for maintaining spiritual health and well-being. It is through prayer that individuals can find solace and peace, knowing that God is present and attentive to their needs. [27:25]

Psalm 63:1 (ESV): "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

Reflection: When was the last time you felt spiritually empty? How can you incorporate a specific time of prayer into your day to seek God's refilling presence?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Sovereignty

Life is unpredictable, and its uncertainties can be daunting. However, trusting in God's sovereignty provides peace and assurance. God holds the future, and in His unmatched greatness, He sustains and protects His people. This trust is a source of strength and comfort, allowing believers to navigate life's challenges with confidence. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, individuals can find peace in knowing that He is in control, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on God's faithfulness and His ability to work all things for good. [32:51]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?


Day 4: The Joy of the Lord as Strength

The joy of the Lord is a divine gift that sustains believers, even when joy seems absent. By bringing their burdens to God, individuals find healing and restoration, experiencing a joy that is not dependent on circumstances. This joy is a source of strength, enabling believers to endure trials and challenges with hope and resilience. It is through this joy that individuals can find peace and contentment, knowing that God is with them and that His joy is their strength. This understanding encourages believers to seek God's presence and to rely on His joy as a sustaining force in their lives. [33:53]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you cultivate the joy of the Lord in your life today, even amidst difficult circumstances? What practical steps can you take to experience His joy as your strength?


Day 5: The Importance of Cheerful Giving

Financial stewardship is vital for the sustainability of the church, and giving with a cheerful heart allows God to multiply offerings beyond what can be imagined. This act of obedience and faithfulness is crucial for the church's mission, enabling it to continue its work and impact the community. By giving generously, believers participate in God's work, trusting that He will provide for their needs and bless their offerings. This understanding encourages individuals to approach giving with joy and gratitude, recognizing it as an opportunity to partner with God in His mission. [54:13]

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: What is one way you can give cheerfully and generously this week? How can you trust God to multiply your offering for His purposes?

Quotes

"The Gospel of John says, when reflecting on the birth of Christ, that it was the law that came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. And in the Old Testament, when God revealed himself to Moses, to the powers that were during that day, Moses asked for a name, and God tells him to tell those powers that I am, that I am has sent you." [00:25:06] (31 seconds)


"And then when Jesus shows up on the scene, he takes it a step further than Moses and says the one that was concealed, that I am that was concealed in the Old Testament has been revealed in the New Testament. Jesus says, I am. I am the light of the world. I am. I am the resurrection and the life." [00:25:38] (25 seconds)


"As we come now to this moment of, of corporate prayer, I don't know about anybody else, but it has been a week. It has been a week, a week filled with many experiences, a week filled with high moments and low moments, a week filled with unexpected realities. And so when I come to a moment like this, and I pray that you do as well, when I come to a moment like this, where I have an opportunity to steal and quiet myself and come before the Lord." [00:26:26] (37 seconds)


"It's a moment that is restorative. It's a moment that is refueling and replenishing. And whatever life has taken out of us this week, I'm grateful today that when we come before God, his spirit can refill us. His word can refill us. His word can renew us. And so maybe this morning you've been drained. You've been emptied." [00:27:03] (29 seconds)


"You've been made to feel void by what life has brought to you this week. I, I want to put before you this, this moment of prayer that when we come before God, he, he can, and he will, he will fill us. For he says that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled. And if we seek him first, at his kingdom, all these things will be added unto us." [00:27:32] (32 seconds)


"Church, you never know what life, what life can bring to you. you never know what a moment holds, what tomorrow holds. But we seek God today because we know that he has our today and our tomorrow in the hollow of his hand. And so, God, we do we do praise you for your greatness. We do praise you for you are perfect and holy and righteous in all of your ways." [00:32:06] (44 seconds)


"You are unmatched in your deity and in your sovereignty. There is none like you. You're in a class all by yourself. God, we we pray for you. We pray for you. We pray today in spirits of thanksgiving for how you have brought us to this moment and how you have kept us and lifted us up, watched over us and protected us and sustained us and maintained us. We thank you today." [00:32:51] (41 seconds)


"Church, we are, creeping towards a very dangerous place that we do not want to be as a church family in terms of our financial state and our financial status. It is not something that we cannot overcome if we are obedient to God's word. Amen. If we're obedient to God's word and faithful, faithful in our giving and doing it corporately and collectively together, together." [00:53:47] (26 seconds)


"Giving nothing should never be an option. Right? And so I'm putting before you again, I'm putting before you again, give something today in worship. I would implore you to give what's right and what God has commanded. But if you're not at that level, if you're not at that stage yet, God is not, God is never going to ask you for something that you don't have. Right?" [00:55:46] (24 seconds)


"But whatever you have to give, give it with an open and with a cheerful heart so that we can back away from this financial ledge that we're looking over as a church. We're bringing ourselves back to a place of financial stability. If all of us do our part, we know that God can do with our giving what he did with that lunch, can't he? He can, he can take it, he can bless it, and he can multiply it." [00:56:46] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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