God's Relentless Pursuit: Hope and Transformation in Community

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Seeks and Saves the Lost

God’s love is relentless and personal, reaching out to each person no matter how far they have wandered. Like a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep, God pursues those who are lost, rejoicing when they are found and restored. This is not just a story for children, but a profound truth for all: no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and heaven celebrates every heart that turns back to Him. In a world that often divides and discards, God’s heart is for restoration and joy over every sinner who repents. [20:19]

Luke 15:1-10 (ESV)
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Reflection: Who in your life feels “lost” or overlooked? How can you reach out to them this week with the love and welcome of Jesus?

Day 2: The Power of God’s Mercy to Transform Lives

No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, not even those who have caused harm or lived in darkness. Paul’s story is a testimony to this truth: once a violent persecutor, he was transformed by the grace and patience of Jesus into a messenger of peace and hope. God’s mercy is not just for the “good” or the “righteous,” but for all who are willing to receive it, and it is through this mercy that lives are changed and new stories are written. If God can change Paul, He can change anyone—including you and those you might least expect. [29:14]

1 Timothy 1:12-16 (ESV)
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Reflection: Is there someone you have given up hope for—maybe even yourself? Ask God to show you how His mercy can bring transformation where you least expect it.

Day 3: The Church as a Community of Real Belonging

In a world where many are isolated, lonely, or lost in false communities, the church is called to be a place of genuine connection, care, and belonging. Here, people are known, loved, and supported; they learn to share their lives, pray for one another, and grow together in faith. This kind of community is not just a nice idea—it is God’s answer to the brokenness and violence of the world, offering hope and healing through relationships rooted in Christ. [24:01]

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: Who in your church or neighborhood might be longing for real community? What is one step you can take to help someone feel seen and included this week?

Day 4: Every Christian Has a Role in God’s Mission

God calls every believer not just to receive His grace, but to actively participate in sharing it with others. Each person has unique gifts, experiences, and opportunities to contribute to the work of building up the church and reaching out to the world. The temptation to despair or to remain on the sidelines is strong, but God invites you to step forward, use your gifts, and make a difference—no matter how small it may seem. The world needs your hope, your presence, and your willingness to serve. [36:39]

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your gifts or experiences to serve someone in your church or community this week?

Day 5: Never Give Up Hope—God Changes Hearts and Stories

No matter how dark the world may seem or how entrenched the problems appear, God is still at work changing hearts and writing new stories. The gospel’s power is not diminished by the size of the challenge; it works one life at a time, bringing hope, healing, and new purpose. Your story, too, is part of God’s ongoing work—He can use your past, your struggles, and your transformation to bring hope to others. So persist in hope, trust in God’s ability to save, and be a bearer of hope to a world in need. [35:55]

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Reflection: Think of a time when God changed your story or brought hope in a dark season. How can you share that hope with someone who needs it today?

Sermon Summary

In a world marked by violence, division, and despair, God’s overflowing mercy and compassion remain steadfast. The heart of God is always seeking the lost, just as a shepherd searches for a missing sheep or a woman for her lost coin. This relentless pursuit is not just a story from the past, but a living reality today—God is still seeking, still saving, still rejoicing over every person who turns to Him. The church is called to be the hands and feet of this mission, offering real community and hope in a culture that often isolates, divides, and wounds.

The events of the past week—another school shooting, another assassination—are not isolated tragedies but symptoms of a deeper sickness in our society. Our culture’s reflex is to blame, to divide along political lines, and to see enemies everywhere. But the hope for our country does not lie in politics or in defeating our opponents. Our hope is in Jesus, who entered our violent world, suffered its worst, and rose victorious. Jesus changes hearts, turning even the most hardened and violent into peacemakers. The church’s calling is to embody this hope, to reach out to those who are lost, especially those who are isolated and vulnerable, and to offer them a place of belonging, love, and transformation.

Paul’s story is a powerful testimony to this truth. Once a man of violence, driven by tribalism and zeal, Paul was transformed by an encounter with Jesus. He became a builder of community, a proclaimer of grace, and an example of God’s patience and mercy. Paul’s charge to Timothy—and to us—is to persist in this work, to teach the truth, to protect the community from falsehood, and to never give up hope in the gospel’s power to change lives.

This work is not abstract; it happens one person at a time. Whether it’s teaching children in Sunday school, gathering in small groups, or simply checking in on a young man who feels unseen, every act of love and faithfulness is part of God’s project to heal the world. Each of us has a story of how Jesus found us, changed us, and called us to join in this mission. Now is the time to move from being recipients of grace to being contributors—using our gifts, our stories, and our presence to bring hope to a world in desperate need.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s relentless pursuit of the lost is not just a comforting idea, but a call to action for every believer. Just as the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, we are invited to seek out those who are isolated, hurting, or far from God, offering them the same mercy and joy that we have received. [20:19]
2. The root of our society’s violence and division is not simply political or cultural, but spiritual—a loss of real community and a turning away from God’s vision for humanity. The church is uniquely positioned to offer a different way: a community where people are known, loved, and transformed by the gospel. [23:01]
3. Paul’s transformation from a violent persecutor to a peacemaker is a testament to the power of God’s grace. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and our own stories of change are living proof that the gospel can turn even the hardest hearts toward healing and hope. [26:59]
4. The work of building up the church and changing the world is often slow, small, and unseen—like teaching a handful of confirmation students or gathering for prayer in a small group. Yet these acts of faithfulness are the seeds of transformation, shaping lives and communities in ways that ripple outward far beyond what we can see. [31:49]
5. Each believer is called not only to receive God’s grace but to become an active participant in God’s mission. This means moving from the sidelines to the field—using our gifts, reaching out to those who are lost or lonely, and refusing to give in to despair. God’s hope is entrusted to us, and now is our time to share it boldly. [36:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:21] - Declaration of Forgiveness
[12:32] - Little Lambs Milestone & Blessing
[13:55] - Teaching the Children About Jesus
[15:15] - Gospel Reading: Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
[20:19] - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner
[21:06] - Reflections on Violence in Society
[21:57] - The Limits of Politics and the Hope of the Church
[23:01] - Jesus as the Source of Hope
[24:01] - Rejecting Division, Embracing Community
[25:15] - Paul’s Story: From Violence to Peace
[26:59] - Paul’s Testimony and the Power of Grace
[29:14] - The Charge to Timothy and the Church
[31:49] - The Transformative Work of Small Acts
[33:26] - Everyday Expressions of Church Community
[34:16] - The Pastor’s Personal Story of Change
[36:39] - Moving from Recipient to Contributor
[38:52] - Hymn of the Day and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 15:1-10 (ESV) — > Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
>
> “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (ESV) — > I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Observation Questions

In the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, what actions do the shepherd and the woman take when something is lost? What is their response when it is found? (Luke 15:1-10)
According to the sermon, what are some of the symptoms of the “deeper sickness” in our society that were mentioned? [21:06]
How does Paul describe his own past and his transformation in 1 Timothy 1:12-17? What does he say was the reason he received mercy?
What are some specific examples the pastor gave of “small acts” that are part of God’s project to heal the world? [33:26]

Interpretation Questions

What does it reveal about God’s character that He pursues the lost so relentlessly, as seen in the parables and in Paul’s story? How does this challenge common ideas about who is “worthy” of God’s attention? (Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
The sermon suggests that the root of violence and division in society is spiritual, not just political or cultural. What does it mean for the church to offer a “different way” in response? [23:01]
Paul’s transformation from a violent persecutor to a peacemaker is described as a testimony to God’s grace. What does this suggest about the potential for change in people we might consider “too far gone”? [26:59]
The pastor said that the work of building up the church and changing the world is often “slow, small, and unseen.” Why might God choose to work through these kinds of ordinary acts instead of big, dramatic events? [31:49]

Application Questions

The sermon calls us to move from being recipients of grace to being contributors. What is one way you could use your gifts or your story to reach out to someone who feels isolated or unseen this week? [36:39]
The pastor challenged the church to check in on young men in their 20s, especially those who might be isolated. Who is one person in your life you could reach out to, and what would you say or do to let them know they are seen and valued? [37:35]
When you hear about violence or division in the news, what is your first reaction? How can you resist the temptation to blame or despair, and instead respond with hope and action as the sermon suggests? [21:06]
Think about a time when you felt lost or far from God. Who was the “shepherd” or “Sunday school teacher” God used to find you? How might you be that person for someone else now? [35:21]
The sermon described the church as a place where people are “known, loved, and transformed.” In what ways do you experience this in our church community? Are there steps you could take to help others feel more included or cared for? [24:01]
The pastor shared his own story of being changed by Jesus through the faithfulness of others. What is your story of how Jesus found you or changed you? How could sharing your story encourage someone else? [34:16]
The sermon says that “every act of love and faithfulness is part of God’s project to heal the world.” What is one small, practical act you can commit to this week that could make a difference in someone’s life? [31:49]

Sermon Clips

``Our hope comes from God, who sent Jesus into our violent world, who became a victim of our violence even though he was innocent and he rose victorious over it. Our hope is in Jesus, who can change the heart of a killer into a peacemaker. Our hope is in Jesus, who finds sinners and rescues them from darkness and evil. Our hope is in Jesus, who changes people from the inside out. [00:23:18] (34 seconds) #JesusTransformsHearts

The world tempts us to think that the solution is to defeat the other side, whatever that other side is. That is a temptation we cannot succumb to. The solution is not the defeat of our neighbor with whom we disagree. The solution is the defeat of evil that separates us from God and separates us from one another. The solution is the good news of Jesus which leads people to repent of their sin, receive the forgiveness of God, and chart a new course in their life. [00:24:20] (36 seconds) #DefeatEvilNotNeighbors

Paul gives his testimony. He says, Even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, a man of violence, but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the love and faith that is in Christ Jesus. Paul knows that people can change because he himself was changed radically. [00:28:48] (27 seconds) #MercyOverIgnorance

God is patient with sinners because he wants to give them mercy so they might change and come to believe in him, which means we never give up hope. We never give up on the gospel's power to change and save a life and this world. It's why we continue this work of the church. In good times and hard times, when the church is full like it is right now, and in times when the church is empty. [00:30:29] (30 seconds) #NeverGiveUpHope

By teaching the gospel to one person at a time, God changes hearts and will change a country. It's why it's so important to bring your kids to church. They don't learn these things on the sports field. They certainly don't learn them online. They don't learn them through video games. They learn these lessons in this community of the church. The work of the church is to save the world. [00:32:43] (30 seconds) #TeachFaithToChildren

And we all make a commitment that it's not just up to the parents and the families. It's up to all of us to raise kids in the faith. This is the work of the church. This is why I am part of this congregation. Because I, with Paul, believe that Jesus came into this world to save sinners. And there isn't anyone who is beyond saving. [00:34:06] (27 seconds) #RaiseFaithTogether

But then Jesus found me. Found me in third grade through a Sunday school teacher who told me for the first time about this God of love. And Jesus changed my story. Setting me on a path to share the good news of Jesus. To build up instead of tear down. [00:35:18] (19 seconds) #JesusFoundMe

We all have a story of how Jesus came into our lives and changed us and got a hold of our hearts and turned our life around and pointed us towards solutions instead of the problem. So we persist in our hope that God can change this world. That God can change hearts. No matter how far they are from God, God can turn them around. It's what he does. He does it through this church. [00:35:44] (26 seconds) #StoriesOfTransformation

God is doing a beautiful thing here at church. He's been teaching the beautiful way of Jesus for generations, saving people, healing people, changing trajectories of lives, giving people new meaning and purpose. And we are the stewards of his church now. It's our turn, our time, to give hope to the world, hope that the world desperately needs. We are purveyors of hope. Let's give them Jesus. [00:38:11] (35 seconds) #StewardsOfHope

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