Embracing Our Journey: Building a Thriving Community

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting on Our Journey: A Testament to Faith

Our church's history is a rich tapestry woven with stories of resilience and divine guidance. From our modest beginnings in a wooden-framed building to our current location in the heart of town, each step has been marked by God's provision and our collective effort. Reflecting on our past allows us to appreciate the journey and recognize the faithfulness that has brought us here. It inspires us to move forward with purpose, knowing that the same God who guided us through challenges and transitions will continue to lead us. As we look back, we are reminded of the importance of community and the strength found in unity. [01:47]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"

Reflection: Think of a specific challenge you have faced in your life. How can reflecting on God's faithfulness during that time inspire you to trust Him with your current circumstances?

Day 2: Envisioning a Thriving Community of Faith

As we envision the future of our church, we see a thriving community deeply rooted in faith and actively engaged in building relationships. Our mission is not just to fill seats but to create a living community of Jesus Christ, where we support one another in our spiritual journeys. This vision requires us to be intentional in our efforts to connect, grow, and serve. By fostering an environment of love and support, we can build a community that reflects the heart of Christ and impacts the world around us. [13:20]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your connection with someone in your church community?

Day 3: Living in Peace: Embodying Christ's Love

Colossians 3:15-17 calls us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to live as His representatives in all we do. Our community is a place for spiritual growth, where we teach, counsel, and support each other, embodying the love and peace of Christ. By allowing His peace to guide our interactions, we create an environment where love and support flourish. This peace is not passive but active, calling us to be intentional in our relationships and to seek reconciliation and understanding. [17:42]

James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs peace and reconciliation? How can you take a step towards embodying Christ's love in that relationship today?

Day 4: Serving and Giving Back: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus

We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those in need and giving back to our community. Our purpose is to reach out to the hurting and the marginalized, reflecting Christ's love in our actions and interactions. This calling requires us to look beyond ourselves and to see the needs of others, responding with compassion and generosity. By serving others, we not only meet physical needs but also demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love. [22:43]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you use your unique gifts to reflect Christ's love in that service?

Day 5: Active Participation: Building a Supportive Community

Building a thriving community requires active participation from each member. Everyone has a role to play, contributing to the community in ways that align with their abilities and circumstances. Together, we can create a supportive and Christ-centered environment that reflects His love and grace. This active participation involves being present, engaged, and willing to invest in the lives of others. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of our community and create a space where everyone can grow and thrive. [24:40]

Romans 12:4-6 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in your church community this week? How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the growth and support of others?

Sermon Summary

In our journey as a church, we are reminded of the importance of moving forward together as a community. As we approach our annual meeting, it's a time to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and envision our future. Our history is rich with stories of resilience and faith, from our humble beginnings in a wooden-framed building to our current location in the heart of town. Each step has been a testament to God's provision and our collective effort to create a space where we can worship, grow, and serve.

Reflecting on our past, we see how God has guided us through challenges and transitions. Our journey from sharing spaces to owning our building is a reminder of His faithfulness. Yet, as we look back, we must also look forward. The vision for Palmer Christian Fellowship is to be a thriving community of Jesus Christ, deeply rooted in faith and actively engaged in our community. Our mission is not just to fill seats but to build a living community where we support one another, grow spiritually, and reach out to those in need.

The essence of our community is found in the teachings of Colossians 3:15-17, where we are called to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to live as representatives of the Lord in all we do. This means being a community that embodies love, support, and spiritual growth. Our gatherings, whether on Sunday mornings or in small groups, are opportunities to deepen our faith and strengthen our bonds. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those in need and spreading His love in our everyday interactions.

As we envision the next five years, we see a church that is growing in numbers and spiritual depth, actively giving back to the community, and spreading the name of Jesus Christ. This vision requires each of us to play our part, contributing to the community in ways that align with our abilities and circumstances. Together, we can create a vibrant, supportive, and Christ-centered community that reflects His love and grace.

Key Takeaways

1. 17 calls us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to live as His representatives. Our community is a place for spiritual growth, where we teach, counsel, and support each other, embodying the love and peace of Christ. [17:42]
4. Serving and Giving Back: We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those in need and giving back to our community. Our purpose is to reach out to the hurting and the marginalized, reflecting Christ's love in our actions and interactions.

5. Active Participation: Building a thriving community requires active participation from each member. Everyone has a role to play, contributing to the community in ways that align with their abilities. Together, we can create a supportive and Christ-centered environment.

** [17:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Reflecting on Our History
[03:20] - Early Challenges and Growth
[05:13] - Transition to New Spaces
[06:12] - Vision for a New Facility
[07:57] - Current Location and Blessings
[09:40] - Community and Ministry Partnerships
[10:19] - Grand Opening and New Beginnings
[11:06] - Looking Forward: Vision for 2029
[13:20] - Building a Thriving Community
[14:47] - The Importance of Community
[17:42] - Colossians 3:15-17: Living in Peace
[19:34] - Spiritual Depth and Growth
[21:57] - Serving and Giving Back
[24:40] - Active Participation in Community
[25:52] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Colossians 3:15-17 say about the role of peace in our hearts and community?
How does the sermon describe the history of Palmer Christian Fellowship and its journey to the current location? [01:47]
What are some of the challenges and transitions mentioned in the sermon that the church has faced over the years? [05:13]
According to the sermon, what is the vision for Palmer Christian Fellowship in the next five years? [13:20]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts relate to the idea of being a thriving community of Jesus Christ? [17:42]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's history is a testament to God's faithfulness and provision? [01:47]
How does the sermon interpret the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in serving the community? [22:43]
What does the sermon imply about the importance of active participation in building a Christ-centered community? [24:40]

Application Questions

Reflect on your personal journey with the church. How has your experience mirrored the church's history of resilience and faith? [01:47]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of envisioning the future. What is your personal vision for your spiritual growth in the next five years? [13:20]
How can you actively contribute to the community in ways that align with your abilities and circumstances? [24:40]
In what practical ways can you embody the teachings of Colossians 3:15-17 in your daily interactions?
The sermon calls us to serve those in need. Identify one specific way you can reach out to someone in your community this week. [22:43]
How can you ensure that the peace of Christ rules in your heart, especially during challenging times? [17:42]
What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual walk and grow in faith as part of the church community? [20:30]

Sermon Clips

1) "The purpose and mission of Palmer Christian Fellowship is to be a living community of Jesus Christ. The purpose of our church is not to get as many people in these seats as possible, paying as much money so that we can fund all the things. That's not the purpose. The purpose of our church is not to go out in droves of people to bring people into the building. Our purpose is to create this community. Because when, like we talked about, last week, the floodwaters rise up, when difficulties happen, this community, this community that all together believes in the name of Jesus Christ, together we get through life. Together we meander this difficult life. We can call on each other when we're in times of need. We can celebrate with each other when things are going amazing." [14:47] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "I want to see Palmer Christian Fellowship Church as a thriving community of Jesus Christ. If you look the big banner on the wall, we reference this banner often. The purpose and mission of Palmer Christian Fellowship is to be a living community of Jesus Christ. The purpose of our church is not to get as many people in these seats as possible, paying as much money so that we can fund all the things. That's not the purpose. The purpose of our church is not to go out in droves of people to bring people into the building. Our purpose is to create this community. Because when, like we talked about, last week, the floodwaters rise up, when difficulties happen, this community, this community that all together believes in the name of Jesus Christ, together we get through life." [14:47] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "I want to see Palmer Christian Fellowship, to be a living community of Jesus Christ. A thriving community of Jesus Christ. I want to see us grow in spiritual depth. I don't want it to be just the cookie cutter, simple things that we're going through. Going back to the basics is always a good place to go. But your walk has to deepen with Christ. If you're not moving forward, you're either stuck in the mud or you're going backwards. We want to see everybody move forward. How are we going to see depth in their faith? How are we going to see depth in our personal walks with Christ?" [20:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "I want to see in five years that we're continuing to grow with new families and new members of the church. That we're building in numbers. That we're creating this stronger community together. I want to see Palmer Christian Fellowship giving back to our community. Not just taking from, but to give back. To go out and be on the street. To be the hands and feet for those in need. Jesus says all the time throughout his scriptures, it's great to give to somebody who's in good shape. Nothing wrong with it. But what Jesus calls us to is the hurting. Jesus calls us to is the widow. Jesus calls us to the people that are in need and we have to be in our own little community here." [22:43] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "As we build this strong community, I want to see our church spreading the name of Jesus Christ. Through everything that we do. That's what the scripture says, right? Whatever you say or do. Whatever. Whether you're at work. Whether you're at coffee with a friend. Whether you're at McDonald's eating on your own. Whatever you say or do to the attendant at the bank or McDonald's. Whatever you say or do, do it as a representative of the Lord. That's a hard thing to do. That's a tall ask of anyone. And in no way should we perform as we walk through life together as a community. Do we expect that any one person, myself included, is going to do this perfectly? That's why the spiritual depth. We continue to take steps forward. We continue to walk towards Jesus Christ." [23:20] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "It's the responsibility of all of us to take part and to be a piece of this community. And don't mix my words. I'm not saying that I expect that you're going to be available for eight hours a day, 40 hours a week, and it's just going to be wonderful. I expect that every person that's a part of this church can do their part. And their part is going to be dictated by what is allowable in your life. Totally understand that. But what I desire to see is everyone be a part of the community. Nobody just withdrawing from the community. Be a living piece of who we are and where we are headed. How we are moving forward today. How we are moving forward in the name of Jesus." [25:17] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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