Embracing the Essential Story of Transformation in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series called "The Essential Story," which is designed to help us understand and live out the biblical principles that lead to a full and abundant life in Jesus Christ. This series is based on a book I wrote, which has been the foundation of my discipleship approach for the past 17 years. At Cornerstone, we believe that connecting with Jesus and living according to His words and ways is the key to discovering the best life possible. We call this "Living 6G," which stands for Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, and Giftedness.
The Bible uses powerful language to describe the life Jesus offers—terms like "full life," "abundant life," and "transformed." These words can sometimes feel abstract, but they are meant to describe a life deeply connected to Jesus and shaped by the Holy Spirit. When we say yes to Jesus, we are filled with God's Spirit, which continually works in us to make us more like Christ. This series aims to help us understand how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this transformative process.
We discussed two Greek concepts of time: "chronos," which is linear and sequential, and "kairos," which is an appointed time in God's purpose. Right now, in this very moment, God has a purpose for you. Jesus' first sermon in Mark 1:14-15 encapsulates this idea: "The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news." This is an invitation to align our lives with God's purposes and to believe in the good news of His kingdom.
The story of God is the true story of the universe, and it mirrors our own lives. It begins with creation, moves through the fall, and leads to redemption and renewal through Jesus Christ. This story is not just a cosmic narrative but a personal one that invites each of us to find our place in it. By anchoring our lives in God's story, we find hope, purpose, and transformation.
Faith is the entry point into this story. It is how we experience and express the story of God in our lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we live and move and have our being. Today is the day of salvation, the right time to say yes to Jesus and to join God in His work in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living 6G: A Path to Abundant Life
At Cornerstone, we believe that the best life is found in living according to the words and ways of Jesus. This involves embracing our six core values: Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, and Giftedness. These values guide our actions and help us stay connected to Jesus, leading to a life of abundance and transformation. [15:35]
2. Kairos: The Appointed Time
The concept of "kairos" refers to an appointed time in God's purpose. Right now, in this very moment, God has a purpose for you. Jesus' proclamation that "the kingdom of God is at hand" invites us to align our lives with God's purposes and to believe in the good news. This moment is significant because it is when God acts in our lives. [22:16]
3. The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The gospel is not just good news; it is transformative news. It moves us from being strangers to family, from darkness to light, and from death to life. This transformation is initiated by Jesus and continued by the Holy Spirit, shaping us to be more like Christ. Aligning our lives with this good news is essential for experiencing true transformation. [28:03]
4. God's Story: A Mirror of Our Lives
The story of God, from creation to redemption, mirrors our own lives. We all experience a beginning, a fall, and a need for redemption. Jesus provides the way for us to be redeemed and renewed. By anchoring our lives in God's story, we find hope and purpose, realizing that no situation is beyond God's redemptive power. [42:27]
5. Faith: The Entry Point into God's Story
Faith is how we enter and experience the story of God. It is not about having all the proof or evidence but about trusting in God's promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we live and move and have our being. Today is the day of salvation, the right time to say yes to Jesus and to join God in His work in our lives. [45:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:31] - Announcements and Memorial Information
[14:37] - Introduction to The Essential Story Series
[15:35] - Living 6G: Core Values
[16:51] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[18:50] - Personal Story: Dr. Seuss and Stick Figures
[19:46] - Chronos and Kairos: Understanding Time
[22:16] - The Significance of Now
[23:48] - Jesus' First Sermon: Repent and Believe
[25:39] - The True Meaning of Repentance
[28:03] - The Transformative Power of the Gospel
[32:04] - The Good News: God Has Come Close
[36:23] - The Importance of Story in Our Lives
[42:27] - God's Story: Creation, Fall, Redemption
[45:36] - Faith: The Entry Point into God's Story
[46:49] - Joining God in His Work
[47:28] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:14-15 (NIV) - "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
2. Acts 17:28 (NIV) - "For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'"
3. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) - "For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the six core values that Cornerstone Church emphasizes for living a full and abundant life in Jesus? ([15:35])
2. How does the concept of "kairos" differ from "chronos" in the context of God's purpose? ([19:46])
3. According to the sermon, what are the two action steps Jesus gives in Mark 1:14-15? ([23:48])
4. What does the sermon suggest is the transformative power of the gospel? ([28:03])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "kairos" as an appointed time in God's purpose impact our understanding of God's timing in our lives? ([22:16])
2. In what ways does the story of God, from creation to redemption, mirror our own personal stories? ([42:27])
3. How does faith serve as the entry point into experiencing and expressing the story of God in our lives? ([45:36])
4. What does it mean to align our lives with the good news of the kingdom of God, as Jesus invites us to do in Mark 1:14-15? ([23:48])
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentions "Living 6G" as a path to an abundant life. Which of the six core values (Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, Giftedness) do you feel most challenged to embrace, and why? ([15:35])
2. Reflect on a moment in your life that you now recognize as a "kairos" moment. How did God act in that moment, and how did it shape your faith journey? ([22:16])
3. The sermon describes the gospel as transformative news. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you have experienced transformation through the gospel? ([28:03])
4. How can you actively align your life with God's story this week? Consider specific actions or changes you can make to better reflect the good news of the kingdom of God. ([23:48])
5. Faith is described as the entry point into God's story. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in God's promises, especially in areas where you struggle to believe? ([45:36])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of anchoring our lives in God's story. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your daily decisions and actions are aligned with God's redemptive story? ([42:27])
7. Reflect on the idea that "today is the day of salvation." Is there an area of your life where you need to say "yes" to Jesus and allow Him to work? What is holding you back, and how can you overcome it? ([46:04])
Devotional
Sure, let's proceed step-by-step.
### Step 1: Themes
1. Living 6G: Embracing Core Values for Abundant Life
2. Kairos: Recognizing God's Appointed Time
3. The Gospel's Transformative Power
4. God's Story: Our Personal Redemption Journey
5. Faith: Entering and Living God's Story
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. Living 6G: Embracing Core Values for Abundant Life
At Cornerstone, the concept of "Living 6G" encapsulates the six core values that guide our lives: Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, and Giftedness. These values are not just abstract principles but practical ways to stay connected to Jesus and live out His teachings. Grace reminds us of God's unmerited favor, while Goodness calls us to reflect His character in our actions. Growth emphasizes our continual spiritual development, and Gathering highlights the importance of community. Generosity encourages us to share our resources, and Giftedness reminds us to use our unique talents for God's glory. By embracing these values, we align our lives with Jesus' words and ways, leading to a life of abundance and transformation. [15:35]
2. Kairos: Recognizing God's Appointed Time
The Greek concept of "kairos" refers to an appointed time in God's purpose, a moment when God acts in our lives. Unlike "chronos," which is linear and sequential, "kairos" is a divine moment of opportunity. Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1:14-15, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news," invites us to recognize and respond to these divine moments. Right now, in this very moment, God has a purpose for you. This is an invitation to align your life with God's purposes and to believe in the good news of His kingdom. Understanding and seizing these "kairos" moments can lead to significant spiritual growth and transformation. [22:16]
3. The Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel is not just good news; it is transformative news that changes our very being. It moves us from being strangers to family, from darkness to light, and from death to life. This transformation is initiated by Jesus and continued by the Holy Spirit, who works in us to make us more like Christ. The gospel's power lies in its ability to bring about real, lasting change in our lives. By aligning our lives with this good news, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who shapes us into the image of Christ. This transformation is essential for experiencing the full and abundant life that Jesus offers. [28:03]
4. God's Story: Our Personal Redemption Journey
The story of God, from creation to redemption, mirrors our own lives. We all experience a beginning, a fall, and a need for redemption. Jesus provides the way for us to be redeemed and renewed. By anchoring our lives in God's story, we find hope and purpose, realizing that no situation is beyond God's redemptive power. This cosmic narrative becomes personal as we see our own lives reflected in it. Understanding that we are part of God's grand story helps us to navigate our own journeys with faith and confidence, knowing that redemption and renewal are always possible through Jesus Christ. [42:27]
5. Faith: Entering and Living God's Story
Faith is the entry point into God's story. It is not about having all the proof or evidence but about trusting in God's promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we live and move and have our being. Today is the day of salvation, the right time to say yes to Jesus and to join God in His work in our lives. Faith allows us to experience and express the story of God in our lives, transforming us and aligning us with His purposes. It is through faith that we can fully participate in the abundant life that Jesus offers. [45:36]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. Living 6G: Embracing Core Values for Abundant Life
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
2. Kairos: Recognizing God's Appointed Time
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
3. The Gospel's Transformative Power
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
4. God's Story: Our Personal Redemption Journey
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
5. Faith: Entering and Living God's Story
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. Living 6G: Embracing Core Values for Abundant Life
Which of the 6G values (Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, Giftedness) do you find most challenging to live out, and how can you take a practical step to embrace it today?
2. Kairos: Recognizing God's Appointed Time
Can you identify a "kairos" moment in your life where you felt God's purpose was clear? How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience for future divine moments?
3. The Gospel's Transformative Power
In what area of your life do you need the transformative power of the gospel the most right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area today?
4. God's Story: Our Personal Redemption Journey
Reflect on a time when you experienced a fall or failure. How did you see God's redemptive power at work in that situation, and how can that experience give you hope for current challenges?
5. Faith: Entering and Living God's Story
What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Living 6G: Embracing Core Values for Abundant Life
At Cornerstone, the concept of "Living 6G" encapsulates the six core values that guide our lives: Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, and Giftedness. These values are not just abstract principles but practical ways to stay connected to Jesus and live out His teachings. Grace reminds us of God's unmerited favor, while Goodness calls us to reflect His character in our actions. Growth emphasizes our continual spiritual development, and Gathering highlights the importance of community. Generosity encourages us to share our resources, and Giftedness reminds us to use our unique talents for God's glory. By embracing these values, we align our lives with Jesus' words and ways, leading to a life of abundance and transformation. [15:35]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Which of the 6G values (Grace, Goodness, Growth, Gathering, Generosity, Giftedness) do you find most challenging to live out, and how can you take a practical step to embrace it today?
Day 2: Kairos: Recognizing God's Appointed Time
The Greek concept of "kairos" refers to an appointed time in God's purpose, a moment when God acts in our lives. Unlike "chronos," which is linear and sequential, "kairos" is a divine moment of opportunity. Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1:14-15, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news," invites us to recognize and respond to these divine moments. Right now, in this very moment, God has a purpose for you. This is an invitation to align your life with God's purposes and to believe in the good news of His kingdom. Understanding and seizing these "kairos" moments can lead to significant spiritual growth and transformation. [22:16]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a "kairos" moment in your life where you felt God's purpose was clear? How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience for future divine moments?
Day 3: The Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel is not just good news; it is transformative news that changes our very being. It moves us from being strangers to family, from darkness to light, and from death to life. This transformation is initiated by Jesus and continued by the Holy Spirit, who works in us to make us more like Christ. The gospel's power lies in its ability to bring about real, lasting change in our lives. By aligning our lives with this good news, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who shapes us into the image of Christ. This transformation is essential for experiencing the full and abundant life that Jesus offers. [28:03]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the transformative power of the gospel the most right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area today?
Day 4: God's Story: Our Personal Redemption Journey
The story of God, from creation to redemption, mirrors our own lives. We all experience a beginning, a fall, and a need for redemption. Jesus provides the way for us to be redeemed and renewed. By anchoring our lives in God's story, we find hope and purpose, realizing that no situation is beyond God's redemptive power. This cosmic narrative becomes personal as we see our own lives reflected in it. Understanding that we are part of God's grand story helps us to navigate our own journeys with faith and confidence, knowing that redemption and renewal are always possible through Jesus Christ. [42:27]
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a fall or failure. How did you see God's redemptive power at work in that situation, and how can that experience give you hope for current challenges?
Day 5: Faith: Entering and Living God's Story
Faith is the entry point into God's story. It is not about having all the proof or evidence but about trusting in God's promises. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and it is through faith that we live and move and have our being. Today is the day of salvation, the right time to say yes to Jesus and to join God in His work in our lives. Faith allows us to experience and express the story of God in our lives, transforming us and aligning us with His purposes. It is through faith that we can fully participate in the abundant life that Jesus offers. [45:36]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Essential Story is a growth-based series. How do we learn and apply biblical principles to our everyday life? But more than that, here's what happens. The Bible uses this incredible language. It talks about following Jesus. And some of the words that the Bible uses, full life, abundant life, transformed, those words often feel really big for what we think about. And then we start to look at our lives and we wonder, what does it really mean to be transformed by the Spirit? What does it mean to be brought into a full and abundant life?" (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we say yes to Jesus, the Bible tells us that we are filled with God's Spirit. And that Spirit doesn't leave us alone. It's a Spirit that is constantly shaping us and moving us and helping us to become more like Christ. To live into the family of God and to live out being a child of God." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The good news is that God has come close. Right? God of the Bible is real. He's not just sitting in heaven far away, waiting through some marbles cosmically in motion and is going to allow them to do what they do. He moves. And yet the beautiful conversation that we get, and we get this right in the Old Testament, God comes near to the brokenhearted." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is how we enter and experience the story of God. It's how we express it in our lives to each other and to those around us. Faith is that entry point into the story. The Bible says without faith, it is impossible to please God. It also says that we live by faith, not by sight. It's never been about proof. Have you ever noticed that? We live in a world that's asking for proof and God says, live by faith, trust me. You haven't trusted me yet, trust me now and watch what I can do." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "2 Corinthians 6 says that at just the right time, there's that Kairos thing again, right? At just the right time, on the day of salvation, I helped you. Indeed, that day is today. The right time is now, Paul says. Today is the day of salvation. There are some of us in this room who have never said yes to Jesus. Some of us online who have never said yes to Jesus. Maybe today is your day." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "For some of you in the room who live brokenhearted and grieve, this is a path of healing. For some who have been traumatized and hurt, it's a path of hope. For those who are looking for their next step with the Lord, it's a path of opportunity. And yet this is the path that Jesus invites us on. And for a long time, I've kept it private in my personal counseling and discipleship, and now I want to help people walk through it together." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When God acts, he always acts with purpose. And he moves with purpose in your life, too. So Kairos is that space where God acts. In Mark chapter 1, verses 14 and 15, Jesus kind of preaches his first sermon right here. And it's a short sermon. Some of you guys wish I would catch that clue. But he says this. After John was put in prison, this is how Mark reads, we're given a time, John gets put in prison, and then Jesus goes into Galilee, and he proclaims the good news. And this is what he says. He says, Behold, the time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Repentance, according to Scripture, according to the Greek language, repentance is all about aligning my life to who God is. That does mean turning from sin. I can't pursue sin and run after God at the same time. That's not going to happen. But there's a whole lot about life that moves me to align my life with what God's doing in the world. And that's what Jesus' first invitation is. Is to align my life with this good news that's there. The kingdom has come. Align with this. And believe the good news." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The whole language of the gospel, the good news, is transformation language. When you start to watch how the New Testament unfolds this message of Jesus, we're told that we move from being strangers to being family. We move from being aliens to being a people. We move from being lost to being found. We move from darkness to light. We move from death to life. Like, those are transitioning, transforming positions. And that's what we're told. That's what the good news of Jesus is doing, is transforming us from the inside out. When we align our lives to God, and we believe that good news." (48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The good news is that God has come close. The good news is that God is working in and on your life. It would be great, just straight confession here, right? It would be absolutely fantastic if the moment I said yes to Jesus, I was a perfectly formed believer. I would never sin again. That would be kind of cool. I would never have an ill, a little thought about anybody." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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