Embracing New Beginnings: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the theme of new beginnings and the importance of trusting in God's promises. We started by acknowledging that our lives are filled with transitions and changes, which are not ends but rather new beginnings. This concept was illustrated through the story of Noah, where God made a covenant with him, symbolized by the rainbow, to never again destroy the earth with a flood. This promise was a new beginning for humanity, showing that God is always looking to do something new in our lives.
We also discussed the Tower of Babel, where God confused the languages of people to prevent them from becoming too self-reliant. This act was not a punishment but a way to keep His promise and guide humanity towards His divine plan. Similarly, the story of Abram (later Abraham) was highlighted to show how God’s promises often come with a call to action. Abram trusted God and moved his entire family based on God's word, even without knowing the destination. This trust in God’s promises led to the fulfillment of His plans in ways that Abram could not have imagined.
The sermon emphasized that God’s promises are not the end but the beginning of a journey. We are often tempted to give up on our dreams or callings when they don't materialize immediately. However, God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are always fulfilled, even if it takes longer than we expect. We were encouraged to reflect on our own lives and ask if we are doing all that God has called us to do. Sometimes, God is waiting on us to make the first move.
Finally, we were reminded that God wants to use us as beacons of light and hope in a world filled with darkness. This requires us to be available and willing to serve, not just in our personal lives but also within our church community. The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to stop merely resolving to change and start doing what God has called us to do.
### Key Takeaways
1. New Beginnings: Life is full of transitions that are not ends but new beginnings. God is always looking to do something new in our lives, and these new beginnings often come with His promises. We must be open to these changes and trust that God has a plan for us. [41:43]
2. Trust in God's Promises: The story of Noah and the rainbow teaches us that God’s promises are steadfast. Even when the world seems chaotic, God’s covenant remains. This should encourage us to trust in His promises and look for the new beginnings He is orchestrating in our lives. [45:17]
3. God's Timing: God's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing, not ours. Like Abram, we must trust and act on God's word, even when we don't see immediate results. This trust leads to the fulfillment of God's plans in ways we cannot foresee. [53:09]
4. Active Faith: We are called to be active participants in God's work. This means moving beyond resolutions and actually doing what God has called us to do. Our faith should be evident in our actions, not just our words. [58:06]
5. Availability to Serve: God wants us to be available and willing to serve, both in our personal lives and within our church community. Being a beacon of light and hope requires us to step out of our comfort zones and actively participate in God's work. [01:13:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:57] - It's All About Him
[31:32] - Ways to Give
[32:15] - Upcoming Events
[33:25] - Women's Bible Study
[33:57] - Concert of Prayer
[35:08] - Trunk or Treat
[35:53] - Fall Kickoff
[37:14] - God's Great Plans
[39:07] - Prayer for Humble Hearts
[40:22] - Commencement: A New Beginning
[42:16] - God of New Beginnings
[45:17] - The Covenant with Noah
[49:03] - The Tower of Babel
[53:09] - Trusting God's Promises
[58:06] - Active Faith
[01:13:00] - Availability to Serve
[01:16:24] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 6:5-8
2. Genesis 9:8-17
3. Genesis 11:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the state of humanity's heart and actions during Noah's time according to Genesis 6:5-8?
2. What promise did God make to Noah and his descendants after the flood, and what was the sign of this covenant? (Genesis 9:8-17)
3. Why did God confuse the languages at the Tower of Babel, and what was the result of this action? (Genesis 11:1-9)
4. How did Abram respond to God's call to leave his country, and what does this tell us about his faith? [53:09]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of Noah and the rainbow teach us about God's promises and His faithfulness? [45:17]
2. How can the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel be seen as an act of God's guidance rather than punishment? [49:50]
3. In what ways does Abram's journey illustrate the importance of trusting in God's timing and promises, even when the destination is unknown? [53:09]
4. How does the concept of new beginnings in the sermon relate to the transitions and changes we experience in our own lives? [41:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent transition or change in your life. How can you view this as a new beginning orchestrated by God rather than an end? [41:43]
2. Are there any promises from God that you are currently waiting to see fulfilled? How can you strengthen your trust in His timing? [53:09]
3. Think about a time when you felt self-reliant. How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's guidance and plan for your life? [49:50]
4. What is one specific action you can take this week to move beyond merely resolving to change and start doing what God has called you to do? [58:06]
5. Identify a way you can be a beacon of light and hope within your church community. How can you make yourself more available to serve? [01:13:00]
6. Consider a dream or calling that you have given up on. Is God prompting you to revisit it? What steps can you take to pursue it again? [55:03]
7. How can you actively participate in God's work in your personal life and within your church community? What specific role or task can you commit to? [01:00:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing New Beginnings
Life is full of transitions that are not ends but new beginnings. God is always looking to do something new in our lives, and these new beginnings often come with His promises. We must be open to these changes and trust that God has a plan for us. [41:43]
In our lives, we often face changes and transitions that can feel overwhelming or even like the end of something important. However, these moments are not the end but rather the beginning of something new that God is orchestrating. Just as God made a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, to never again destroy the earth with a flood, He is always looking to bring new beginnings into our lives. This promise to Noah was a new beginning for humanity, showing that God is always at work, even in the midst of chaos and change.
We must be open to these new beginnings and trust that God has a plan for us. When we face transitions, it is an opportunity to lean into God's promises and see what new things He is doing in our lives. Embracing these changes with faith allows us to experience the fullness of God's plans and purposes for us.
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "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: Think about a recent change or transition in your life. How can you embrace this new beginning and trust that God has a plan for you?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Promises
The story of Noah and the rainbow teaches us that God’s promises are steadfast. Even when the world seems chaotic, God’s covenant remains. This should encourage us to trust in His promises and look for the new beginnings He is orchestrating in our lives. [45:17]
God's promises are a source of hope and assurance, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. The story of Noah and the rainbow is a powerful reminder that God's promises are steadfast and unchanging. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, to never again destroy the earth with a flood. This covenant was a sign of God's faithfulness and His commitment to humanity.
In our own lives, we can trust in God's promises, knowing that He is always faithful. Even when the world around us seems chaotic and uncertain, we can hold onto the assurance that God's covenant remains. This trust in God's promises allows us to look for the new beginnings He is orchestrating in our lives and to move forward with confidence and hope.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How can you trust in His faithfulness and look for the new beginnings He is orchestrating in your life?
Day 3: God's Perfect Timing
God's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing, not ours. Like Abram, we must trust and act on God's word, even when we don't see immediate results. This trust leads to the fulfillment of God's plans in ways we cannot foresee. [53:09]
God's timing is often different from our own, and it can be challenging to wait for His promises to be fulfilled. The story of Abram (later Abraham) is a powerful example of trusting in God's timing. Abram was called by God to leave his homeland and move to a new place that God would show him. Despite not knowing the destination, Abram trusted God's word and acted on it. This trust led to the fulfillment of God's plans in ways that Abram could not have imagined.
In our own lives, we must learn to trust in God's perfect timing. Even when we don't see immediate results, we can have confidence that God is at work and that His promises will be fulfilled. This trust requires us to act on God's word and to be patient, knowing that His timing is always perfect.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think about a promise or calling from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you trust in His perfect timing and act on His word today?
Day 4: Active Faith
We are called to be active participants in God's work. This means moving beyond resolutions and actually doing what God has called us to do. Our faith should be evident in our actions, not just our words. [58:06]
Faith is not just about believing in God's promises; it is also about taking action. We are called to be active participants in God's work, moving beyond mere resolutions and actually doing what God has called us to do. This active faith is evident in our actions and not just in our words. It requires us to step out in faith and to be obedient to God's calling, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable.
In our daily lives, we can demonstrate active faith by serving others, sharing the gospel, and living out our faith in practical ways. This active participation in God's work allows us to be a part of His plans and purposes, and it brings glory to Him. Our faith should be a living, breathing expression of our trust in God and our commitment to His will.
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Consider one specific action you can take today to demonstrate your faith. How can you move beyond resolutions and actively participate in God's work?
Day 5: Availability to Serve
God wants us to be available and willing to serve, both in our personal lives and within our church community. Being a beacon of light and hope requires us to step out of our comfort zones and actively participate in God's work. [01:13:00]
God calls us to be available and willing to serve, both in our personal lives and within our church community. Being a beacon of light and hope in a world filled with darkness requires us to step out of our comfort zones and actively participate in God's work. This availability to serve is a reflection of our commitment to God and our desire to be used by Him for His purposes.
In our daily lives, we can look for opportunities to serve others and to be a source of encouragement and hope. This may involve volunteering at church, helping a neighbor in need, or simply being present and available to those around us. By making ourselves available to serve, we allow God to work through us and to use us as instruments of His love and grace.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Think about a specific way you can serve within your church community or personal life. How can you step out of your comfort zone and be available to participate in God's work today?
Quotes
1. "I believe that God has great plans for you. I believe that He has great plans for our church. And I believe, again, talking about the upcoming election. The state of our nation. The state of our culture and society. That God is calling us, the church, to something greater than we have ever experienced before. And I believe that God wants to use us. Not just where we just say we're a beacon. He wants to use us to truly be a beacon of light and hope to a lost and dying world." [38:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Life is full of commencements. Or new beginnings. And many times we kind of miss it. We kind of miss the most important stuff. Because our heads turned around. Looking behind us. In the rear view mirror. And we think about a move. A transition. A job loss. Or job change. And none of them are the end. They're. They're only the beginning. And when we look in the Bible. We see that God. God is the God of new beginnings. He's always looking to do something new." [41:43] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes we see what He's doing. And sometimes it's like an iceberg. You can only see the tip. But there's so much more going on under the surface. It is hard. I understand that. But we have to remember that God's timing is perfect. Some of the things I've prayed about in my life. But if I would have gotten them when I prayed for them. I would have totally messed it up. It would not have been good. God answered it. But He had some other work to do in my life." [56:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to forget about resolutions. Most of our lives are lived on the backs of resolutions. When we know that God is telling us something needs to change in our lives. We need to stop resolving and start doing. Just look at what the Bible has to say about our part. Because you know, we all have a part to play." [57:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God doesn't want us to take things in or just to say things. He wants us to be part of the work that He's doing here. If that wasn't the case, as soon as we're saved, we'd be like taken right up to the Kingdom. But we're here because He has more for us to do." [59:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Are you willing to serve? The A in our BEACON vision is available. Are you available to God to be used? Are you available to the church to be used? So let me ask you. Is God waiting on you? Is it your move? God so desperately wants to bless His children. He wants to bless all of mankind. But before He can do that, and more than that, He wants your heart." [01:13:32] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "He has done His part. He has sent His Son to go on the cross of Calvary to die for the penalty of sin. And now it's our turn. And maybe for some of you here online, maybe that's the first part. Maybe you're looking at your life and you're like, I don't really have a relationship with God. Or it's not where it should be." [01:14:28] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "He loves us so much. You know, we can sit up here. We can talk about, you know, we need to do this. He wants us to do that, and He does. He loves us so, so very much. And I pray that this morning that you feel that love. You really know how much He loves you." [01:18:17] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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