Embracing Transformation: Growth in Faith and Community
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of transformation and growth, both personally and as a community. We began by acknowledging the rapid changes in the world around us and the necessity to adapt internally to navigate these external shifts effectively. The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing the new world we are entering, much like Noah's family experienced a different world after the flood. This new era requires us to let go of outdated systems and embrace innovative ways of thinking and living.
We discussed the significance of financial growth spurts, highlighting that God intends for us to experience rapid and significant financial increases. This involves setting our intentions towards God's plans for our finances and being open to the discomfort that often accompanies growth. The sermon also touched on the importance of the Terumah offering, an elevated offering that blesses the rest of our finances, and how honoring this principle can lead to greater financial stability and blessings.
The concept of transformation was further explored through the lens of becoming a transformative community. This involves not just individual change but collective growth that impacts the broader community. We were reminded that true transformation requires us to shift our ideologies and conversations, allowing ourselves to be reshaped by God's new work in us. This transformation is not just about financial prosperity but also about becoming better versions of ourselves to serve and lead others effectively.
The sermon concluded with a call to recognize and embrace the new things God is doing in our lives. This involves having the courage and faith to step into uncharted territories and trust in God's plans for our prosperity. We were encouraged to act with faith and courage, knowing that God is with us in every step of our journey, much like He was with Joseph in all his transitions.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Internal Transformation: To navigate the rapidly changing world around us, we must first own and manage the world within us. This internal transformation allows us to adapt and thrive in new environments, much like Noah's family did after the flood. Embracing change internally prepares us for external shifts. [05:55]
2. Financial Growth Spurts: God intends for us to experience financial growth spurts, which involve rapid and significant increases. This requires setting our intentions towards God's financial plans and being open to the discomfort that accompanies growth. Honoring principles like the Terumah offering can lead to greater financial stability and blessings. [14:17]
3. Becoming a Transformative Community: True transformation involves collective growth that impacts the broader community. This requires shifting our ideologies and conversations, allowing ourselves to be reshaped by God's new work in us. By becoming better versions of ourselves, we can serve and lead others more effectively. [29:11]
4. Recognize and Embrace New Beginnings: God is doing new things in our lives, and we must have the courage and faith to step into uncharted territories. This involves recognizing the new work God is doing and being willing to embrace change, even when it is uncomfortable. Trusting in God's plans for our prosperity is crucial. [47:02]
5. Act with Faith and Courage: Acting with faith and courage is essential in this season of transformation. Just as God was with Joseph in all his transitions, He is with us in our growth spurts. This requires stepping out boldly, knowing that God's plans for our prosperity and well-being are in place, even in uncertain times. [01:02:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:55] - Owning the World Within Us
[07:32] - Embracing New Technologies
[09:02] - Letting Go of Old Systems
[12:17] - Financial Growth Spurts
[14:17] - Setting Intentions for Financial Growth
[16:23] - The Importance of Terumah Offering
[19:20] - Worship and Financial Stewardship
[25:48] - Becoming a Transformative Community
[29:11] - Shifting Ideologies and Conversations
[33:11] - Global and Local Transformation
[37:17] - Investing in Change
[41:06] - Witnessing God's Goodness
[47:02] - Recognizing New Beginnings
[51:18] - The Importance of Tithing
[01:02:21] - Acting with Faith and Courage
[01:19:20] - Diverse Streams of Income
[01:22:11] - Receiving Tithes and Offerings
[01:25:27] - Thinking Cosmically, Living Locally
[01:27:06] - Closing Blessings
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV): "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
2. Genesis 41:39-40 (NIV): "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.'"
3. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 43:19 say about the new things God is doing? How does this relate to the concept of transformation discussed in the sermon? [25:48]
2. In Genesis 41:39-40, what role does Pharaoh assign to Joseph, and why? How does this reflect God's presence in Joseph's life during his transitions? [01:02:21]
3. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what are God's plans for us? How does this verse align with the sermon’s message about financial growth and prosperity? [47:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the concept of "making a way in the wilderness" from Isaiah 43:19 be applied to our personal and community transformations? [25:48]
2. What can we learn from Joseph's journey in Genesis 41:39-40 about trusting God's plans during times of transition and growth? [01:02:21]
3. How does Jeremiah 29:11 encourage us to trust in God's plans for our financial and personal growth, even when facing discomfort or uncertainty? [47:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent change in your life. How did you embrace or resist this change? What steps can you take to better embrace internal transformation in the future? [05:55]
2. Think about your current financial situation. Are there any outdated financial habits or systems you need to let go of? How can you set your intentions towards God's financial plans for you? [14:17]
3. In what ways can you contribute to becoming a transformative community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to shift your conversations or ideologies to support collective growth. [29:11]
4. What new beginnings is God calling you to recognize and embrace in your life? How can you step into these uncharted territories with faith and courage? [47:02]
5. Reflect on a time when you acted with faith and courage. How did it impact your life and those around you? What is one area in your life right now where you need to act with similar faith and courage? [01:02:21]
6. How can you honor the principle of the Terumah offering in your financial practices? What steps can you take to ensure that your giving blesses the rest of your finances? [16:23]
7. Identify one person in your community who could benefit from your support and leadership. How can you serve and lead them more effectively this week? [29:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Internal Transformation
Description: To navigate the rapidly changing world around us, we must first own and manage the world within us. This internal transformation allows us to adapt and thrive in new environments, much like Noah's family did after the flood. Embracing change internally prepares us for external shifts. This means letting go of old habits, mindsets, and systems that no longer serve us and being open to new ways of thinking and living. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's plans and purposes, enabling us to be more effective in our personal and communal lives. [05:55]
Bible passage: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV)
Reflection: What is one outdated mindset or habit you need to let go of to embrace internal transformation? How can you start renewing your mind today to align with God's will?
Day 2: Financial Growth Spurts
Description: God intends for us to experience financial growth spurts, which involve rapid and significant increases. This requires setting our intentions towards God's financial plans and being open to the discomfort that accompanies growth. Honoring principles like the Terumah offering can lead to greater financial stability and blessings. Financial growth is not just about accumulating wealth but about being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. It involves making wise decisions, being generous, and trusting God to provide for our needs. [14:17]
Bible passage: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your financial decisions with God's plans? How can you practice generosity and stewardship in your current financial situation?
Day 3: Becoming a Transformative Community
Description: True transformation involves collective growth that impacts the broader community. This requires shifting our ideologies and conversations, allowing ourselves to be reshaped by God's new work in us. By becoming better versions of ourselves, we can serve and lead others more effectively. A transformative community is one that supports and encourages each other, works together towards common goals, and makes a positive impact on the world around them. It is about being united in purpose and mission, and being willing to change and grow together. [29:11]
Bible passage: "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." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the growth and transformation of your community? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their journey of faith?
Day 4: Recognize and Embrace New Beginnings
Description: God is doing new things in our lives, and we must have the courage and faith to step into uncharted territories. This involves recognizing the new work God is doing and being willing to embrace change, even when it is uncomfortable. Trusting in God's plans for our prosperity is crucial. New beginnings can be challenging, but they also bring opportunities for growth and renewal. It is about having the faith to move forward, even when the path is uncertain, and trusting that God is with us every step of the way. [47:02]
Bible passage: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)
Reflection: What new beginning is God calling you to embrace? How can you step out in faith and trust God's plan for your life, even when it feels uncomfortable?
Day 5: Act with Faith and Courage
Description: Acting with faith and courage is essential in this season of transformation. Just as God was with Joseph in all his transitions, He is with us in our growth spurts. This requires stepping out boldly, knowing that God's plans for our prosperity and well-being are in place, even in uncertain times. Faith and courage are not just about taking big leaps but also about making small, consistent steps towards God's purposes. It is about trusting God in every situation and being willing to take risks for His glory. [01:02:21]
Bible passage: "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: What is one area of your life where you need to act with more faith and courage? How can you take a bold step today, trusting that God is with you in every transition?
Quotes
1. "If we begin to own the world within us then we will be able to manage and move forward in the world that is around us." [05:55] (5 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Being part of this prophetic community, not all, because some prophetic communities just want to make you feel better. We want you to live better. We want you to lead better by living better. And so part of it is understanding that we must begin to know what the world in front of us looks like." [07:32] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So sometimes you got to do the work of letting go. Letting go of systems that you trusted in. Letting go of educational systems, financial systems. A lot of jobs. I want to say this to us. A lot of jobs that if a robot can do your job, if AI can do your job, your job is already obsolete. You must find another path, amen, to prosper in." [09:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In order for a growth spurt to do, it needs to do, there must be growing pains. And we don't want the pain of growth, we just want the growth. But we're going to be, and we are, transformative in our own house and then transformative in the community. We've got to decide that I'm going to change. I'm going to change. And it's not a thing to look at with dread, but anticipation, because freedom of God is coming about." [12:17] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some of us have misappropriated our resources. Some of us have stolen from God. Some of us just don't give to God. But He's saying that in this new season, I have given you an opportunity to start over. And the new moon... And so having a fresh start changes everything." [15:19] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So there's something new that God wants you to see. And it is connected to what you've already been looking at. But how I see what God wants to show me is going to determine the path I take. Because after seeing the new thing, then God began to give him new instructions. You will not get your next lesson. You will not get the love of instructions until you can see the new thing." [27:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You've got to give yourself permission to transform. You've got to quit saying, this is who I am. This is how I have decided to be. Like it or not, this is me. But we are lying to ourselves. This is who I am. So the layers of our lives must come off. So we can walk and become the image of Jesus Christ in the earth." [30:35] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The scripture tells us that there was a poor man that had the wisdom to save the city but because of his poverty they would not listen to him. God wants your voice to have credibility. God wants you to show up differently because you are here to save a city. You are here to save a community. Your light is supposed to be brighter than ever before." [36:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want to declare a change is coming this morning. And how we invest in the change will determine how much the change benefits our lives. I have to invest in change. we sometimes misunderstand the word witness. Because it is not a verbal communication. We know you can understand. I promised you, told you, never but you so every God that we think we are witnesses. The witness is a lifestyle that has changed." [37:17] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the grace of God is power to witness from your substance. Your substance gives you Please write that down. Some tables you will never sit at. Some conversations you will never hear because your substance has not done the work. You are not a witness of the goodness of God the glory of God. Your hallelujah tonight give you access. Your gift goes before you and takes you before a great need." [38:48] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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