Embracing New Beginnings: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered with hearts full of expectation and hope, ready to embrace the new journey God has planned for us. We were encouraged to forget the former things and not dwell on the past, as God is doing a new thing among us. We reflected on the importance of perceiving and embracing the new paths God is carving out for us, trusting in His promises and guidance. We also took a moment to check in with each other using the "thumb thermometer," a tool to gauge our weeks and share our experiences, reminding us that we come to God from different places but are united in love.
We revisited the past year at Prince of Peace, recalling the various sermon series that have shaped our journey, from "Holding Space" to "Beyond." Each series has built upon the last, teaching us about love, transformation, and living out our faith. Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming sermon series on the fruits of the Spirit and Mission Month in October, where we will engage with our community partners.
We also discussed new programming and building upgrades aimed at making worship and faith growth more accessible. These include a children's moment every Sunday, monthly events like "Pancakes with the Pastor," and various small groups and concerts. Building improvements such as a new parking lot, a new sign, and upgraded sound equipment will enhance our worship experience.
Finally, we celebrated the renewal of Jamie and Sam's wedding vows, reflecting on their beautiful journey together and recommitting ourselves to support them. This event served as a reminder of the new things God is doing in our midst and the importance of community and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embracing New Beginnings: We are encouraged to forget the former things and not dwell on the past because God is doing a new thing among us. This requires us to be attentive and open to the new paths God is carving out for us, trusting in His promises and guidance. Embracing the new brings hope and courage as we step forward in faith. [04:42]
2. Reflecting on Our Journey: Looking back at the past year, we see how each sermon series has built upon the last, teaching us about love, transformation, and living out our faith. This reflection helps us understand where we've been and prepares us for the future, reminding us that God has been with us every step of the way. [12:55]
3. Living Out Our Faith: The upcoming sermon series on the fruits of the Spirit will help us see how God's love manifests in our lives. By focusing on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we can grow in our faith and see the fruit of our relationship with God. [21:48]
4. Community and Support: The renewal of Jamie and Sam's wedding vows reminded us of the importance of community and support. As their friends and family, we recommit ourselves to walking alongside them, being their support system, and celebrating their love. This act of recommitment serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for all of us. [01:35:19]
5. Accessibility and Growth: New programming and building upgrades at Prince of Peace aim to make worship and faith growth more accessible. From children's moments and monthly events to improved sound equipment and a new parking lot, these changes are designed to enhance our worship experience and help us live out our faith more fully. [23:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:42] - Call to Worship
[08:40] - Food Donations and Prayer of Reconciliation
[12:55] - Vision Series Overview
[13:29] - Reflecting on Deuteronomy and Isaiah
[15:23] - Thumb Thermometer Check-In
[16:45] - Centering Ourselves in God's Presence
[18:26] - Recap of Past Sermon Series
[21:48] - Upcoming Sermon Series: Fruits of the Spirit
[23:47] - New Programming and Events
[26:06] - Building Upgrades
[27:22] - Looking to the Future
[32:12] - Community Prayer and Lord's Prayer
[36:39] - Prayer for New Beginnings
[38:05] - Offering and Announcements
[42:59] - Preparing for Vow Renewal
[01:01:23] - Jamie and Sam's Vow Renewal
[01:35:19] - Community Support and Prayer
[01:38:38] - Closing Song and Refreshments
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV): "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
2. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
#### Observation Questions
1. What new things does God promise to do in Isaiah 43:18-19?
2. List the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
3. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what are the characteristics of love?
4. What were some of the new programs and building upgrades mentioned in the sermon that aim to make worship and faith growth more accessible? [23:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of new beginnings in Isaiah 43:18-19 encourage us to move forward in faith and not dwell on the past? [04:42]
2. In what ways can the fruits of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, manifest in our daily lives and interactions with others? [21:48]
3. Reflect on the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How can these traits help us build a stronger community and support system within our church? [01:35:19]
4. How does reflecting on past sermon series and their teachings help us prepare for future spiritual growth and challenges? [12:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Isaiah 43:18-19 encourages us to forget the former things and embrace the new. Is there something from your past that you need to let go of to fully embrace the new things God is doing in your life? How can you take a step towards that this week? [04:42]
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or community? [21:48]
3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the characteristics of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How can you intentionally practice one of these traits in your relationships this week? [01:35:19]
4. The sermon mentioned new programming like "Pancakes with the Pastor" and children's moments. How can you participate in or support these new initiatives to help make worship and faith growth more accessible for others? [23:47]
5. The renewal of Jamie and Sam's wedding vows highlighted the importance of community and support. How can you recommit yourself to being a supportive member of your church community? What specific actions can you take to show your support this week? [01:35:19]
6. Reflecting on the past year at Prince of Peace, what is one sermon series or teaching that had a significant impact on you? How can you apply its lessons to your current spiritual journey? [12:55]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of being attentive to the new paths God is carving out for us. How can you practice being more attentive to God's guidance in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to discern His direction? [04:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing New Beginnings with Hope
God calls us to forget the former things and not dwell on the past because He is doing a new thing among us. This requires us to be attentive and open to the new paths God is carving out for us, trusting in His promises and guidance. Embracing the new brings hope and courage as we step forward in faith. When we let go of past disappointments and failures, we make room for the new blessings and opportunities God has in store for us. This act of faith not only renews our spirit but also aligns us with God's divine plan, allowing us to experience His love and grace in fresh, transformative ways. [04:42]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one past event or situation you need to let go of to fully embrace the new things God is doing in your life? How can you actively trust in His promises today?
Day 2: Reflecting on Our Spiritual Journey
Looking back at the past year, we see how each sermon series has built upon the last, teaching us about love, transformation, and living out our faith. This reflection helps us understand where we've been and prepares us for the future, reminding us that God has been with us every step of the way. By revisiting these teachings, we can see the growth and changes in our spiritual lives, recognizing the ways God has molded and shaped us. This process of reflection is not just about looking back but also about gaining insight and wisdom for the journey ahead, ensuring that we remain grounded in our faith and open to God's ongoing work in our lives. [12:55]
Deuteronomy 8:2 (ESV): "And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the past year. How has God been present in your journey, and what lessons have you learned that can guide you moving forward?
Day 3: Living Out the Fruits of the Spirit
The upcoming sermon series on the fruits of the Spirit will help us see how God's love manifests in our lives. By focusing on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we can grow in our faith and see the fruit of our relationship with God. These attributes are not just ideals to strive for but are evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. As we cultivate these fruits, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character in our daily interactions and decisions. This growth is a continuous process that requires intentionality and reliance on God's strength and guidance. [21:48]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you feel is most lacking in your life right now? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this fruit more fully?
Day 4: The Power of Community and Support
The renewal of Jamie and Sam's wedding vows reminded us of the importance of community and support. As their friends and family, we recommit ourselves to walking alongside them, being their support system, and celebrating their love. This act of recommitment serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for all of us. It highlights the strength and beauty of relationships rooted in love and mutual support. In a broader sense, it calls us to be there for one another, to share in each other's joys and burdens, and to build a community that reflects God's love and faithfulness. [01:35:19]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who might need support or encouragement. How can you reach out to them today and show them God's love?
Day 5: Enhancing Accessibility and Growth in Worship
New programming and building upgrades at Prince of Peace aim to make worship and faith growth more accessible. From children's moments and monthly events to improved sound equipment and a new parking lot, these changes are designed to enhance our worship experience and help us live out our faith more fully. These improvements are not just about physical changes but are also about creating an environment where everyone can encounter God more deeply. By making worship more accessible, we open the doors for more people to experience God's presence and grow in their faith, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community. [23:47]
Psalm 122:1 (ESV): "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'"
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your place of worship more welcoming and accessible for others? What specific actions can you take to support these efforts?
Quotes
1. "We gather with hearts full of expectation and hope as we embark on a new journey embracing the future God has planned for us. We come with hearts open, ready to embrace God's new work in our lives. We stand. We stand at the threshold of new beginnings, encouraged to forget the former things and not to dwell on the past. God is doing a new thing among us and it springs forth even now. We look forward with anticipation, trusting in God's promises." [04:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In stepping forward in faith, we find courage. So let us commit ourselves to perceiving the new things God is doing and walking boldly into the future God has prepared for us. We commit to following God's lead. Embracing God's new work. As we journey together in hope, we thank you, O God, for the new things you are doing here in our midst. Help us to perceive your work and embrace the future with faith and courage. Open our hearts to your vision for our lives as we move forward in faith." [04:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As the people of God, to be in tune with how God is moving around us. How God is bringing things to life. And so we're going to talk about that a little bit this morning. But before we do, I'd like to take a moment to check in with each of you using a tool that we use at Prince of Peace called the thumb thermometer. And so what the thumb thermometer is, it's a way for us to gauge or measure our previous week. So if we had a good week, we'll give a thumbs up." [15:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A lot of times, anxiety and pressure and things. Things from the future tend to cause us discomfort or pain. We're anticipating, we're expecting things with anxiety. But sometimes it's important to just sit and know that God is in this space. And that God is with you and God is with each person in this room. And just as God is with us now, God will be with us in the future. Bringing new life everywhere around us. So it's our job to relax like this so that we might be in a state where we can recognize what God is doing around us." [16:45] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What would it mean if the story of Jesus wasn't just a tale that we told our friends or a thing that we talked about in church, but it was a story that we took on personally? And so we tried to do that throughout Lent. And then after Easter, we talked about resurrection life, what it would mean to live every day like Jesus had been raised from the dead. And through all of that, we finished in our sermon series Beyond, which said that God is pushing us beyond where we think we can go, beyond the limits of our love and beyond the limits of our expectations, that God is pushing us beyond." [20:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "In the new year, I really see the mission of our church. My heart for you all, and I hope that your heart for yourselves, will be to become comfortable in your faith and to be able to live out that faith, whatever that means for you. To know, for you to be able to articulate, this is what my faith means to me, and then this is how I put it into action. That's kind of my heart, that's where I want you all to get to in this church. And I think that my job then as the pastor is to make that as accessible and easy as possible for you to be able to live out your faith." [22:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It is a great opportunity, and I think that's something that we need to talk about later this week. But for now, my hope for you is that you would be able to stand here in this present moment and look to the future knowing that God is bringing new things to life. God is bringing new things to life all around us. And today, we will get to witness that as we see Jamie and Sam renew their wedding vows. as they look back at the marriage that they've had, the beautiful marriage that they've had, and they look ahead to what is coming next." [27:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So I hope that you'll join me in this event. And we'll be back with invite you, as we continue to worship, to make that the posture of your heart, to make that the posture of your soul, to be looking for the new things that are happening around us. And I believe that if we do that, that we will truly experience the transformation that God has for us. Amen? Alright, thank you. I don't want to run this race in vain. I ask you to stand and to ask someone this morning, perhaps who you haven't met or that you haven't talked to, how can I be praying for you this week?" [32:12] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Dear God, we come to you today remembering because we know that when we remember the good things, we look forward to the other great things that you have in store for us. So we ask that you would give us the strength to remember not only the bad things, but to dwell on the good things. Not as a way to forget the past or to come back to the good things. Not as a way to cope with what we're going through, but as a way to sit in a truly grateful posture for all that you have done for us." [36:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We thank you for all that you do. We thank you for the fact that you continue to transform us and bring us new life. And we ask that we would just keep our eyes open to how you are guiding our feet this day and every day. In your name we pray. Amen. And now I invite you to join me in saying the Lord's Prayer. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." [38:05] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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