Embracing New Beginnings Through Faith and Trust

Today marks a new week and a fresh opportunity to gather as a family of believers, to worship, and to remember the faithfulness of God. As we come together, we are reminded of the significance of communion—how the broken bread and the cup symbolize the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself so that we might have hope and forgiveness. This act of remembrance is not just a ritual, but a proclamation of God’s goodness and a call to deeper fellowship with Him and with one another.

Reflecting on the journey of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15, we see that even the most faithful servants of God encounter conflict and disagreement. Their sharp dispute led them to part ways, yet both continued in their calling, strengthening the churches and advancing the mission. This narrative teaches us that conflict is not the end; rather, it can be a catalyst for growth and new beginnings. The key is to address conflict honestly, move forward in faith, and trust that God’s purposes are greater than our personal preferences or past experiences.

Moving on from the past is a recurring theme in Scripture. While our history shapes us, it should not define or confine us. God calls us to let go of what no longer serves His purpose in our lives, to trust in His plans, and to step into new seasons with courage. This requires an active faith—a willingness to take steps even when the path ahead is unclear, believing that God is both the source and sustainer of our lives.

We are challenged to examine whether God is merely a part of our lives or truly the source of our lives. When He is our source, our priorities shift, and our calling becomes clear. Trusting in God’s plan means surrendering our own agendas and embracing the new opportunities He sets before us. As we move forward, we are invited to release the burdens of the past, take bold steps of faith, and embrace the new season God has prepared, knowing that with Him, every ending is a new beginning.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Conflict Can Lead to Growth and New Beginnings The sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas did not end their ministry; instead, it multiplied their impact as they each continued to serve in different directions. Addressing conflict honestly and moving forward in faith allows God to use even our disagreements for His greater purpose. Growth often comes through the willingness to let go and trust God’s leading beyond our comfort zones. [34:52]
• 2. Letting Go of the Past is Essential for Spiritual Progress Scripture calls us to forget the former things and not dwell on the past, recognizing that while our experiences shape us, they do not define us. Clinging to past failures or even successes can blind us to the new things God is doing. True freedom and progress come when we release what no longer serves God’s purpose and open ourselves to His new work in our lives. [37:50]
• 3. God Must Be the Source, Not Just a Part, of Our Lives There is a profound difference between including God in our lives and making Him the very source of our existence. When God is our source, He becomes our top priority, and our decisions, actions, and purpose flow from our relationship with Him. This shift in perspective transforms our daily living and aligns us with His calling. [41:44]
• 4. Trusting God’s Plan Requires Active Faith Trusting in God’s plan is not a passive resignation but an active step of faith, especially when the future is uncertain. Like the Israelites at the Red Sea, we are called to move forward even when the way is not clear, believing that God’s plans are greater than our fears. Taking action in faith opens the door for God to make a way where there seems to be none. [51:49]
• 5. Embracing New Seasons is Part of God’s Design Life is full of transitions, and each season has its purpose under heaven. Embracing a new season means honoring the past but not being held captive by it, allowing God to lead us into growth, healing, and new opportunities. With every ending, God offers a new beginning, inviting us to step into His blessing with hope and courage.
  
  ** [53:35]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [05:24] - Opening Worship and Greetings
• [06:14] - Communion Preparation
• [07:38] - Opening Prayer
• [16:52] - Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness
• [22:11] - The Meaning of Communion
• [23:43] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
• [26:01] - Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
• [28:24] - The Challenge of Moving On
• [32:21] - The Conflict Between Paul and Barnabas
• [36:31] - Lessons on Letting Go of the Past
• [40:08] - God as Source vs. Part of Life
• [45:54] - Trusting God’s Plan
• [49:50] - Taking Action in Faith
• [52:44] - Embracing New Seasons
• [54:24] - Closing Encouragement and Prayer
• [62:11] - Special Prayer and Birthday Blessing

Bible Reading

Acts 15:36-41 (ESV) — > 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
> 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.
> 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
> 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
> 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
> 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) — > 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
> 19 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.”

Exodus 14:15 (ESV) — > 15 The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.”

Observation Questions

1. What was the main reason for the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, and what did each of them decide to do after the conflict? ([33:29])
2. According to Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God say about the past and the new things He is doing? ([37:50])
3. In Exodus 14:15, what did God command the Israelites to do when they were stuck at the Red Sea? ([49:50])
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between God being a part of your life and God being the source of your life? ([40:08])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God allowed the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas to happen? How did their separation affect the spread of the gospel? ([34:52])
2. The pastor mentioned that the past can shape us but should not define us. What does it look like for someone to be “defined” by their past, and how does that affect their faith journey? ([37:50])
3. When God told the Israelites to “move on” at the Red Sea, what kind of faith did that require from them? How does this relate to situations where we feel stuck or afraid? ([51:49])
4. The sermon challenges us to consider if God is just a part of our life or truly the source. How does this distinction change the way a person makes decisions and sets priorities? ([41:44])

Application Questions

1. Think about a recent conflict or disagreement you’ve experienced (at home, work, or church). How did you handle it? Is there anything you would do differently after hearing how Paul and Barnabas moved forward in faith? ([34:52])
2. Are there any past failures, hurts, or even successes that you are still holding onto? How might these be preventing you from seeing the “new thing” God wants to do in your life? ([37:50])
3. The Israelites had to take a step forward before God parted the Red Sea. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to take a step of faith, even if you don’t see the whole path yet? What would that first step look like for you? ([51:49])
4. The pastor said, “God is the source of my life.” What would it look like for you to make God your true source this week, not just a part of your routine? Are there specific habits or priorities you need to change? ([41:44])
5. Moving on from the past is not always easy. What practical steps can you take to let go of something that no longer serves God’s purpose in your life? Who can support you in this process? ([38:50])
6. Life is full of transitions and new seasons. Is there a new season you sense God is leading you into right now? How can you embrace it with hope and courage, rather than fear or regret? ([53:35])
7. The sermon talked about taking action in faith, not just waiting for things to happen. What is one bold action you can take this week to trust God’s plan for your life? ([52:28])