From Manna to Corn: Embracing Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the transition from manna to corn, symbolizing the spiritual journey from dependence on daily miracles to living off the fruit of the land God has provided. Drawing from Joshua 5, we explored how the Israelites moved from the wilderness into the Promised Land, marking a significant turning point in their relationship with God. This transition required them to commit to God's covenant through circumcision and to trust in His provision beyond the daily manna they had grown accustomed to.
The wilderness represents a place of spiritual stagnation where people may still experience God's provision but are not fully living in His promises. The Promised Land, on the other hand, symbolizes a higher spiritual calling where believers partake in the fruits of their labor and God's blessings. This journey involves growing in faith, moving from a dependence on miraculous signs to a deeper, more mature relationship with God.
We also discussed the importance of worship and commitment. Worship is not a performance but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and adoration towards God. It is a commandment, not an option, and should be done in spirit and truth. The message emphasized that true worship involves sacrifice and is often messy, not pretty or polished.
Finally, the call to action was clear: we must commit to God daily, partake in the spiritual "corn" He provides, and be willing to grow and move forward in our faith journey. This involves not just receiving God's blessings but also sharing them with others, thereby fulfilling our commission to spread the Gospel and bring others into His marvelous light.
### Key Takeaways
1. Transition from Manna to Corn: The journey from manna to corn symbolizes moving from a dependence on daily miracles to living off the fruit of the land God has provided. This transition requires a deeper commitment and trust in God's provision, moving beyond the initial stages of faith to a more mature relationship with Him. [05:21]
2. Spiritual Growth and Commitment: Just as the Israelites had to commit to God's covenant through circumcision, we must commit to God daily. This involves repentance, obedience, and a willingness to grow spiritually. True commitment to God often requires cutting off things that hinder our relationship with Him. [12:48]
3. Worship as a Commandment: Worship is not a performance or a show but a commandment from God. It involves sacrifice and is an expression of our gratitude and adoration towards Him. True worship is often messy and requires us to give God glory even when we don't feel like it. [31:02]
4. Living in the Promised Land: The Promised Land represents a higher spiritual calling where we partake in the fruits of our labor and God's blessings. This involves moving beyond spiritual stagnation and embracing the fullness of God's promises. It requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. [19:44]
5. Sharing God's Blessings: As we partake in the spiritual "corn" God provides, we are also called to share His blessings with others. This involves fulfilling our commission to spread the Gospel and bring others into His marvelous light. Our spiritual growth should lead to a greater impact on those around us. [29:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
[01:36] - From Manna to Corn
[03:50] - God's Miraculous Transformations
[05:21] - Spiritual Growth and Higher Calling
[07:34] - Daily Provision and Dependence on God
[09:19] - True Blessings and Commitment
[11:37] - Obedience and Miracles
[12:48] - Covenant and Commitment
[14:36] - Call to Higher Commitment
[15:43] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
[18:20] - Dependence on God's Provision
[20:11] - The Reproach of Egypt Removed
[22:22] - Daily Repentance and Recommitment
[24:28] - Growing Up Spiritually
[26:20] - Being a Sending Church
[29:01] - Sharing God's Blessings
[31:02] - Worship as a Commandment
[33:41] - The True Nature of Worship
[35:06] - Emphatic Praise and Worship
[37:36] - Known by Our Praise
[39:06] - Thankfulness and Commitment
[41:00] - Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation
[43:43] - Partaking in God's Provision
[45:40] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 5:11-12 (KJV): "And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event marked the transition from manna to corn for the Israelites? ([01:36])
2. How did the Israelites' diet change after they entered the Promised Land? ([01:36])
3. What was the purpose of circumcision for the Israelites in Joshua 5? ([12:48])
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of true worship? ([31:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the transition from manna to corn symbolize in the spiritual journey of a believer? ([05:21])
2. How does the concept of spiritual growth relate to the Israelites' commitment to God's covenant through circumcision? ([12:48])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worship is more than just a performance? ([31:02])
4. How does living in the Promised Land represent a higher spiritual calling for believers? ([19:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "wilderness" period in your spiritual life. How did you see God's provision during that time, and what steps did you take to move towards your "Promised Land"? ([11:09])
2. What are some "manna" moments in your life where you relied on daily miracles? How can you transition to living off the "corn" that God provides? ([15:43])
3. Are there any areas in your life where you need to make a deeper commitment to God, similar to the Israelites' act of circumcision? What might you need to "cut off" to grow spiritually? ([12:48])
4. How can you make your worship more genuine and heartfelt, rather than a mere performance? What sacrifices might this involve? ([31:02])
5. Think of a specific blessing or provision from God that you can share with others. How can you actively spread the Gospel and bring others into His light this week? ([29:01])
6. Identify one area of your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. What practical steps can you take to move out of this stagnation and embrace the fullness of God's promises? ([41:00])
7. How can you incorporate daily repentance and recommitment into your spiritual routine? What difference do you think this will make in your relationship with God? ([22:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Transition from Manna to Corn
The journey from manna to corn symbolizes moving from a dependence on daily miracles to living off the fruit of the land God has provided. This transition requires a deeper commitment and trust in God's provision, moving beyond the initial stages of faith to a more mature relationship with Him. The Israelites experienced this shift as they moved from the wilderness into the Promised Land, marking a significant turning point in their relationship with God. They had to trust that God would provide for them in new ways, beyond the daily manna they had grown accustomed to. This transition is a call for believers to grow in faith and maturity, relying on God's provision in all aspects of life.
As we reflect on this transition, we are reminded that spiritual growth often involves moving beyond our comfort zones and trusting God in new and deeper ways. It is a call to move from a place of spiritual stagnation to a higher spiritual calling, where we can fully partake in the fruits of our labor and God's blessings. This journey requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's provision. [05:21]
Joshua 5:12 (ESV): "And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land, and there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to move from dependence on daily miracles to trusting in God's provision in new ways? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?
Day 2: Spiritual Growth and Commitment
Just as the Israelites had to commit to God's covenant through circumcision, we must commit to God daily. This involves repentance, obedience, and a willingness to grow spiritually. True commitment to God often requires cutting off things that hinder our relationship with Him. The act of circumcision was a physical sign of the Israelites' commitment to God, and it required them to trust in His promises and provision. Similarly, our spiritual growth requires us to make daily commitments to God, cutting off anything that hinders our relationship with Him and trusting in His provision.
This commitment is not a one-time event but a daily process of repentance, obedience, and growth. It involves examining our lives and identifying areas where we need to make changes to align with God's will. As we commit to God daily, we grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. This process may be challenging, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. [12:48]
Colossians 2:11 (ESV): "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that is hindering your relationship with God? How can you commit to cutting it off and growing in your faith today?
Day 3: Worship as a Commandment
Worship is not a performance or a show but a commandment from God. It involves sacrifice and is an expression of our gratitude and adoration towards Him. True worship is often messy and requires us to give God glory even when we don't feel like it. Worship is a heartfelt expression of our love and devotion to God, and it should be done in spirit and truth. It is not about putting on a show or performing for others, but about genuinely connecting with God and giving Him the glory He deserves.
True worship involves sacrifice and may not always be pretty or polished. It requires us to come before God with a humble and contrite heart, offering our praise and adoration even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Worship is a commandment, not an option, and it is an essential part of our relationship with God. As we worship Him in spirit and truth, we draw closer to Him and experience His presence in our lives. [31:02]
John 4:23-24 (ESV): "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Reflection: How can you make your worship more genuine and heartfelt today? What sacrifices can you make to give God the glory He deserves?
Day 4: Living in the Promised Land
The Promised Land represents a higher spiritual calling where we partake in the fruits of our labor and God's blessings. This involves moving beyond spiritual stagnation and embracing the fullness of God's promises. It requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. The Israelites' journey into the Promised Land was a significant turning point in their relationship with God, as they moved from the wilderness into a place of abundance and blessing. This journey required them to trust in God's provision and embrace the fullness of His promises.
Living in the Promised Land is a call for believers to move beyond spiritual stagnation and embrace a higher spiritual calling. It involves stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting in God's provision and promises. As we do so, we experience the fullness of His blessings and partake in the fruits of our labor. This journey requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to grow in our relationship with God. [19:44]
Deuteronomy 8:7-9 (ESV): "For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out of your comfort zone and trust in God's provision? How can you embrace the fullness of His promises today?
Day 5: Sharing God's Blessings
As we partake in the spiritual "corn" God provides, we are also called to share His blessings with others. This involves fulfilling our commission to spread the Gospel and bring others into His marvelous light. Our spiritual growth should lead to a greater impact on those around us. The blessings we receive from God are not meant to be hoarded but shared with others. As we grow in our faith and experience God's provision, we are called to share His blessings with those around us.
This involves fulfilling our commission to spread the Gospel and bring others into His marvelous light. Our spiritual growth should lead to a greater impact on those around us, as we share the love and blessings of God with others. This is a call to be a light in the world, sharing the hope and joy of the Gospel with those who need it most. [29:01]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you share God's blessings with someone in your life today? What steps can you take to fulfill your commission to spread the Gospel and bring others into His marvelous light?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's incredible when God takes you from one place and he puts you in another place. When God brings us, this is scriptural, when God takes us and removes us from darkness and puts us into his marvelous light. That's incredible. It's incredible when God does miracles, signs, and wonders in our life, and he changes us into something that we are to be. Not what we are, but what we are to be. Right? Amen. He's always trying to get us closer to him, for one thing." [03:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes, sometimes we don't think we're blessed, because we don't have enough money, we don't have the car we want, we don't have the house we want, and God says, hey, I'm blessing you. The blessing is not about material things, it's about knowing me. And sometimes, sometimes we get to thinking that, that we can't get to where we need to go without things. And God's saying, all you need is me." [09:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You need to march around your problems until you get the answer. I talked about it on Wednesday night, about marching around, about the circle, about praying the prayers around stuff. You've got to get to that point to where you're praying around your problem and your issues. Amen." [11:59](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. It's partaking of the things that God wants us to partake of. The fruit of the land was what God wanted them to get to. Amen. He wanted them to get to that place. That place to where they weren't just babies in Canaan land, but they were partaking of the things that God had provided for them." [25:01](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our world is struggling to find some peace, and they can't find it. We have it. We need to share it. Amen. We need to share it." [30:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It's one of those things that when you find yourself, and you first get in church, or God fills you with the Spirit, you find miracle after miracle happening in your life. It's the manna of God. That manna in the Old Testament, when they came out of Egypt, and they got in the wilderness, and God said, here, you want something miraculous every day? Here's your manna. Y'all know what manna is for us? This right here. We have it every single day. Of our life. We gotta have manna. There's nothing wrong with the manna." [06:11](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The wilderness is a place, I've heard people say, say you can be saved in the wilderness. I'm not so sure about that, because you're not where God wants you. I don't want to be mean, I don't want to be ugly. Amen. But I don't know that there was, in my opinion, there was two people that was saved in the wilderness. That was Caleb and Joshua. That's it. The rest of those people, I don't think they were saved. You can get mad at me if you want. I'm not sitting here casting a stone. I'm just telling you the truth of what the Bible says." [10:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes we need to cut some things off in our life. Sometimes we need to get rid of some stuff in our life. And I'm not sitting here, I'm not going to preach holiness to you. I could right here, but I'm not going to do that. But I am telling you this, amen, until you get things right with God, you will never be where you're supposed to be. Amen. Higher. Let's go higher. That was the call of God. Woo! Let's go higher. I feel it right now. God's calling us to higher." [13:51](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I aim to reaffirm to us today that we have a commitment that we need to make. We need to make with God. And we have a commission from God. Amen. For Stroud UPC today to go higher. Amen. It's time to take a step of faith. Amen. It's time. I don't care if you lived for God for 50 years. You need to commit again today. I don't care if you lived for God one day. You need to commit again today. Amen. He wants to do something in our lives." [14:15](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are known by our praise. We're known by our praise. Can I say it like this? I'm not trying to mess this up, but I feel to say this. Amen. We are known by our corn. We're known by what we produce. And when we're partaking of what God has for us, we're going to produce what we're supposed to produce. Yeah. Amen. It's part of eating the corn. It's part of partaking of what God has for us. It's part of an expression of thankfulness to God for what God has done for you." [37:36](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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