Living Tenderheartedly in God's Eternal Kingdom

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God's kingdom reigns supreme over all earthly powers and uncertainties. Despite the chaos and unpredictability of the world, we can stand firm in the assurance that God's kingdom, power, and glory are eternal. This confidence allows us to live without fear, even amidst pain and lack, because we serve a King who rules over all. Our journey as a church has been marked by an extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit, with numerous deliverances, healings, and salvations. Yet, we are reminded that living in community brings challenges, including offenses and divisions. The Lord has impressed upon us the importance of being tenderhearted, as exemplified by Jesus, who forgave even those who crucified Him.

The call to be tenderhearted is not just a suggestion but a necessity for maintaining unity and love within the body of Christ. We are challenged to choose tenderness over offense, kindness over hardness, and forgiveness over bitterness. This choice is crucial as we continue to witness God's miraculous works among us. The message also highlighted the importance of children's ministry, emphasizing that the gospel's power can transform young lives. We are encouraged to invest in the next generation, ensuring they hear about Jesus' love.

As we look forward to the coming year, let us be a church marked by tenderness, forgiveness, and love. Let us embrace the fullness of God's kingdom, experiencing His power and presence while living in unity and purpose. May we be a community that reflects the heart of Jesus, choosing to live tenderheartedly and extending His love to all.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Sovereignty and Our Assurance: Despite the uncertainties of the world, we can live without fear because God's kingdom is eternal. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our King rules over all. [00:00]

2. The Call to Tenderheartedness: Living in community inevitably brings offenses and divisions, but we are called to be tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ forgave us. This choice is essential for maintaining unity and love within the body of Christ. [28:22]

3. The Power of the Gospel in Children's Lives: Investing in children's ministry is crucial as the gospel has the power to transform young lives. We are encouraged to build teams and serve the next generation, ensuring they hear about Jesus' love. [35:51]

4. Joy and Suffering Can Coexist: Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. We can experience joy even amidst suffering, knowing that God is with us and will work all things for our good. [01:17:59]

5. Joy is Restored in Jesus: True joy is found in surrendering to Jesus and experiencing His presence. As we walk with Him, we are filled with inexpressible joy, knowing that our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God. [01:31:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - God's Sovereignty Over All
- [03:30] - Unprecedented Move of the Holy Spirit
- [07:15] - Challenges of Living in Community
- [10:50] - The Call to Be Tenderhearted
- [15:30] - Personal Story of Tenderheartedness
- [20:00] - Choosing Tenderness Over Offense
- [25:45] - Prayer for Tender Hearts
- [28:22] - Embracing God's Kingdom and Power
- [30:00] - Importance of Children's Ministry
- [35:51] - Building Teams for the Next Generation
- [40:00] - Joy and Suffering Coexist
- [45:00] - Joy Restored in Jesus
- [50:00] - Invitation to Surrender to Jesus
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
2. Isaiah 9:1-7 - A prophecy about the coming of the Messiah and the joy and peace He brings.
3. 1 Peter 1:8 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 4:32 say about how we should treat one another, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on being tenderhearted? [28:22]

2. In Isaiah 9:1-7, what are the names given to the Messiah, and how do they reflect His role in bringing joy and peace? [52:21]

3. According to 1 Peter 1:8, how can believers experience joy even without seeing Jesus physically? [31:22]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the coexistence of joy and suffering in a believer's life? [17:59]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the call to be tenderhearted in Ephesians 4:32 challenge the way believers handle offenses and divisions within the church community? [28:22]

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7 provide hope and assurance to believers facing uncertainty and chaos in the world? [52:21]

3. How does the concept of joy being restored in Jesus, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:8, influence a believer's perspective on their current struggles and future hope? [31:22]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of investing in children's ministry, and how does this relate to the transformative power of the gospel? [35:51]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt offended or hurt. How can you apply the principle of being tenderhearted and forgiving, as taught in Ephesians 4:32, to that situation? [28:22]

2. Considering the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7, how can you find peace and joy in the midst of current global or personal uncertainties? What practical steps can you take to focus on God's sovereignty? [52:21]

3. Think about a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances. How did your relationship with Jesus influence that experience, and how can you cultivate that joy in your daily life? [17:59]

4. How can you actively participate in your church's children's ministry or support it in other ways, recognizing the impact of the gospel on young lives? [35:51]

5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to choose joy. What specific actions can you take this week to align your perspective with the joy that comes from knowing Jesus? [31:22]

6. Reflect on a relationship where you have allowed bitterness to take root. What steps can you take to choose forgiveness and tenderness, as exemplified by Jesus? [28:22]

7. How can you balance experiencing joy and acknowledging suffering in your life, ensuring that neither is ignored or exaggerated? What role does your faith play in maintaining this balance? [17:59]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Eternal Reign Over Earthly Chaos
In a world filled with chaos and unpredictability, the assurance of God's eternal kingdom provides a foundation of peace and confidence. This truth allows believers to navigate life's challenges without fear, knowing that God's power and glory are unchanging and supreme. The eternal nature of God's kingdom means that no earthly power or uncertainty can undermine His sovereignty. As followers of Christ, this assurance empowers us to live boldly and fearlessly, trusting in the King who rules over all. [00:00]

"For the kingdom is the Lord's, and he rules over the nations." (Psalm 22:28, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you allowing fear to overshadow your trust in God's eternal reign? How can you actively remind yourself of His sovereignty today?


Day 2: Choosing Tenderheartedness in Community
Living in community inevitably brings challenges such as offenses and divisions. However, believers are called to be tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ forgave us. This choice is not merely a suggestion but a necessity for maintaining unity and love within the body of Christ. By choosing tenderness over offense and forgiveness over bitterness, we reflect the heart of Jesus and foster a community marked by love and unity. This tenderheartedness is essential as we continue to witness God's miraculous works among us. [28:22]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or offense in your community. How can you choose to respond with tenderheartedness and forgiveness today?


Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Gospel in Children's Lives
Investing in children's ministry is crucial because the gospel has the power to transform young lives. By building teams and serving the next generation, we ensure that children hear about Jesus' love and experience the transformative power of the gospel. This investment in the next generation is vital for the future of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. As we pour into children's lives, we are planting seeds of faith that will bear fruit for years to come. [35:51]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in or support your church's children's ministry to help transform young lives with the gospel?


Day 4: Experiencing Joy Amidst Suffering
Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with God. Even amidst suffering, believers can experience joy, knowing that God is with them and will work all things for their good. This joy is a testament to the strength and depth of our faith, allowing us to endure hardships with hope and resilience. By focusing on God's presence and promises, we can find joy in the midst of life's trials, confident that He is working for our ultimate good. [01:17:59]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate joy in your life, even when facing difficult circumstances? How can you remind yourself of God's presence and promises today?


Day 5: Restoring Joy Through Surrender to Jesus
True joy is found in surrendering to Jesus and experiencing His presence. As believers walk with Him, they are filled with inexpressible joy, knowing that their sins are forgiven and they have peace with God. This joy is not fleeting but is a deep and abiding sense of contentment and fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Christ. By surrendering to Jesus, believers experience the fullness of His joy and the peace that surpasses all understanding. [01:31:22]

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes


Proclaim the truth of the kingdom of God no matter what we're feeling or experiencing or what we hear in the news that you are over every throne and power every kingdom and authority will one day bow to you we don't know what the future in the middle east is or in Ukraine or North Korea or Iran we don't know the future of Washington D .C. what's going to happen here in this country we don't know what future pandemics when virus X is going to come out when our stock market is going to crash when a one world B system will be introduced we don't know what's going to happen next year or even tomorrow but we can stand here unabashedly unafraid and declare that yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever we can live without fear even if we're not we're in great pain and great lack because we have a king who will rule over all our papa our god our savior the lover of our soul we love you we love you and anyone here today or anyone watching online that does not yet love you just because they don't know you yet wait until they get to know you and they're going to love you too hallelujah [00:21:01] (95 seconds)


And we're just going to talk a little bit about kids' ministry, because kids' ministry matters. Yesterday, I was at a men's breakfast in Snohomish, and I met a guy, who was in his 70s. And I was just asking him, how did you first meet Jesus? And he said, there was a bus that would come into my neighborhood. My parents said, get on the bus, and it would take him to church. And that's where he heard the gospel about Jesus. And then when he came home at night, on his bed, little seven -year -old, he prayed to receive Jesus. But it was because somebody took the effort and time to bring him to church, and there was adults there that loved and served him. The power of the gospel. The power of the gospel changes kids' lives. [00:29:21] (43 seconds)


Children need to hear about the love of Jesus. And how are they going to hear unless there is someone that tells them? And Lord, we ask that you would create in this church, you would, would create a love for the children, that we would be like Jesus and say, let him come to me. And that we would, we would share with them. We would love, love them. And that children here would experience the love of Jesus. Like that man that I got in here yesterday, that it's been serving you now for 60 years. Let there be many stories of children that 40 or 50 years from now, if you, Terry, look back and say, my neighbor took me, my grandpa took me to Marysville four square. That's where I heard about Jesus. And that's where I gave my life to him. Do a work in this place that glorifies Jesus amongst our kids in Jesus name. Amen. [00:34:55] (55 seconds)


So joy is one of the promises that comes with the king. For those of you here that have surrendered your life to King Jesus, there is a joy that comes. Others of you that have not yet done that, maybe today is the day to come to King Jesus. The world doesn't fully really understand joy. This is a dictionary definition of joy. Joy is the emotion evoked by well -being, success, or good fortune by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Maybe if you desire the daisy red rider BB gun and you finally get it, you get a little bit of joy. But how long does it last? Until you shoot your eye out, right? [00:54:27] (44 seconds)

So the world's concept of joy is actually not all that unrelated to like lust. It's like you're wanting something and then when you get that, it's, does it completely satisfy? You end up wanting more and more and more. And I mean, this is the Christmas hangover, right? If you get three gifts, you're like, why wasn't there more? If you get 10 gifts, it doesn't fully satisfy. The place in our brain that's wired to get that dopamine hit when you open a present or, when you, when you enjoy that glass of wine or you get that promotion, you get an extra Christmas bonus. It's like, yes, you feel joy. [00:55:11] (49 seconds)


I got to hear secondhand from Mike and Sue Costello's testimony when we had our healing conference here a month ago or so, and Mike had suffered from Parkinson's disease for eight years, and that as a portion of that, just hard to walk, hard to smile even, and as God touched him out there in the lobby out there, and I would say it's a measure of healing. It's not complete by any stretch of the means, but something happened in his body in that moment, and also in their souls mutually, I would say, but they shared a little dance out there together that they hadn't had for a while, and Sue said, would you smile for me, honey? He was able to smile, and so God's doing something in Mike and Sue, not done yet, but we say more Holy Spirit right now in Jesus' name. Let the kingdom of God come, break forth in every nerve, in every muscle fiber, in the skeleton, in every communication pathway to the brain. Let the kingdom of God break forth in Jesus' name. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. But the product of that prayer time a month or two ago was joy in their life and in their marriage. Hallelujah. This is what Jesus does. [01:10:21] (79 seconds)


There's an aspect of joy that involves our will that we choose to engage with it. God didn't create our emotions that it's just like emotions come, and we're subject to it, and we have no control of them. Whatever happens, happens. No, we actually have a will that we can make choices to sort of feed into emotions, or not. And the scriptures say this very plainly. Proverbs 17, 22, a joyful heart is good medicine. Like, medicine is like... got to take it. It doesn't just happen. You got to, like, choose joy or choose to be around people that are joy. The opposite is a crushed spirit dries up the bones. We can surround ourselves with places or people where there's no joy, and it's going to affect us. Philippians 4 .4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. It's a command. [01:11:40] (58 seconds)


Habakkuk, the prophet Habakkuk, gives us a good clue about how the Bible says we can live in the tension, the reality between suffering, pain, and joy. Though the fig tree may not blossom nor fruit be on the vines, though the labor of the olive may fail and the fields yield no food, though the flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no herds in the stalls, I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. Now, most of us don't have fig trees or vines but maybe just make this like a country song, you know, if your wife leaves and your dog dies and your, you know, the head gasket in your Ford truck goes out and everything goes wrong. Can you still praise the Lord? Yes, you can base your joy in life off of more than just the momentary circumstance. [01:19:45] (61 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 07, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?