Living the Better Story: Embracing God's Hope and Love
Summary
In our series called "The Better Story," we explore how God invites us to live a life that transcends our current circumstances. We began by reflecting on a quote from Henry David Thoreau: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." This quote resonates deeply with many of us, as we often find ourselves in situations where we feel helpless and in need of divine intervention. I shared a personal story about the birth of my daughter, Madison, which was a moment filled with fear and uncertainty. Despite the medical complications, we prayed fervently, and God answered our prayers, bringing Madison safely into the world. This experience reminded me of the importance of relying on God during desperate times.
We then turned our attention to Ephesians 1:13-14, where Paul writes about the gospel, the seal of the Holy Spirit, and our inheritance in Christ. Paul wrote this letter from a prison cell, yet his words are filled with hope and encouragement. He speaks to the Gentile believers in Ephesus, reminding them that they are included in Christ and marked with a seal—the Holy Spirit. This seal is a guarantee of our inheritance, not just in the future, but also in the present. We live in the presence of God every day, and this should influence how we act and speak.
To illustrate the gospel, I introduced a simple picto story with five images: an arrow pointing down (Jesus coming to earth), a cross (His crucifixion), a tomb (His resurrection), an arrow pointing up (His ascension), and another arrow pointing down (His return). These images help us remember and share the gospel easily. I encouraged everyone to share this story with someone who needs clarity about Jesus, as it can stretch and grow our faith.
We also discussed the parable of the prodigal son, emphasizing the father's unconditional love and acceptance. The father runs to his returning son, embraces him, and places a ring on his finger, signifying his belonging to the family. This ring, with its insignia, symbolizes the seal of the Holy Spirit on our lives. No matter how far we stray, God welcomes us back with open arms, marking us as His own.
I then provided three action steps to help us live out our faith. First, read Ephesians 1:3-14 daily for a week to deepen your understanding of the gospel. Second, practice gratitude by thanking God every day, even in difficult circumstances. Third, share the picto story of the gospel with someone who needs to hear it. These steps are designed to help us grow in our faith and live out the better story that God has for us.
In conclusion, I invited everyone to stand and take a step of faith, whether it's praying with someone, seeking baptism, or finding a place to serve. We prayed together, asking God to guide us in living out His better story for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Desperation and Divine Intervention: In moments of desperation, like the birth of my daughter, we often find ourselves helpless and in need of divine intervention. These experiences remind us to rely on God, who is always in control, even when we are not. Trusting in God's plan can bring peace and assurance in the most uncertain times. [33:26]
2. The Seal of the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of the seal of the Holy Spirit, which marks us as God's own. This seal is a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ, both now and in the future. Living with this awareness should influence our actions and words, as we represent Christ in the world. [37:41]
3. The Gospel in a Nutshell: The picto story with five images (Jesus coming to earth, His crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and return) provides a simple yet profound way to remember and share the gospel. Sharing this story can stretch and grow our faith, helping us to live out the Great Commission. [39:02]
4. Unconditional Love and Acceptance: The parable of the prodigal son illustrates God's unconditional love and acceptance. No matter how far we stray, God welcomes us back with open arms, marking us with the seal of the Holy Spirit. This assurance of belonging can transform our lives and relationships. [51:59]
5. Action Steps for Spiritual Growth: To live out our faith, we need to take practical steps. Reading Ephesians 1:3-14 daily, practicing gratitude, and sharing the gospel are ways to deepen our relationship with God and grow spiritually. These actions help us to live out the better story that God has for us. [46:48]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:29] - The Better Story Introduction
[33:26] - Desperation and Divine Intervention
[35:59] - Personal Testimony
[37:41] - The Seal of the Holy Spirit
[39:02] - The Gospel in a Nutshell
[45:09] - Living in Our Inheritance
[46:48] - Action Steps for Spiritual Growth
[49:22] - Sharing the Gospel
[51:25] - The Prodigal Son
[55:27] - Invitation to Take a Step of Faith
[56:40] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 1:13-14
- John 3:16-17
- Acts 2:33
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 1:13-14 say about the seal of the Holy Spirit and our inheritance in Christ?
2. How does the picto story (five images) summarize the gospel message? ([39:02])
3. In the parable of the prodigal son, what actions does the father take when his son returns? ([51:59])
4. What are the three action steps mentioned in the sermon to help us live out our faith? ([46:48])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the seal of the Holy Spirit as described in Ephesians 1:13-14 impact a believer's daily life and actions? ([37:41])
2. What is the significance of the father's reaction in the parable of the prodigal son, and how does it relate to God's love for us? ([51:59])
3. Why is it important to share the gospel using the picto story, and how can it help in growing our faith? ([39:02])
4. How can practicing gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, change our perspective and relationship with God? ([47:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt desperate and in need of divine intervention. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([33:26])
2. How can you remind yourself daily of the seal of the Holy Spirit and your inheritance in Christ? What practical steps can you take to live with this awareness? ([37:41])
3. Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you use the picto story to share the message of Jesus with them this week? ([49:22])
4. The father in the parable of the prodigal son showed unconditional love and acceptance. How can you demonstrate this kind of love to someone who has strayed or hurt you? ([51:59])
5. Commit to reading Ephesians 1:3-14 daily for the next week. How do you think this practice will deepen your understanding of the gospel and influence your actions? ([46:48])
6. Identify a specific situation in your life where you can practice gratitude. How will you remind yourself to thank God in that moment, even if it is challenging? ([47:42])
7. What is one step of faith you feel called to take after hearing this sermon? Whether it's praying with someone, seeking baptism, or finding a place to serve, how will you take that step this week? ([55:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Desperation
In moments of desperation, we often find ourselves feeling helpless and in need of divine intervention. These experiences remind us to rely on God, who is always in control, even when we are not. Trusting in God's plan can bring peace and assurance in the most uncertain times. The birth of Madison, filled with fear and uncertainty, is a powerful example of how fervent prayer and reliance on God can lead to miraculous outcomes. When we face our own desperate situations, we can find comfort in knowing that God hears our prayers and is actively working for our good. [33:26]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt desperate or helpless. How did you respond? Can you identify ways to trust God more deeply in similar future situations?
Day 2: Living with the Seal of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of the seal of the Holy Spirit, which marks us as God's own. This seal is a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ, both now and in the future. Living with this awareness should influence our actions and words, as we represent Christ in the world. Paul, writing from a prison cell, reminds the Gentile believers in Ephesus that they are included in Christ and marked with the Holy Spirit. This assurance of belonging to God should transform how we live daily, knowing that we carry His presence with us. [37:41]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: How does knowing you are sealed with the Holy Spirit change the way you view your daily interactions and decisions? What specific actions can you take to reflect this truth in your life today?
Day 3: The Gospel in a Nutshell
The picto story with five images (Jesus coming to earth, His crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and return) provides a simple yet profound way to remember and share the gospel. Sharing this story can stretch and grow our faith, helping us to live out the Great Commission. This visual representation of the gospel makes it accessible and easy to communicate, encouraging us to share the good news with others. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith but also invite others to experience the transformative power of Jesus. [39:02]
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you use the picto story to share the message of Jesus with them this week?
Day 4: Embracing God's Unconditional Love
The parable of the prodigal son illustrates God's unconditional love and acceptance. No matter how far we stray, God welcomes us back with open arms, marking us with the seal of the Holy Spirit. This assurance of belonging can transform our lives and relationships. The father's embrace and the ring placed on the son's finger signify our restored relationship with God and our identity as His children. Understanding and accepting this unconditional love can lead to a deeper sense of security and purpose in our lives. [51:59]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you experience His unconditional love and acceptance? How can you extend this same love and acceptance to others in your life?
Day 5: Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
To live out our faith, we need to take practical steps. Reading Ephesians 1:3-14 daily, practicing gratitude, and sharing the gospel are ways to deepen our relationship with God and grow spiritually. These actions help us to live out the better story that God has for us. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, cultivating a heart of thankfulness, and actively sharing our faith, we align ourselves more closely with God's purposes and experience His transformative power in our lives. [46:48]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Which of the three action steps (reading Ephesians 1:3-14, practicing gratitude, sharing the gospel) do you feel most challenged by? What specific plan can you create to incorporate this step into your daily routine this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The gospel is the message of Jesus Christ, which is the one who came on our behalf and lived this perfect life. And he ended up doing all of this for us. So I got this little illustration that I want to use with you guys, if you don't mind. Are we getting an artist in the house? Sweet, all of you are not, so this is great. Okay, so first off, we're going to look at this picto story that I'm going to talk about. So the first one is going to be this arrow that points down. And it's a representation of the fact that Jesus Christ left his throne in heaven and came down to earth to be with us." [39:02]
2. "So the way he could live out this life and give us an image of what it's supposed to be like. Next is a cross that's going to be representative of the fact that Jesus Christ was crucified on our behalf. So the way we may end up having the ability to be able to have communion with God. So that cross right there is going to be, these two images, I want you to write these two images right down there in that little blank space. You got that blank space on your paper? Go ahead and look down there, you'll draw those things. Okay, next off, we have the tomb. The tomb is going to be these little two lines, like this, and it's going to be representative of the fact that Jesus arose from the grave." [39:35]
3. "Which is saying that he conquered death through his resurrection from the tomb. Next off, we have an arrow that points up. Get it? Point up? Okay. Okay, so the arrow that points up, that arrow is representative of the fact that Jesus ascended back up to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. So in that moment, he's up here, over there watching. And one day, he's going to come back. So we have an arrow that points down. You have these five images that I want you to carry with you on that piece of paper right there that gives you the gospel in a nutshell, right here, so that way you can end up actually giving this to somebody else very easily." [40:09]
4. "And then finally, I came to these conversations that meant so much to me that these people poured into me day after day, just constantly trying to pull me back from all these different choices that I was making throughout life. And they led me to this altar in the middle of nowhere, Alabama, Piney Grove Baptist Church. I was on my hands and my knees at the front of the church, crying my eyes out, not having a real clue what was going on, but the Holy Spirit was moving in that moment. And I was so excited. They got me up." [35:34]
5. "And I want to emphasize on the word the gospel. The gospel is the message of Jesus Christ, which is the one who came on our behalf and lived this perfect life. And he ended up doing all of this for us. So I got this little illustration that I want to use with you guys, if you don't mind. Are we getting an artist in the house? Sweet, all of you are not, so this is great. Okay, so first off, we're going to look at this picto story that I'm going to talk about. So the first one is going to be this arrow that points down. And it's a representation of the fact that Jesus Christ left his throne in heaven and came down to earth to be with us." [39:02]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And then he comes to his senses while he's feeding some pigs and he says, I want that food but yet I don't want to eat pig food. And so at that moment in time he comes to his senses and he goes, I'm going to head back to my father because even the slaves there actually are treated better than I am right now. And so he heads back to his father and while he's far off from his father, his father sees him. And he says, that's my son, distance. And he takes off running after his son. And then he grabs him and just holds onto him, loving on him. And he tells him that, well, he tells his servants, he says, get him a coat. Then he says, get him a ring and place it on his finger." [52:45]
2. "And the thing about this part right here is the fact that the ring wouldn't have just been a normal ring like what I would wear to signify that I'm married, but it would have been one that had an insignia on it. Which would have been one that would have been able to press into a seal on an envelope or onto some form of a document to say that it is official and it came from that household. That same mark is on every single one of us as a Christian in this room right now. And if you're not a believer, then there's an opportunity for that because every single one of us has a next step. Some of us are going at different speeds and some of us are going at different levels where we take a step where it just may be belief today. And some of us may be taking the next step, which may be baptism." [53:27]
3. "And the next person, it may be the fact that I just need to find a place to serve. Or maybe it's the fact of giving for the first time or taking communion for the first time. These kind of things are next steps. And so you hear that word here all the time. And this representation of the son and the father and embracement and the fact of he says, hey, son, I don't care what you did. I'm placing the seal on you because you belong to me. That is yours today if you so want it. Now, to every single one of us in this room, this message fits perfect. Because we've all strayed from the father. And tomorrow is going to come." [54:07]
4. "It doesn't mean that everything is going to be hunky dory and perfectly fine. But things are going to happen. But someone who is sealed within the father, someone who is actually embracing what they are called to be, which is in the family of Christ, when these storms of life happen, just like they're happening outside right now, physically, you're going to get them. You're going to get them in all different aspects in life. Are you ready for those storms? Are you sealed in the father? Are you claiming that name? I pray that you start living the better story. I pray that you want that." [54:51]
5. "I make mistakes daily. I ask for repentance daily. I believe that we all have that opportunity. So now in just a couple of seconds, the band is going to start playing. We're going to have some people who take places in the back. And they're going to be ready to pray with you. They're going to want to see your face. And God is going to want you to start moving. So if you will, stand up with me. That's the first step. You just stood up. I jumped the gun a little bit. You need to stand up now. There you go. Okay, perfect. You just did it. You stood up. Now once you take that first step, that spirit is going to move with you. And those people are ready all across this room to pray with you. So that way you can start living that better story." [55:27]
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