Expanding God's Kingdom Through Faith and Generosity
Summary
Today, we celebrate the incredible journey of expansion and the tangible impact of our collective faith and generosity. God has given us a vision to extend His kingdom, and through our annual Expansion offering, we are advancing His work in our community and beyond. This is not just about programs or facilities; it's about people and the eternal impact we can make together. Over the past three and a half months, we've witnessed God's blessings multiply through our efforts. From serving over 4,000 hot meals in our community kitchens to supporting women through unexpected pregnancies, our collective response has been a testament to God's faithfulness.
Our partnership with One Heart in Africa has allowed us to minister in various settings, bringing hope and transformation to many lives. Here at home, we've seen 105 people make decisions for Jesus in the last three months, and our church family continues to grow. Expansion is about leaving a generational legacy and creating a launchpad for God's kingdom mission for decades to come. It's about seeing the hungry, the lonely, and the hurting as Jesus Himself and responding with love and action.
As we continue in this expansion season, I encourage everyone to find their place in this vision. Whether you've been part of the church for years or are new, there's room for you to contribute. It's not about the amount you give but the heart behind it. God calls us to live out of a revelation of His word, and as we respond in faith, we can collectively impact our generation with the reality of Jesus. Let's not be satisfied with what we've achieved but continue to stretch and reach further, knowing that in God's hands, our efforts are multiplied beyond what we could achieve alone.
Key Takeaways:
1. Vision Beyond Programs: Expansion is not about programs or facilities but about people and the eternal impact we can make together. It's about seeing the hungry, the lonely, and the hurting as Jesus Himself and responding with love and action. This perspective shifts our focus from what we do to who we do it for, aligning our hearts with God's vision. [05:33]
2. Collective Faith and Generosity: Our collective response in faith and generosity has allowed us to witness God's blessings multiply. From serving meals to supporting women in need, our efforts have been a testament to God's faithfulness. This unity in purpose demonstrates the power of coming together to advance God's kingdom. [09:56]
3. Generational Legacy: Expansion is about leaving a generational legacy and creating a launchpad for God's kingdom mission for decades to come. It's about ensuring that our efforts today have a lasting impact on future generations, enabling them to continue the work of the kingdom. [13:57]
4. Personal Involvement: Everyone has a role to play in this vision, regardless of how long they've been part of the church. It's not about the amount you give but the heart behind it. God calls us to live out of a revelation of His word, and as we respond in faith, we can collectively impact our generation with the reality of Jesus. [22:47]
5. Multiplication in God's Hands: When we place our efforts in God's hands, they are multiplied beyond what we could achieve alone. This principle of multiplication is evident in the stories of transformation and hope that have emerged from our expansion efforts. It's a reminder that our individual contributions, when united, have the power to change lives. [36:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [03:46] - Expansion Update
- [05:33] - Vision Beyond Programs
- [07:19] - Generational Legacy
- [09:56] - Collective Faith and Generosity
- [12:15] - Personal Involvement
- [13:57] - Seeing Jesus in Others
- [16:06] - Who Do You See?
- [17:32] - Jesus in Disguise
- [20:08] - Blessing and Breaking
- [22:47] - Multiplication in God's Hands
- [24:11] - Recent Impact Stories
- [26:34] - One Heart Partnership
- [29:15] - Community Kitchen Stories
- [31:35] - Meeting Needs in the Community
- [33:26] - Are We Contributors?
- [35:37] - Consuming vs. Carrying
- [36:38] - The Power of a Willing Heart
- [38:41] - Unified Vision
- [41:19] - Expansion Goals
- [42:28] - Collective Impact
- [43:27] - Generational Vision
- [47:08] - Prayer and Commitment
- [48:33] - Invitation to Relationship with Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 25:31-40
- Malachi 3:10
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 25:31-40, what actions does Jesus commend, and how do they relate to seeing Jesus in others? [13:57]
2. How does the sermon describe the impact of the Expansion offering on the community, and what specific examples were given? [05:33]
3. What is the significance of the boy's offering of five loaves and two fish in the sermon, and how does it relate to the concept of multiplication? [09:56]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea of leaving a generational legacy through the Expansion efforts? [07:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the passage in Matthew 25:31-40 challenge the way individuals perceive and respond to the needs of others in their community?
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal involvement and the collective impact of the church's mission? [22:47]
3. In what ways does the sermon encourage individuals to see their contributions as part of a larger, unified vision for God's kingdom? [38:41]
4. How does the principle of tithing and offerings in Malachi 3:10 relate to the sermon’s message about generosity and faith? [09:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you saw someone in need but did not respond. How might seeing Jesus in that person have changed your response? [16:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in the church's mission. What specific role can you play in your church's expansion efforts, regardless of your current level of involvement? [22:47]
3. Consider the idea of leaving a generational legacy. What steps can you take today to ensure that your contributions have a lasting impact on future generations? [07:19]
4. How can you cultivate a heart of generosity, not just in financial giving, but in offering your time and talents to serve others? [09:56]
5. The sermon talks about the power of a willing heart. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith and trust Him with the outcome? [36:38]
6. Reflect on the concept of multiplication in God's hands. How can you encourage others in your community to join in the collective efforts of your church? [22:47]
7. The sermon challenges us to see beyond programs and facilities to the people we serve. How can you shift your focus from what you do to who you do it for in your daily life? [05:33]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Vision Beyond Programs
The call to expand God's kingdom is not about building structures or running programs; it's about seeing and serving people as Jesus would. This perspective shifts our focus from activities to the individuals we are called to love and serve. By recognizing the hungry, the lonely, and the hurting as Jesus Himself, we align our hearts with God's vision and purpose. This alignment transforms our actions into meaningful expressions of faith and love, impacting lives eternally. [05:33]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: Who in your community is in need of love and support today, and how can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to them?
Day 2: Collective Faith and Generosity
The power of collective faith and generosity is evident in the multiplied blessings witnessed through community efforts. By coming together, the church has been able to serve thousands of meals and support women in need, demonstrating God's faithfulness. This unity in purpose showcases the strength found in a community that acts in faith and generosity, advancing God's kingdom in tangible ways. [09:56]
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Reflection: How can you contribute to a collective effort in your community, and what steps can you take to act generously today?
Day 3: Generational Legacy
Creating a generational legacy involves laying a foundation for God's kingdom mission that will endure for decades. It's about ensuring that today's efforts have a lasting impact, enabling future generations to continue the work of the kingdom. This vision encourages us to think beyond the present and invest in a future where God's love and truth are carried forward. [13:57]
Psalm 78:4-6 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children."
Reflection: What legacy are you building today that will impact future generations, and how can you ensure it aligns with God's kingdom mission?
Day 4: Personal Involvement
Everyone has a role to play in the vision of expansion, regardless of their history with the church. It's not about the amount given but the heart behind it. God calls us to live out of a revelation of His word, and as we respond in faith, we can collectively impact our generation with the reality of Jesus. This personal involvement is crucial for the mission's success. [22:47]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What unique gifts or resources do you have that can contribute to God's mission, and how can you start using them today?
Day 5: Multiplication in God's Hands
When efforts are placed in God's hands, they are multiplied beyond what could be achieved alone. This principle of multiplication is evident in the stories of transformation and hope that have emerged from expansion efforts. It serves as a reminder that individual contributions, when united, have the power to change lives and advance God's kingdom. [36:38]
John 6:11-13 (ESV): "Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.' So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten."
Reflection: In what area of your life can you trust God to multiply your efforts, and what step of faith can you take today to place it in His hands?
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Quotes
1. "Expansion, ultimately, isn't about programs and facilities. Expansion is about people. You know, together, we are making an eternal impact. There's been so many stories of lives changed, of the way that God is working in and through people's lives as they clearly meet Him and they find a home here at Life." [05:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The funny thing is, is I've probably found that those who don't give generally are the ones that complain about the church not doing a lot. But it's true, like, oh, the church will be doing this, church, what do you do? Because you are the church. You and I are the church." [12:15] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Come on, He breaks the hold of sin in our life. He breaks our self-centered ways. Come on, if we're in Jesus' hands and we don't find ourselves getting old things broken off, bad habits broken off, limited mindsets broken off, self-centeredness broken off, come on, we gotta get back in His hands and say, Lord, break me how you wanna break me." [20:08] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The incredible thing is, is that when we're part of expansion, we are multiplied. This is the funny thing, is that we always, when it comes to expansion, and often what we do is we look at our individual part, right, and we just isolate it to our individual part." [22:47] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The truth was is he is one year old and only a week earlier from the rescue center, he was found in a rubbish bin. Taken out of a rubbish bin, placed in the rescue center. The rescue centers, while it's doing great things, there's also risk for the children that are there." [26:34] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I wonder, are we ready? Come on, are we willing to go again? Are we willing to stretch further? It's going to take all of us. We have a young single mum with a set of beautiful twin girls who live in Trugganina and due to domestic violence have been put out of place." [30:31] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Are we contributors? Or are we just clappers? Because before when I said, who's grateful for what God's doing? Everybody clapped. But are we all contributing? I get it. We can all have reasons why not. But if Jesus was sitting there, just something, just a little something, I tell you what, I don't know." [35:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I really believe that in these 12 months window, as we've crossed over into this promise that we have right here, that we're all a part of, I really believe that part of our journey to take more territory is that we need to be unified as one church." [38:41] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "It's not about the amount. It's not about the amount. It's just about the availability of our hearts towards what God is wanting to do. See, we have an expansion goal. We have a plan. We have a vision that every 12 months as we go forward, that we are going to be able to see, you know, really a miracle response." [41:19] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the question is, will you take time to simply just say, God, what do you want me to do? That's all it takes is saying, God, what do you want me to do? And then from that, take faith, be obedient. It might mean a couple of weeks where you tighten the belt. That's not a bad thing." [43:27] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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