Jesus: Our Cornerstone and Call to Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound truth that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, the one in whom we find our strength, hope, and identity. Amidst the chaos of the world—wars, political unrest, and personal fears—we are reminded that Jesus is Lord over all. Our trust is in His holy name, and His unfailing love surrounds us. We are called to invite His perfect love to drive out all fear, embracing the truth that He is our shield and strength.
We explored the concept of becoming the person God has always seen in us, emphasizing that our lives are not meant to drift aimlessly but to be filled with purpose and kingdom significance. This involves stepping out of comfort zones, making ourselves known, and engaging with the community. We are encouraged to participate in church activities, such as the "Welcome to Evolve" lunch and parenting nights, to foster deeper connections and growth.
Our church's mission is to be a family on a mission, living set apart for God's purposes. This involves a commitment to prayer, service, and giving. We are challenged to expand our influence, not for personal gain, but to increase the impact of the gospel. This requires overcoming fear, embracing courage, and actively pursuing God's plan for growth and expansion.
We also celebrated the work God is doing through our church, from healing and transformation in individuals' lives to the expansion of our influence on university campuses. We are reminded of the importance of being a light in our community, reaching out to those who are far from Jesus, and being willing to be sent out as God's people.
As we reflect on the story of David and the threshing floor, we are reminded that our offerings to God should cost us something. We are called to be obedient, to pay the price, and to trust in God's provision. This involves a commitment to prayer, service, and sacrificial giving, as we seek to be a part of the mission and message of Jesus in our city and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Trust in Jesus Amidst Chaos: In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, we are called to place our trust in Jesus, who is Lord over all. His unfailing love surrounds us, and His perfect love drives out fear. By focusing on His strength and hope, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence. [33:10]
- Becoming Who God Sees: Our lives are not meant to drift aimlessly; God has a purpose for each of us. We are invited to become the person God has always seen in us, filled with significant gifts and kingdom purpose. This involves stepping out of comfort zones and engaging with the community. [37:28]
- Family on Mission: As a church, we are called to be a family on mission, living set apart for God's purposes. This requires a commitment to prayer, service, and giving, as we seek to expand our influence and increase the impact of the gospel. [41:09]
- Cost of Obedience: Our offerings to God should cost us something. Like David, we are called to be obedient, to pay the price, and to trust in God's provision. This involves a commitment to prayer, service, and sacrificial giving. [45:47]
- Expanding Influence for the Gospel: We are encouraged to overcome fear and actively pursue God's plan for growth and expansion. This involves being willing to be sent out as God's people, reaching out to those who are far from Jesus, and being a light in our community. [51:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [33:10] - Trust in Jesus Amidst Chaos
- [37:28] - Becoming Who God Sees
- [41:09] - Family on Mission
- [45:47] - Cost of Obedience
- [51:48] - Expanding Influence for the Gospel
- [55:54] - Celebrating God's Work
- [01:00:53] - The Call to Expand
- [01:09:37] - Deepening Godly Character
- [01:20:36] - Vision and Projects Update
- [01:24:39] - Invitation to Pray, Serve, and Give
- [01:31:07] - Closing Worship and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 33:20-22
2. John 14:6-7
3. 2 Samuel 24:18-25
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Observation Questions:
1. In Psalm 33, what does the psalmist say about where we should place our hope and trust? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on trusting Jesus amidst chaos? [33:10]
2. According to John 14:6-7, how does Jesus describe His relationship with the Father, and what does this imply about knowing God?
3. In the story of David and the threshing floor from 2 Samuel 24, what was David's response to the offer of a free threshing floor, and what does this reveal about his understanding of sacrifice? [01:09:37]
4. What examples were given in the sermon of how the church is expanding its influence and reaching out to the community? [51:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith provide strength and hope in times of personal or global chaos? [33:10]
2. What does it mean to become the person God has always seen in us, and how does this relate to stepping out of our comfort zones? [37:28]
3. How does the story of David's sacrifice on the threshing floor illustrate the cost of obedience and the importance of sacrificial giving in our spiritual lives? [01:09:37]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church can be a "family on mission," and how does this align with the biblical call to expand the influence of the gospel? [41:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current fear or uncertainty in your life. How can you actively place your trust in Jesus to navigate this situation? [33:10]
2. Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to that call? [37:28]
3. Consider a recent opportunity to give or serve that you hesitated to take. What held you back, and how can you overcome that barrier in the future? [01:09:37]
4. How can you contribute to your church’s mission of expanding its influence for the gospel? Is there a specific ministry or outreach you feel drawn to support? [51:48]
5. Think of a person in your life who is far from Jesus. What is one intentional action you can take this week to be a light in their life? [51:48]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to be a family on mission. What does this look like in your personal life, and how can you involve your family or small group in this mission? [41:09]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of sacrificial giving into your life, whether through time, resources, or talents? What specific commitment can you make this month? [01:09:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting Jesus in Uncertainty
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it is essential to anchor our trust in Jesus, who is sovereign over all. His unfailing love surrounds us, providing strength and hope amidst life's challenges. By focusing on His perfect love, we can navigate through fear and anxiety with confidence, knowing that He is our shield and strength. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on His promises and character, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. [33:10]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What specific fears or uncertainties are you facing today? How can you actively place your trust in Jesus to find peace in these areas?
Day 2: Embracing God's Vision for Your Life
God has a unique purpose for each of us, inviting us to become the person He has always seen in us. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging with the community to fulfill our kingdom significance. Our lives are not meant to drift aimlessly but to be filled with purpose and intentionality. By embracing God's vision, we can discover the significant gifts He has placed within us and use them to impact the world around us. [37:28]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to step out of your comfort zone and engage with your community in a way that aligns with God's purpose for your life?
Day 3: Living as a Family on Mission
As a church, we are called to be a family on mission, living set apart for God's purposes. This requires a commitment to prayer, service, and giving, as we seek to expand our influence and increase the impact of the gospel. By living intentionally and supporting one another, we can create a community that reflects God's love and grace to the world. Our mission is not just about personal growth but about being a light in our community and reaching out to those who are far from Jesus. [41:09]
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 contribute to your church's mission today through prayer, service, or giving? What specific action can you take to support your church family?
Day 4: The Cost of Obedience
Our offerings to God should cost us something, reflecting our obedience and trust in His provision. Like David, we are called to pay the price and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of God's kingdom. This involves a commitment to prayer, service, and sacrificial giving, as we seek to be a part of the mission and message of Jesus in our city and beyond. By embracing the cost of obedience, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on God's provision. [45:47]
2 Samuel 24:24 (ESV): "But the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where God is calling you to be obedient, even if it costs you something? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?
Day 5: Expanding Influence for the Gospel
We are encouraged to overcome fear and actively pursue God's plan for growth and expansion. This involves being willing to be sent out as God's people, reaching out to those who are far from Jesus, and being a light in our community. By expanding our influence, we can increase the impact of the gospel and bring hope to those who need it most. This requires courage and a willingness to step into the unknown, trusting that God will guide and provide for us. [51:48]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can reach out to with the love of Jesus today? What practical steps can you take to be a light in your community and expand your influence for the gospel?
Quotes
"In you we find our strength. In you we find our hope. In you we find ourselves. In you we find our being. Majesty Jesus. Psalm 33. The psalmist says we put our hope in the Lord. He is our help. He is our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name." [00:17:09] (26 seconds)
"Statistically, it's said that most people spend the first 20 to 25 years of their lives learning, and the rest of their lives defending what they learned in that first quarter. Come on. Statistically. Now, I know I'm in a room full of outliers. That's real. I'm in a room full of renegades and rebels." [00:33:10] (18 seconds)
"That you weren't designed to sort of drift aimlessly and just wander through life and ebb and flow and just whatever happens, happens. There is a unique identity in Christ where the Father invites you in as a daughter, as a son, as a child, and fills you with significant gifts and kingdom purpose." [00:33:53] (19 seconds)
"Who told you to form your theology, your belief about the nature and character of God based on the things that happen to you? Either we choose to believe scripture and we do the hard work of renewing our minds to stay in the pocket of surrender because Jesus says, ask me for anything in my name and I'll do it." [00:45:47] (20 seconds)
"Not waiting to see if it comes to pass. Actually beginning to move forward with a sense of purpose and conviction and unwavering trust. Desperate faith for God to be God. Unwavering in how we choose to trust his timing. Now that's not easy. It's hard. It's hard to take God at his word. It's going to cost us something." [00:48:45] (20 seconds)
"But we were created to be a people set apart. The people of God who live focused, not just on ourselves and on our own needs, but to be a family on mission with the hope of Jesus looking up, looking around with faith, with our lives, with our resources to sacrificially be set apart and give towards that which matters to the heart of God." [00:49:15] (26 seconds)
"And so we said our hands are up. And now there's this beautiful team every Sunday night, discipling students in scripture at square one on, in Windsor park. And, and once a month, like tonight in these beautiful worship gatherings where students are encountering the presence of God, you know, in, in December, a young woman heard about evolve on campus." [00:51:48] (19 seconds)
"Who fills your heart with such a deep holy turmoil and love that you're like, man, that person's living a life that's defaming God and destroying their life. But if they had an encounter with a real and loving, if they did a 180 and turned their face towards Christ, they would be completely different." [01:00:53] (19 seconds)
"Who fills your heart with such a deep holy turmoil and love that you're like, man, that person's living a life that's defaming God and destroying their life. But if they had an encounter with a real and loving, if they did a 180 and turned their face towards Christ, they would be completely different." [01:00:53] (19 seconds)
"Who fills your heart with such a deep holy turmoil and love that you're like, man, that person's living a life that's defaming God and destroying their life. But if they had an encounter with a real and loving, if they did a 180 and turned their face towards Christ, they would be completely different." [01:00:53] (19 seconds)
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