Embracing Your Comeback Story Through Faith and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "Your Comeback Story," emphasizing that each of us has a unique journey of overcoming obstacles and experiencing God's promises. We began by reflecting on the history of Grace Fellowship and the importance of obedience to God's call, as exemplified by our founder, Pastor Ken Coulter. The central scripture, John 10:10, reminds us that while the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came to give us life abundantly. This abundant life is not just about reaching heaven but enjoying the journey with God's promises of healing, prosperity, and joy.
We drew inspiration from the Olympics, noting how athletes from different nations support each other despite being competitors. This spirit of encouragement and rejoicing in others' successes is something we can learn from. We must focus on our own growth and avoid getting entangled in others' faults, trusting that God is working on each of us individually.
The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 served as a powerful illustration of faith and determination. Despite being outcasts, these men took a bold step of faith, which led to a miraculous provision for an entire city. Their story teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their status, to bring about His purposes. Similarly, the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 highlights the importance of gratitude. Only one returned to thank Jesus, showing that a heart of gratitude is crucial in our walk with God.
We also discussed the significance of letting go of past mistakes and embracing God's grace. Romans 5:20 and 6:14 remind us that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more, and we are no longer under the law but under grace. This grace empowers us to live free from the bondage of past sins and mistakes, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's blessings.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to get our "praise on," trust in God's promises, and expect breakthroughs. By letting go of the past and embracing God's grace, we can live out our comeback stories, showing the world the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace God's Promises: Jesus came to give us life abundantly, not just in heaven but here on earth. Embrace His promises of healing, prosperity, and joy, and believe that they will manifest in your life. Trust that God has a good plan for you, and walk in faith, expecting His blessings to come to pass. [01:28]
2. Support and Rejoice with Others: Just as athletes from different nations support each other, we should rejoice in others' successes and blessings. Avoid jealousy and focus on your own growth. Trust that what God does for one, He can do for another. Encourage and uplift those around you, knowing that God is working on each of us individually. [02:52]
3. Take Bold Steps of Faith: The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 teaches us the importance of taking bold steps of faith. Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God can turn things around. Your faith and determination can lead to miraculous provisions and breakthroughs, not just for you but for those around you. [16:11]
4. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude: The one leper who returned to thank Jesus in Luke 17 exemplifies the importance of gratitude. Always remember to thank God for His blessings and breakthroughs in your life. A heart of gratitude keeps you connected to God's grace and opens the door for more blessings. [33:16]
5. Let Go of the Past and Embrace Grace: Romans 5:20 and 6:14 remind us that we are no longer under the law but under grace. Let go of past mistakes and embrace the freedom that comes with God's grace. This empowers you to live a life free from the bondage of sin and to experience the fullness of God's blessings. [46:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - God's Promises for Abundant Life
[02:52] - Learning from the Olympics
[04:24] - Staying Out of Others' Business
[05:46] - Overcoming Obstacles
[06:48] - Declaring God's Promises
[07:33] - Manifesting Blessings in the Natural
[08:18] - The Importance of Giving
[09:12] - Obeying God's Difficult Commands
[09:52] - God Uses the Outcasts
[10:50] - The Power of Joy and Peace
[11:34] - 2 Kings 7:1 - Elisha's Prophecy
[12:32] - Desperate People Do Desperate Things
[13:22] - Hearing the Word of the Lord
[14:20] - The Doubter's Fate
[16:11] - The Four Lepers' Bold Step
[18:10] - The Lord's Intervention
[19:51] - Get Your Praise On
[21:08] - Speaking to Your Situation
[22:33] - Determination to Finish Strong
[23:54] - Letting Go of the Past
[25:27] - The Lepers' Discovery
[27:00] - Demanding the Enemy's Payback
[28:33] - Good News from the Lord
[30:02] - Expecting God's Word to Manifest
[31:37] - Believing the Word of the Lord
[33:16] - The Grateful Leper
[36:18] - The Last Shall Be First
[37:34] - Expecting Daily Breakthroughs
[39:23] - Using Your Faith
[39:59] - Overcoming Religious Attitudes
[41:49] - The Sinful Woman's Act of Love
[44:39] - God's Gift of Grace
[46:00] - Living Under Grace
[48:40] - Letting Go of Unforgiveness
[50:19] - Seeking God's Help
[51:27] - Letting Go at the Cross
[53:48] - Blessing and Invitation
[55:21] - Be a Blessing to Others
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Your Comeback Story"
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10
2. 2 Kings 7:1-9
3. Luke 17:11-19
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10:10, what are the contrasting purposes of the enemy and Jesus? How does this verse relate to the concept of living an abundant life? [01:28]
2. In 2 Kings 7, what bold decision did the four lepers make, and what was the outcome of their action? [16:11]
3. In Luke 17, how many lepers were healed by Jesus, and how many returned to thank Him? What does this story teach us about gratitude? [33:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of abundant life in John 10:10 extend beyond just reaching heaven? What does it mean to experience this abundant life on earth? [01:28]
2. Reflecting on the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, what can we learn about taking bold steps of faith even when circumstances seem dire? [16:11]
3. Why is gratitude important in our walk with God, as illustrated by the one leper who returned to thank Jesus in Luke 17? How does a heart of gratitude impact our relationship with God? [33:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus came to give us life abundantly. What specific promises of God (healing, prosperity, joy) are you currently believing for in your life? How can you actively embrace these promises this week? [01:28]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of supporting and rejoicing with others. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt jealous of someone else's success? How can you shift your perspective to one of encouragement and support? [02:52]
3. The four lepers took a bold step of faith despite their dire circumstances. Is there a situation in your life where you feel "stuck"? What bold step of faith can you take to move forward? [16:11]
4. Gratitude was a key theme in the sermon. Take a moment to reflect on recent blessings in your life. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude in your daily routine? [33:16]
5. Letting go of past mistakes and embracing God's grace is crucial for living a comeback story. Are there past mistakes or regrets that you are holding onto? How can you release them and embrace the freedom of God's grace this week? [46:00]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of getting your "praise on" and trusting in God's promises. How can you incorporate praise and worship into your daily life to strengthen your faith and expect breakthroughs? [19:51]
7. Reflect on the concept of living under grace as mentioned in Romans 6:14. How does understanding that you are no longer under the law but under grace change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions? [46:00]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, "Your Comeback Story," and apply its lessons to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind everyone that their unique journey and experiences are valuable contributions to the group.
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace God's Promises
Jesus came to give us life abundantly, not just in heaven but here on earth. Embrace His promises of healing, prosperity, and joy, and believe that they will manifest in your life. Trust that God has a good plan for you, and walk in faith, expecting His blessings to come to pass. This abundant life is not merely about reaching a heavenly destination but enjoying the journey with God's promises. Reflect on John 10:10, which reminds us that while the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came to give us life abundantly.
[01:28]
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." (3 John 1:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific promise of God are you struggling to believe will manifest in your life? How can you actively trust and expect His blessings today?
Day 2: Support and Rejoice with Others
Just as athletes from different nations support each other, we should rejoice in others' successes and blessings. Avoid jealousy and focus on your own growth. Trust that what God does for one, He can do for another. Encourage and uplift those around you, knowing that God is working on each of us individually. This spirit of encouragement and rejoicing in others' successes is something we can learn from.
[02:52]
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." (Romans 12:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has recently experienced a blessing or success. How can you genuinely rejoice with them and support them today?
Day 3: Take Bold Steps of Faith
The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 teaches us the importance of taking bold steps of faith. Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God can turn things around. Your faith and determination can lead to miraculous provisions and breakthroughs, not just for you but for those around you. Despite being outcasts, these men took a bold step of faith, which led to a miraculous provision for an entire city.
[16:11]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Reflection: What bold step of faith is God calling you to take today? How can you trust Him to turn your circumstances around?
Day 4: Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
The one leper who returned to thank Jesus in Luke 17 exemplifies the importance of gratitude. Always remember to thank God for His blessings and breakthroughs in your life. A heart of gratitude keeps you connected to God's grace and opens the door for more blessings. Gratitude is crucial in our walk with God, as it acknowledges His work in our lives and keeps us humble.
[33:16]
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific blessing you can thank God for today? How can you make gratitude a daily habit in your life?
Day 5: Let Go of the Past and Embrace Grace
Romans 5:20 and 6:14 remind us that we are no longer under the law but under grace. Let go of past mistakes and embrace the freedom that comes with God's grace. This empowers you to live a life free from the bondage of sin and to experience the fullness of God's blessings. Embracing God's grace allows us to move forward without the weight of past sins and mistakes, enabling us to live out our comeback stories.
[46:00]
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:14, ESV)
Reflection: What past mistake or sin do you need to let go of today? How can you embrace God's grace and move forward in freedom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God has a plan for your life. God has a good plan for your life and you know I quote this a lot but you know in John 10 10 it talks about Jesus said that the enemy comes to steal kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give life and life more abundantly that we would enjoy it to the fullest." [01:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If somebody else gets blessed you need to rejoice with them in their blessing and not be you know I I've just I'm jealous well you don't need to be jealous because what God does for one he'll do for another can you say amen we need to focus and fix your eyes on the Lord." [04:24] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord has a way of turning what the enemy meant for harm for your good. The Lord has a way. Do you remember the story of Jehoshaphat? I've talked about it many times. A vast army, three armies came to surround the city. And what did Jehoshaphat do? He sought the Lord. And they began to praise the Lord." [19:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Is anybody determined that you're going to finish this year blessed and highly favored in the Lord? Is anybody determined that the doctor's report isn't going to kill me because Jesus came to give me life and life more abundantly? Has anybody determined that he sent his word to heal my disease, the Bible says?" [22:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let's make a difference. Let's show the world that when you serve the Lord, he takes care of you. Can you say amen? Thank you, Lord." [39:23] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to focus and fix your eyes on the Lord for us meaning I'm not saying being stingy I'm saying when we're so busy getting into other people's business pointing out their faults when God is working on us and our faults and our stuff I don't know about you but I got a lot more work to be done in me and I don't need any more projects of trying to fix people." [04:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You need to trust the Lord and believe that he's going to make a way where there seems to be no way. You need to get determined just like these leopards did. You know what? If I stay here, we're going to die. If I'm going to just be in the doom and gloom, then I'm going to die. But you know what? I made a decision. I'm going to get my praise on." [21:08] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We got to get determined, y'all. We got to get into the word and look at what the word says that we can have and believe it and see it. Can you say amen? Say, my past is my past. Say, it's gone. Say, there's nothing I can do about my past. I'm going to enjoy the journey. I'm going to enjoy the trip, and I'm going to have prosperity and joy and peace and all the things that the Lord has promised me." [23:54] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible is full of comeback stories. And we read about them. And it should build our faith. They're walking out. They're living it out. And we're reading about their comeback story. And that should build you up. And give you hope that, you know what? I'm not going down for the last time. But Jesus is raising me up. I'm going up higher. I'm going out farther. I'm going deeper in the things of God." [37:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Stop looking at the circumstances in the situation. Stop saying you'll never make it. Stop speaking against the blessing against what God wants to do in your life. Stop saying it's too hard. If it's too hard, it's perfect for God because all things are possible with God. And for those who believe nothing nothing is impossible, the Bible says." [39:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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