Embracing the Gospel: A New Year’s Call to Faith
Summary
As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we've taken together over the past 14 months, a journey through the entirety of Scripture. This Bible binge has been a transformative experience for many, offering a deeper understanding and connection with God's Word. As we move forward, I encourage you to continue this practice of daily engagement with Scripture. In the lobby, you'll find a variety of Bible reading plans to guide you, whether you prefer a chronological approach, a thematic one, or a mix of Old and New Testament readings. The YouVersion Bible app is another excellent resource, providing daily reminders to immerse yourself in God's Word, which serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Reflecting on the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19, we are reminded of our mission to make disciples of all nations. This call is not just for pastors or church leaders but for each of us, despite our doubts and questions. Even the first disciples, who witnessed Jesus' miracles firsthand, experienced doubt. Yet, Jesus entrusted them with His mission, showing us that faith is not the absence of doubt but the courage to act despite it.
The story of Nicodemus, a teacher of the law who sought Jesus with questions, illustrates the beauty of the gospel. In John 3:16, we see the heart of the gospel: God's love for the world, a love that prompted Him to give His only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This message is for all of us, the "whoevers" who struggle with sin and brokenness. Jesus assures us that He came not to condemn but to save, offering life and forgiveness in abundance.
As we embrace this new year, let us hold onto the simplicity and power of the gospel: God loved, God gave, we believe, and we live. This truth sustains us through life's complexities and uncertainties. My prayer is that you remain rooted in God's Word, allowing it to overflow into your life and the lives of those around you, bringing hope, light, and peace.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Scripture: Engaging with the Bible daily is crucial for spiritual growth. It serves as a guiding light, providing wisdom and direction for our lives. As we enter a new year, consider adopting a Bible reading plan to deepen your understanding and connection with God's Word. [03:42]
2. The Great Commission: The call to make disciples is for everyone, not just church leaders. Despite our doubts and questions, we are entrusted with this mission. Faith is not the absence of doubt but the courage to act in spite of it, just as the first disciples did. [06:27]
3. God's Unconditional Love: John 3:16 reveals the heart of the gospel: God's love for the world. This love is not based on our ability to keep the law but is a gift given freely to all, regardless of our brokenness or shortcomings. [10:16]
4. The Gift of Salvation: Jesus came not to condemn but to save. His sacrifice offers us life and forgiveness in abundance. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are loved and redeemed. [12:30]
5. Embracing Simplicity in Faith: In a complex world, the gospel's simplicity is profound. God loved, God gave, we believe, and we live. This truth sustains us through life's challenges and uncertainties, reminding us of the preciousness of our faith. [15:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:42] - The Great Commission
- [06:27] - Doubts and Faith
- [10:16] - God's Love for the World
- [11:25] - The Whoever's of the Gospel
- [12:30] - The Gift of Eternal Life
- [14:17] - Salvation Through Christ
- [15:54] - Simplicity in Faith
- [16:30] - Encouragement for the New Year
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission
2. John 3:16-17 - God's Love and Salvation
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different types of Bible reading plans mentioned in the sermon, and how can they help in daily engagement with Scripture? [03:42]
2. According to the sermon, what was the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus after His resurrection, and what does this reveal about their faith? [06:27]
3. How does the story of Nicodemus illustrate the simplicity and power of the gospel as described in John 3:16? [10:16]
4. What assurance does Jesus provide in John 3:17 about His purpose in coming to the world? [14:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 challenge the common perception that only church leaders are responsible for making disciples? [03:42]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that having doubts and questions can actually be a sign of faith rather than a lack of it? [06:27]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of God's love being unconditional, as seen in John 3:16, especially for those who feel unworthy? [10:16]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of Jesus' sacrifice in offering life and forgiveness, and how does this impact our understanding of salvation? [12:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current Bible reading habits. What steps can you take to engage more deeply with Scripture in the coming year? [03:42]
2. Think about a time when you had doubts about your faith. How can you use those doubts to strengthen your relationship with God and others in your community? [06:27]
3. How can you share the message of God's unconditional love with someone who feels unworthy or distant from God? [10:16]
4. Identify a "whoever" in your life who might be struggling with sin or brokenness. How can you offer them support and share the hope of the gospel? [11:25]
5. In what ways can you embrace the simplicity of the gospel message in your daily life, especially when faced with complex challenges? [15:54]
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission within your local community, considering your unique position and relationships? [03:42]
7. What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of the assurance of salvation and live confidently in the knowledge of being loved and redeemed by God? [12:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Scripture as Our Daily Guide
Engaging with the Bible daily is essential for spiritual growth and understanding. The Bible serves as a guiding light, providing wisdom and direction for our lives. As we enter a new year, consider adopting a Bible reading plan to deepen your connection with God's Word. Whether you choose a chronological, thematic, or mixed approach, the key is consistency. The YouVersion Bible app can be a helpful tool, offering daily reminders to immerse yourself in Scripture. This practice not only enriches your personal faith journey but also equips you to share God's love and truth with others. [03:42]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What specific time each day can you dedicate to reading the Bible, and how can you ensure this becomes a consistent habit?
Day 2: Embracing the Great Commission
The Great Commission from Matthew 28:19 calls every believer to make disciples of all nations. This mission is not limited to pastors or church leaders but extends to each of us, regardless of our doubts and questions. Even the first disciples, who witnessed Jesus' miracles, experienced doubt. Yet, Jesus entrusted them with His mission, demonstrating that faith is not the absence of doubt but the courage to act despite it. As you reflect on this call, consider how you can actively participate in making disciples in your community and beyond. [06:27]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally invest in spiritually, and what steps can you take this week to begin that journey?
Day 3: Understanding God's Unconditional Love
John 3:16 reveals the heart of the gospel: God's love for the world. This love is not based on our ability to keep the law but is a gift given freely to all, regardless of our brokenness or shortcomings. The story of Nicodemus illustrates the beauty of the gospel, showing that Jesus came not to condemn but to save. This message is for all of us, the "whoevers" who struggle with sin and brokenness. Embrace this truth and let it transform your understanding of God's love and grace. [10:16]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of God's unconditional love, especially when you feel unworthy or distant from Him?
Day 4: The Assurance of Salvation
Jesus came not to condemn but to save, offering life and forgiveness in abundance. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that we are loved and redeemed. The gift of salvation is not something we earn but a grace we receive through faith. As you reflect on this truth, consider how it impacts your daily life and interactions with others. Let the assurance of salvation bring you peace and motivate you to share this hope with those around you. [12:30]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the assurance of your salvation today, and how can this influence your relationships with others?
Day 5: The Simplicity of the Gospel
In a complex world, the gospel's simplicity is profound: God loved, God gave, we believe, and we live. This truth sustains us through life's challenges and uncertainties, reminding us of the preciousness of our faith. As you embrace this new year, hold onto the simplicity and power of the gospel. Allow it to overflow into your life and the lives of those around you, bringing hope, light, and peace. Let this foundational truth guide your actions and decisions, anchoring you in God's love and purpose. [15:54]
"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you simplify your faith practice to focus more on the core message of the gospel, and what changes can you make to reflect this in your daily life?
Quotes
"Because when we're in that word of God, it's a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. So no matter what 2025 holds for us, we can be confident that God's word is what we can count on. For God's word, we can count on it as a bedrock on which we build our life." [00:01:57] (17 seconds)
"They saw him feed a multitude with just a little boy's sack lunch. They saw him raise the dead, but yet they still had doubts. They still had questions. And the great thing about this whole thing is that Jesus doesn't say, well, until you get it all figured out, you better go study some more and be ready to answer every question that might come up. I don't want you to have any doubts or any questions as you go." [00:05:09] (25 seconds)
"And in his day and in his time, teachers having questions wasn't a good thing. And so he has to go see Jesus in the middle of the night, because he recognizes the things that Jesus is doing, the things that Jesus are teaching, are different than what he had been teaching, than what he had learned, and what he had been studying. And so he goes to Jesus in the middle of the night, and the conversation that happens between Jesus and Nicodemus is one of the most famous conversations of all." [00:07:35] (28 seconds)
"That there is a God who loves. And guess what? Who he loves. He doesn't just love people who keeps the laws. He is a God who so loved the world, the whole world, and all the people in it. The broken people. The people who have nothing that they can offer to God. The people who know their disappointments. The people who know their sins. The people who are trying to keep God's laws and God's commands." [00:09:36] (25 seconds)
"Knowing that the giving of His Son would result in the Son giving His life as a ransom for many. A ransom for everyone in that world who is undeserving of that love. And so John records it for us and Nicodemus hears it from Jesus' mouth that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. And then He says something incredible." [00:11:02] (23 seconds)
"I am that life, and I have come to bring that life for many, many who will call upon me, many for whom I will bear the sins of the world so that they might not face the wages of their own sin, which is death, but instead would receive from me that gift of life and forgiveness in abundance that lasts forever." [00:13:46] (21 seconds)
"So God gives us of his very self, of his very son, not to show us how to do it, but to do it in our place. Those that through him we might have life and forgiveness in abundance, for which we get the opportunity as the body of Christ to share to the world around us. Just like those early disciples, we might have doubts, we might have questions, we might not have the opportunity to share to the world around us." [00:14:41] (22 seconds)
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