From Good to Great: Embracing Jesus' Transformative Power
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the goodness and mercy of the Lord, acknowledging His healing power and the joy of our children leading us in worship. We are reminded of the transformative power of Jesus, who takes what is good and makes it great. As we prepare for the new year, we are called to lean into God through a 21-day period of prayer and fasting, starting January 6th. This time of consecration is an opportunity to seek a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit and to pray for the salvation of our loved ones.
Our theme for 2025, "More Souls Saved," reflects our belief in a forthcoming revival and harvest of souls. We are encouraged to remember and pray for our "one," the person we are believing to come to faith. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded that Jesus is the greatest news, bringing hope, love, and salvation to all. The birth of Jesus is not just good news; it is great news that changes everything.
We explored the symbolism in the "12 Days of Christmas," finding deeper meaning in each element, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the partridge in a pear tree. This reflection leads us to the scripture in Luke 2:10-11, where the angel announces the birth of Jesus as good news of great joy for all people. Jesus transforms our lives from ordinary to extraordinary, from good to great.
We also celebrated the dedication of a child, recognizing the potential for greatness in every child as a masterpiece made in God's image. This dedication is a commitment to trust God and nurture our children in His love.
As we conclude, we invite those who wish to move from good to great by accepting Jesus as their Savior. This decision marks the beginning of a new life, filled with the promise of abundant life in Christ. We rejoice with those who have made this commitment and welcome new members into our church family.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Transformative Power of Jesus: Jesus takes what is good and makes it great. His presence in our lives turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering us a life that is not just better but greater. This transformation is available to all who invite Him into their hearts. [49:29]
2. The Importance of Prayer and Fasting: As we prepare for the new year, we are called to engage in a 21-day period of prayer and fasting. This time of consecration is an opportunity to seek a deeper relationship with God and to pray for the salvation of our loved ones. [40:04]
3. Symbolism in the "12 Days of Christmas": Each element of the song can be seen as a representation of Christian truths, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the partridge in a pear tree. This reflection reminds us of the depth and richness of our faith. [45:03]
4. The Birth of Jesus as Great News: The announcement of Jesus' birth is not just good news; it is great news that changes everything. Jesus brings hope, love, and salvation to all, transforming our lives from ordinary to extraordinary. [49:29]
5. Dedication and Commitment to Children: Every child is a reminder of God's goodness and potential for greatness. As a church family, we commit to nurturing our children in God's love and trusting Him to do something great in their lives. [01:11:41]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[37:39] - Praise and Worship
[40:04] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
[41:30] - Theme for 2025: More Souls Saved
[45:03] - Symbolism in the "12 Days of Christmas"
[45:57] - Scripture Reading: Luke 2:10-11
[47:02] - From Good to Great
[49:29] - Jesus: The Greatest News
[51:04] - Testimonies of Transformation
[52:18] - Joy for All People
[53:43] - Good People Need a Great Savior
[55:49] - Jesus Makes Us Forgiven
[56:52] - Lasting Joy in Jesus
[58:59] - Good Promises Become Great Realities
[01:11:41] - Child Dedication Ceremony
[01:28:07] - Invitation to Accept Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:10-11
- Romans 3:23
- John 15:11
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2:10-11, what message did the angel bring to the shepherds, and why was it significant for all people? [45:03]
2. How does the sermon describe the transformation from "good" to "great" in the context of Jesus' birth? [49:29]
3. What symbolism is found in the "12 Days of Christmas" song, and how does it relate to Christian truths? [45:03]
4. What role do children play in the sermon, and how are they seen as a reflection of God's goodness? [01:11:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the announcement of Jesus' birth as "good news of great joy" challenge or change the way believers view the Christmas story? [49:29]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of prayer and fasting in seeking a deeper relationship with God? How might this practice impact one's spiritual life? [40:04]
3. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to move from "good" to "great" in their personal faith journey? [49:29]
4. How does the dedication of children in the church serve as a commitment to nurturing them in God's love, and what implications does this have for the church community? [01:11:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a transformation from "good" to "great" in your life. How did Jesus play a role in that transformation? [49:29]
2. As the new year approaches, how can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your routine to seek a deeper relationship with God? What specific steps will you take to prepare for this period of consecration? [40:04]
3. Consider the symbolism in the "12 Days of Christmas." How can reflecting on these Christian truths deepen your understanding of your faith during the holiday season? [45:03]
4. Identify your "one"—the person you are praying for to come to faith. What practical steps can you take to support and encourage them on their spiritual journey? [41:30]
5. How can you actively participate in nurturing the children in your church community, helping them realize their potential for greatness in God's image? [01:11:41]
6. In what ways can you share the "great news" of Jesus with others in your life, especially during the Christmas season? How can you make this message relevant and impactful? [49:29]
7. Reflect on the concept of moving from "good" to "great" in your spiritual life. What specific areas do you feel called to grow in, and how can you invite Jesus into that process? [49:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Transforms the Ordinary into Extraordinary
In our lives, we often encounter moments that feel mundane or ordinary. However, the presence of Jesus has the power to transform these moments into something extraordinary. Jesus takes what is good and makes it great, offering us a life that is not just better but greater. This transformation is available to all who invite Him into their hearts. By embracing His transformative power, we can experience a profound change in our lives, moving from the ordinary to the extraordinary. [49:29]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one ordinary aspect of your life that you can invite Jesus into today, asking Him to transform it into something extraordinary?
Day 2: Seeking God Through Prayer and Fasting
As we prepare for the new year, we are called to engage in a 21-day period of prayer and fasting. This time of consecration is an opportunity to seek a deeper relationship with God and to pray for the salvation of our loved ones. Through prayer and fasting, we can draw closer to God, aligning our hearts with His will and experiencing a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual discipline helps us to focus on God's presence and His plans for our lives. [40:04]
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." (Joel 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific intention or prayer will you focus on during the 21-day period of prayer and fasting, and how can you prepare your heart for this time of consecration?
Day 3: Discovering Christian Truths in Symbolism
The "12 Days of Christmas" is more than just a festive song; it holds deeper meanings that point to Christian truths. Each element of the song can be seen as a representation of these truths, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the partridge in a pear tree. This reflection reminds us of the depth and richness of our faith, encouraging us to explore the symbolism and meaning behind the traditions we hold dear. By doing so, we can gain a greater understanding of our faith and its significance in our lives. [45:03]
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the symbolism of the "12 Days of Christmas" into your spiritual practice, and what new insights about your faith can you discover through this reflection?
Day 4: Embracing the Great News of Jesus' Birth
The announcement of Jesus' birth is not just good news; it is great news that changes everything. Jesus brings hope, love, and salvation to all, transforming our lives from ordinary to extraordinary. His birth is a reminder of God's immense love for us and the promise of salvation through Him. By embracing this great news, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus as our Savior. [49:29]
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you share the great news of Jesus' birth with someone in your life today, and what impact do you hope it will have on them?
Day 5: Nurturing the Potential for Greatness in Children
Every child is a reminder of God's goodness and potential for greatness. As a church family, we commit to nurturing our children in God's love and trusting Him to do something great in their lives. This dedication is a commitment to trust God and nurture our children in His love, recognizing the potential for greatness in every child as a masterpiece made in God's image. By doing so, we can help guide them on their spiritual journey and support them in becoming who God created them to be. [01:11:41]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to nurture the spiritual growth of a child in your life, and how can you support them in realizing their God-given potential?
Quotes
"We're going to keep this fire going because during the 21 days, let me just get right into this. During our 21 days of fasting, we have flyers for everyone here so that you can know in advance. We're not going to wait till the first. And y 'all be like, well, I didn't know. No, you got two weeks, three weeks to get yourself prepared. Get your mind right. Look at your neighbor and say, get your mind right. Get your mind, get your mind right. Because, because January 6th, we're leaning all the way in." [00:40:04] (32 seconds)
"The old and the new testaments, three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love as the principal theological virtues for calling birds. What do you think those are for the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John five golden rings are for the first five books of the old Testament. The Pentateuch, which give the history of man's fall from grace, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, numbers, and Deuteronomy six geese a laying. It stands for the six days of creation, highlighting life, seven swans of swimming that stands for the seven gifts of the Holy spirit and the seven sacraments of the church, eight maids of milking. It stands for the eight beatitudes, nine ladies dancing equals the nine fruits of the Holy spirit. 10 Lords of leaping stand for the 10 commandments, 11 pipers piping are for the 11 faithful apostles. Y 'all. Don't I'm talking about, and then the 12 drummers drumming equals the 12 points of the doctrine of the apostles creed. Oh, and you thought I forgot about the one, the partridge in a pear tree. Well, that stands for Jesus. The only one who is reigning, the only one who lives and the only one who came to die for our sin. Jesus Christ is symbolically represented by the mother partridge protecting her helpless nestings. Can we give God praise for Jesus today?" [00:43:32] (91 seconds)
"Luke chapter two, verses 10 and 11. And the angel said to them, fear not. Somebody shout fear not. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy. That will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of Israel. For unto you is born this day in the city of Israel. A savior. Somebody shot a savior who is Christ the Lord. Amen. I want to title my little Christmas speech this morning from good to great. From good to great. Look at your neighbor on your way down to your seat. Just say I'm getting ready to go from good to great. I'm getting ready to go from good to great. Amen. Amen. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord." [00:45:57] (45 seconds)
"He takes what is ordinary and he makes it extraordinary. He takes what is good and he makes it... Great. Today, we're going to be talking about how Jesus makes the difference in our lives. He doesn't just make things better. He makes them greater. I say he doesn't just make things better. He makes them greater. See, you're not just here to live a good life. And if that's where you want, let me tell you something. You're living beneath your privileges. You just need to let Jesus into your heart. I'm telling you right now, and here's how he can make your life great. The first thing that you have to understand is that he goes... From good news, and it can become great news." [00:48:46] (43 seconds)
"Good people needed a great savior. I said good people needed a great savior. Even good people need Jesus because no one is perfect. I'm going to say it again. I said nobody is perfect. And the same. The savior came for everybody. Somebody say everybody. Everybody in the world needs Jesus. Romans chapter three, verse 23 said, for all have sinned. And for all have sinned. And for all have sinned. And for all have sinned. And fall short. Of the glory. Of God. I know you got it going on, but you still need Jesus. I know you're good and you moving up like George and Wheezy, but you still need Jesus. I know you might've grown up with a silver spoon in your mouth, but you still need Jesus. My brother, you may have bagged a baddie, but let me tell you something. You still need Jesus. Since he might be tall, dark, and handsome, but let me tell you something. You still need Jesus. You still need Jesus. You see, being good isn't enough. The change your love. We need Jesus to be great. Lord. I feel your presence right now. A great savior came to save the world. But. That couldn't, a great savior came to save a world that could not save itself." [00:53:43] (97 seconds)
"God's promise of a savior was fulfilled in Jesus. He turned the hope of something good into the reality of something great. Lord, I feel you today. Second Corinthians chapter one, verse 20 says, for no matter how many promises God has made. They are yes in Christ. And another translation says like this, for all the promises of God, find their yes in him. Who's him? Jesus. And that is why it is through him that we utter our amen to God for his glory. What does that mean? That means that when we get to the end of our prayers, we sign off by saying in Jesus' name. Y 'all ain't saying nothing to me in this place. God keeps his promises and Jesus is the proof." [01:00:00] (53 seconds)
"How Jesus can take what is good and make it great. And one of the greatest ways that he shows his goodness and his greatness is through the gift of children. That's right. That's right. child is a reminder of God's goodness. Every child is a reminder of a masterpiece made in his image with the potential of great purpose. And just like Jesus was dedicated in the temple as a baby, we take time as a church family to dedicate our children to the Lord. It's not just a ritual. It's a declaration that we must trust God to do something great in our lives and a commitment from us to nurture them through his love." [01:11:41] (55 seconds)
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