God's Unchanging Love and Our Transformative Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that God never changes His mind about us, no matter our past or present circumstances. We began with a prayer for divine revelation and guidance, emphasizing the beauty and presence of Jesus in our lives. We then delved into the concept of resurrection, calling forth anything dead in our lives to come back to life in Jesus' name. This includes forgotten promises and dreams that God has not abandoned. We also discussed the importance of being willing to do whatever God asks, using the story of Homer Pitsinger as an illustration of obedience and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
We transitioned to the significance of names, particularly focusing on Isaiah 9:6, where Jesus is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names reveal His unchanging nature and His eternal commitment to us. We emphasized that God is a Father who never abandons His children and that His peace and government are everlasting.
We also touched on the transformation from Jacob to Israel, illustrating how God changes our identity and reality when we surrender to Him. This transformation is a testament to His unwavering commitment to us, even when we falter. We concluded with a powerful reminder that God's hand is always outstretched towards us, regardless of our past or present. His love and grace are ever-present, inviting us to believe and trust in Him fully.
### Key Takeaways
1. Resurrection of Dead Things: In Jesus' name, anything that has died in your life—be it dreams, promises, or relationships—can be brought back to life. God has not forgotten the promises He made to you, even if you have. Reach out and reclaim them, for His word will come to pass. [24:13]
2. Willingness to Obey: True obedience to God requires a willingness to do whatever He asks, even if it seems uncomfortable or illogical. The story of Homer Pitsinger illustrates that when we are willing to step into uncomfortable places, God meets us there and fills us with His Spirit. [29:35]
3. God's Unchanging Nature: God is a Father who never abandons His children. His peace and government are everlasting, and His commitment to us is unchanging. This truth provides a foundation of security and hope, knowing that His love and care are eternal. [35:11]
4. Transformation from Jacob to Israel: God transforms our identity and reality when we surrender to Him. Just as Jacob became Israel, a prince with God, we too are given a new identity in Christ. This transformation is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to us, even in our rebellion. [43:48]
5. God's Outstretched Hand: No matter who you are or what you've done, God's hand is always outstretched towards you. His love and grace are ever-present, inviting you to believe and trust in Him fully. This assurance allows us to move forward in faith, knowing that His hand is always there to guide and support us. [52:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:13] - Resurrection of Dead Things
[25:36] - Forgotten Promises
[26:18] - Calling Forth Jobs
[27:24] - Story of Homer Pitsinger
[29:35] - Willingness to Obey
[34:03] - What's in a Name
[35:11] - God's Unchanging Nature
[36:19] - Everlasting Peace
[38:03] - Transformation from Jacob to Israel
[43:48] - New Identity in Christ
[45:09] - God's Outstretched Hand
[46:17] - Consequences of Rejection
[48:13] - Mountains and Authority
[51:11] - Wrath and Covenant
[52:51] - God's Ever-Present Grace
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
2. Genesis 32:28 - "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
3. Isaiah 9:21 - "Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His nature? [34:39]
2. How does the story of Jacob's transformation to Israel illustrate God's commitment to us? [43:48]
3. According to the sermon, what does it mean when it says God's hand is "stretched out still"? [52:51]
4. What was the significance of Homer Pitsinger's story in relation to obedience and the Holy Spirit? [29:35]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 provide a foundation of security and hope for believers? [35:11]
2. In what ways does the transformation from Jacob to Israel reflect the changes God can make in our lives when we surrender to Him? [43:48]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's promises, even when we have forgotten them? [24:40]
4. How does the story of Homer Pitsinger challenge our understanding of obedience and willingness to follow God's commands? [29:35]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a dream or promise in your life that you feel has died. How can you reclaim it in Jesus' name this week? [24:13]
2. Think of a situation where you felt God was asking you to do something uncomfortable. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently now? [29:35]
3. How can you remind yourself daily of God's unchanging nature and His everlasting commitment to you? [35:11]
4. Have you experienced a transformation in your identity through your faith in Christ? Share your story with the group. [43:48]
5. In what ways can you actively reach out and grasp the promises God has made to you, even those you may have forgotten? [24:40]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper willingness to obey God, even when His requests seem illogical or uncomfortable? [29:35]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you experience His outstretched hand bringing you back? [52:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Resurrection of Dead Things
In Jesus' name, anything that has died in your life—be it dreams, promises, or relationships—can be brought back to life. God has not forgotten the promises He made to you, even if you have. Reach out and reclaim them, for His word will come to pass. This profound truth reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we feel like all hope is lost. The resurrection power of Jesus is not just about physical resurrection but also about reviving the aspects of our lives that seem beyond repair.
When you feel like your dreams have died or that the promises God made to you are no longer attainable, remember that God is faithful. He has the power to breathe life into what seems dead. Trust in His timing and His ability to restore and renew. [24:13]
Ezekiel 37:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord."
Reflection: What is one dream or promise you feel has died in your life? How can you invite Jesus to resurrect it today?
Day 2: Willingness to Obey
True obedience to God requires a willingness to do whatever He asks, even if it seems uncomfortable or illogical. The story of Homer Pitsinger illustrates that when we are willing to step into uncomfortable places, God meets us there and fills us with His Spirit. Obedience is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. When we trust God enough to follow His lead, we open ourselves up to His blessings and His presence in our lives.
Consider the areas in your life where God might be calling you to step out in faith. It might be a new job, a relationship, or a ministry opportunity. Whatever it is, know that God will equip you and meet you in that place of obedience. [29:35]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is asking you to step out in faith? How can you take a step of obedience today?
Day 3: God's Unchanging Nature
God is a Father who never abandons His children. His peace and government are everlasting, and His commitment to us is unchanging. This truth provides a foundation of security and hope, knowing that His love and care are eternal. In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that God remains the same. His promises are sure, and His love is steadfast.
Reflect on the ways God has shown His faithfulness in your life. Even when circumstances change, God’s nature does not. He is always there, always loving, and always working for your good. [35:11]
James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: How has God shown His unchanging nature in your life? How can this truth provide you with comfort and security today?
Day 4: Transformation from Jacob to Israel
God transforms our identity and reality when we surrender to Him. Just as Jacob became Israel, a prince with God, we too are given a new identity in Christ. This transformation is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to us, even in our rebellion. When we surrender our lives to God, He changes us from the inside out, giving us a new purpose and a new identity.
Think about the areas in your life where you need transformation. Surrender those areas to God and allow Him to work in you. Trust that He is committed to your growth and transformation. [43:48]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs transformation? How can you surrender this area to God today?
Day 5: God's Outstretched Hand
No matter who you are or what you've done, God's hand is always outstretched towards you. His love and grace are ever-present, inviting you to believe and trust in Him fully. This assurance allows us to move forward in faith, knowing that His hand is always there to guide and support us. God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs, and His love is unconditional.
Reflect on the times when you have felt distant from God. Remember that His hand is always reaching out to you, ready to pull you back into His embrace. Trust in His love and grace, and take a step towards Him today. [52:51]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: When have you felt distant from God? How can you reach out and take hold of His outstretched hand today?
Quotes
1. "Anything that's been dead in your life that needs to come back to life, in the name of Jesus I speak the name of Jesus over it. Amen in your life. Hallelujah. And I say Lord remind each one there's somebody up in here, more than one of us, I'm one myself, that needs to come back to life. I need to hear this. Amen." [24:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God he never changed his mind about you. Never changed his mind about you. The promises that you clung to sometime, right now, some of them 30 years ago, some of those promises that you've forgotten about but you clung to and gave up on were made right over there in that building that's not even standing right now. He hadn't forgotten." [25:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He's a father that will never walk out on you. Amen. Come on y'all. He's a father that will never throw you away. Hallelujah. He has no step kids. Hallelujah. I'm trying to get where I'm going the increase of his government and peace. Amen. Will be never ending." [35:44] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When He makes you new don't ever have to go be old again. When he restores it's like it was never broken like it. It's difference between I guess I'm mortal I'm immortal but I'm still human. Right. How many immortals we got in here? I'd be free if the religion spoke out. No not that kind of immortal. But He's never going to bring it up against you Lord ever again." [38:03] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you talk about how you used to be I'm not saying I'm not saying the Lord is dumb or stupid I'm not saying he doesn't know I'm saying he changed your reality. He's supernatural like that y'all. I ain't even got to the thing yet God. He says let's see will perform it. I'm sorry because I did it all this Wednesday. I apologize. I did it twice now." [39:19] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Quit trying to understand it and just start believing it. Yeah, that's it. Yeah, that's it. Quit trying to figure it out and just believe it. Now, those of you that read, figure it out. But no one becomes so quizzical that it robs you of your spirituality. Does that make any sense?" [45:43] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "No matter who you are, no matter where you've been, His hand, no matter what you've done, come on, His hand, y'all, is stretched out still. It doesn't matter what your past is, it doesn't matter who you were, it doesn't matter what sexuality I was, it doesn't matter what kind of a dopehead you were, all the big sins we like to talk about, it doesn't matter what a gossip you were, or a cobbler, or a liar, with Jesus, with Jesus, no matter what you were, His hand, no matter where you've been, no matter who you've been, His hand is still outstretched." [52:51] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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