Living in Grace: Purpose, Community, and Generosity
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on the incredible work God is doing through Cornerstone Church, I am filled with gratitude and awe. Often, when I speak at conferences, I find myself boasting about the amazing community we have here. Yet, I realize I don't always express this appreciation directly to you. Our church is a living testament to God's grace, with members actively engaging in missions, from rescuing children from human trafficking to feeding the homeless and sharing the gospel worldwide. It's a reminder that God is moving powerfully among us, and we are making a significant impact.
This week, I received a letter from Dave Phillips of Children's Hunger Fund, highlighting the global reach of our efforts, particularly in combating child trafficking. Our support has freed many from the chains of exploitation and provided them with new opportunities. This is a testament to the power of grace and the willingness of our community to act on it. It's not about what we have to do; it's about what we get to do for God's kingdom.
As we embark on a study of the book of Galatians, we are reminded that our actions are not about earning God's favor but responding to His grace. The Galatians were misled into believing they needed to add to Christ's work on the cross, but Paul emphasizes that it's all about grace. We do good works not to earn salvation but because we are already saved. This grace frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's love and allows us to live joyfully and generously.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I shared how God has provided in unexpected ways, affirming that living by faith and prioritizing God's kingdom leads to a life of abundance and joy. It's a life where we are not just doing things but fulfilling the purpose God has set for us. We are sent by God to make a difference, and it's a privilege to be part of His plan.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Community: Our church community is a vibrant example of God's grace in action. Members are actively involved in missions, both locally and globally, demonstrating that when we unite in purpose, we can make a significant impact. This is a reminder that God works through us to bring about change and hope in the world. [05:01]
- Grace Over Works: The book of Galatians teaches us that our salvation is not earned through works but is a gift of grace. This liberates us from the pressure of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to live joyfully, knowing we are already loved and accepted. Our good works are a response to this grace, not a means to obtain it. [17:42]
- Living with Purpose: Each of us is called to live with a sense of purpose, knowing that we are sent by God to fulfill specific tasks. Whether it's in our local community or across the globe, we are part of God's plan, and our lives have meaning and direction when we align with His will. [22:15]
- Generosity and Faith: Living a life of generosity and faith leads to abundance and joy. When we prioritize God's kingdom and care for others, we experience His provision in unexpected ways. This is a testament to the truth that God refreshes those who refresh others. [14:47]
- The True Gospel: The true gospel is centered on God's grace, not human effort. Any teaching that shifts the focus from God's grace to human works is a distortion of the gospel. We must remain vigilant in preserving the purity of the gospel message, ensuring that all glory goes to God. [19:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Cornerstone Church Appreciation
- [01:00] - Stories of Impact
- [03:11] - Responding to Needs
- [05:01] - Global Impact through Children's Hunger Fund
- [07:34] - Celebrating Generosity
- [09:02] - Personal Testimony of Provision
- [12:45] - Choosing Purpose Over Profit
- [14:47] - Teaching Generosity to the Next Generation
- [17:42] - Introduction to Galatians
- [19:23] - The True Gospel of Grace
- [21:23] - Living with Purpose
- [26:28] - Understanding Grace
- [32:11] - Rescued from Evil
- [39:06] - Defending the Gospel
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 1:1-10
- Psalm 37:25
- Proverbs 11:25
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Observation Questions:
1. What examples from the sermon illustrate the active involvement of Cornerstone Church members in missions and community service? [01:35]
2. How does the pastor describe the financial provision for the church's commitment to the Children's Hunger Fund? [08:29]
3. What was the main issue Paul addressed in the Galatian church according to the sermon? [17:29]
4. How does the pastor describe the concept of grace using a personal story? [13:41]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's story about the unexpected financial provision for the church illustrate the principle found in Proverbs 11:25? [14:47]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that living by faith and prioritizing God's kingdom leads to a life of abundance and joy? [09:23]
3. How does the sermon explain the difference between doing good works to earn salvation and doing them as a response to grace? [19:23]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the true gospel is centered on God's grace, not human effort? [19:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to act on a need in your community. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:35]
2. The pastor shared a story about financial provision that aligned with the church's needs. Have you experienced a similar situation where God provided in unexpected ways? How did it impact your faith? [08:29]
3. How can you ensure that your good works are a response to God's grace rather than an attempt to earn His favor? [19:23]
4. The sermon emphasized living with purpose. What specific steps can you take to align your daily actions with God's purpose for your life? [22:15]
5. Consider the pastor's story about choosing a publisher with a heart for the poor. How do you make decisions that reflect your values and priorities in God's kingdom? [12:33]
6. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of generosity and faith, as described in the sermon, in your own life? [14:47]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of preserving the purity of the gospel message. How can you stay vigilant in ensuring that your understanding of the gospel remains centered on grace? [19:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Community
Our church community is a vibrant example of God's grace in action. Members are actively involved in missions, both locally and globally, demonstrating that when we unite in purpose, we can make a significant impact. This is a reminder that God works through us to bring about change and hope in the world. The community at Cornerstone Church is not just a gathering of individuals but a collective force for good, driven by a shared commitment to serve others and spread the love of Christ. Through various initiatives, such as rescuing children from human trafficking and feeding the homeless, the church exemplifies how a united community can be a powerful instrument of God's grace. [05:01]
"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." (Romans 12:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to your community this week in a way that reflects God's grace and love?
Day 2: Grace Over Works
The book of Galatians teaches us that our salvation is not earned through works but is a gift of grace. This liberates us from the pressure of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to live joyfully, knowing we are already loved and accepted. Our good works are a response to this grace, not a means to obtain it. The Galatians were misled into believing they needed to add to Christ's work on the cross, but Paul emphasizes that it's all about grace. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's love and allows us to live generously and joyfully. [17:42]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself trying to earn God's favor, and how can you shift your mindset to embrace His grace?
Day 3: Living with Purpose
Each of us is called to live with a sense of purpose, knowing that we are sent by God to fulfill specific tasks. Whether it's in our local community or across the globe, we are part of God's plan, and our lives have meaning and direction when we align with His will. Living with purpose means recognizing that our actions have eternal significance and that we are part of a larger narrative orchestrated by God. This perspective encourages us to seek God's guidance in all we do and to pursue His will with intentionality and passion. [22:15]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Reflection: What specific task or calling do you feel God is leading you to pursue, and how can you take a step towards it today?
Day 4: Generosity and Faith
Living a life of generosity and faith leads to abundance and joy. When we prioritize God's kingdom and care for others, we experience His provision in unexpected ways. This is a testament to the truth that God refreshes those who refresh others. Generosity is not just about giving material resources but also about sharing our time, talents, and love with those around us. As we live generously, we reflect God's character and open ourselves to the blessings that come from living in alignment with His purposes. [14:47]
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your daily life, and what impact do you hope it will have on those around you?
Day 5: The True Gospel
The true gospel is centered on God's grace, not human effort. Any teaching that shifts the focus from God's grace to human works is a distortion of the gospel. We must remain vigilant in preserving the purity of the gospel message, ensuring that all glory goes to God. The message of grace is foundational to our faith, and it is crucial to guard against any teachings that compromise its truth. By keeping our focus on God's grace, we ensure that our faith remains rooted in the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. [19:23]
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7 ESV)
Reflection: Are there any beliefs or teachings you hold that might be distorting the true gospel of grace, and how can you realign your understanding with the truth of God's word?
Quotes
Our church is a living testament to God's grace, with members actively engaging in missions, from rescuing children from human trafficking to feeding the homeless and sharing the gospel worldwide. It's a reminder that God is moving powerfully among us, and we are making a significant impact. [00:00:15]
The book of Galatians teaches us that our salvation is not earned through works but is a gift of grace. This liberates us from the pressure of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to live joyfully, knowing we are already loved and accepted. Our good works are a response to this grace, not a means to obtain it. [00:17:42]
Living a life of generosity and faith leads to abundance and joy. When we prioritize God's kingdom and care for others, we experience His provision in unexpected ways. This is a testament to the truth that God refreshes those who refresh others. [00:14:47]
Each of us is called to live with a sense of purpose, knowing that we are sent by God to fulfill specific tasks. Whether it's in our local community or across the globe, we are part of God's plan, and our lives have meaning and direction when we align with His will. [00:22:15]
The true gospel is centered on God's grace, not human effort. Any teaching that shifts the focus from God's grace to human works is a distortion of the gospel. We must remain vigilant in preserving the purity of the gospel message, ensuring that all glory goes to God. [00:19:23]
I believe I was sent from God. Why am I standing up here on the stage? Is it because I was looking for a job and went through the classifieds and said maybe pastor? No, and it wasn't like a bunch of people said, "Hey, you know what you'd be really good at?" No, it's just at the core of my being I really believe that I was created for this. [00:21:23]
God takes care of those who are generous. It says that he refreshes those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed and just be able to sit down with the kids and show them, "Look, this is the way God works." It's just such a great way to live. [00:14:47]
It's not about all these things we have to do; it's about all these things we get to do. I mean, what? I just can't imagine living life any other way. God has been so good, so good, so good, and it's just his grace. [00:16:03]
The Galatian churches used to be great churches because all the focus was on God and all the focus was about how much God had done. But what had happened was people came into the church and they started teaching this false doctrine. [00:17:42]
Paul's saying, "Listen, what I do, I do because God told me to do it because I was sent from God to do this." And that's such a beautiful thing to say. You see, I don't know if you feel this way at all, but I look at that and go, "You know what? I believe I was sent from God." [00:22:15]
Grace is unmerited favor. The word grace is someone just gives you something you didn't earn, you don't deserve. Grace, grace, grace, grace is, "I'll show you grace, I'll show you grace, I'll show someone grace." [00:26:28]
Paul says, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and you're turning to another gospel." He goes, "So God gives you all of that, and then you decide, 'Well, I want to try something different. I'm going to try working.'" [00:39:06]
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