Foundations for a Transformative New Year
Summary
As we step into the new year, it's essential to reflect on the priorities that will guide our spiritual journey and the life of our church. The past year has been challenging, but it has also provided us with an opportunity to rebuild from the ground up, focusing on the foundational aspects of our faith. This year, we aim to return to the basics, ensuring that our church is rooted in the core principles that sustain us through times of darkness and uncertainty.
The first priority is to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. Colossians 3:16 reminds us to let the message of Christ dwell richly among us. This is not a mere suggestion but a commandment. We must allow God's Word to permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our thoughts, conversations, and actions. As we delve deeper into the Bible, we will learn to distinguish between truth and error, equipping ourselves to teach and encourage one another. This year, we will embark on a series exploring various biblical doctrines, helping us to understand and obey God's Word more profoundly.
Our second priority is to devote ourselves to prayer, as emphasized in Colossians 4:2-4. Prayer is a vital discipline that connects us with God, allowing us to be watchful and thankful amidst the darkness surrounding us. Alongside prayer, we will incorporate fasting as a spiritual practice, seeking God's guidance and strength. By dedicating ourselves to prayer and fasting, we will cultivate a closer relationship with our Savior, enabling us to navigate the challenges of our world with grace and wisdom.
The third priority is to share the gospel with others. The message of Jesus Christ is simple yet profound: we are all sinners, and through repentance and confession, God offers us forgiveness. As we engage in conversations with others, we must seize every opportunity to share this good news, leading people to faith in Jesus Christ. Our church's identity is not defined by ethnicity but by a living relationship with Christ. We aim to be a community centered on Jesus, welcoming those who seek to grow in their faith.
As we embrace these priorities—learning Bible doctrine, committing to prayer and fasting, and sharing the gospel—we trust that God will work through us, blessing our lives and the lives of those around us. Let us move forward with these goals, confident in the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
1. Immersing in God's Word: The Word of God is not a suggestion but a commandment that should dwell richly in our lives. It shapes our thoughts, conversations, and actions, helping us distinguish between truth and error. This year, we will focus on learning Bible doctrine to equip ourselves to teach and encourage one another. [07:46]
2. Devotion to Prayer and Fasting: Prayer is a vital discipline that connects us with God, allowing us to be watchful and thankful amidst the darkness. Alongside prayer, fasting is a spiritual practice that strengthens our relationship with God. By dedicating ourselves to these practices, we navigate the challenges of our world with grace and wisdom. [12:51]
3. Sharing the Gospel: The message of Jesus Christ is simple: we are sinners, and through repentance, God offers forgiveness. Sharing this good news is essential, leading others to faith in Christ. Our church's identity is centered on a living relationship with Jesus, welcoming those who seek to grow in their faith. [17:00]
4. Building a Christ-Centered Community: Our church is not defined by ethnicity but by a relationship with Christ. We aim to be a community centered on Jesus, welcoming those who seek God. By focusing on Bible doctrine, prayer, and sharing the gospel, we rebuild our church on a strong foundation. [20:31]
5. Embracing Spiritual Growth: As we adopt these priorities, we trust that God will work through us, blessing our lives and those around us. By learning Bible doctrine, committing to prayer and fasting, and sharing the gospel, we experience the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit. [21:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:18] - Introduction to New Year Priorities
[07:46] - Importance of God's Word
[11:35] - Taking Notes and Learning
[12:51] - Devotion to Prayer and Fasting
[17:00] - Sharing the Gospel
[20:31] - Building a Christ-Centered Community
[21:49] - Invitation to Prayer Meeting
[22:30] - Encouragement for Spiritual Growth
[23:00] - Conclusion and Worship Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:16
2. Colossians 4:2-4
3. Isaiah 60:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 3:16, what are believers instructed to do with the message of Christ? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on immersing ourselves in God's Word? [07:46]
2. In Colossians 4:2-4, what are the two key elements that Paul emphasizes in prayer? How does the sermon suggest we incorporate these elements into our spiritual practice? [12:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the current state of the world and the church, and what biblical context is provided to support this view? [02:18]
4. What is the simple message of the gospel as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to the concept of sharing the gospel with others? [17:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the message of Christ to "dwell richly" among believers, and how might this impact their daily lives and interactions within the church community? [07:46]
2. How can the practice of prayer and fasting, as described in Colossians 4:2-4, help believers remain watchful and thankful in a world filled with darkness and false teachings? [12:51]
3. The sermon mentions the importance of distinguishing between truth and error. How can believers equip themselves to recognize false teachings, and why is this important for the church's foundation? [07:46]
4. How does the sermon suggest that the church's identity should be centered on a relationship with Christ rather than ethnicity, and what implications does this have for community building? [20:31]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current engagement with the Bible. What steps can you take to allow the message of Christ to dwell more richly in your life this year? [07:46]
2. Consider your prayer life. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer and fasting into your routine to strengthen your relationship with God? [12:51]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to distinguish between truth and error. What resources or practices can help you gain clarity in this area? [07:46]
4. Think about a recent conversation where you had the opportunity to share the gospel. How did you approach it, and what might you do differently next time to communicate the message more clearly? [17:00]
5. How can you contribute to building a Christ-centered community in your church, especially among those who are new or seeking to grow in their faith? [20:31]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s call to embrace spiritual growth. What specific goal can you set for yourself this year to deepen your understanding of Bible doctrine? [21:49]
7. The sermon encourages believers to invite others to church based on their interest in God rather than ethnicity. How can you apply this principle in your interactions and invitations to others? [20:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Immersing in God's Word as a Commandment
The Word of God is not merely a suggestion but a commandment that should dwell richly in our lives. It is essential to allow God's Word to permeate every aspect of our existence, influencing our thoughts, conversations, and actions. By immersing ourselves in the Bible, we learn to distinguish between truth and error, equipping ourselves to teach and encourage one another. This year, the focus is on learning Bible doctrine to deepen our understanding and obedience to God's Word. As we embark on this journey, we trust that God's Word will transform us and guide us through life's challenges. [07:46]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to allow God's Word to dwell more richly in your life, influencing your daily decisions and interactions?
Day 2: The Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer is a vital discipline that connects us with God, allowing us to be watchful and thankful amidst the darkness surrounding us. Alongside prayer, fasting is a spiritual practice that strengthens our relationship with God. By dedicating ourselves to these practices, we cultivate a closer relationship with our Savior, enabling us to navigate the challenges of our world with grace and wisdom. This year, the commitment to prayer and fasting will be a cornerstone of our spiritual journey, seeking God's guidance and strength in all circumstances. [12:51]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a regular practice of prayer and fasting into your weekly routine to deepen your connection with God?
Day 3: Sharing the Gospel with Intentionality
The message of Jesus Christ is simple yet profound: we are all sinners, and through repentance and confession, God offers us forgiveness. Sharing this good news is essential, leading others to faith in Christ. Our church's identity is centered on a living relationship with Jesus, welcoming those who seek to grow in their faith. As we engage in conversations with others, we must seize every opportunity to share the gospel, inviting people into a transformative relationship with Christ. [17:00]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you intentionally share the message of Jesus with them this week?
Day 4: Building a Christ-Centered Community
Our church is not defined by ethnicity but by a relationship with Christ. We aim to be a community centered on Jesus, welcoming those who seek God. By focusing on Bible doctrine, prayer, and sharing the gospel, we rebuild our church on a strong foundation. This year, the goal is to foster a community that reflects the love and grace of Christ, inviting others to experience the transformative power of a Christ-centered life. [20:31]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What role can you play in building a more inclusive and Christ-centered community within your church?
Day 5: Embracing Spiritual Growth through God's Word and Spirit
As we adopt these priorities—learning Bible doctrine, committing to prayer and fasting, and sharing the gospel—we trust that God will work through us, blessing our lives and those around us. By embracing these spiritual disciplines, we experience the transformative power of God's Word and Spirit. This year, let us move forward with confidence, knowing that God is at work in us, shaping us into the image of Christ and empowering us to impact the world for His glory. [21:49]
2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What specific area of your spiritual life do you feel God is calling you to grow in this year, and what steps can you take to pursue that growth?
Quotes
"and there are many verses like these in in the Bible we want to look at three priorities that we want to establish for our church in the coming year teen important priorities your church Kelly a on a valley is is Salma 2025 may we want to focus on so that's what we are going to be talking about three important things basically it is what we would call a back -to -basics move you know back -to -basics go take a the fogger up kissy sepulchre okay when we are trying to rebuild something or to good you know develop something in us so that it will be strong and will be sustaining over the years we have to go back to the basics go back to the foundations go back to the very basics so that is essentially what we want to do this year you know that the past year was a difficult year in so many different ways for our church and now we are in the process of rebuilding and we have to rebuild from the very foundation it's like building from the scratch so these are very important perspectives you" [00:02:38]
"and also you know that the christian world is going through a very difficult time in the sense of the expansion and growth of false teaching and we've kept reminding us ourselves about it that there is too much false teaching there's a lot of error that is there within the church in these days so ye context like his side and we are exposed to this there were days of hum log in chisels a budget with it but up internet gives a monomy teachings spread very fast and we have to be equipped to handle it so yeh what giant these are the reasons why we need to focus on the basics in these coming days and so let's begin with what the first verse colossians chapter 3 verse 16 it talks about let the message or the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all stem through psalms and hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude" [00:05:14]
"آپ کے ساتھ اور تو یہ پہلی پرائیوریٹی ہے کہ خدا کی دنیا ان ساتھ ہمیں بہترین ہے جو بہت اچھا طریقے سے اکڑے ہو چاہتے ہیں اور بہت آیت میں خدا کا کلام ہماری زندگیوں کا حصہ ہو ہمارے اٹھنے بیٹھنے میں ہمارے سوچنے میں ہمارے بات چیت کرنے میں جہاں ہماری بات چیت کرنے میں ہماری بات چیت کرنے میں دیتے ہیں ہم کی بات کو مَرڈ کی طرح دیتے ہیں اور ان کا ایک سوال ہوتا ہے that you can ask yourself as you move into this year what role does the word of God have in your life in the life of our church what do we talk about where do we get our goals from کہاں سے ہم اپنی زندگی کے intentions, goals, desires کس کے اوپر بیس ہوتے ہیں are they based upon things that we are learning from the world or we are or it is based upon God's word and so the commandment here is let the message of Christ dwell among you richly and now notice this many of these things that are there in the Bible Bible میں یہ جو ساری چیزیں لکھی ہوئیں ہیں these are not suggestions these are commandments that God has given to us" [00:06:30]
"He's writing to the church, he's writing to the ordinary members of the church in that letter and he says that you should have been teachers but you still need to be fed milk rather than meat. You still need to be taught the foundations again. And so this is an important thing. God calls each one of us to grow in our faith, in our knowledge of the word of God to the point that we are in a very simple way able to teach one another, encourage one another and share the teachings of the Bible with others. But then how will you share?" [00:09:02]
"to do this is our priority going into this year we want to learn the word of god the bible its teachings we want to learn bible doctrine we want to learn theology and we want to learn to be able to distinguish between right and wrong so beginnings next sunday i'm going to be starting a series through various biblical doctrines" [00:10:18]
"you should know the difference between what is right what is biblical what is not you know and so that is one of the things that we want to focus on and teaching bible doctrine helping you to learn to read, study, understand and obey the word of God. This is very very important. So my suggestion to you through the next months is bring a notebook with you. I'm serious, bring a notebook with you." [00:11:02]
"a sort of a series and detailed understanding of Bible doctrine and where things go wrong. What are the errors most people and you'll be able to identify those errors and you'll be surprised to learn how much error there is in the things that go around. So that's our first priority and it's your goal, make it your goal to learn the Word of God, the Bible, its teachings, learn Bible doctrine, learn theology and let's discuss and talk about those things. Now the second thing we want to talk about and this always goes along with the Word of God is chapter 4 of Colossians, verses 2 to 4 and it says there, devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, apne aapko, just as you devote yourself to the study of the Word. Jaise apne aapko. Aap gambirta se seriously Khudaavan ke kalam ko study karte hain, usi tarike se seriously duam ko bhi apni zindagi mein jaga do. So that is the second priority that we want to have in our church over this coming, this year." [00:12:51]
"And we want to make sure that we are praying and to learn how to pray. We take every opportunity to pray. And not only this, but we do this along with fasting. And this is a discipline that we want to try and inculcate, as many of you are able to do, and you should consult with your doctor, talk to them, talk to the doctor and get their advice. If you are going to fast, what are some of the things they would advise you? And so we do want to learn to pray and fast. So verse 2 of chapter 4 says, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Watchful again. Why?" [00:14:07]
"right to the church there at Colossae, pray for us too that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. Pray I may proclaim it clearly as I should. And so this becomes our third priority and which is to share, to learn to share the gospel with other people, to learn to share in conversation the gospel with other people. He goes on to say, pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone. So we want to be praying. We want to be watchful. We want to be studying Bible doctrine, the Bible, and we want to share God's word with other people. So make it your goal to learn how to share God's word with other people because we want to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ through repentance. And so this can only happen as you bring God's word to people. And God's message is rather simple. It's not very difficult." [00:15:22]
"to share with people. And God's message is what? We are all sinners. And when we acknowledge that before God, what does God do? In Jesus Christ, God forgives us. That is the good news. That is the good news we share with people." [00:16:40]
"it's up to you whether you will receive it or not and i would pray that you do receive this as a priority in your life number one learn the bible doctrine you learn the word of god so learn bible doctrine learn to distinguish between truth and error second learn to pray devote yourself to prayer to walking closely with god our savior through prayer and through fasting so that is" [00:18:39]
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