Embracing Relationships: The Heart of Our Mission
Summary
Today is a day of celebration, a holy moment where we gather to honor the faith steps taken by so many in our church family. We have witnessed God’s presence moving powerfully among us, especially as we have committed ourselves to the “Imagine” vision—an invitation to invest deeply in relationships, to befriend and walk alongside those who do not yet know the love of Jesus. This journey is not about programs or numbers, but about the immeasurable value of every single person. Each “one” we commit to is a life that now has a direct connection to the hope of the gospel, and that is a reason for great joy and praise.
The heart of this vision is rooted in the example of Jesus, who broke down barriers and built bridges to those considered outsiders. In Luke 15, we see Jesus’ radical compassion through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Each story reveals the relentless love of God—a shepherd who risks everything for one lost sheep, a woman who turns her world upside down for a single coin, and a father who waits, grieves, and then runs to embrace his wayward son. These are not just stories; they are a call to us to embody the same compassion, to make space in our lives for relationships that matter, and to celebrate when the lost are found.
Our church has responded with bold faith. 182 people have committed to being a Christ-shaped friend to someone far from God, and many more are praying for God to reveal their “one.” Sacrificial giving has also marked this season, with 128 households stepping out in generosity, trusting God to provide as we pursue this vision together. The financial commitments are significant, but even more so is the spirit of unity and faith that undergirds them.
Yet, this is just the beginning. The journey ahead will require us to continue making space—not just time—for relationships, to be present and engaged, and to risk loving as Jesus loved. We are called not to be gatekeepers of grace, but to be conduits of it, welcoming others into the joy and hope we have found. As we move forward, let us do so with expectation, compassion, and a willingness to celebrate every life transformed by the love of Christ.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Presence: God’s presence is not something we must beg for; it is a gift He freely gives. Yet, we are invited to pray for His presence to be thick and focused in our lives and families, especially in times of challenge. When we intentionally seek God’s nearness, we find strength and confidence to walk forward, trusting Him with every circumstance. [29:01]
- Relational Investment Reflects the Heart of Jesus: Jesus modeled a life of radical, relational investment, reaching out to those whom society rejected. He did not merely make time for people; He made space for genuine relationship, breaking down barriers and building bridges of compassion. Our calling is to do likewise, prioritizing relationships over comfort or convenience, and seeing every person as worthy of love and grace. [58:56]
- Sacrifice and Generosity as Acts of Worship: The stories of sacrificial giving within our church—families giving up luxuries, increasing their generosity, or learning to trust God with their finances—demonstrate that true worship involves surrender. It is not the size of the gift, but the spirit of faith and dependence on God that matters. When we give sacrificially, we participate in God’s vision and experience His provision in new ways. [39:56]
- The Joy of the Found: Heaven rejoices over every lost soul that is found, and we are invited to share in that celebration. The parables of Luke 15 remind us that God’s heart beats for the lost, and that our greatest joy comes not from what we build or accomplish, but from seeing lives transformed by the gospel. Our mission is to walk with our “one” in love, prayer, and friendship, anticipating the day when they say yes to Jesus. [01:01:19]
- Creating Space for Miracles: Making space for relationship is more than a strategy—it is an act of faith that invites God to work miracles. When we are intentional about being present and engaged with those God places in our lives, we open the door for transformation, healing, and salvation. Let us not grow weary in this calling, but continue to invest, pray, and celebrate every step toward the immeasurably more that God has promised. [01:02:44]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:01] - Praying for God’s Presence in Our Families
[30:04] - Lifting Up Our Families to God
[31:55] - Celebrating God’s Faithfulness
[33:31] - The Vision of “Imagine” and Our Ones
[34:54] - Stories of Finding and Investing in Your One
[36:04] - Extending Friendship and Facing Rejection
[37:18] - The Power of Relationship and Upcoming Events
[39:11] - Sacrificial Giving and Commitment Stories
[40:38] - Financial Update and Faith Steps
[42:03] - Inviting Participation and First Fruit Offerings
[43:03] - The Significance of Bringing Our Offerings
[53:36] - Dedicating Our First Fruit Offerings
[55:37] - The Prayer of Immeasurably More
[56:46] - Celebrating Bold Faith and the Impact of One
[58:56] - Jesus’ Model: Building Bridges, Not Walls
[01:01:19] - The Parables of the Lost: Sheep, Coin, and Son
[01:02:44] - Creating Space for Relationship and Miracles
[01:17:40] - Closing Song and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Imagine – The Power of One”
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 15:1-32 (The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son)
- Ephesians 3:20-21 (“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 15, who were the people that Jesus spent time with, and how did the religious leaders react to this? ([58:56])
2. What actions did the shepherd, the woman, and the father take when something or someone was lost in the parables? What did they do when the lost was found? ([01:01:19])
3. According to the sermon, how many people in our church have committed to being a Christ-shaped friend to someone far from God? ([33:31])
4. What are some examples of sacrificial giving that people in our church have made as part of the “Imagine” vision? ([39:56])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to spend time with “tax collectors and sinners” instead of just religious people? What does this show us about his priorities? ([58:56])
2. In the parables, what does the celebration at the end of each story tell us about God’s heart for people who are far from Him? ([01:01:19])
3. The sermon says, “Jesus didn’t just make time for people; he made space for relationship.” What is the difference between these two, and why does it matter? ([01:02:44])
4. How does the idea of “sacrificial giving” connect to worship and trust in God, according to the sermon? ([39:56])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “create space—not just time—for relationships.” What is one practical way you could make space in your week for someone who doesn’t know Jesus? ([01:02:44])
2. Think about the “one” God might be putting on your heart. If you have already identified your “one,” what is one step you can take this week to invest in that relationship? If you haven’t, what would it look like to start praying for God to show you who that person is? ([33:31])
3. The parables in Luke 15 show a willingness to risk, to search, and to celebrate. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to take a risk or go out of your comfort zone to show God’s love? What’s holding you back? ([01:01:19])
4. The sermon shared stories of people giving up things like vacations or subscriptions to give more generously. Is there something you could give up or change in your life to be more generous—either with your time, money, or attention? ([39:56])
5. The sermon says, “We are called not to be gatekeepers of grace, but to be conduits of it.” Are there people or groups you tend to keep at arm’s length? What would it look like to welcome them as Jesus did? ([58:56])
6. When was the last time you celebrated someone taking a step toward Jesus? How can you make celebration a regular part of your faith journey, especially when someone you care about moves closer to God? ([01:01:19])
7. The “Imagine” vision is just beginning. What is one thing you can do this month to keep moving forward in faith, even if you don’t see immediate results? ([33:31])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for their “one,” for boldness to make space for relationships, and for God’s presence to be thick in their lives and families.
Devotional
Day 1: God Can Do Immeasurably More Than We Ask or Imagine
God invites us to trust Him with bold faith, believing that He is able to accomplish far beyond what we can envision or plan. When we step out in faith, offering our resources, relationships, and dreams to Him, we participate in a journey that is not limited by our own abilities but is empowered by His limitless power. This journey is not just about reaching a goal, but about learning to depend on God, celebrating His faithfulness, and watching Him work in ways that surprise and delight us. As we bring our first fruits and commitments, we declare our trust in His vision and provision, knowing that He is present and active in our stories, leading us into a future filled with hope and purpose. [55:37]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life or your family’s future where you need to trust God for “immeasurably more” than you can currently see or imagine? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 2: Jesus Welcomes and Pursues the Lost
Jesus models a radical, bridge-building love that seeks out those who are far from God, welcoming them with compassion rather than condemnation. Unlike the religious leaders who kept their distance from “sinners,” Jesus leaned in, shared meals, and built relationships with those considered outsiders. His heart is for every person to be found, healed, and welcomed home, and He calls us to follow His example by reaching out in friendship and grace to those who do not yet know His love. When we choose to be present and intentional with those on the margins, we reflect the very heart of Christ and participate in the joy of heaven when the lost are found. [58:56]
Luke 15:1-2 (ESV)
"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'"
Reflection: Who in your life might feel like an outsider or “lost”? How can you intentionally reach out to them with the welcoming love of Jesus this week?
Day 3: Every Person Matters Deeply to God
The parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son reveal God’s relentless pursuit and extravagant joy over every individual who is found. Whether someone has wandered away, been overlooked, or deliberately chosen their own path, God’s heart aches for their return and celebrates their restoration. These stories remind us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love, and that our willingness to search, wait, and welcome can be the very means by which someone experiences the miracle of being found. When we invest in relationships, pray, and persist in love, we join in the celebration of heaven and reflect the Father’s heart to the world. [01:02:44]
Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Reflection: Is there someone you have been tempted to give up on or overlook? What is one practical way you can show them that they matter to God and to you?
Day 4: Make Space, Not Just Time, for Relationships
True Christlike friendship goes beyond simply being present or doing obligatory acts; it means intentionally making space in our lives to know, understand, and walk alongside others. Jesus didn’t just fit people into His schedule—He created room in His heart and life for real relationship, allowing for transformation and miracles to happen. When we make space for our “one”—the person God has placed on our hearts—we open the door for God’s love to be experienced in tangible ways. This kind of investment requires rearranging priorities, being available, and engaging deeply, not just superficially. [01:05:30]
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally make space—not just time—for deeper relationship with your “one” or someone God is calling you to invest in this week?
Day 5: Celebrate Bold Steps of Faith and Generosity
When we respond to God’s vision with sacrificial giving and bold steps of faith, we participate in something greater than ourselves and inspire others to do the same. Every act of generosity, every commitment—large or small—contributes to the unfolding story of God’s work in our church and community. Celebration is not just a response to reaching a goal, but an act of worship that acknowledges God’s faithfulness and the collective impact of our obedience. As we celebrate together, we encourage one another to keep moving forward, trusting that God will use our offerings and our lives to bring hope, transformation, and joy to many. [42:03]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV)
"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 celebrate and encourage someone else’s step of faith or generosity this week? What is one way you can make your own giving or commitment an act of joyful worship?
Quotes
There is power in the name of Jesus. And I think the way that God has been moving and the celebration that we have today, let's just tell the Lord how much we love and give the Lord a praise offering this morning. Right? You know, I think sometimes, sometimes we kind of hold ourselves back because we're not sure if it's appropriate. Do you know it's always appropriate to give God praise? Right? It's always appropriate to celebrate his goodness and his faithfulness. [00:32:50]
One of our great battles, one of our great tools that we have available to us is to fight back in our praise. And so, let us not be quick to dismiss the privilege of our worship and praise to the Lord. [00:33:18]
We have to acknowledge that it is just the beginning. Just the beginning of beginning to experience the immeasurably more that God has in store for us. [00:34:10]
As I've been sharing over these recent weeks, the heartbeat of this vision is your one and the time and the commitment that each of us will give to them. [00:34:22]
Notice that with every one commitment that is made, the vision gets brighter and more clear. Relationship is important to our imagined vision, and it's why we have done things throughout this series to model, to teach, to lead an example for how we prioritize those things. [00:37:32]
The sacrificial spirit in which these gifts, these commitments have been made, that is what's really making the difference. [00:39:31]
It's stories like these that are leading us to experience the immeasurably more that God has in store for our church. [00:40:49]
This vision has been built on trusting God and having faith, bold faith for his plans for us. And so, honestly, it's not a surprise to me that God has us staying in a place of dependency and trusting in him for the difference and what we need to get over the finish line. [00:41:40]
But I think there is something biblical about bringing our offerings to the Lord. You know, and in our church, we've kind of gone away from the passing of plates for our tithes and offerings. That might come back at some point, I don't know. But, you know, it kind of went away before around COVID and before, and there was all kinds of weird things, and we realized we can do it without. But, you know, sometimes there's something about bringing our offering forward, and bringing it to the Lord to say, Lord, this is my worship. This is my gift. This is my trust in what you're doing and how you're leading. [00:44:17]
It started in an imagine. It started in a dream. It started by opening ourselves to hearing the instruction and the direction that the Lord had for us. And sharing what we're learning with each other. [00:55:21]
Today we gather in celebration. A holy moment in which heaven is rejoicing right along with us. We are here to honor the beautiful and bold faith steps of people who have said, I will be a friend to one. Not just any friend, but a Christ. Christ-shaped, grace-filled, and intentional friend to someone who doesn't yet understand or know the love of Jesus. [00:56:43]
A hundred and eighty -two lives now have a direct connection to the hope of the gospel because you have said yes. That alone should be a reason for an eruption of praise and celebration. [00:57:30]
Where the Pharisees built walls to protect themselves or to keep the unclean out, Jesus built bridges. Where they would withdraw, Jesus leaned in and pressed closer. Jesus, the friend of sinners, reached out with compassion, not with condemnation. And because of that, the lost were found, the broken were healed, and the outcasts were welcomed home and given eternal hope. [01:01:26]
Today we stand in defiant joy against this lingering...shadow of the pharisaic mindset we will not be gatekeepers of grace we will not keep our distance in fear because if we are honest with ourselves even in our own condition we found ourselves hopeless too at least until someone dared to share jesus with us we are here most of us are here today because somebody shared jesus in his words with us because they shared his patience and his presence with us and because of that we now are in a place where we are responsible for carrying the torch. [01:02:41]
Each of these parables give us a glimpse in the to the compassion for the loss that jesus had and the immeasurable joy that resonates from that compassion. [01:03:40]
There is a special joy that is reserved in the heart of the shepherd for the one who was lost but now has been brought home and is found. Heaven throws a party when the lost come home and guess what you and i get to be a part of that party we get to be a part of the invitation and the celebration of that party. [01:05:26]
Rearranging our lives to befriend someone who needs a friend and needs to know the love they are loved by god and and a god who has immeasurably more planned for them trumps all other valued life pursuits when one is found everyone wins. [01:08:02]
When this son comes home the scripture tells us while he is a long way off this grieving father who's been looking who's been praying who's been waiting sees his son doesn't wait for his son to get up to the house before he acknowledges him but he runs to his son and embraces him welcomes him welcomes him home and then the father spares no expense celebrating a son who is lost and now has been found it's a picture of divine joy of uncontainable lavish joy the kind that fills a house with music and dancing the kind that is a home of safety. [01:10:33]
Every sheep every coin every son or daughter every co -worker every neighbor every church person every family member or friend everyone matters to God and he has entrusted them to us. [01:11:31]
Jesus didn't just make time for people he made space for relationship let me say that again Jesus didn't just make time for people he made space for relationship. [01:11:54]
When you choose to walk with your one in love and in truth and in friendship we not only are making space for relationship we're making space for a miracle we're making space for the one who is lost to be found. [01:12:57]
There is no joy that compares to the moment when you've been walking with someone praying for someone and weeping for someone and they finally say yes to jesus it's what turns into an eternal celebration it's the very thing that heaven throws a party for. [01:13:12]
Let us step into this mission this vision that god has given us with boldness and expectation let's be the kind of friends that shakes the gates of hell so they open up so that they can open up into the doors of heaven let's live with compassion that moves with faith that risks and love that welcomes because your one matters and when your one is found we including all of heaven will celebrate with you and them. [01:14:36]
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