Expanding God's Kingdom Through Faith and Community
Summary
From the moment God led us to this miracle property, we have carried a fire in our hearts to see a city restored for Jesus. Our mission is not just about renovating buildings but about expanding God's kingdom and reaching out to the community. Jesus called diverse individuals to follow Him and participate in God's mission, and He extends that same invitation to us today. It starts with what's in our hands, just like the boy with the five loaves and two fish. When we place what we have in Jesus' hands, it becomes supernatural, far exceeding what we could achieve on our own.
Our annual expansion offering is a pivotal moment where we collectively respond in faith, asking God what He wants us to do with what we have. This expansion is about extending the tent pegs of our church, not for day-to-day expenses, but to expand our capacity to bring help and hope to those in need. It's about our heart for God and our love for people, taking a step of faith to own God's purpose and serve those He entrusts to us.
The need around us is ever-present and growing, but our motivation is not just the need; it's knowing who we are called to be—His church, His disciples, reaching into the world as His hands and feet. We are in awe of what God has done and is doing, but we are not satisfied. There are still lost to be found, hurting to be healed, and lonely to be loved. We will answer the call to continually expand and see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
As we play the part God is leading us to, we will increasingly see our generation impacted and changed with the reality of Jesus. Let's thank God for everything He is doing and for the incredible heart of our church. We are not just a community department; we are a community church, and it's in our heart and blood to serve and expand His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faithful Stewardship: The story of the boy with the five loaves and two fish teaches us that what we have, no matter how small, can become supernatural in Jesus' hands. Our willingness to place what we have in His hands is an act of faith that can lead to miraculous outcomes. [02:45]
2. Heart for God and People: Expansion is about our heart for God and our love for people. It's about taking a step of faith to own God's purpose and serve those He entrusts to us. Our motivation is not just the need around us but knowing who we are called to be—His church, His disciples. [04:30]
3. Community Impact: Our church is not just about talking community; we are a community church. With initiatives like community kitchens and Christmas boxes, we are actively involved in serving and impacting our community, reflecting God's love in tangible ways. [06:45]
4. Hearing God's Call: Having a heart to hear God's call is crucial. We must be willing to listen and respond to what He is asking of us, even if it challenges us. Our response to His call can unlock greater levels of His purpose and power in our lives. [24:04]
5. Unified Vision: As a church, we are called to be united in our vision and efforts. Our collective response in faith and unity can lead to significant impact and growth, both spiritually and in our community outreach. [41:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:45] - The Miracle of Faithful Stewardship
- [04:30] - Heart for God and People
- [06:45] - Community Impact and Initiatives
- [08:30] - Expansion Offering and Vision
- [10:15] - Kingdom Reach and Partnerships
- [12:00] - Facilities and Future Developments
- [14:00] - Financial Update and Goals
- [16:30] - Heart for God and His House
- [19:12] - Heart to Hear God's Call
- [21:45] - Overcoming Skepticism and Trust
- [24:04] - Unified Vision and Community
- [26:52] - Accountability and Transparency
- [30:48] - The Power of Small Contributions
- [33:39] - Responding to Jesus' Call
- [36:14] - Prayer and Seeking God's Guidance
- [39:30] - Personal Testimony and Giving
- [41:18] - Unified Vision for Expansion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 6:1-14 - The story of the boy with the five loaves and two fish.
2. 1 Chronicles 22:7-10 - David's heart to build a house for the Lord.
3. 1 Chronicles 28:9 - David's charge to Solomon to serve God with wholehearted devotion.
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Observation Questions:
1. In the story of the boy with the five loaves and two fish, what was the initial reaction of the disciples to the boy's offering? How did Jesus respond to it? (John 6:1-14)
2. What was David's motivation for wanting to build a house for the Lord according to 1 Chronicles 22:7-10?
3. How does the sermon describe the church's role in the community, and what are some specific initiatives mentioned? [06:45]
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of having a heart to hear God's call? [24:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the boy with the loaves and fish illustrate the concept of faithful stewardship as discussed in the sermon? [02:45]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that having a heart for God and people can lead to community impact? [06:45]
3. How does the sermon connect the idea of expanding God's kingdom with the church's annual expansion offering? [08:30]
4. What does it mean to have a unified vision as a church, and how can this lead to significant impact according to the sermon? [41:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the story of the boy with the five loaves and two fish. What small offering in your life can you place in Jesus' hands to see it become supernatural? [02:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes a heart for God and people. How can you practically demonstrate this in your daily interactions with others? [04:30]
3. Consider the community initiatives mentioned in the sermon. How can you get involved in your church's efforts to impact the community? [06:45]
4. The sermon talks about hearing God's call. What steps can you take to better listen and respond to what God is asking of you? [24:04]
5. How can you contribute to the church's unified vision for expansion? What role do you see yourself playing in this mission? [41:18]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of transparency and accountability in church finances. How can you support and encourage these values in your church community? [26:52]
7. Reflect on the idea of a heart for harvest. What specific actions can you take to contribute to a harvest of souls and the expansion of God's kingdom? [41:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming the Ordinary into the Extraordinary
When we place what we have, no matter how small, into Jesus' hands, it becomes something far greater than we could ever imagine. The story of the boy with the five loaves and two fish is a powerful reminder of this truth. It teaches us that faithful stewardship is not about the size of our resources but about our willingness to trust God with what we have. When we act in faith, God can multiply our efforts and bring about miraculous outcomes that exceed our expectations. This principle encourages us to look at our own lives and consider what we can offer to God, trusting that He can use it for His purposes. [02:45]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small thing you can offer to God today, trusting Him to use it in extraordinary ways?
Day 2: Expanding Our Hearts for God and Others
Our mission is not just about addressing the needs around us but about understanding who we are called to be as God's people. Expansion is about our heart for God and our love for people. It involves taking a step of faith to own God's purpose and serve those He entrusts to us. This means being motivated not just by the needs we see but by our identity as His church and His disciples. As we embrace this calling, we become more aligned with God's heart and His mission in the world. [04:30]
"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 intentionally cultivate a deeper love for God and for the people around you this week?
Day 3: Being the Church in Action
Our church is not just about talking community; we are a community church actively involved in serving and impacting our community. Through initiatives like community kitchens and Christmas boxes, we reflect God's love in tangible ways. This commitment to community impact is a vital expression of our faith, demonstrating that we are not just hearers of the Word but doers as well. By engaging in these acts of service, we embody the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need and making a difference in the world around us. [06:45]
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve your community this week, reflecting God's love in action?
Day 4: Listening and Responding to God's Call
Having a heart to hear God's call is crucial for unlocking greater levels of His purpose and power in our lives. We must be willing to listen and respond to what He is asking of us, even if it challenges us. This requires a posture of openness and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and equip us for the journey ahead. As we respond to His call, we experience a deeper connection with Him and a greater impact in the world around us. [24:04]
"And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.' Then the Lord said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.'" (1 Samuel 3:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to step out in faith? How can you begin to respond to that call today?
Day 5: United in Vision and Purpose
As a church, we are called to be united in our vision and efforts. Our collective response in faith and unity can lead to significant impact and growth, both spiritually and in our community outreach. This unified vision is essential for expanding God's kingdom and bringing help and hope to those in need. By working together, we can achieve far more than we could individually, demonstrating the power of the body of Christ in action. [41:18]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." (Ephesians 2:19-21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and vision of your church community, helping to expand God's kingdom together?
Quotes
"You know, Jesus invited individuals to follow Him, to become His disciples and to participate in God's kingdom mission. He called fishermen, tax collectors, mothers, tradesmen, business people, young people, artists, even outcasts. And He called them to spread the message of God's love and salvation to the ends of the earth. And He extends that same invitation and that same call to us today. The truth is, it simply yet significantly starts with what's in our hands. Just like the story in the Bible with the boy who had the five loaves and the two fish. It takes an act of willing obedience to place whatever we have in our hands into the hands of Jesus. It may just seem like a few loaves and a few fish. Yet in His hands, man, it becomes supernatural. A supply that far exceeds what you and I could ever achieve on our own." [00:00:54] (56 seconds)
"Expansion is ultimately about our heart for God and our love for people. The people just like you and me, willing to take a step of faith and to own God's purpose. And also the people God is entrusting to us to serve, to save and to see restored. It's about the one and it's about His call to us to go. That we, as His ones, would live on purpose to reach everyone. And you know what? It's not about how big or small we think our part is that we give. It's actually about the one Jesus and what He can do with all of us as we willingly take a step of obedience and a step of faith." [00:02:37] (42 seconds)
"You know, we are in awe and amazement again of all that God has done and all that God is doing. We are stoked, but we are not satisfied. And while there are lost to still be found, hurting to still be healed, and there are lonely to still be loved, we will answer the call to continually expand and see His kingdom come and His will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. You know, for I am convinced that as we all play the part that God is leading us to, I believe we will ever increasingly see our generation impacted and changed with the reality of Jesus." [00:03:57] (42 seconds)
"The reality as well is our partner organizations, which is how we get our Christmas boxes out. It's how we engage with the community through Help and Hope Week, et cetera. Went up 19%, sorry, 16%. There's the evangelist in me. And we have 193 reputable organizations that we network with, work with, and get alongside throughout that. And then as well, our volunteer hours went up 19%, up to 12,376 volunteer hours, which is everyone here actively involved, going for it. And so I think we should put our hands together and thank God for a church. Come on, that doesn't talk about community. It doesn't have a community department. We're not a community department church. We are a community church. And so it's in our heart, it's in our blood." [00:08:14] (43 seconds)
"And don't you love it? The Bible actually has an over 100 verses in the Bible. It actually talks about the significance and the priority of caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, looking after those who are down and out. There's over 100 verses throughout the Bible. And don't you love the fact that that's not something that's, oh, that's right, we should do that sometime. But that's a core part of what we do. And I absolutely love that. Also in the area of kingdom. So that's community. We've got kingdom. Kingdom. And just again, our partnership with One Heart is just a great blessing." [00:13:40] (30 seconds)
"And so we want to say thank you. As well, we were able to gift Saints Church here in Melbourne. As they pioneered their first location as a church through kingdom, we were able to give them a financial gift to say, come on, if you believe me for the kingdom, we have a partner with you. And so we gifted them. And the cool thing is God opened up their second venue in the city as well. And so they're growing, which is exciting. In the area of facilities, sorry, I've got to go quite quick. But in the area of facilities, we talked about continually expanding here on our kingdom site, which is not just the building you walked into, but all the buildings around the one that we're in, this whole site." [00:14:25] (33 seconds)
"And so we're expanding and God's making that possible. And I look forward to June as we have expansion again, letting you know of some other further developments that are happening on our site as well. But it's incredibly awesome. And so we've got the Hebron room, but then also great news. If you weren't here the other Sunday, we announced that we have now got full permanent permits for the water tower, Jesus Hope for All. It's up there. It's been sealed, signed, and delivered, delivered, which is so cool. And that, one of the stories we shared a little while ago was in regards to Shakia, who literally was at the point of ending her life. But she came across that bridge and she saw Jesus Hope for All. And in that moment, God did something in her spirit." [00:15:28] (42 seconds)
"And I thought about expansion and I thought about what it is to keep stepping in and keep stepping out and keep taking steps of faith. What determines whether we keep stepping out as a church is by what's in our heart. What's in our heart, right? When it's in your heart, there's never a like, oh, no, not this again. Some of us are thinking, why didn't I take the long week off? I should have gone away for the weekend. No, no, no, no. When it's in our heart. Come on, this isn't an area of like, here we go about money again. No, no, this isn't about money. This is about souls being saved. This is about a city being turned around. This is about the church being what the church was called to be." [00:19:05] (36 seconds)
"See, the reality of community is that we bring Jesus to people, but we could bring Jesus to people, but come on, they need a home. We've got to bring, come on, people now to Jesus. They've got to have a home to go to. They've got a community to belong to, a place to be brought into. I love that. The church is not man's idea. It's God's idea. It's His vehicle to bring His kingdom here on earth. And I love what 1 Chronicles 29 says when David was talking about the church. He says this incredible thing. He says, the task is great. Guys, hear me. The task before us with expansion is great. Why? Because this palatial structure, this temple that you're building, Solomon, it is not for man. It is for the Lord God." [00:21:40] (44 seconds)
"Let me think about the uni student in seven years' time that in one of the campuses that God grows us into, that walks in who's never heard the name Jesus, been fed this reality of trying to find everything in the world, but never had anything that satisfied. And they walk in, and they hear the gospel, and all of a sudden, they realize they're home. They realize they're whole. They realize there's a God who loves them. There's a God who's for them, and there's a God who rescues them. I'm telling you, it may not be today, but I'm telling you, the day, it is worth it. It makes a difference. And so would we not just look what we have in our hand that we might lose, but would we realize what we sow creates something so much greater than ourselves?" [00:36:26] (35 seconds)
"And then, as we need to wrap it up, I thought there's already seven pages to go. In a year of presence, you say, well, what does this have to do with it all? The truth of it is, in a year of presence, when it comes to hearing, we need to pray. We need to pray. And just say, God, what's my part to play? God, what's my part to play? I'm going to ask the team to come and join us. And actually, just a moment, what we're going to do is we're going to have time to just hear refresh, right? For some of us, we'll be hearing for the first time. For other of us, we're committed in, and we're sowing in, and it's just so encouraging. And it's just going to be a real weight of just like, come on, we're going to keep believing. We're going to keep praying. We're going to keep stirring. Why? Because it's not just naturally what we've done. We need the super upon our natural. And we're going to have that moment of faith." [00:36:23] (52 seconds)
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