Empowered Partnerships: Coming Alive in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the theme of "Coming Alive in 2025," focusing on the power of partnership with God and others. As we embark on this journey, we are called to deepen our relationship with God, which is the foundation of our spiritual vitality. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22. Our identity in Christ is central to this transformation, as it empowers us to surrender our will to God's and to live out our faith with confidence and trust.
The sermon emphasized the importance of partnership, both with God and with our community. Just as a partner can bring life to a seemingly inanimate object, our partnership with God and others can bring about spiritual renewal and growth. This partnership is not just about personal growth but also about reaching out to others, sharing the love of Christ, and meeting the needs of those around us. In a world facing crises such as affordability and violence, the church is called to be a beacon of hope and salvation.
We are reminded that salvation is a limited-time offer, and the urgency of the times calls us to be ready and active in our faith. By loving our neighbors and acknowledging Jesus before others, we fulfill our role as ambassadors of Christ. This involves practical actions, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick, as outlined in Matthew 25. Our mission is to bring the good news to those in need, demonstrating the love of Jesus through our actions.
As we move forward, we are encouraged to think differently and to embrace new ways of living out our faith. This involves forming powerful partnerships within our church community and with those who need Jesus. By doing so, we can shine the light of salvation and make a lasting impact in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Partnership: Our spiritual journey is enriched through partnership with God and others. Just as a partner can bring life to an inanimate object, our partnership with God and others can lead to spiritual renewal and growth. This partnership is essential for coming alive in our faith. [42:56]
2. Loving God with All Our Being: To deepen our relationship with God, we must love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. This involves surrendering our will to His, finding our identity in Christ, and living out our faith with confidence and trust. [54:37]
3. Urgency of Salvation: Salvation is a limited-time offer, and the urgency of the times calls us to be ready and active in our faith. We must acknowledge Jesus before others and fulfill our role as ambassadors of Christ by loving our neighbors and meeting their needs. [51:51]
4. Practical Acts of Love: Our faith is demonstrated through practical actions, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick. By doing so, we bring the good news to those in need and show the love of Jesus through our actions. [01:10:24]
5. Embracing New Ways: As we move forward, we are encouraged to think differently and embrace new ways of living out our faith. This involves forming powerful partnerships within our church community and with those who need Jesus, shining the light of salvation in the world. [01:18:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:32] - Lighthearted Introduction
- [40:34] - Opening Prayer
- [42:56] - Resolution for 2025
- [44:45] - The Power of Partnership
- [45:36] - Duddle Duck Illustration
- [46:44] - Short Circuit and Frosty
- [47:50] - Frankenstein and Partnership
- [50:05] - The Urgency of Salvation
- [51:51] - Signs of the Times
- [53:37] - Greatest Commandment
- [54:37] - Loving God with All Our Being
- [56:17] - Identity in Christ
- [59:32] - Surrendering Our Will
- [01:04:02] - Deepening Relationships
- [01:10:24] - Practical Acts of Love
- [01:18:01] - Embracing New Ways
- [01:21:41] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Coming Alive in 2025
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 22:36-40: Jesus teaches the greatest commandment, to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
- Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus describes practical acts of love, such as feeding the hungry and caring for the sick.
- Romans 13:11: Paul speaks about the urgency of salvation, emphasizing that it is nearer now than when we first believed.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus identify as the greatest commandment in Matthew 22, and how does it relate to our identity in Christ? [54:37]
2. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the power of partnership? [46:44]
3. How does the pastor describe the urgency of salvation, and what biblical references support this urgency? [51:51]
4. What practical actions are mentioned in Matthew 25 that demonstrate our faith through love? [01:10:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind serve as the foundation for our spiritual vitality and identity in Christ? [54:37]
2. In what ways can forming partnerships within the church community lead to spiritual renewal and growth? [42:56]
3. How does the urgency of salvation influence the way we live out our faith and interact with others? [51:51]
4. What does it mean to be an ambassador of Christ, and how can practical acts of love fulfill this role? [01:10:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen this relationship and love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind? [54:37]
2. Identify a partnership within your church community that you can strengthen. How can this partnership contribute to your spiritual growth and the growth of others? [42:56]
3. Considering the urgency of salvation, what changes can you make in your daily life to be more active in sharing your faith with others? [51:51]
4. Think of a practical act of love you can perform this week, such as helping someone in need. How can this action demonstrate the love of Jesus to others? [01:10:24]
5. How can you embrace new ways of living out your faith, and what might this look like in your personal and community life? [01:18:01]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually alive. What factors contributed to this feeling, and how can you recreate this experience in your current faith journey? [42:56]
7. Identify one person in your life who may need to experience the love of Christ. What specific action can you take to reach out to them this week? [01:10:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Partnership
In our spiritual journey, partnership with God and others is a catalyst for growth and renewal. This partnership is not merely a personal endeavor but a communal one, where we join hands with fellow believers to bring about spiritual vitality. By aligning ourselves with God's will and working alongside others, we can breathe life into our faith and witness profound transformation. This partnership is akin to a symbiotic relationship, where each party contributes to the flourishing of the other. As we engage in this divine collaboration, we are empowered to overcome challenges and experience a deeper connection with God and our community. [42:56]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your life can you partner with to deepen your spiritual journey? How can you actively support each other in faith this week?
Day 2: Loving God with Our Entire Being
To truly deepen our relationship with God, we must love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. This comprehensive love requires us to surrender our will to His, allowing our identity in Christ to shape our actions and thoughts. By doing so, we cultivate a faith that is confident and trusting, rooted in the assurance of God's love and purpose for our lives. This love is not passive but active, calling us to engage with God in every aspect of our being. As we embrace this wholehearted devotion, we find ourselves transformed, living out our faith with renewed vigor and purpose. [54:37]
Deuteronomy 6:5-6 (ESV): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart."
Reflection: In what ways can you express your love for God with your heart, soul, and mind today? What practical steps can you take to align your will with His?
Day 3: The Urgency of Salvation
The message of salvation is urgent, and we are called to be ready and active in our faith. In a world filled with uncertainty and crisis, the need for the hope and salvation offered by Christ is more pressing than ever. As ambassadors of Christ, we are tasked with acknowledging Jesus before others and fulfilling our role by loving our neighbors and meeting their needs. This urgency compels us to live out our faith boldly, sharing the good news with those around us and being a beacon of hope in a troubled world. [51:51]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: How can you actively share the message of salvation with someone in your life today? What steps can you take to be more prepared to fulfill your role as an ambassador of Christ?
Day 4: Demonstrating Faith Through Practical Acts of Love
Our faith is not just a matter of belief but is demonstrated through practical acts of love. By feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick, we embody the love of Jesus and bring the good news to those in need. These actions are tangible expressions of our faith, reflecting the heart of Christ to a world in need of compassion and care. As we engage in these acts of service, we not only meet the physical needs of others but also share the transformative power of God's love. [01:10:24]
James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one practical act of love you can perform this week to demonstrate your faith? How can you make serving others a regular part of your spiritual practice?
Day 5: Embracing New Ways of Living Out Our Faith
As we move forward in our spiritual journey, we are encouraged to think differently and embrace new ways of living out our faith. This involves forming powerful partnerships within our church community and reaching out to those who need Jesus. By doing so, we can shine the light of salvation and make a lasting impact in the world. Embracing new methods and perspectives allows us to adapt to the changing needs of our community and effectively share the love of Christ with others. [01:18:01]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What new ways can you explore to live out your faith in your community? How can you partner with others to bring about positive change and share the love of Christ?
Quotes
"Let's just open in a word of prayer. So, Father, indeed, it is a pleasure, a privilege to come here in this hallowed place, behind this hallowed pulpit. Great responsibility, though, Father. So, Holy Spirit, I invite you to speak through me. Not my words, but your words. And it is my prayer that in everything that comes out of my mouth, from you, Father, from the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name, it is my prayer that we would all come alive in fresh new ways, in a fresh new way, come alive and be in greater connection with you, Father, more in love with you, Jesus, and more open to you, Holy Spirit, in the way that we are supposed to go." [00:40:37] (52 seconds)
"How are we to come alive? It is through the power of partnership. We're going to unpack those two points. The power of partnership with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Come alive through partnership. Come alive through God. With the heavenly, come alive through partnership with the earthly. Partnership is powerful. Without partnership, not much happens. Can you think of times in your life where you needed a partner? Maybe a marriage? Thought someone would have covered that." [00:43:44] (43 seconds)
"There is power in partnership. The little girl had to help Frosty come to life. Powerful partnership. Number five, the lightning helped. The scientist, professor, Colvin helped my double duck come to life. Friend, my resolution, which I believe needs to be the church's resolution, in 2025, in 2025, come alive in 2025. What do I want to say? We need to come alive now more than ever before, come alive and partner now more than ever before, partner with God, go deeper into relationship with God like never before and go deeper into relation with others and what's going to happen? I'm going to unpack it. What's going to happen?" [00:48:35] (53 seconds)
"Why is this my resolution, by the way? And why do I think this needs to be the church's resolution? Because salvation matters. Brothers, friend, in 2025, things are happening. CBC this week, 61 % of all Nova Scotians, it's you and I, 61 % of all Nova Scotians are living and dealing with an affordability crisis. That's high, man. That's high." [00:50:05] (38 seconds)
"And in that is included the housing crisis. These are dark times. Has anybody else followed the news about the increasing number of intimate partner violence? I mean, that's been in the news this week, two instances. Like, the world is getting darker. Why do we need to come alive in 2025 like never before as a church? Why do we need to come alive by forming a powerful partnership? First. With God, more powerful than we've ever had, a partnership of God, and next, with others. Why? Because salvation matters. Salvation." [00:50:43] (39 seconds)
"God's rescue rescues us to be in His forever presence through Christ, so we may be filled with hope and peace and love and joy now. But we need to live this now, because salvation is a limited time offer. We know that, don't we? Someday. I don't know when I'm going home to Jesus. I don't know. It could be tomorrow." [00:51:22] (31 seconds)
"Jesus just came off arguing with the Sadducees. Then the Pharisees step in. I mean, look, we don't believe this stuff you're coming out of your mouth. That's blah, blah, blah, blah. And the Pharisees come in and they're going to trick him. They're going to trick him with this question. Here it is. Ready? Ready?" [00:53:37] (20 seconds)
"This is the greatest and the first. And then the second, repeat it with me. You shall, yes, on these two commandments hang all the laws of the prophets. So let's unpack first of all. In 2025, it's my resolution. I can't force you to do this. I can't force the local church, but I believe we all need to do this. I'm trying to come alive. In 2025, because salvation matters and the way things are, we could all be called home any moment. I'm trying to come alive in 2025 like never before in two ways from this passage. I want to deepen my relationship with Jesus, deepen my relationship with God like never before. I want to go deeper. Yes, we're going to get to one of the ways is reading your Bible. We're going to get to that. We need to, first of all, well, how do we go deeper with our relation? Well, love the Lord with all your heart, your soul, and your mind." [00:54:44] (58 seconds)
"How do we do that? How do I go deeper in my relationship with God? Love the Lord with all your soul. Your soul, it's where everything gets started. It's the engine. The biggie. It's your identity. Once you know who you are, everything can start moving forward. Love the Lord with your soul. Mark 8, 36. Let's go there with me." [00:57:22] (29 seconds)
"Coming alive is loving the Lord with all your soul. Your soul is your identity. Romans 6 -11. Let's go on to Romans 6 -11. By the way, the Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way. Jody and I were talking about preaching in prayer time, and I was like, I don't know. The way she was taught to preach way back in seminary was the exact same way my professor taught me in my seminary. How's that for the Holy Spirit? Let's see. What did I say? Romans 6 .11? I think I said something like that. Oh, thank you. Romans 6 .11. Let's see here. I think I've got it somewhere. So you must also, you must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Alive. Alive. Your soul is knowing who you are, your identity." [00:57:48] (62 seconds)
"Loving the Lord with all your heart is just this. Once you know your identity, you're comfortable in your identity, you are comfortable in surrendering. You're comfortable in surrendering. Loving the Lord with all your heart is releasing your will to His will. God taught us to pray that. Jesus taught us to pray, Matthew 6. Your will be done. Your will be done. John 6, 38." [00:59:04] (29 seconds)
"Friend, we need to come alive in 2025 partnering with God, partnering with others so we know the gospel fully, partnering with God. We really grasp it, the good news that we have, and we need to partner with the outside world. Why? Because salvation matters now more than ever. Our time is growing short." [01:18:01] (29 seconds)
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