Embracing New Beginnings Through Faith and Community
Summary
In my sermon, I began by encouraging the congregation to spiritually wave away their worries and troubles, reminding them that their struggles will be over in the morning. I then delved into the history of our church, Mars Hill Missionary Baptist Church, founded by Ruben Heath and 17 other believers. I emphasized the importance of each individual's unique contribution, likening it to a thread in a garment. Pulling one thread could unravel the entire garment, just as removing one believer could destabilize the church. I then discussed the verse Matthew 19:26, our church's motto, which states that with God, all things are possible. This verse was particularly significant during the turbulent times of the civil rights movement when the church was founded.
In the second part of my sermon, I shared my personal journey to becoming a pastor, from resisting the call while in college to finally accepting it after meeting my wife. I discussed the challenges of transitioning into the role of pastor after my father's passing and the wisdom he imparted to me about leading the church. I emphasized the importance of consistency in preaching and competence in actions. I concluded the sermon by encouraging the congregation to see every ending as a new beginning in disguise, using the church's growth and reach as an example. I reminded them that even in times of chaos and instability, God is always at work, creating new beginnings.
Key Takeaways:
1. Every individual's contribution to the church is significant and removing one can destabilize the entire church. (source: [01:50])
2. With God, all things are possible. This belief can provide hope and strength during turbulent times. (source: [12:07])
3. Consistency in preaching and competence in actions are crucial for leading a church. (source: [31:51])
4. Every ending is often a new beginning in disguise. Even in times of chaos and instability, God is creating new beginnings. (source: [33:24])
5. The church's mission is not limited to the physical building but extends to reaching people worldwide. (source: [37:09])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 19:26 #!!15:34!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the context in which Matthew 19:26 is mentioned in the Bible?
2. How does the story of the rich young man relate to the concept of impossibility and possibility with God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 19:26 imply about the power and capabilities of God compared to man?
2. How does the story of the rich young man illustrate the message in Matthew 19:26?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a situation in your life where you felt something was impossible, but it turned out to be possible with God's intervention?
2. How can you apply the principle of Matthew 19:26 in your current life situation or challenge?
3. Can you think of a time when you were hesitant to give up something valuable (like the rich young man), but realized later that it was necessary for your spiritual growth?
4. How can you demonstrate your faith in God's possibilities in a specific situation you are facing this week?
5. What is one way you can encourage someone else this week with the truth of Matthew 19:26?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Unwavering Faith
Unwavering faith is the thread that holds everything together. It is the force that allows us to face challenges and overcome obstacles. It is the belief that with God, all things are possible. This faith is not just a personal conviction, but a collective strength that can build a legacy and withstand all odds ([01:50]).
Bible Passage: Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did you rely on your unwavering faith to overcome this challenge?
Day 2: The Call to Serve
The call to serve is a burning desire that cannot be ignored. It is a divine assignment that requires sacrifice, commitment, and obedience. This call may come at unexpected times and may require us to step out of our comfort zones, but it is a call that leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life ([30:46]).
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: How have you responded to God's call to serve in your life? What sacrifices have you made to fulfill this call?
Day 3: The Power of Consistency and Competence
Consistency and competence are key to effective leadership. They build trust, credibility, and respect among those we lead. As leaders, we must strive to be consistent in our actions and competent in our roles to effectively guide and inspire others ([31:51]).
Bible Passage: Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Reflection: How have you demonstrated consistency and competence in your leadership roles? How has this impacted those you lead?
Day 4: The Challenge of Familiarity
Familiarity can sometimes breed contempt. Those who have known us for a long time may find it hard to accept our growth and transformation. However, we must not let this deter us from fulfilling our purpose and calling ([34:42]).
Bible Passage: Mark 6:4 - "Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.'"
Reflection: Have you experienced challenges due to familiarity? How have you overcome these challenges?
Day 5: The Promise of New Beginnings
Every ending often disguises a new beginning. When one chapter closes, another one opens. We must not fear endings but embrace them as opportunities for new beginnings. With faith and courage, we can navigate these transitions and look forward to what God has in store for us ([36:03]).
Bible Passage: Isaiah 43:19 - "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."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent ending in your life. How can you view this as a new beginning?
Quotes
1. "If you keep on pulling every now and then you could be pulling the wrong thread that holds it all together. If you keep pulling it, that very thing that you found joy in will become unpleasant, unwearable." - 12:07
2. "With man, it is what? Impossible, but with God, all things are possible. That was our church's motto, let me make a correction that he is our church's motto." - 15:34
3. "When you look at an ending, look for a new beginning. Because here in Mars Hill, we have been written off so many times. But look around you now. Every ending often disguises a new beginning." - 36:03
4. "When things are chaotic, unpredictable, and unstable, people look for islands of stability. Because these islands of stability become their anchors of hope to keep them steady during turbulent times." - 37:09
5. "My dad said you won't have any challenges with those who are older if you are consistent in your preaching and competent in your actions. He says you won't have any problems with my generation." - 33:24
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