Embracing Our Purpose: A Heart for God's House
Summary
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey of understanding our role and purpose within the body of Christ, particularly through the lens of our "Heart for the House" series. This series is a call to action, urging us to shift from a consumer mindset to one of active participation and mission. We are reminded that God has blessed, chosen, and predestined us to be holy and blameless, and to live a life that reflects His grace and redemption. Our focus is on building a heart for God's house, recognizing that we are not just attending church but are integral parts of the body of Christ, called to make a difference in the world.
We explored the concept of having a "now for then" mindset, which encourages us to plant seeds of faith today for the harvest of tomorrow. This mindset is not just about us but about the future generations and the legacy we leave behind. We are challenged to see beyond our current circumstances and to envision a future where our faith and actions today lead to exponential growth and impact.
The sermon emphasized the importance of being planted in the right soil, which is the church, and not just dipping in and out of spiritual experiences. We are called to be deeply rooted in the community, allowing God to nurture and grow us into fruit-bearing believers. This involves moving from being potted, where we are easily uprooted by life's challenges, to being planted by streams of living water, where we draw strength and sustenance from God.
Furthermore, we are encouraged to give the fruit of our lives away, understanding that what God produces in us is not for our own consumption but for the benefit of others. This aligns with the biblical principle that we reap what we sow, and by sowing into God's kingdom, we will see a harvest of life and blessing.
As we continue this series, we are invited to participate in a Heart for the House miracle offering, seeking God's guidance on how we can contribute financially to the vision He has for our church. This is not just about giving money but about investing in the future God has planned for us and the generations to come.
Key Takeaways:
1. Shift from Consumer to Contributor: Embrace a mindset that moves from attending church for personal gain to actively participating in God's mission. This shift involves seeing ourselves as integral parts of the body of Christ, called to make a difference in the world. [40:56]
2. Planting Seeds for the Future: Adopt a "now for then" mindset, where the actions and faith we exhibit today are seeds planted for a future harvest. This perspective encourages us to invest in the next generation and the legacy we leave behind. [43:06]
3. Being Planted in the Right Soil: Ensure that we are deeply rooted in the church community, allowing God to nurture and grow us. This involves moving from being potted, where we are easily uprooted, to being planted by streams of living water, drawing strength from God. [01:00:21]
4. Giving the Fruit of Our Lives Away: Recognize that the fruit God produces in us is not for our own consumption but for the benefit of others. This aligns with the biblical principle that we reap what we sow, and by sowing into God's kingdom, we will see a harvest of life and blessing. [01:10:47]
5. Participating in God's Vision: Engage in the Heart for the House miracle offering, seeking God's guidance on how we can contribute financially to the vision He has for our church. This is about investing in the future God has planned for us and the generations to come. [01:22:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [05:30] - Heart for the House Introduction
- [11:01] - Praise and Worship
- [32:12] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
- [35:06] - Heart for the House Series Overview
- [37:37] - Building a Heart for God's House
- [39:16] - Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart
- [40:56] - Shift from Consumer to Contributor
- [43:06] - Planting Seeds for the Future
- [44:13] - Now for Then Mindset
- [46:42] - Vision for the Future
- [48:27] - Now for Them
- [51:43] - Reaping What We Sow
- [53:34] - Sowing to Please the Spirit
- [57:32] - Planting in Good Soil
- [01:00:21] - Being Planted in the Right Soil
- [01:10:47] - Giving the Fruit of Our Lives Away
- [01:13:23] - Investing in the Future
- [01:22:20] - Heart for the House Offering
- [01:19:13] - Responding to God's Call
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:3-8
2. Galatians 6:7-9
3. Jeremiah 17:7-8
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 1:3-8, what are some of the blessings and purposes God has for believers? How does this passage describe our identity in Christ?
2. In Galatians 6:7-9, what principle does Paul emphasize about sowing and reaping? How does this relate to the choices we make in our lives?
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between being "potted" and "planted" in the context of spiritual growth? [01:05:07]
4. What does Jeremiah 17:7-8 say about those who trust in the Lord, and how does this imagery of a tree relate to the sermon’s message about being deeply rooted in faith?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "chosen" and "predestined" in Ephesians 1:3-8 influence a believer's understanding of their purpose within the church? [35:06]
2. What does it mean to have a "now for then" mindset as described in the sermon, and how does this perspective affect our actions today for future generations? [44:13]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being "planted by streams of living water" can impact a believer's resilience and spiritual growth? [01:06:29]
4. How does the principle of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-9 challenge believers to evaluate where they are investing their time and resources?
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in your church community. Are you more of a consumer or a contributor? What steps can you take to shift towards active participation in God's mission? [40:56]
2. Consider the legacy you are leaving for future generations. What specific actions can you take today to plant seeds of faith that will impact tomorrow? [43:06]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel "potted" rather than "planted." What changes can you make to become more deeply rooted in your faith community? [01:00:21]
4. Think about the fruit of your life. How can you intentionally give the fruit of your life away for the benefit of others? What practical steps can you take this week to serve those around you? [01:10:47]
5. How can you participate in the Heart for the House miracle offering? What is one financial or non-financial way you can contribute to the vision God has for your church? [01:22:20]
6. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that tested your faith. How did being "planted" in the right soil help you draw strength and sustenance from God during that time? [01:06:29]
7. What is one specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus? How can you minimize that distraction this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [32:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Role in God's Mission
In the journey of faith, believers are called to transition from a consumer mindset to one of active participation in God's mission. This involves recognizing oneself as an integral part of the body of Christ, not merely attending church for personal gain but contributing to the collective mission of making a difference in the world. This shift requires a deep understanding of one's identity in Christ, acknowledging that each person is blessed, chosen, and predestined to live a life that reflects God's grace and redemption. By embracing this role, believers can actively participate in the transformative work God is doing in and through His church. [40:56]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you contribute to your church community this week, moving beyond just attending services to actively participating in God's mission?
Day 2: Planting Seeds for Future Generations
Adopting a "now for then" mindset encourages believers to plant seeds of faith today for the harvest of tomorrow. This perspective is not solely about personal growth but about investing in the future generations and the legacy left behind. By envisioning a future where today's faith and actions lead to exponential growth and impact, believers are challenged to look beyond their current circumstances. This mindset fosters a long-term vision, encouraging individuals to sow seeds that will benefit not only themselves but also those who come after them. [43:06]
Psalm 78:5-7 (ESV): "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Reflection: What is one action you can take today to invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation in your community?
Day 3: Rooted in the Right Community
Being planted in the right soil is crucial for spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to be deeply rooted in the church community, allowing God to nurture and grow them into fruit-bearing individuals. This involves moving from being potted, where one is easily uprooted by life's challenges, to being planted by streams of living water, drawing strength and sustenance from God. By being firmly rooted in a supportive community, believers can withstand life's trials and continue to grow in their faith. [01:00:21]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: How can you deepen your connection with your church community to ensure you are firmly rooted and supported in your spiritual journey?
Day 4: Sharing the Fruit of Your Life
The fruit that God produces in believers is not meant for personal consumption but for the benefit of others. This aligns with the biblical principle that one reaps what they sow, and by sowing into God's kingdom, a harvest of life and blessing is realized. Believers are encouraged to give the fruit of their lives away, understanding that their gifts and talents are meant to serve and bless others. This selfless act of sharing reflects God's love and grace, impacting the lives of those around them. [01:10:47]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: Identify one way you can use your gifts or resources to bless someone in your community this week.
Day 5: Investing in God's Vision
Participating in God's vision involves seeking His guidance on how to contribute financially and otherwise to the vision He has for the church. This is not just about giving money but about investing in the future God has planned for the congregation and the generations to come. By engaging in initiatives like the Heart for the House miracle offering, believers can actively participate in the unfolding of God's plan, ensuring that the church continues to thrive and impact the world for Christ. [01:22:20]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you prayerfully consider your financial and personal contributions to support the vision God has for your church?
Quotes
"Before we go into God's word, I just want us to take one moment just with our own voice, our own song And just begin to lift up your voice and bless the Lord in this place Come on, church, we're in Acts 2 church, we're filled with the Spirit, church Come on, if you call Resnate Church, if you've been here more than a month Come on, just lift up your voice and just begin to bless God because He's worthy He's worthy of your praise I don't need a band, I don't need a song I bless your name, God You've been so good to me when I think of where I was and who I was last month Six months ago, ten years ago God, I gotta bless you because you've been so, so good to me" [00:31:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We set aside the distractions. We set aside the noise. We set aside the thoughts that have just maybe become still and bored and disassociated and disconnected. And today, in the presence of God, we fix our eyes on Jesus because He's the author and the finisher of our faith. And he's promised that he who began a good work in you, church, will bring it to completion until the day of Christ. What that means is that God sees a path for you that is a path of growth, health, and deliverance and strength. He who started a good work in you." [00:34:11] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"See, you've got natural eyes right now that you look around the room and you're like, okay, there's a bass guitar over here and there's a plant over there. And that's strange. Why is there a plant over here? And there's some apples over here. Are we going to eat later? I don't know what's happening. So you look around and you see in the natural eyes and God's like, I want you to, for a moment, close the natural. I want you to close the natural eyes. And see with the eyes of your heart." [00:38:39] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Galatians chapter six and verse seven. God's word. Do not be deceived because God can't be mocked. A man or a woman reaps what they sow. The apostle Paul is challenging the church. And the churches of Galatia to understand whatever you put your life into, that is what your life will reproduce. When he says God can't be mocked, he's saying, don't think that you can just put your life into whatever you want and reap the harvest God has for you." [00:51:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But if you sow your life to please the spirit. So if I take the seed of my life and say, I'm going to take this to please God from the spirit, what are you going to reap? You're going to get a whole lot of life. In fact, you'll get eternal life. It's never life upon life. And it never will end. And here's the focal point for today. So in view of that, Resonate Church, seven plus years in, with bursting at the seams, had two services last week at the movies. Y 'all brought people to church. Y 'all are an inviting church. Come on, praise God for that." [00:55:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God intended the soil that you would build in to be Jesus' church. I'm not talking about building Resonate Church. I'm talking about the church. It doesn't have to be here. You plant yourself under good leadership, God -first leadership that loves Jesus, that calls out the fire inside of you, that has intentional discipleship in the church, that makes a way for you to grow into a leader, that calls out what's inside of you and into something. I'm talking about the seed. This is why Acts chapter 2 says, every day they continue to meet together." [01:01:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Your prayer life's not for you. Like, it's for you, and you're going to, but what God does when he builds you up is that he produces fruit that's not for you. This is where we get back to the very beginning of this verse. We say, if I'm going to take this seed and I'm going to plant it, if I plant it for my own flesh to be like, oh, I really want some apples, well, nothing's going to happen. But if I take my life, I plant it in the ground, and I say, God, I will be used by you. The greatest gift of life is understanding who God is, and he so loved the world that what did he do? He gave." [01:13:56] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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