Embracing Growth: Carrying God's Presence in Faith
Summary
In the midst of life's unpredictability, we often find ourselves navigating through challenging weeks, much like the one my family and I experienced recently. These moments remind us of the importance of community and the strength we draw from one another. As we journey through these times, it's crucial to recognize the incredible work God is doing in our midst. Our church has witnessed remarkable transformations, with people dedicating their lives to Christ and families committing their children to God. This is a testament to God's goodness and the fruitfulness of our collective efforts.
However, with fruitfulness comes the necessity of pruning. Just as a tree is pruned to promote healthy growth, God prunes us to prepare us for greater responsibilities. This process, though uncomfortable, is essential for our spiritual development. As we transition into our new lease space, we must remain vigilant and intentional in our actions. The shift from a portable to a permanent space can lead to complacency, but we must continue to engage actively in the life of the church.
Our journey mirrors that of the Israelites as they prepared to cross into the Promised Land. God sets the vision, but we determine the pace. It's vital to respond to God's call with faith and readiness, avoiding the temptation to camp in comfort rather than crossing over into new territories. This requires us to carry, not cart, the presence of God. Carrying God's presence means embracing His terms, worshiping Him for who He is, and stewarding His presence with reverence.
As we move forward, we must consecrate ourselves, setting ourselves apart for God's service. This involves stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. God often waits for us to take the first step before He performs the miracle. Our willingness to step into the unknown can pave the way for others to follow. As a church, we are called to equip and empower each other, recognizing that every believer is a priest with a mandate to minister.
In this season of transition, let us embrace the discomfort of carrying God's presence, knowing that it is a privilege and a responsibility. It's time for us to cross over, both as a church and in our personal lives, trusting that God will make a way as we step out in faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Pruning for Growth: Just as a tree is pruned to encourage healthy growth, God prunes us to prepare us for greater responsibilities. This process, though uncomfortable, is essential for our spiritual development and future fruitfulness. Embrace the pruning, knowing it is a sign of God's love and preparation for what lies ahead. [03:26]
2. Carrying God's Presence: We are called to carry, not cart, the presence of God. This means embracing His terms, worshiping Him for who He is, and stewarding His presence with reverence. Carrying God's presence requires commitment and a willingness to follow Him wherever He leads. [22:53]
3. Consecration and Readiness: Consecrate yourself by setting yourself apart for God's service. This involves stepping out in faith, even when the path is unclear. God often waits for us to take the first step before He performs the miracle. Our readiness and willingness to act can pave the way for others to follow. [27:19]
4. Equipping the Saints: Every believer is a priest with a mandate to minister. As a church, we are called to equip and empower each other, recognizing the unique gifts and callings within our community. This collective effort strengthens the body of Christ and furthers God's kingdom. [34:32]
5. Crossing Over in Faith: It's time to cross over into new territories, both as a church and in our personal lives. Trust that God will make a way as we step out in faith. Our willingness to embrace the discomfort of carrying God's presence can lead to transformation and open doors for others to follow. [37:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:02] - Reflections on a Challenging Week
- [03:26] - The Necessity of Pruning
- [04:25] - Transitioning to a Permanent Space
- [06:02] - The Need for Active Participation
- [06:42] - Recognizing the Season
- [08:20] - It's Time to Cross Over
- [09:27] - God's Timing and Our Readiness
- [10:47] - Lessons from the Israelites
- [12:22] - Confidence in God's Promises
- [13:38] - Embracing New Challenges
- [15:40] - The Call to Cross Over
- [17:48] - Following God's Presence
- [19:39] - The Role of Priests
- [21:43] - Reverence for God's Holiness
- [22:53] - Carrying vs. Carting God's Presence
- [25:34] - Prioritizing God in Our Lives
- [27:19] - Consecration and Commitment
- [28:55] - Stepping Out in Faith
- [30:25] - Fighting for God's Promises
- [33:19] - Empowering the Church Community
- [37:18] - Embracing the Responsibility
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 3:1-17: This passage describes the Israelites preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of following God's presence and stepping out in faith.
- John 15:1-2: Jesus speaks about the necessity of pruning for growth, illustrating how God prepares us for greater responsibilities.
- 1 Peter 2:9: This verse highlights the identity of believers as a royal priesthood, called to carry God's presence and minister to others.
#### Observation Questions
1. In Joshua 3, what instructions were given to the Israelites regarding the Ark of the Covenant, and what did it symbolize for them? [16:54]
2. How does the sermon describe the process of pruning, and why is it necessary for spiritual growth? [03:26]
3. What challenges did the Israelites face when they were about to enter the Promised Land, and how did their perception affect their actions? [12:22]
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between carrying and carting the presence of God? [22:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of pruning in John 15 relate to the challenges and transitions faced by the church and individuals today? [03:26]
2. What does it mean for believers to be a "royal priesthood" as described in 1 Peter 2:9, and how does this identity impact their role in the church? [19:39]
3. In what ways does the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River illustrate the importance of faith and readiness in responding to God's call? [08:20]
4. How can the church ensure that it is carrying, rather than carting, the presence of God in its activities and worship? [22:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge or transition in your life. How might God be using this situation to prune and prepare you for future growth? [03:26]
2. As a member of the "royal priesthood," what specific steps can you take to actively carry God's presence in your daily life and interactions with others? [19:39]
3. Consider a time when you hesitated to step out in faith. What held you back, and how can you overcome similar obstacles in the future? [28:55]
4. How can you contribute to ensuring that your church community remains active and engaged, especially during times of transition or change? [06:02]
5. Identify an area in your life where you may be carting God's presence instead of carrying it. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's terms? [22:53]
6. Think about a person in your life who might benefit from your testimony of stepping out in faith. How can you share your experience to encourage them? [31:39]
7. What practical steps can you take to consecrate yourself and set yourself apart for God's service in this season of your life? [27:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Pruning Process
In life, just as a tree is pruned to encourage healthy growth, individuals undergo a spiritual pruning process. This process, though often uncomfortable, is essential for spiritual development and future fruitfulness. It is a sign of God's love and preparation for greater responsibilities. Embracing this pruning means recognizing that God is at work, shaping and refining us for what lies ahead. This period of pruning is not a punishment but a preparation, a divine act of love that aligns us with God's purpose. As we submit to this process, we open ourselves to the growth and transformation that God desires for us. [03:26]
John 15:2 (ESV): "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
Reflection: What area of your life is God currently pruning, and how can you embrace this process with trust and openness today?
Day 2: Carrying God's Presence with Reverence
Carrying God's presence is a profound responsibility that requires commitment and reverence. Unlike carting, which implies a passive approach, carrying God's presence involves active engagement and worshiping Him for who He is. It means embracing His terms and stewarding His presence with a heart full of devotion. This responsibility calls for a deep commitment to follow God wherever He leads, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty. As we carry His presence, we are reminded of the privilege it is to be in communion with the divine, and the call to live a life that reflects His glory. [22:53]
2 Samuel 6:13-14 (ESV): "And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the Lord with all his might."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively carry God's presence in your daily life, and how can you ensure that your actions reflect His holiness and love?
Day 3: Consecration and Stepping Out in Faith
Consecration involves setting oneself apart for God's service, stepping out in faith even when the path is unclear. God often waits for us to take the first step before He performs the miracle. This act of faith is not just for personal growth but also paves the way for others to follow. As believers, we are called to be ready and willing to act, trusting that God will guide us through the unknown. This readiness to step out in faith is a testament to our trust in God's promises and His ability to lead us into new territories. [27:19]
Joshua 3:5 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, and how can you prepare yourself to take that first step today?
Day 4: Equipping and Empowering the Church Community
Every believer is a priest with a mandate to minister, and as a church, we are called to equip and empower each other. Recognizing the unique gifts and callings within our community strengthens the body of Christ and furthers God's kingdom. This collective effort involves nurturing and supporting one another, fostering an environment where each person can grow and serve according to their God-given abilities. By empowering each other, we create a vibrant community that reflects the love and grace of God, working together to fulfill His purposes. [34:32]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to empower someone in your church community this week, and what steps can you take to encourage their growth in Christ?
Day 5: Crossing Over into New Territories
It's time to cross over into new territories, both as a church and in personal lives. Trusting that God will make a way as we step out in faith is crucial. This journey requires embracing the discomfort of carrying God's presence, knowing it leads to transformation and opens doors for others to follow. As we cross over, we are called to trust in God's guidance and provision, stepping into the unknown with confidence in His promises. This act of faith not only impacts our lives but also inspires those around us to pursue their own journeys of faith. [37:18]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: What new territory is God calling you to cross into, and how can you prepare yourself spiritually and mentally to embrace this new journey with faith and courage?
Quotes
"God is so good and he has been doing so much, but I also want to encourage you to be very, very careful because the reward for good work is what? More work. In the parable of the talents, one of the stewards who did good with what he had been given, the master said this to him, well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount. So now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together. Congratulations. The reward for good work is more work." [00:02:38] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So what happens in pruning is what you do is you go in and you start cutting off some of the branches that would restrict growth from being able to happen in health and the plant to be able to flourish. And anytime we're fruitful, God comes in and starts pruning us. And God does this because he loves us. But what I've learned about human nature is that everybody wants to be fruitful, but nobody wants to get pruned. It's not as fun. But it's necessary because God prunes us today so that we can handle what he wants to give us tomorrow." [00:03:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And one thing I will say is that in our church, the goal of a lawn church is never going to be size. It's not to build a big church. You can have a gathering of 50 people over here to worship Jesus and the gathering of 500 people over here to worship Jesus. Which of the two is God more pleased with? It depends. You could have 50 all in, Holy Spirit filled, laying down my life for the gospel of Jesus Christ, worshiping God in spirit and in truth Christians. And you can have 500 lukewarm, half in, half out, worship God when it's convenient for me, type Christians." [00:07:17] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God will wait until you're ready to cross over. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to take 40 years to do something that I should have done in 11 days. And so God sets the vision, but people determine the pace. God tells us where to go, but we determine based on how we respond, how quickly we get there. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather get there sooner rather than later." [00:09:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And it needs to be handled with the weight that it's due because God is holy. And so my encouragement to you is that we can do this as we navigate this season, that you can do this. And always keep in mind, whenever you're crossing into a new season, listen, whether you believe God can, or whether you believe God can't, whether you think and have confidence that you can, or confidence that you can't, can determine whether or not you cross over into the other side. It's time for us to cross over. It's time for us as a church to cross over. It's time for you in your, whatever area of your personal life it is to cross over. We've camped long enough. It's time for us to get up, step in the river, step out, watch the river, and cross over. Watch God make a way so that other people can come through to the other side." [00:37:46] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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