Embracing New Opportunities Through Faith and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Sixteen years ago, when Canvas Church was just beginning with 18 people in a living room, a verse from 2 Chronicles 16:9 became the cornerstone of our mission: "For the eyes of the Lord are constantly searching the entire earth to show His strength through those whose hearts are committed to Him." This verse has guided us to be a church that God can trust with great things. We are committed to being big-dreaming, faith-filled risk-takers who believe in the power of Ephesians 3:20, which tells us that God can do far more than we could ever request or imagine.
Our journey has been marked by significant growth and expansion. From our humble beginnings, we have seen our congregation grow exponentially, necessitating multiple phases of expansion. Phase one increased our seating capacity, phase two expanded our parking, and phase three, initially planned for a new administration building, has been adapted to a more cost-effective solution of extending our current facilities.
Recently, we have been presented with a unique opportunity to adopt Victory Church in Gainesville, which has been struggling financially. After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to embrace Victory Church as part of our Canvas family. This new campus, located near the University of Florida, will allow us to reach even more people with the love of Jesus. The grand opening is planned for January 5th, coinciding with the launch of our five-month discipleship initiative, "God First."
We are excited about this new chapter and the responsibility that comes with it. We believe that God has opened this door for us, and we are committed to being faithful stewards of this opportunity. We invite everyone to join us in prayer, service, and giving to support this new venture and to be a part of what God is doing through Canvas Church.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Search for Committed Hearts: 2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us that God is constantly searching for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. This commitment involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and being willing to follow Him into uncharted waters. Our church has embraced this call, striving to be a community that God can trust with great things. [06:31]
2. Blessing and Responsibility: With great blessing comes great responsibility. God does not bless us just for our own benefit but so that we can be a blessing to others. This principle has guided our church's growth and expansion, reminding us that our blessings are meant to be shared and used for the greater good. [07:55]
3. Faith-Filled Risk-Taking: We are called to be big-dreaming, faith-filled risk-takers who believe in the power of God to do far more than we could ever request or imagine. This mindset has driven our church to take bold steps in faith, trusting that God will work through us to accomplish His purposes. [07:19]
4. Unity and Multiplication: Unity in the body of Christ leads to exponential growth and impact. Just as two Belgian draft horses can pull far more together than they can individually, our collective efforts as a church can achieve far greater things when we are united in purpose and mission. [35:52]
5. Open Doors and Faithfulness: God opens doors for those who remain faithful, even in difficult times. Our church's journey from a small group of 18 people to a thriving community is a testament to God's faithfulness and our commitment to His call. The opportunity to adopt Victory Church is another open door that we believe God has entrusted to us because of our faithfulness. [39:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:31] - Foundational Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:9
[07:19] - Faith-Filled Risk-Takers
[07:55] - Blessing and Responsibility
[08:33] - Every Story Matters Campaign
[09:19] - Church Growth and Expansion
[10:02] - Phase One: Increased Seating Capacity
[10:39] - Phase Two: Expanded Parking
[12:08] - Phase Three: Revised Plans
[13:49] - Community Contributions
[15:18] - New Opportunity: Adopting Victory Church
[17:49] - Pastor Bill's Request
[18:40] - Decision to Adopt Victory Church
[20:23] - Responsibility to Rescue and Redeem
[21:50] - Location and Vision for New Campus
[24:17] - Service Structure and Technology
[26:27] - Campus Pastor and Grand Opening
[29:13] - How to Get Involved: Prayer, Service, Giving
[35:52] - Unity and Multiplication
[39:27] - Open Doors and Faithfulness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Chronicles 16:9 - "For the eyes of the Lord are constantly searching the entire earth to show His strength through those whose hearts are committed to Him."
2. Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Chronicles 16:9 say about God's search and His criteria for showing His strength?
2. How has Canvas Church demonstrated the principle of being "faith-filled risk-takers" as described in the sermon? [07:19]
3. What were the three phases of expansion that Canvas Church undertook, and what changes were made to phase three? [12:08]
4. What was the unique opportunity presented to Canvas Church regarding Victory Church, and how did the church respond? [18:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God searching for committed hearts in 2 Chronicles 16:9 apply to the mission and vision of Canvas Church? [06:31]
2. In what ways does Ephesians 3:20 encourage believers to take bold steps in faith, and how has this been exemplified by Canvas Church? [07:19]
3. What responsibilities come with the blessings that God bestows upon a church, according to the sermon? [07:55]
4. How does the unity of the church contribute to its growth and impact, as illustrated by the example of the Belgian draft horses? [35:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel God is calling you to be more committed, as described in 2 Chronicles 16:9? How can you respond to this call?
2. Canvas Church has taken significant faith-filled risks. What is one area in your life where you feel God is asking you to step out in faith? How can you take that step this week? [07:19]
3. The sermon emphasized that with great blessing comes great responsibility. How can you use the blessings in your life to serve others and further God's kingdom? [07:55]
4. Unity was highlighted as a key factor in the church's growth. How can you contribute to the unity of your small group or church community? What practical steps can you take? [35:52]
5. The adoption of Victory Church was seen as an open door from God. Are there any "open doors" in your life that you feel God is calling you to walk through? How can you discern and act on these opportunities? [18:40]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of prayer, service, and giving. Which of these areas do you feel most called to improve in your own life, and what specific actions can you take to do so? [29:46]
7. The "God First" discipleship initiative is a significant upcoming event for Canvas Church. How can you prioritize putting God first in your daily life, and what changes might this require? [27:19]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Search for Committed Hearts
God is constantly searching for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. This commitment involves loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and being willing to follow Him into uncharted waters. Our church has embraced this call, striving to be a community that God can trust with great things. This means that we are not just passive believers but active participants in God's mission. We are called to be vigilant and ready, knowing that God is looking for those who are willing to step out in faith and trust Him completely. [06:31]
2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV): "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you demonstrate a deeper commitment to God today? How can you show God that your heart is fully His?
Day 2: Blessing and Responsibility
With great blessing comes great responsibility. God does not bless us just for our own benefit but so that we can be a blessing to others. This principle has guided our church's growth and expansion, reminding us that our blessings are meant to be shared and used for the greater good. As we receive God's blessings, we must also be mindful of how we can use them to serve others and advance His kingdom. This mindset shifts our focus from self-centeredness to a broader perspective of stewardship and generosity. [07:55]
Luke 12:48 (ESV): "But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."
Reflection: How can you use the blessings you have received to serve others in your community today? What specific action can you take to be a blessing to someone else?
Day 3: Faith-Filled Risk-Taking
We are called to be big-dreaming, faith-filled risk-takers who believe in the power of God to do far more than we could ever request or imagine. This mindset has driven our church to take bold steps in faith, trusting that God will work through us to accomplish His purposes. Embracing this call means stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God with the unknown. It requires a deep-seated belief that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. [07:19]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk in faith? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God will guide and provide for you?
Day 4: Unity and Multiplication
Unity in the body of Christ leads to exponential growth and impact. Just as two Belgian draft horses can pull far more together than they can individually, our collective efforts as a church can achieve far greater things when we are united in purpose and mission. This unity is not just about working together but about being of one heart and mind, striving towards the same goals and supporting one another in love. When we are united, we can accomplish more for God's kingdom than we ever could alone. [35:52]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community today? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their walk with Christ?
Day 5: Open Doors and Faithfulness
God opens doors for those who remain faithful, even in difficult times. Our church's journey from a small group of 18 people to a thriving community is a testament to God's faithfulness and our commitment to His call. The opportunity to adopt Victory Church is another open door that we believe God has entrusted to us because of our faithfulness. This reminds us that when we are faithful with the little things, God will entrust us with greater responsibilities and opportunities. [39:27]
Revelation 3:8 (ESV): "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can you remain faithful in your current circumstances, trusting that God will open doors for you?
Quotes
1. "I have said this to you over the years. I am going to restate it to us now, especially for those that may be new to canvas. I want you to know who we are. We are big dreaming, faith-filled risk takers. We will never insult God with small thinking or safe living. We're not always going to just play it safe. When God leads us or guides us. When God asks us to follow. Him into uncharted water. We are always going to be the ones that are going to follow him where he leads us." [07:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now listen to this. We understand that with great blessing comes great responsibility. With great blessing comes great responsibility. See, you need to know this. That God will never bless you just so that you can be more blessed. You missed a great opportunity to say amen right there. God will never bless you. Just so that you can be more blessed and have more and be more full. Now don't misunderstand me. He is a good, good father. And because of that he loves his children. And of course, like any good father, he wants to see his children blessed. But we are actually blessed according to the word of God. To be a blessing to others." [08:33] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Listen man. I am humbled by the fact that I see people growing in God. And those people that have experienced the love of Jesus. They have experienced the power of his church. And they are not just eating that seed. They are giving back. So that even more people can come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. That is what it is all about. And I am so grateful for the generosity and the people in our church that give so willingly to the work of God." [15:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I know that transition and change is hard. And they just received some news that after all of these years, this could be it. But I also believe that every closed door is an open door. And that God uses closed doors to open new chapters. Of greater and bigger things. It's certainly true of Canvas Church. And I believe it's also true of Victory Church as well. And we love them so much and are so thankful that God has brought us together." [19:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I never came to Alachua. I mean this. I never came here to build a big church. I came here to build a meaningful church. And to win souls for Jesus. A place where people could find refuge and hope and healing. That was all that was on my radar. And that's all that's ever been in my heart. What we've just determined is if you do one the other just happens. If you really reach people. If you really make much of Jesus. If you really preach the word of God. If you really love people where they are. And don't make them jump the religious hoops. But just allow the Holy Spirit and the word of God to do what he said he would do in their lives. Life change will happen. People will be saved. God will do what he said he will do." [28:34] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When I'm asking you to pray, I am asking you to partner in prayer. This is not a spiritual cliche. I'm telling you prayer is the most powerful thing we could do first and foremost. Let me give you a scripture in the book of James. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. And I love that he goes on to give us an example. Because when you hear the name Elijah, it's easy for you to think that he was just some superhuman prophet. But he wasn't. The writer wants us to know he was just like you and me. Elijah was just as human as we are. And yet when he prayed earnestly. He's talking about the Old Testament. That no rain would fall. None fell for three and a half years in Israel. Then when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops again. He wants us to understand that prayer is incredibly powerful." [30:26] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God never blesses us. Just so that we can be more blessed. He blesses us. So that we can be a greater blessing. To other people. And to the work of God. And we get to see what we're investing in every single week. Every week. Listen. This is Vision Sunday. And I know this isn't like some compelling. You know. Cross centered message evangelistically. Where I'm preaching and trying to help people come to Christ. We're just talking about the future of the church. We're talking about logistics here. And yet I preached in first service. Gave the altar call. And four people came to the saving knowledge of Jesus in first service. How is that possible? It's possible because everything that we're talking about points back to Jesus. Everything that we're talking about. Everything that we're praying for. Everything that we're looking at. Everything. All the reasons that we are doing this goes back to Jesus. It is to make much of Jesus. And we get to see it every week. Lives changed. Families changed. Stories changed." [33:04] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we all just do our part and participate. That unity releases unusual power. I'll prove it to you. I shared this a while back with you. I was on a plane. I read this. I read about the most powerful horse in the world. It's a Belgian draft horse. He's the strongest horse in the entire world. One Belgian draft horse can pull 8,000 pounds. But then the article went on to say. They discovered something unique about this Belgian draft horse. When they yoked him together with another Belgian draft horse. And they were pulling in the same direction. You would think that if one can pull eight. Two would be able to pull 16. But they discovered something unique. Two of them yoked together. Pulling in the same direction. Actually can pull 32,000 pounds. Their unity does not bring addition. It creates multiplication. So it's a spiritual principle. Bible says in one place. One will send a thousand. But if two come together. They can send 10,000 to flight. That math don't add up. If you don't have the spirit of God involved. It's different. When we come together. And everybody who calls Canvas home. Makes up their mind. I'm not just going to come. Hear a good sermon and leave. I'm going to actually get involved. In the life of the church. Through giving and serving. And we all just do our part. That unity. God multiplies it. And we are able to win even more souls. And do even greater things. In the world. On the cause and for the cause of Christ. Get involved. Come on man. God's going to bless you." [36:16] (98 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I really believe that the door that God has opened to us and what he's entrusted to us through the university campus has come because he said I see you. I see that even when times were tough and rough. You didn't run. You didn't give up. You didn't roll over. And now I can trust you with different levels of favor. We just stayed with it and kept praying and preaching and working and serving. And we are convinced that this is an open door from God. May we continue to be found faithful to him. And all that he's called us to do knowing that the best is yet to come. And whatever happens and whatever materializes and however large it grows and however many souls are saved and however many lives are changed. It will always and forever be to God be." [40:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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