Embracing Our Next Steps in Faith and Generosity

 

Summary

In my sermon, I began by expressing my gratitude for being in the presence of the Lord and the joy of being with the congregation at Cornerstone Church. I shared my wife's recovery journey after her brain surgery and stroke, highlighting her strength and resilience. I also introduced Zeke, a young intern with a passion for God, who accompanied me on this trip. I emphasized the importance of being led by people who genuinely care for their flock, just as our Lord knows us intimately and still loves us.

I then transitioned into the core message of the sermon, which revolved around the theme of "advance" and the concept of taking the next step. I encouraged the congregation to consider what their next step might be, emphasizing that God has more planned for each of us than we can imagine. I shared the idea that everyone has untapped potential, likening it to potential energy waiting to be transformed into kinetic energy through change.

Drawing from the story of creation, I explained that God is a God of more, and that we were created in His image to experience abundance and fruitfulness. I referenced the Apostle Paul's teachings to the Corinthians about generosity and the principle of sowing and reaping, illustrating that God desires us to live lives of generosity, just as He has been generous with His grace towards us.

I shared a personal testimony about a financial challenge I faced and how God miraculously provided through the obedience and generosity of another believer. This story served as a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to provide for our needs in unexpected ways.

As I concluded the sermon, I invited the congregation to take a moment of reflection and to commit to taking their next step, whatever that may be. I led a prayer for those who were ready to move forward, trusting in God's grace and strength to empower them in their journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. The concept of "advance" is not just about setting lofty goals but about identifying and committing to the next step God has for us. Whether it's a simple act of obedience or a significant life change, each step forward is a step into the more God has designed for us. ([09:55])

2. Our potential is a gift from God, embedded in our very design. It's natural to desire more because we were created by a God of more. To unlock this potential, we must be willing to embrace change and take action, moving from potential energy to kinetic energy in our lives. ([21:13])

3. Generosity is a reflection of God's character, and as His children, we are called to be generous in all aspects of our lives. This principle of sowing and reaping is not limited to finances but extends to love, time, and resources. As we give, we open ourselves up to receive God's abundant provision. ([30:11])

4. God's provision is not limited by our circumstances. When we face challenges, we can trust that God is able to make all grace abound toward us, providing all sufficiency for every good work. Our faith in His provision allows us to step out in obedience, even when the path seems uncertain. ([37:26])

5. Taking the next step requires faith and action. It's in the act of moving forward that we encounter God's faithfulness and experience the fullness of the life He has for us. Whatever our next step may be, God is ready to meet us there and empower us for the journey ahead. ([53:33])

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)
> "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

2. Genesis 1:28 (NIV)
> "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"

3. Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
> "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 say about the relationship between sowing and reaping?
2. According to Genesis 1:28, what command did God give to humanity regarding their role on earth?
3. How does Philippians 4:13 relate to the concept of taking the next step in faith as discussed in the sermon? [55:06]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul talks about sowing and reaping. How does this principle apply to areas of life beyond financial giving, such as relationships or personal growth? [30:11]
2. The sermon emphasized that God is a God of more and that we are made for more. How does Genesis 1:28 support this idea of abundance and fruitfulness in our lives? [25:21]
3. Reflecting on Philippians 4:13, how can believers find strength to take their next step, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties? [55:06]

#### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned the importance of taking the next step, no matter how small. What is one specific next step you feel God is calling you to take in your personal life or spiritual journey? [09:55]
2. Generosity was highlighted as a reflection of God's character. In what ways can you practice generosity in your daily life, not just financially but also with your time, love, and resources? [30:11]
3. The pastor shared a personal testimony about God's provision during a financial challenge. Can you recall a time when you experienced God's provision in an unexpected way? How did it impact your faith? [43:52]
4. The concept of moving from potential energy to kinetic energy was discussed. What areas of your life have untapped potential, and what changes are necessary to activate that potential? [21:13]
5. Reflect on a relationship or situation in your life that needs healing or reconciliation. What is one practical step you can take this week to move towards resolution or forgiveness? [16:53]
6. The sermon encouraged believers to trust in God's grace and strength. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness when you face doubts or fears about taking the next step? [55:06]
7. The idea of being made for more suggests that God has greater plans for us. How can you align your daily actions and decisions with this belief, ensuring that you are living out God's purpose for your life? [25:21]

Use these questions to guide your discussion and reflection, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you in taking your next step in faith.

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Design for Progress
God has intricately woven a plan for each individual, one that beckons us to move beyond our current standing and into a realm of greater fulfillment and purpose. This divine blueprint is not about grandiose ambitions but rather about recognizing and taking the next step that has been laid out before us. It is in the simplicity of obedience, in the seemingly mundane decisions, where one often finds the path to the extraordinary life God has in store. Each step taken is a testament to the trust in the Creator's design, a design that promises more than one can envision.

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches." (1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV)

Reflection: What is the next step in your life that you feel God is urging you to take, and what has been holding you back from taking it?

Day 2: Unlocking Our God-Given Potential
Within every individual lies dormant potential, a divine spark waiting to be ignited. This potential is a gift from the Creator, a testament to being made in the image of a God who embodies the very essence of 'more.' To unlock this potential, one must be willing to embrace change and take decisive action. It is the transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy that propels us forward, allowing us to flourish in the abundance that life offers. This journey of transformation is not just a personal endeavor but a spiritual one, where one aligns with the Creator's intent for growth and fruitfulness.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you sense untapped potential, and what practical steps can you take to begin transforming that potential into action? [21:13]

Day 3: The Generosity of God's Children
Generosity is not merely an action but a reflection of the heart, mirroring the generous nature of God Himself. As children of the Most High, we are called to embody this trait in every facet of our lives, extending our love, time, and resources to those around us. The principle of sowing and reaping is a divine truth that transcends material wealth, touching the very core of our spiritual existence. As we give selflessly, we align ourselves with the rhythm of God's grace, opening the floodgates to receive His abundant provision in ways we could never anticipate.

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice generosity today in a way that stretches you beyond your comfort zone, and in what ways do you hope to see God work through your giving? [30:11]

Day 4: Trusting in God's Limitless Provision
The circumstances of life can often appear daunting, leading to a sense of insufficiency and doubt. However, the truth remains that God's provision knows no bounds. In moments of need, the Almighty is more than capable of making all grace abound, ensuring that we have all that is necessary for every good work. This divine sufficiency is not contingent upon our understanding or our resources but is rooted in the infinite nature of God's grace. Trusting in this provision requires faith that steps out into the unknown, confident in the assurance that God's faithfulness is unwavering.

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 ESV)

Reflection: Can you recall a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way, and how can that memory encourage you to trust Him with a current need or challenge? [37:26]

Day 5: Faith and Action: Partners in Spiritual Advancement
The journey of faith is not a passive one; it demands action. It is through the act of moving forward that one encounters the faithfulness of God, experiencing the fullness of life that He has ordained. This partnership of faith and action is the catalyst for spiritual advancement, propelling us into the depths of God's grace and strength. Whatever the next step may be, it is an invitation to experience God in a new way, to witness His power at work in and through us as we commit to the path He has set before us.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

Reflection: What is one actionable step you can take today that reflects your faith in God's promises, and how can you encourage others in your community to do the same? [53:33]

Quotes

1. "God has more planned for you than a broken relationship, a dysfunctional family, and an empty bank account. God's got more planned for you than that. And so today I want to talk with you about being made for more. Made for more. Made for more. Made for more. Made for more. Made for more. Made for more." [14:19]( | | )

2. "What is that next step ahead of you? In those days, those early moments after her surgery and the stroke, it was in a wheelchair. But today she's walking around the backyard and she walked around the block with me before it was over a mile before I left." [15:34]( | | )

3. "For some of you that next step may be writing a check maybe the lord's blessed you and you haven't been honoring god of what he's maybe you've been struggling with the concept of tithing and giving to the church and the lord said i want to bless you i want to do it but you need to take the next step write the check." [16:53]( | | )

4. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you. That you always, having all sufficiency, may have an abundance for every good work. So I'm just going to pause for a moment, y'all, and I'm going to speak to these air conditions." [37:26]( | | )

5. "When the creator of everything at the inception of creation says, I'm going to build into creation, the ability to reproduce and multiply when God got to the animals and people, the scripture says he spoke to them and said, what did he say? Be fruitful and multiply." [50:52]( | | )

6. "Change is the catalyst that causes potential to become reality. We have to be willing. Taking a step is a change. I'm not standing here anymore. I'm not going to be in the mullet grubs anymore. I'm not going to be standing here looking like I've been, you know, bobbing in a barrel for a sour dill pickle." [22:38]( | | )

7. "God is a God of more. Let me show you a passage in the New Testament that's written by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians chapter 9. I want you to see he's talking to the Corinthian church about an offering. A financial offering that he's about to receive for the saints in Judea who are suffering under a famine and financial hardship." [25:21]( | | )

8. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you toward who well toward that person over there, Lord. That's been to prayer. I ever last for the 12th week in a row. They've been in prayer and they where I've messed up and I just don't qualify. But don't know. Paul says God is able to make all grace abound toward you, toward you, you with your messed up ideas, you with your broken." [31:35]( | | )

9. "I see that hand, that hand, that hand, that hand. Wait, go ahead. Hold them up for a second. That hand, that hand, any others that hand. Thank you. God bless you. Any of that hand, anyone else? There's a step that the Lord's bringing to my mind. And with the help of the Lord, I'm going to take it today." [53:33]( | | )

10. "He gave me a check for the amount of... We don't know what the need is, but God does. And he acted like it was urgent to me, so I've been trying to get this answer to you. He gave me a check for the amount of $10,000 for you and your wife. We don't know what the need is, but God does." [43:52]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?