Let There Be: Embracing God's Creative Power and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered to celebrate the power and presence of God in our lives. Reflecting on the incredible journey of our church and the transformative preaching we've experienced, we are reminded of the constant grace and renewal that God provides. We delved into the essence of God's creative power, starting from Genesis where God spoke life into existence with the words "Let there be." This phrase encapsulates God's ability to bring order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and life out of void.
We explored how this divine principle of "Let there be" has been a consistent theme throughout the Bible. From the parting of the Red Sea to the miracles of Jesus, God has continually demonstrated His power to create pathways where there seem to be none. Jesus, the visible incarnation of God, echoed this creative power in His miracles, whether turning water into wine or giving sight to the blind. Each miracle was a testament to God's unchanging nature and His desire to bring life, healing, and salvation.
In our own lives, we are encouraged to pull Jesus into our problems, just as Mary did at the wedding in Cana. By obeying His instructions, even when they challenge our pride or flesh, we open the door for the miraculous. Jesus' final moments on the cross, where He offered salvation to the thief beside Him, remind us that God’s grace and mercy are always available, even in our darkest hours.
As a church, we are called to be a home for the lonely and a family for the hurting. God is still speaking "Let there be" over our lives, offering healing, peace, and security. We are encouraged to bring our needs to Him in faith, trusting that He will either perform the miraculous or give us the grace to endure. Our community is a testament to God's love, flowing through each of us to support and uplift one another.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Creative Power: From the very beginning, God has demonstrated His power to create order out of chaos and life out of void. This foundational truth from Genesis reminds us that with God, all things are possible. No matter the darkness or disorder in our lives, God can speak life and transformation into our situations. [28:13]
2. Obedience Precedes Miracles: The story of Jesus turning water into wine at Cana illustrates that miracles often follow obedience to God's instructions. Even when God's commands challenge our pride or flesh, our willingness to obey opens the door for His miraculous power to manifest in our lives. [40:20]
3. God's Unchanging Nature: Jesus' ministry on earth was a continuation of God's creative and redemptive work. Whether healing the blind or raising the dead, Jesus' actions echoed God's eternal words, "Let there be." This consistency assures us that God is still at work in our lives today, bringing healing, restoration, and life. [45:16]
4. Grace in Our Darkest Moments: Jesus' interaction with the thief on the cross highlights God's boundless grace and mercy. Even in our most shameful and painful moments, God offers hope and salvation. This story encourages us to trust in God's love and forgiveness, no matter our past or present circumstances. [47:00]
5. Community as a Reflection of God's Love: Our church is called to be a home for the lonely and a family for the hurting. By embodying God's love, joy, and peace, we create a welcoming environment where people can experience God's presence and healing. This communal support is vital for spiritual growth and emotional healing. [51:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:32] - Gratitude for Church Leadership
[22:18] - Is There Anything Too Hard for God?
[24:52] - Restoring a Hunger for Worship
[26:22] - Believing in God's Creative Power
[28:13] - Let There Be: Genesis 1
[31:57] - God's Continued Work in the Old Testament
[33:44] - The Red Sea Miracle
[35:49] - Jesus: The Fulfillment of God's Promise
[38:17] - The Wedding at Cana
[42:47] - Healing the Blind Man
[45:16] - Jesus' Miracles and Let There Be
[45:57] - The Thief on the Cross
[49:33] - God's Miraculous Power Today
[50:43] - Welcome Home: A Place for the Lonely
[53:01] - God's Healing and Mending
[55:13] - God Still Speaks: Let There Be
[57:13] - Responding to God's Call
[59:06] - Bringing Our Needs to God
[01:03:18] - Encouragement and Testimonies
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV) - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
2. John 2:1-11 (NIV) - The Wedding at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine.
3. Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) - Jesus and the thief on the cross.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the state of the earth before God said, "Let there be light"? (Genesis 1:1-3)
2. How did Jesus respond to His mother’s request at the wedding in Cana? What was the result? (John 2:1-11)
3. What did Jesus promise the thief on the cross, and what does this reveal about His character? (Luke 23:39-43)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the phrase "Let there be" in Genesis 1 demonstrate God's creative power and authority? How does this relate to the idea that with God, all things are possible? [28:13]
2. In what ways does the story of Jesus turning water into wine illustrate the principle that obedience precedes miracles? How might this apply to our lives today? [40:20]
3. What does Jesus' interaction with the thief on the cross teach us about God's grace and mercy, even in our darkest moments? [47:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your life was in chaos or darkness. How can you invite God to speak "Let there be" into that situation? [28:13]
2. Jesus' first miracle followed an act of obedience. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to obey, even if it challenges your pride or flesh? How can you take a step of obedience this week? [40:20]
3. Jesus' consistent nature assures us that He is still at work in our lives today. Can you identify a recent situation where you saw evidence of God's healing, restoration, or life-giving power? [45:16]
4. The thief on the cross received grace in his final moments. How does this story encourage you to trust in God's love and forgiveness, regardless of your past or present circumstances? [47:00]
5. Our church is called to be a home for the lonely and a family for the hurting. How can you personally contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for others in our community? [51:15]
6. Think of a specific need or problem you are currently facing. How can you, like Mary at the wedding in Cana, pull Jesus into that situation and trust Him for a miraculous outcome? [39:27]
7. How can you embody God's love, joy, and peace in your interactions with others this week, especially those who may be feeling lonely or hurt? [51:44]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Creative Power in Our Lives
Description: From the very beginning, God has demonstrated His power to create order out of chaos and life out of void. This foundational truth from Genesis reminds us that with God, all things are possible. No matter the darkness or disorder in our lives, God can speak life and transformation into our situations. Reflecting on the phrase "Let there be" from Genesis, we see that God's words have the power to bring light into darkness and order into chaos. This divine principle is not just a historical fact but a present reality. God continues to speak life into our circumstances, offering hope and renewal where there seems to be none. [28:13]
Genesis 1:3-4 (ESV): "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness."
Reflection: Think about a situation in your life that feels chaotic or dark. How can you invite God to speak His creative power into that situation today?
Day 2: Obedience Precedes Miracles
Description: The story of Jesus turning water into wine at Cana illustrates that miracles often follow obedience to God's instructions. Even when God's commands challenge our pride or flesh, our willingness to obey opens the door for His miraculous power to manifest in our lives. Mary’s simple instruction to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," is a powerful reminder that our obedience, even in small things, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. When we trust and obey God, we position ourselves to witness His miraculous interventions. [40:20]
John 2:5-7 (ESV): "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to obey Him, but you are hesitant? What step of obedience can you take today to open the door for God's miraculous power?
Day 3: God's Unchanging Nature
Description: Jesus' ministry on earth was a continuation of God's creative and redemptive work. Whether healing the blind or raising the dead, Jesus' actions echoed God's eternal words, "Let there be." This consistency assures us that God is still at work in our lives today, bringing healing, restoration, and life. The miracles of Jesus are not just historical events but a testament to God's unchanging nature and His ongoing desire to bring wholeness and salvation to humanity. [45:16]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's healing or restoration in your life. How does remembering this help you trust in His unchanging nature today?
Day 4: Grace in Our Darkest Moments
Description: Jesus' interaction with the thief on the cross highlights God's boundless grace and mercy. Even in our most shameful and painful moments, God offers hope and salvation. This story encourages us to trust in God's love and forgiveness, no matter our past or present circumstances. The thief's last-minute plea and Jesus' compassionate response remind us that it is never too late to turn to God and receive His grace. [47:00]
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV): "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Reflection: Is there a part of your life where you feel unworthy of God's grace? How can you open your heart to receive His forgiveness and love today?
Day 5: Community as a Reflection of God's Love
Description: Our church is called to be a home for the lonely and a family for the hurting. By embodying God's love, joy, and peace, we create a welcoming environment where people can experience God's presence and healing. This communal support is vital for spiritual growth and emotional healing. As we support and uplift one another, we become living testimonies of God's love and grace, creating a sanctuary where everyone can find belonging and restoration. [51:15]
Romans 12:10-13 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to making your church a more welcoming and supportive community? What specific action can you take this week to show God's love to someone in need?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you forget everything else that I am about to say, and more than likely you probably will, I want you to remember the words of Jesus when he said, with God, all things are possible. Why don't you say that with me? With God, all things are possible." [26:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is still speaking life. He's still doing what he's always done. No matter your standing in the hierarchy of basic human needs. No matter how great or small your need may seem. God is still speaking. Let there be. Let there be. Let there be." [50:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is still speaking in this generation. And God is saying let there be peace. And let there be security. Stand with me all over this room. He is still speaking. He is still moving. Just like he did when he knelt down in the garden." [54:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is still animating things that are dead. God is still bringing order out of chaos in the lives of the people that he loves so much. Like he loves us so much. God is still speaking in my generation. And God is still bringing dry bones back to life." [54:12] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is ready to save. God is ready to heal. God is ready to manifest the kingdom of God in this room. He's ready to fill somebody with the power of the Holy Ghost. God is ready to connect with you right now. So come worshiping. Come praying. Come calling on the name of the Lord." [57:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God is restoring in me a hunger for worship. I could sing all night. I don't know about y'all. I know y'all, we get tired. I know, but I could sing all night. I, I just grew up love. I love singing. I play the piano all day. I love singing. I love singing. I love singing. I love singing. I sing, worship, write songs. Like, I just love it." [24:52] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is speaking tonight. Let there be a home. Let there be a home. And in that home. This is what I feel like the church may need to hear. In the home that God has created for the lonely. I hope that when they walk through the doors. And the greeters say welcome home. I hope when they walk in. That they can. That there will be. And they will experience. An amazing family. Of God." [51:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is still speaking about his people. He is saying to the sick. Let there be healing by the stripes that were laid on his back. We are healed in the name of Jesus. To the broken. God is saying let there be a mending. Come into my house. Encounter my presence. Encounter my people. And through the hands. And the words. The voice of my people. I will mend your heart. And I will put you back together again." [53:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is still speaking spiritual blessings over our new converts. And over our patriarchs. God is still speaking spiritual blessings that can and will shape a generation. And turn a family around. God is still speaking to someone tonight. And he is saying let there be. Let there be. Let there be." [55:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "This is the confidence. This is the assurance. This is the peace that you can have when you lay down tonight in your bed. This is the confidence we have in him. That if we ask anything. According to his will. He will hear us. He will hear us. And then he says. And if we know that he hears us. What so ever we ask. We know that we have the petitions. That we have desired of him." [55:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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