Embracing Growth: Trusting God's Guidance Through Prayer
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by addressing the excitement and significance of our church moving to three services due to growth and lack of space. I expressed gratitude for everyone's support and attendance, especially highlighting the newcomers who joined us. I then shared the incredible experiences we've had with the Holy Spirit moving powerfully among us, leading to people coming to faith, reconciliations, and freedom from addictions.
I recounted the joyous Easter service at Stewart Auditorium, where over 1,400 people gathered, and we witnessed 35 individuals give their lives to Christ, with many others recommitting their faith. I emphasized that these commitments and baptisms are a testament to the Holy Spirit's work in our midst.
Transitioning from the celebration of these big moments, I delved into the heart of my message, focusing on the disciples' experience after Jesus' ascension. I drew parallels between their uncertainty about the future and our own moments of wondering "what now, what next?" after significant life events. I pointed out that the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, and they obeyed, gathering together in prayer.
I stressed the importance of being in the right place, both physically and spiritually, to receive God's guidance. I encouraged the congregation to surround themselves with like-minded believers and to immerse themselves in prayer, both individually and corporately. I reminded everyone that prayer is not optional but a commandment, and it's where we encounter God and receive His power.
I also touched on the necessity of knowing the voice of the Shepherd through prayer and the counsel of the Holy Spirit through His Word. I urged the congregation to actively engage with Scripture and to trust and obey God's direction, rather than seeking constant big moments or emotional highs.
As I concluded, I extended an invitation for anyone who realized they didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus to come forward and make that commitment. I reassured them that in trusting and obeying Jesus, we might face challenges, but we will be equipped with everything we need through His power.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our church's growth and the move to three services are a testament to God's blessing and the active work of the Holy Spirit among us. The expansion is not about numbers but about making room for more people to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. ([26:06])
2. The celebration of big moments, like our Easter service, is important, but it's the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit that truly changes lives. The joy of seeing people come to faith and lives being restored is a reminder of the Spirit's power to move in the hearts of individuals and communities. ([28:38])
3. After significant spiritual experiences, we often face the question of "what now, what next?" The disciples faced this after Jesus' ascension, and we too must seek God's guidance for the next steps in our faith journey. Being in the right place, surrounded by the right people, and engaging in prayer are key to receiving His direction. ([57:11])
4. Prayer is the lifeline of our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we encounter Him, receive His power, and are moved to worship and obedience. We must prioritize personal and corporate prayer as essential practices in our walk with Christ. ([01:06:08])
5. Trusting and obeying God is not about seeking constant spiritual highs but about walking in a consistent, daily relationship with Jesus. As we trust and obey, we find true fulfillment and purpose, not in the big moments, but in the everyday faithfulness of following Him. ([01:14:41])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:3-14 - The disciples' experience after Jesus' ascension and their instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples instructed to do after Jesus' ascension? (Acts 1:4)
2. How did the disciples respond to Jesus' command to wait in Jerusalem? (Acts 1:12-14)
3. What significant events did the pastor mention that demonstrated the Holy Spirit's work in the church? ([27:24])
4. How did the congregation respond during the Easter service at Stewart Auditorium? ([28:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit instead of immediately sending them out? (Acts 1:4-5)
2. How does the pastor's emphasis on being in the right place, both physically and spiritually, relate to the disciples' obedience in Acts 1? ([57:30])
3. What does the pastor mean by saying that prayer is not optional but a commandment? How does this align with the disciples' actions in Acts 1:14? ([01:06:08])
4. How can the concept of trusting and obeying God in everyday life, rather than seeking constant spiritual highs, be applied to our personal faith journey? ([57:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant spiritual moment. How did you handle the "what now, what next?" question afterward? ([35:54])
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of being in the right place physically and spiritually. Are there any areas in your life where you need to make changes to be in the right place? ([57:30])
3. How can you incorporate more personal and corporate prayer into your daily routine? What steps can you take to prioritize prayer in your life? ([01:06:08])
4. Think about a recent decision or challenge you faced. How did you seek God's guidance, and what role did prayer and Scripture play in that process? ([52:12])
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded believers. How can you actively engage with your church community to foster spiritual growth and accountability? ([01:00:22])
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to trust and obey God. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([43:10])
7. How can you move from seeking big spiritual moments to finding fulfillment in a consistent, daily relationship with Jesus? What changes might this require in your daily habits or mindset? ([57:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Church Growth as God's Work
Growth within a church community is a clear indication of God's active presence. As the congregation expands to accommodate more individuals, it's essential to recognize that this isn't merely about increasing numbers but about creating opportunities for more people to encounter the life-changing message of the Gospel. This growth is a direct result of the Holy Spirit's work, touching hearts and transforming lives. It's a time to express gratitude for the support and participation of each member, especially those who are new to the faith. The move to three services is a strategic step to ensure that everyone has a chance to experience the warmth of fellowship and the power of collective worship.
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV) says, "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to welcoming newcomers into your church community and support the church's growth? [26:06]
Day 2: Celebrating the Spirit's Transformative Power
While grand events and celebrations are memorable, the true essence of spiritual transformation lies in the continuous work of the Holy Spirit. The joy experienced during significant services, such as Easter, where individuals make life-changing decisions, is a testament to the Spirit's ability to move hearts. These moments are not just for celebration but also for reflection on the ongoing journey of faith that each believer undertakes. The Spirit's power is evident in the changed lives, reconciliations, and freedom from addictions that occur within the community, showcasing the profound impact of God's love and grace.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV) states, "Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."
Reflection: Can you identify a moment when you felt the Holy Spirit working in your life, and how has that experience shaped your faith journey? [28:38]
Day 3: Seeking God's Guidance Post-Milestone
After experiencing significant spiritual milestones, believers often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering about the next steps in their faith journey. The period following Jesus' ascension was a time of uncertainty for the disciples, yet they were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit. In obedience, they gathered together in prayer, positioning themselves to receive divine guidance. Similarly, it's crucial for believers today to be in the right place—both physically and spiritually—surrounded by fellow believers and immersed in prayer, to discern God's direction for their lives.
Acts 1:4 (ESV) instructs, "And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'you heard from me.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure you are in the 'right place' to receive God's guidance in your current season of life? [57:11]
Day 4: Prayer as Our Lifeline to God
Prayer is the vital communication channel between believers and God. It is not an optional practice but a commandment that allows individuals to encounter God and receive His power. Through prayer, believers are moved to worship and obedience, drawing strength and guidance for their daily lives. It is in these moments of personal and corporate prayer that the faithful can truly connect with God, understand His will, and be empowered to live out their faith authentically and courageously.
Colossians 4:2 (ESV) encourages, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine, and what might you need to adjust to prioritize this spiritual discipline? [01:06:08]
Day 5: Daily Trust and Obedience Over Spiritual Highs
The Christian walk is not about chasing after constant spiritual highs but about cultivating a consistent, daily relationship with Jesus. True fulfillment and purpose are found not in fleeting emotional experiences but in the everyday faithfulness of following Christ. Trusting and obeying God's direction leads to a life of satisfaction and meaning, equipping believers with everything they need to face challenges and embrace their calling.
James 1:22-24 (ESV) admonishes, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate trust and obedience to God in your daily life, starting today? [01:14:41]
Quotes
1) "Be surrounded by like-minded people. Being in the right place is great, but put yourself around like-minded people, around brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage you, but will also challenge you. How many of us are asking the right question, to the right people in the right place?" [01:00:52]
2) "This corporate gathering on Sunday is not intended even for you to get everything that God has for you. This setting, our corporate worship, biblically, is meant to glorify Jesus. It's to glorify Jesus and for us to move from where we are into a deeper, more intimate, closer relationship with Him." [01:02:44]
3) "Through prayer. You've gotta pray. Did you know that when Jesus talked about His church, remember what He said? My house will be called a house of prayer. It's because in prayer it's where we meet Him. And when we meet Him, we will worship Him. When we meet Him, we will share with one another about Him." [01:04:25]
4) "The Christian life is not the pursuit of the nearest and dearest adrenaline rush or endorphin release or emotional experience. That's not the point of the Christian life. The point of the Christian life is to live in relationship with Jesus Christ. And when you walk and you live in relationship with Jesus Christ, you'll have some of those moments." [33:01]
5) "After every single one of them, there's always a moment where you're sitting down and you're saying, what now, what next? Isn't there? Think about it. I want you to turn to Acts chapter one where the disciples have this moment where they go, what now and what next?" [35:54]
6) "today I commit to trust and obey I commit to trust and obey Lord we love you we worship you I thank you for your word and as we get ready to sing this song of Jesus alone that we really mean it it's not Jesus plus anything that it's you alone and that we would trust you and obey you and realize that in our trusting and obeying it doesn't mean our life is going to be sunshine and rainbows and butterflies it's going to be challenging." [01:15:11]
7) "Being in the right place will help you defeat that sin. If you've been struggling, with some kind of failure, some moral failure, some sin in your life, let me tell you something. Being in the right place will help you defeat that sin." [57:56]
8) "We have experienced God do some really amazing things, as Pastor Josh mentioned in the welcome. Some really amazing things. We've experienced the Holy Spirit come into our space and work in the in-between. I call it in the midst of us. See, we have a promise that the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us when we give our lives to Jesus." [27:24]
9) "Prayer is essential for you as a Christ Father. It is not a recommendation. It's not a suggestion. It's not a supplement to your Christian faith. It is a commandment. It's an instruction. Some of you are intimidated by the context or even concept of praying at all. Especially praying in a group of people. Do you know the best way to learn to pray? Start praying." [01:06:08]
10) "We don't have to understand everything for him to be trustworthy. We don't need to or have to understand everything for him to be worthy of our trust and obedience. I know from personal experience, there are so many things I'm glad I didn't know. I didn't understand and know ahead of time. But because I knew that he was worthy of trust and obedience, he revealed to me what he needed to reveal to me." [42:40]
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