Embracing Our Role in God's Ongoing Story
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to a new semester at the Wesley Foundation! Tonight, we embark on a journey through "The God Story," a series that will explore the narrative of the Bible and our place within it. We begin with the foundational scripture, Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God." This simple yet profound statement sets the stage for understanding God's creative power and the ongoing story of divine love and grace.
Reflecting on personal stories, I shared how my own journey, from a small youth group to becoming a pastor, was shaped by God's guiding hand. This narrative is not just about the past but is active and living, inviting each of us to find our place in God's story. We are reminded that every day is a new beginning, a chance to participate in the divine narrative.
We also looked at Psalm 8, which marvels at God's creation and our place within it. The Psalmist's awe at the majesty of God and the honor bestowed upon humanity calls us to recognize our sacred role in the world. This ties into the idea that each of us carries a unique, divine imprint, making us integral parts of God's ongoing story.
C.S. Lewis's conversion story, influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien, illustrates the transformative power of recognizing the truth of Christ's story. Lewis's journey from atheism to becoming a profound Christian thinker underscores the importance of community and dialogue in our spiritual growth.
In conclusion, we are reminded that God's story is one of relationships—between God and us, and among ourselves. We are called to see each other as gifts, reflecting unique dimensions of God's image. As we go forth, let us embrace our roles in this magnificent story, sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Beginning of God's Story: Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God," reminds us that every day is a new beginning with God. This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding the ongoing narrative of divine love and grace that we are invited to participate in. Each day, we have the opportunity to start anew and be part of God's creative work. [35:36]
2. Personal Stories and God's Guidance: Reflecting on personal experiences, like my journey from a small youth group to becoming a pastor, highlights how God's guiding hand shapes our lives. Our stories are not isolated; they are part of the larger God story, where every experience, even the challenging ones, contributes to our spiritual growth and calling. [40:52]
3. The Majesty of God's Creation: Psalm 8 calls us to marvel at the majesty of God's creation and recognize our honored place within it. This awe-inspiring view of God's work reminds us of our sacred role and the responsibility we have to steward and reflect God's glory in the world. [44:51]
4. Transformation through Community: C.S. Lewis's conversion story, influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien, underscores the importance of community and dialogue in our spiritual journeys. Engaging with others who are part of God's story can lead to profound transformations and a deeper understanding of our faith. [48:32]
5. Relationships in God's Story: God's story is one of relationships—between God and us, and among ourselves. We are called to see each other as gifts, each reflecting a unique dimension of God's image. Embracing this perspective helps us build a community that mirrors the love and grace of Jesus Christ, making us active participants in God's ongoing narrative. [53:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:38] - Announcements and Introduction
[19:50] - Special Guest: Ben Fitzgerald
[27:52] - New Series Introduction: The God Story
[28:56] - The Beginning: Genesis 1:1
[29:42] - The Importance of Stories
[31:47] - Personal Stories and God's Guidance
[32:51] - Types of Stories
[33:33] - The Structure of Stories
[34:19] - The God Story: A Continual Narrative
[35:36] - In the Beginning, God
[37:08] - God's Extravagant Love
[38:37] - Your Part in God's Story
[40:52] - Personal Testimony: Youth Group Experience
[44:51] - Psalm 8: The Majesty of God's Creation
[46:22] - C.S. Lewis's Conversion Story
[48:32] - The Impact of Community
[50:14] - No Ordinary People: Divine Imprint
[51:42] - The Call to Accept Jesus
[53:09] - Relationships in God's Story
[56:45] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
2. Psalm 8:1-9 - "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 1:1 reveal about the beginning of God's story? How does this set the stage for the rest of the Bible? [35:36]
2. According to Psalm 8, what is the Psalmist's reaction to God's creation, and how does he describe humanity's place within it? [44:51]
3. How did C.S. Lewis's conversion story, influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien, illustrate the importance of community and dialogue in spiritual growth? [48:32]
4. What personal story did the pastor share about his journey from a small youth group to becoming a pastor, and how did he see God's guiding hand in it? [40:52]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the phrase "In the beginning, God" from Genesis 1:1 shape our understanding of God's role in the creation and ongoing narrative of the world? [35:36]
2. In Psalm 8, the Psalmist marvels at the majesty of God's creation and humanity's honored place within it. What does this suggest about our responsibility towards creation and each other? [44:51]
3. Reflecting on C.S. Lewis's conversion story, how can engaging in meaningful conversations with others influence our spiritual journeys? [48:32]
4. The pastor shared his personal story of spiritual growth and calling. How can reflecting on our own stories help us understand our place in God's ongoing narrative? [40:52]
### Application Questions
1. Genesis 1:1 reminds us that every day is a new beginning with God. How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily life to see each day as an opportunity to participate in God's creative work? [35:36]
2. Psalm 8 calls us to recognize our sacred role in God's creation. What specific actions can you take this week to better steward and reflect God's glory in the world around you? [44:51]
3. C.S. Lewis's conversion was significantly influenced by his friend J.R.R. Tolkien. Who in your life has influenced your spiritual journey, and how can you engage in deeper spiritual conversations with them? [48:32]
4. The pastor's journey from a small youth group to becoming a pastor was shaped by God's guidance. Reflect on a challenging experience in your life. How can you see God's hand in it, and how has it contributed to your spiritual growth? [40:52]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of relationships in God's story. How can you actively see and treat the people around you as gifts, reflecting unique dimensions of God's image? [53:09]
6. Considering the idea that each of us carries a unique, divine imprint, what unique gifts or talents do you have that you can use to contribute to your community and God's ongoing story? [50:14]
7. The pastor mentioned that God's story is one of relationships. How can you build and strengthen relationships within your church community to better reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ? [53:09]
Devotional
Day 1: New Beginnings with God
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. This foundational truth from Genesis 1:1 reminds us that every day is a new beginning with God. It sets the stage for understanding the ongoing narrative of divine love and grace that we are invited to participate in. Each day, we have the opportunity to start anew and be part of God's creative work. This perspective encourages us to see each day as a fresh start, filled with potential and guided by God's hand. Embracing this mindset can transform our daily lives, making us more aware of God's presence and purpose in every moment. [35:36]
Genesis 1:1 (ESV): "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need a fresh start? How can you invite God into this area today to begin anew?
Day 2: God's Guidance in Our Stories
Reflecting on personal experiences, like the journey from a small youth group to becoming a pastor, highlights how God's guiding hand shapes our lives. Our stories are not isolated; they are part of the larger God story, where every experience, even the challenging ones, contributes to our spiritual growth and calling. Recognizing God's presence in our personal narratives helps us see the bigger picture and understand that we are never alone. Each step we take is part of a divine plan, and every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth and deeper faith. [40:52]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Think about a challenging experience in your life. How can you see God's guiding hand in that situation, and what did you learn from it?
Day 3: Marveling at God's Creation
Psalm 8 calls us to marvel at the majesty of God's creation and recognize our honored place within it. This awe-inspiring view of God's work reminds us of our sacred role and the responsibility we have to steward and reflect God's glory in the world. By appreciating the beauty and complexity of creation, we can better understand our place in it and the unique role we play. This perspective encourages us to live with gratitude and purpose, knowing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. [44:51]
Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV): "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"
Reflection: Take a moment to observe the natural world around you. How does recognizing the majesty of God's creation change your perspective on your daily responsibilities and interactions?
Day 4: Transformation through Community
C.S. Lewis's conversion story, influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien, underscores the importance of community and dialogue in our spiritual journeys. Engaging with others who are part of God's story can lead to profound transformations and a deeper understanding of our faith. Community provides support, encouragement, and different perspectives that can help us grow spiritually. By sharing our journeys and listening to others, we can experience the transformative power of God's love and truth in new and meaningful ways. [48:32]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who has influenced your spiritual journey. How can you reach out to them today to express your gratitude and continue the dialogue?
Day 5: Embracing Relationships in God's Story
God's story is one of relationships—between God and us, and among ourselves. We are called to see each other as gifts, each reflecting a unique dimension of God's image. Embracing this perspective helps us build a community that mirrors the love and grace of Jesus Christ, making us active participants in God's ongoing narrative. By valuing and nurturing our relationships, we can create a supportive and loving environment that reflects God's kingdom on earth. [53:09]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Identify one relationship in your life that needs nurturing. What specific steps can you take today to show love and grace to that person?
Quotes
1. "We're looking at this entire realm of what is the God story? What's the narrative? What are we being told? And secondly, how am I a part of it? Where am I in this narrative?" [29:42] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How do you tell that story? How's it told? How's it told? Who wants to know? Who wants to hear it? That sounds kind of like blunt. But like, you know, who do you think the subject or the context is? The folks that may want to hear the story. What types of stories are there?" [32:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See, this God story is a continual narrative of seeking the and then what happened. In reading the God story in narrative form, it's always seeking the and then what happened. See, the God story is active and living and right now. It's not just, yes, it's contained in the book of the Bible as you have it, right? It's contained in between there. But yet, it is also expansive." [34:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Every single day, you begin again. Every single day. Just this first half of a sentence says this to us. That, this begins a story of the extravagant love God has for all of us. That's what that says. In the beginning, God. Begins an extremely beautiful narrative that says the beautiful extravagant love that God has for all of us." [37:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What if we are all in a place right now in discernment and we are in this place because we are seeking to be a part of a community that will help us find and guide us through a spiritual growth so that we can begin this beautiful life with God today." [38:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Because if that had not had happened, I would have probably been so headstrong and so stubborn to not listen to this God call thing and try to move around the country and be like the best, greatest news anchor there ever was. That's what I wanted to do. But because that happened, I'm in where I need to be." [43:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "There are no ordinary people. The author of the book, The God Story, expounds upon that and he says this. Each one of us is laden with sacred meaning. A permanent stamp of divine nature has been imprinted upon every human being. You all in here, watching now, watching later. The folks you're going to encounter along your walk to class or hanging out anywhere. Somehow God, in God's divine way, has imprinted. God's sacred stamp upon them." [50:14] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God's story is not about a story of solitude. God's story is that it continues as a community. It involves every single one of us. And when we realize this, day in and day out, then we really get to be a part of something. Where our eyes will be opened to see the really cool, creative and beautiful story that God continues to create day in and day out." [53:09] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Fellow human beings should be understood primarily as gifts to one another. Each one capable of reflecting an unrepeatable dimension of the image of God to the other. I thought that was a pretty beautiful statement to end on. Where'd it go? It went away. Let's just break it in half. Fellow human beings should be understood primarily as gifts to one another." [54:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "As human beings, we get annoyed with each other, don't we, Parker? But even through the stuff of life that we may endure with one another, you all, in some beautiful, God-given way, are a gift to one another. The second part of that is, each one of us is capable of reflecting an unrepeatable dimension of the image of God to the other." [54:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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