Embracing Our Unique Purpose Through God's Touch
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Linked Up Church! Today, we celebrate the incredible work of our Children's Ministry, especially after a successful Kids Connect Camp where we served over 200 children with the help of 90 volunteers. As the oldest of five siblings, I understand the importance of setting an example, and we all have an older brother in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate example. Romans 8:28-29 reminds us that God has woven every detail of our lives for good, and we are destined to share in the likeness of His Son.
God has a unique purpose for each of us, as unique as our fingerprints. Just as no two fingerprints are alike, our purposes are distinct and divinely designed. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Our purposes may evolve over time, but they are always guided by God's loving instruction. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is a season for every purpose under heaven, and we must trust in God's timing.
Throughout the Bible, we see how one touch from God can profoundly impact lives. From Adam to Noah, Abraham to Moses, and ultimately Jesus, God's touch has always been transformative. Jesus, our big brother, set the perfect example for us. His touch healed the sick, raised the dead, and changed lives. We are called to follow His example and serve others.
The Holy Spirit, left to us by Jesus, equips us with various gifts to fulfill our God-given purposes. We must be attuned to God's voice, avoid distractions, and overcome fear to walk in our divine purpose. Serving in our church, especially in the Children's Ministry, is one way to live out our purpose and impact the future.
As we close, I invite anyone who has not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to do so today. One touch from Jesus can change your life for eternity. If you feel called to join our church or rededicate your life to Christ, the doors are open for you.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Unique Purpose for Each of Us: Just as our fingerprints are unique, so are the purposes God has designed for our lives. Each purpose is distinct and divinely orchestrated, reflecting God's intricate plan for us. Embrace your unique path and trust that God has a specific plan tailored just for you. [05:40]
2. The Transformative Power of God's Touch: Throughout the Bible, one touch from God has changed lives profoundly. From Adam to Noah, Abraham to Moses, and Jesus, God's touch has always been transformative. This same power is available to us today, enabling us to fulfill our divine purposes. [17:49]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and empower us in our God-given purposes. The Holy Spirit equips us with various gifts, helping us navigate our spiritual journey and fulfill our divine callings. Cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit to walk in your purpose. [31:06]
4. Overcoming Obstacles to Fulfill God's Purpose: Fear, distractions, and unfamiliar surroundings can hinder us from fulfilling God's purpose. We must identify and overcome these obstacles, keeping our hearts and ears open to God's instructions. Trust in God's guidance and remain steadfast in your faith. [33:59]
5. Serving as an Expression of Purpose: Serving in the church, especially in ministries like the Children's Ministry, is a tangible way to live out our God-given purposes. By serving, we set an example, inspire others, and contribute to the growth and well-being of our community. One touch, one act of service, can make a significant impact. [39:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:52] - Setting the Example
[03:50] - God's Purpose for Us
[05:40] - Unique Fingerprints, Unique Purposes
[09:33] - Personal Journey and God's Plan
[11:04] - God's GPS and Timing
[13:15] - The Power of One Touch
[17:49] - Biblical Examples of God's Touch
[22:39] - Jesus, Our Big Brother
[27:46] - Faith and Healing
[31:06] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[33:59] - Overcoming Obstacles
[39:43] - Serving in the Church
[42:24] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[44:44] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:28-29 (The Passion Translation): "So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill his design purpose. For he knew all about us before we were born, he destined us from the beginning to share in the likeness of his son; this means the son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him."
2. Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (New King James Version): "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:28-29, what is the purpose of God weaving every detail of our lives together? How does this relate to Jesus being our older brother? [01:52]
2. In Jeremiah 29:11, what are the specific plans that God has for us? How does this verse assure us about our future? [03:50]
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1 mentions that there is a season for every purpose. Can you identify a season in your life where you felt God's timing was crucial? [12:24]
4. How did the sermon illustrate the uniqueness of our purposes using the analogy of fingerprints? [05:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Romans 8:28-29 speaks about being destined to share in the likeness of Jesus. What does it mean to be like Jesus in our daily lives? [01:52]
2. Jeremiah 29:11 talks about God's plans to prosper us and give us hope. How can we align our personal goals with God's plans for us? [03:50]
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states that there is a time for every purpose. How can we discern God's timing in our lives, especially when we face delays or setbacks? [12:24]
4. The sermon mentioned that one touch from God can change lives profoundly. How can we be open to receiving God's transformative touch in our lives? [13:15]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's purpose for your life was as unique as your fingerprints. How did you embrace this uniqueness, and what steps did you take to follow it? [05:40]
2. The sermon emphasized the transformative power of God's touch. Can you share a personal experience where you felt God's touch changed your life? How did it impact your faith and actions? [17:49]
3. The Holy Spirit equips us with various gifts to fulfill our purposes. What specific gifts do you feel the Holy Spirit has given you, and how are you using them to serve others? [31:06]
4. Fear and distractions can hinder us from fulfilling God's purpose. Identify one fear or distraction in your life. What practical steps can you take to overcome it and stay focused on God's plan? [33:59]
5. Serving in the church is a way to live out our God-given purposes. How can you get involved in a ministry at Linked Up Church, and what impact do you hope to make through your service? [39:43]
6. The sermon invited those who haven't accepted Jesus to do so. If you haven't yet, what is holding you back from making this decision? If you have, how can you help others in their journey to accept Jesus? [42:24]
7. Reflect on the role of Jesus as our older brother and ultimate example. How can you model your life more closely after Jesus in your daily interactions and decisions? [01:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Unique Path
God has a unique purpose for each of us, as unique as our fingerprints. Just as no two fingerprints are alike, our purposes are distinct and divinely designed. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Our purposes may evolve over time, but they are always guided by God's loving instruction. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is a season for every purpose under heaven, and we must trust in God's timing. Embrace your unique path and trust that God has a specific plan tailored just for you. [05:40]
"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: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to fulfill His purpose for your life today?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of God's Touch
Throughout the Bible, one touch from God has changed lives profoundly. From Adam to Noah, Abraham to Moses, and Jesus, God's touch has always been transformative. This same power is available to us today, enabling us to fulfill our divine purposes. Jesus, our big brother, set the perfect example for us. His touch healed the sick, raised the dead, and changed lives. We are called to follow His example and serve others. [17:49]
"And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, 'If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.' Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, 'Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.' And instantly the woman was made well." (Matthew 9:20-22, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt God's transformative touch in your life. How did it change you, and how can you share that experience with others?
Day 3: Cultivate a Relationship with the Holy Spirit
Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and empower us in our God-given purposes. The Holy Spirit equips us with various gifts, helping us navigate our spiritual journey and fulfill our divine callings. Cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit to walk in your purpose. By being attuned to God's voice, we can avoid distractions and overcome fear to walk in our divine purpose. [31:06]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make more room in your daily life to listen to the Holy Spirit? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him?
Day 4: Overcoming Obstacles to Fulfill God's Purpose
Fear, distractions, and unfamiliar surroundings can hinder us from fulfilling God's purpose. We must identify and overcome these obstacles, keeping our hearts and ears open to God's instructions. Trust in God's guidance and remain steadfast in your faith. By doing so, we can navigate through life's challenges and stay on the path that God has set for us. [33:59]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one fear or distraction that is currently hindering you from fulfilling God's purpose. What practical steps can you take today to overcome it?
Day 5: Serving as an Expression of Purpose
Serving in the church, especially in ministries like the Children's Ministry, is a tangible way to live out our God-given purposes. By serving, we set an example, inspire others, and contribute to the growth and well-being of our community. One touch, one act of service, can make a significant impact. Serving others not only fulfills our purpose but also brings us closer to the heart of God. [39:43]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: How can you serve in your church or community this week? What specific actions can you take to make a positive impact on those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God's purpose is for us to have unique gifts and talents. He has designed each one of us with his purpose for our lives. Minister Johnny said the other week, it's not about us, it's about him. It's not about our purpose. It's not about our plans. It's about the purpose that he has on you and your life. Because he said in Jeremiah 1.5, before you were born, before you were formed in the womb, I said born, I knew you. Before I consecrated you, I appointed you a prophet to the nations." [05:40] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your purpose in life is as unique to God as your fingerprints. Look at your hands. Everybody thinks they have one fingerprint. This one, you have 10. All 10 of them are different. They're not the same. And if your purposes in life are as unique as your fingerprints, then you're bound to have more than one purpose in life. You might not reach them all at the same time, at the same place, or the same time in your life. But God has set you up. Because he lovingly is instructing you for the plans that he has for you." [06:49] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's purposes are unique. Reflecting traces of his presence throughout our lives. God's GPS guides you down the road to your purposes. You might take a U-turn here. You might come to a fork in the road. You might have to stop, recalibrate, and turn around. To get to the right purpose that God has designed for you." [11:04] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your purpose in life will come. It may not be in your early 20s. It may not be in your 40s. It may not be in your 60s. But one thing for sure. If God purposed you to do it. And he gave you the instructions in his book on how to do it. It will come. What I want you to know today. Your purpose is a touch from God. Just one touch from God. And your purpose that he put on your life can profoundly impact our environment. Our life. Our health. Our circumstances." [12:24] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God knows what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the onset to shape the lives of those who loved him. The same way he did Jesus Christ. He touched Jesus. And he will touch you too. The only requirement is that you love him. The only requirement because he said for those that love him." [15:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God will equip you. For his purpose. But. We must have open hearts. To hear his instructions. Abraham. Heard his instructions. God told him leave your country. Leave your people. Leave your father's house. And go to a new country. Sometimes. God can't. Get your purpose. In life. In your familiar surroundings. He moves you out of it. So. You can only hear him. And what he has for you. I asked myself. A long time ago. What did God move me from Bowling Green Kentucky. To Atlanta Georgia. Where I knew. Not a soul. But he had to get me out of that environment. To. For me to operate in the purpose that he had. On my life. It could only come. Here." [20:20] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can't listen. To what people are saying. You can't be a part. Of the naysayers. Jesus sent them out. You got to go. He only brought in. The mother and the father. And two of his followers. And he said. She's not dead. She's sleeping. Be careful. With your words. In order to receive. And walk in your purpose. And for God to put a touch on your life. You have to know. Your words. You have to know the word of God. And the examples. Our big brother has left us." [27:10] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The spirit gives one person. The ability to speak with wisdom. And the same spirit gives another person. The ability to speak with knowledge. The same spirit gives. Faith to one person. And to another he gives the gifts of healing. The spirit gives one person. The power to do miracles. And to another the ability. To the. And to another the ability. And to another the ability. To judge what is. From the spirit. And what is not. The spirit gives one person the ability. To speak in different kinds of languages. And to another the ability. To interpret those languages. The Holy Spirit. Jesus said. He would leave with us." [30:36] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God made us. Just like Jesus. He gave us the Holy Spirit. To help us walk out. Our God given purpose. The Holy Spirit. Is there with you. To direct you. To guide you. In every aspect. Of your purposes. In life. Your purpose. That you start with. Or that you're in now. More than likely. Are not the end purposes. That God has for you. That he has touched you with. Are you. In your purpose. Is your relationship. Enough with the Holy Spirit. That you know. What God's purpose. For your life is." [32:16] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Identify the hidden. Obstacles. To God's purpose. You have to identify. The hidden obstacles. Fear. Don't let the fear of the unknown. Stop you from fulfilling. God's purpose. For you to operate. In your one touch. That he's going to put on your life. Fear is from the enemy. We know. And the enemy comes to steal. Kill and destroy. We know that fear. Will try to stop us. I don't know how to do that. I've never done that. I'm afraid to talk in front of people. I don't know. How to work with children. I barely can work with my own. Don't let. The fear of the unknown. Stop you from working. In your purpose." [33:59] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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