Embracing Growth: Understanding the Bible and Surrendering to God

Devotional

Day 1: Commitment to Spiritual and Relational Growth

This year is dedicated to growth in every aspect of our spiritual and relational lives. Whether it's through water baptism, prayer, or leading a small group, there are next steps for everyone to take. Growth is not just about numbers; it's about deepening our relationship with God and each other. [28:27]

In 2024, the focus is on holistic growth—spiritual, relational, and communal. This means that every individual has an opportunity to take the next step in their faith journey, whether through participating in water baptisms, engaging in the 21 days of prayer, or leading a small group. These activities are not just about increasing church attendance but about fostering a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and with one another. The story of the man who traveled from North Carolina to be baptized is a powerful testament to the transformative power of commitment and faith.

As we embark on this journey of growth, it's essential to remember that spiritual growth is a continuous process. It involves daily decisions to follow Jesus more closely, to engage in prayer, and to build relationships within the church community. This year, let's commit to taking those next steps, no matter where we are in our faith journey, and support each other in this collective pursuit of spiritual and relational growth.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: What is one specific step you can take this week to deepen your relationship with God or someone in your church community?

Day 2: Understanding the Bible as a Unified Story

The Bible is a unified story inspired by the Holy Spirit, written by various authors over 1600 years. Despite its diverse authorship, it tells one story centered on Jesus Christ. Understanding its structure and purpose can help us apply its teachings to our lives. [34:38]

The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is a unified narrative that spans 1600 years and involves multiple authors, all inspired by the Holy Spirit. This divine inspiration ensures that despite the diversity of its authorship, the Bible tells one cohesive story centered on Jesus Christ. Understanding the structure and purpose of the Bible can significantly enhance our ability to apply its teachings to our daily lives. The Old Testament lays the foundation by focusing on the people of Israel and their relationship with God through various covenants, while the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these covenants through Jesus Christ.

By recognizing the Bible as a unified story, we can better appreciate its depth and relevance. Each book, chapter, and verse contributes to the overarching narrative of God's plan for humanity. This understanding can transform our Bible reading from a mere religious duty into a life-changing encounter with God's Word. As we delve into this new series, "What is the Bible All About?" let's open our hearts and minds to the richness of Scripture and allow it to guide our lives.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily Bible reading routine into your life to better understand the unified story of Scripture?

Day 3: Old Testament vs. New Testament

The Old Testament focuses on the people of Israel and their relationship with God through covenants, while the New Testament centers on Jesus and the new covenant established through His sacrifice. The Old Testament shows God's wrath against sin, and the New Testament reveals His grace towards sinners. [44:00]

The Old Testament and New Testament serve distinct yet complementary purposes in the Bible. The Old Testament primarily focuses on the people of Israel and their relationship with God through various covenants, such as the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants. It highlights God's holiness and His wrath against sin, emphasizing the need for a Savior. The New Testament, on the other hand, centers on Jesus Christ and the new covenant established through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It reveals God's grace and mercy towards sinners, offering a path to redemption and eternal life.

Understanding the differences and connections between the Old and New Testaments can deepen our appreciation of God's plan for salvation. The Old Testament sets the stage for the coming of Jesus, with over 400 prophecies pointing to Him as the promised Savior. The New Testament fulfills these prophecies, demonstrating that Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive plan. By studying both Testaments, we can gain a fuller understanding of God's character and His unwavering love for humanity.

Hebrews 8:6 (ESV): "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises."

Reflection: How does understanding the distinct roles of the Old and New Testaments enhance your view of God's plan for salvation?

Day 4: Purpose of the Old Testament

The Old Testament is there to show us that our way doesn't work and that we need Jesus. It contains over 400 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, pointing to Him as the promised Savior. This underscores the importance of understanding both Testaments to fully grasp God's plan for salvation. [01:00:57]

The Old Testament serves a crucial purpose in God's plan for humanity. It reveals the futility of trying to live life on our terms and highlights our need for a Savior. Through the stories of the people of Israel, their successes, and their failures, we see that human efforts alone cannot achieve righteousness or a right relationship with God. The Old Testament contains over 400 prophecies that point to Jesus as the promised Savior, demonstrating that He is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

By understanding the purpose of the Old Testament, we can better appreciate the significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The Old Testament sets the stage for the New Testament, showing us the depth of our need for God's grace and the lengths to which He went to provide it. This understanding helps us see the Bible as a cohesive narrative that points to Jesus as the central figure in God's plan for salvation.

Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: How does recognizing the prophecies in the Old Testament that Jesus fulfilled impact your faith and understanding of God's plan for salvation?

Day 5: Invitation to Surrender

If you've been trying to live life your way and it's not working, today is the day to surrender to God's way. He offers forgiveness, cleansing, and a fresh start. Giving your life to Jesus will bring peace and restore your relationship with God. [01:07:57]

Living life on our terms often leads to frustration, disappointment, and a sense of emptiness. If you find yourself in this place, today is the perfect day to surrender to God's way. God offers forgiveness, cleansing, and a fresh start through Jesus Christ. By giving your life to Jesus, you can experience true peace and restoration in your relationship with God. This invitation to surrender is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to follow Jesus and trust in His plan for your life.

Surrendering to God means letting go of our own plans and desires and allowing Him to guide us. It involves trusting that His ways are higher and better than ours. When we surrender, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace. This act of surrender can bring profound peace and joy, as we align our lives with God's purpose and experience the fullness of His blessings.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone! It's a joy to gather in God's house today. We are entering a season of growth, not just in numbers but in our spiritual and relational lives. This year, 2024, is dedicated to growth in every aspect of our walk with the Lord. We have various next steps for everyone, no matter where you are in your faith journey. Today, we celebrate water baptisms, including a man who traveled from North Carolina to be baptized. This is a powerful testament to the commitment and transformation that comes from following Jesus.

We also kick off our 21 days of prayer today, a time to reconnect with God and deepen our prayer lives. Every weekday at 6 AM and Saturdays at 9 AM, we gather for an hour of prayer. This is a key way to grow spiritually. Additionally, leading a small group can significantly impact your spiritual growth. As we prepare for the new school year, we will have a special prayer service next Sunday to anoint and pray over our students.

Today, we begin a new series titled "What is the Bible All About?" This series aims to help you understand and fall in love with the Word of God. The Bible is not just a book; it's the Holy Book, inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by various authors over 1600 years. Despite its diverse authorship, it tells one unified story centered on Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament and New Testament serve different purposes. The Old Testament focuses on the people of Israel and their relationship with God through covenants like the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants. The New Testament centers on Jesus and the new covenant established through His sacrifice. The Old Testament shows the wrath of God against sin, while the New Testament reveals God's grace towards sinners.

Understanding the structure of the Bible can help you read and apply it more effectively. The Old Testament is divided into four sections: the Law, History, Poetry and Wisdom, and the Prophets. Each section contributes to the overarching narrative that points to Jesus. The New Testament, on the other hand, focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the establishment of the early church.

The purpose of the Old Testament is to show us that our way doesn't work and that we need Jesus. It contains over 400 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, demonstrating that He is the promised Savior. Today, I challenge you to give your life to Jesus, to stop doing things your way and start doing them God's way. If you feel distant from God, He is here to forgive, cleanse, and restore you.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Commitment to Growth: This year is dedicated to growth in every aspect of our spiritual and relational lives. Whether it's through water baptism, prayer, or leading a small group, there are next steps for everyone to take. Growth is not just about numbers; it's about deepening our relationship with God and each other. [28:27]
2. Understanding the Bible: The Bible is a unified story inspired by the Holy Spirit, written by various authors over 1600 years. Despite its diverse authorship, it tells one story centered on Jesus Christ. Understanding its structure and purpose can help us apply its teachings to our lives. [34:38]
3. **Old vs. New Testament**: The Old Testament focuses on the people of Israel and their relationship with God through covenants, while the New Testament centers on Jesus and the new covenant established through His sacrifice. The Old Testament shows God's wrath against sin, and the New Testament reveals His grace towards sinners. [44:00]
4. Purpose of the Old Testament: The Old Testament is there to show us that our way doesn't work and that we need Jesus. It contains over 400 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, pointing to Him as the promised Savior. This underscores the importance of understanding both Testaments to fully grasp God's plan for salvation. [60:57]
5. Invitation to Surrender: If you've been trying to live life your way and it's not working, today is the day to surrender to God's way. He offers forgiveness, cleansing, and a fresh start. Giving your life to Jesus will bring peace and restore your relationship with God. [01:07:57]
### [67:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:21] - Announcements and New Service Times
[28:27] - Year of Growth and Next Steps
[29:37] - Water Baptism Testimony
[30:55] - 21 Days of Prayer
[32:09] - Back to School Prayer Service
[33:15] - Introduction to New Series
[34:38] - Understanding the Bible
[35:45] - Daily Bible Reading Routine
[37:08] - Importance of Understanding the Bible
[38:20] - The Meaning of the Bible
[39:45] - The Unified Story of the Bible
[41:12] - Overview of the Old Testament
[44:00] - Old Testament vs. New Testament
[46:46] - The Law and Relationship
[60:57] - Purpose of the Old Testament
[67:57] - Invitation to Surrender
[70:53] - Next Steps and Offering

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the four sections of the Old Testament as described in the sermon? ([49:01])
How many prophecies from the Old Testament did Jesus fulfill according to the sermon? ([01:00:57])
What is the significance of water baptism as mentioned in the sermon? ([29:37])
What are the three covenants mentioned in the sermon, and who are they associated with? ([41:12])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding the structure of the Bible help in applying its teachings to our lives? ([37:08])
Why is it important to recognize that the Bible is a unified story centered on Jesus Christ? ([39:45])
How does the New Covenant described in Jeremiah 31:31-34 differ from the Old Covenant, and what does this mean for believers today? ([01:02:02])
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between spiritual growth and leading a small group? ([30:55])

Application Questions

The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in 2024. What specific steps can you take to grow spiritually this year? ([28:27])
Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate the 21 days of prayer into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God? ([30:55])
The sermon challenges us to surrender our lives to Jesus and stop doing things our way. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God, and how can you start doing things His way? ([01:07:57])
Understanding the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take to improve your Bible reading and comprehension? ([34:38])
The sermon mentions the importance of leading a small group for spiritual growth. Have you considered leading a small group? If not, what is holding you back, and how can you overcome these obstacles? ([30:55])
The Old Testament shows that our way doesn't work and that we need Jesus. Can you identify a time in your life when doing things your way didn't work? How did turning to Jesus change the outcome? ([01:00:57])
The sermon talks about the joy of living in a relationship with Jesus rather than following rules. How can you shift your mindset from seeing your faith as a set of rules to a joyful relationship with Jesus? ([46:46])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "This year, 2024, we said at the beginning of the year that it's going to be a year of growth. It's what we said at the beginning of this year, not just numerical growth. That's not what we're all about. We believe that the kingdom of God should grow 100%. So I guess you could say we're all about that. We're all about growth because it's really about heaven and hell. Come on somebody. Right. But, um, it's not just numerical, it's spiritual growth. It's, it's your relational growth with people. It's how you're, it's how you're developing your walk with the Lord." [28:27] (29 seconds) ( | | )

2. "If you want to grow in your walk with the Lord, one of the best ways is to lead a small group, believe it or not, I don't know what it is about this, but when you go from just participating to now you're leading people, God does a work in you. There's something that happens and you get closer to the Lord in this process." [32:09] (16 seconds) ( | | )

3. "If you want to grow, this is one of, this is, this is a key way that you can develop your prayer life and develop your walk with the Lord. If everybody who knows that and believes that say a good amen right there. I'm telling you, it's a powerful time." [30:55] (12 seconds) ( | | )

4. "And so in the New Testament, God writes the law not on tablets but on our hearts. Then all of a sudden. All of a sudden, I don't have to do those things anymore. I don't have to try to live up to 600 commandments, everybody. I get to live in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not a have to. It's a get to." [46:06] (20 seconds) ( | | )

5. "And by the way, his commands aren't burdensome if you're in love, but if you try to serve him out of just being good, you'll never be good enough. It's got to be out of, I love, I love you, God." [01:03:26] (13 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "We said at the beginning of this year, not just numerical growth. That's not what we're all about. We believe that the kingdom of God should grow 100%. So I guess you could say we're all about that. We're all about growth because it's really about heaven and hell. Come on somebody. Right. But, um, it's not just numerical, it's spiritual growth. It's, it's your relational growth with people. It's how you're, it's how you're developing your walk with the Lord." [28:27] (21 seconds) ( | | )

2. "If you want to grow in your walk with the Lord, one of the best ways is to lead a small group, believe it or not, I don't know what it is about this, but when you go from just participating to now you're leading people, God does a work in you. There's something that happens and you get closer to the Lord in this process." [32:09] (16 seconds) ( | | )

3. "And so in the New Testament, God writes the law not on tablets but on our hearts. Then all of a sudden. All of a sudden, I don't have to do those things anymore. I don't have to try to live up to 600 commandments, everybody. I get to live in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not a have to. It's a get to." [46:06] (20 seconds) ( | | )

4. "And by the way, his commands aren't burdensome if you're in love, but if you try to serve him out of just being good, you'll never be good enough. It's got to be out of, I love, I love you, God." [01:03:26] (13 seconds) ( | | )

5. "And so you know what happened to these people who thought they were better? God eventually allowed them to be taken captive into the land of Babylon, modern-day Iraq. For 70 years, they lived in captivity. And then right before the end of the Old Testament, a king named King Cyrus allows them to move back to Jerusalem. And then that's the end of the Old Testament. There's 400 years of silence between them coming back to Jerusalem and the New Testament. 400 years. God doesn't speak. God doesn't say a word." [59:16] (40 seconds) ( | | )

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