Sharing God's Abundance: A Call to Community Outreach
Summary
Today, we explored the concept of abundance as offered by God and the role we play in sharing that abundance with others. We began by celebrating the inaugural performance of our new ukulele group, a testament to the joy and community that can be built through shared interests and talents. This group aims to extend their ministry by performing at nursing homes and parks, embodying the spirit of outreach and service.
We then turned our attention to the metaphor of fishing, as Jesus invites us to become "fishers of people." This invitation is extended to everyone, regardless of age or skill, emphasizing that abundance in God's kingdom is not about having excess but having enough to share with others. The biblical concept of abundance is about having sufficient resources to sustain oneself and the community, especially in times of need. This is a stark contrast to the modern idea of abundance, which often equates to having more than enough for a lifetime.
Through a playful demonstration with goldfish crackers, we illustrated the importance of sharing and the biblical principle of tithing. This act of sharing is a reflection of God's call for us to distribute our blessings, ensuring that everyone has enough. Our stewardship campaign encourages us to reflect on what God has given us and how we can share these blessings with our neighbors in the coming year.
We also discussed the importance of community within the church, likening it to a lifeboat where everyone works together to keep it afloat. While it's crucial to care for those within the church, our mission extends beyond our walls to reach those who are lost and in need of Jesus' love. This requires us to look outward and engage with our community, transforming it through the love and grace of Jesus.
Finally, we are invited to embark on a 40-day prayer journey, seeking God's guidance on where to cast our nets and how to engage in kingdom work. This journey is about listening to God's call and being willing to take the first step in faith, trusting that God will provide the abundance needed for our mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Abundance in God's Kingdom: True abundance is not about having excess but having enough to sustain ourselves and our community. This biblical perspective challenges us to redefine our understanding of abundance and focus on sharing our blessings with others. [29:16]
- The Call to Share: Sharing is a fundamental aspect of our faith, rooted in the biblical principle of tithing. By giving a portion of what we have, we ensure that everyone has enough, reflecting God's love and justice in an often unfair world. [21:45]
- Community as a Lifeboat: The church is like a lifeboat where everyone works together to keep it afloat. While caring for those within is important, our mission is to reach out to those outside, offering them the love and grace of Jesus. [33:22]
- Listening for God's Guidance: Engaging in kingdom work requires us to listen for God's direction on where to cast our nets. This involves prayer and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the resources needed for our mission. [42:24]
- The Power of Prayer and Community: Through a 40-day prayer journey, we seek to discern God's call for our ministry. This journey emphasizes the importance of community and collective prayer in discovering how we can best serve God's kingdom. [43:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:18] - Ukulele Group Introduction
- [11:07] - Community Outreach Plans
- [18:34] - Celebrating Volunteers
- [20:41] - Goldfish Sharing Lesson
- [29:16] - Understanding Biblical Abundance
- [30:55] - Trusting in God's Provision
- [32:03] - The Role of the Church Community
- [33:22] - Caring for the Church and Beyond
- [34:22] - Learning to Fish for People
- [35:19] - Community Care and Support
- [36:11] - The Importance of Asking for Help
- [38:41] - Looking Beyond the Church Walls
- [40:54] - Trusting Jesus' Guidance
- [42:24] - Engaging in Prayer and Listening
- [43:23] - Invitation to a Prayer Journey
- [45:08] - Preparing for Future Ministry
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 5:1-11 - The calling of the first disciples and the miraculous catch of fish.
2. Matthew 14:13-21 - Jesus feeds the five thousand.
3. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - The principle of sowing generously and God's provision.
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, how was the concept of abundance illustrated through the ukulele group's outreach plans? [11:07]
2. What was the significance of the goldfish crackers demonstration in the sermon, and how did it relate to the biblical principle of tithing? [21:45]
3. How did the sermon describe the role of the church community as a lifeboat, and what responsibilities do members have within it? [33:22]
4. What was the purpose of the 40-day prayer journey mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to listening for God's guidance? [43:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the biblical concept of abundance, as described in the sermon, challenge modern views of having more than enough? [29:16]
2. In what ways does the call to be "fishers of people" extend beyond the church walls, and how does this align with Jesus' teachings? [34:22]
3. How does the sermon suggest that sharing our blessings reflects God's love and justice in an unfair world? [21:45]
4. What role does prayer play in discerning God's call for our ministry, according to the sermon? [42:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of abundance. How can you redefine it in your life to focus more on sharing rather than accumulating? [29:16]
2. Consider the metaphor of the church as a lifeboat. How can you contribute to keeping it afloat while also reaching out to those outside? [33:22]
3. Think about a time when you had more than enough of something. How did you share it with others, and what was the impact? [21:45]
4. How can you actively participate in the 40-day prayer journey or a similar spiritual practice to seek God's guidance in your life? [43:23]
5. Identify a specific way you can engage with your community to share the love and grace of Jesus. What steps will you take to make this happen? [34:22]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about trusting in God's provision. How can you apply this trust in a current situation where you feel anxious or uncertain? [40:54]
7. How can you encourage others in your church or community to join in the mission of being "fishers of people"? What practical steps can you take to involve them? [34:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Redefining Abundance in God's Kingdom
In God's kingdom, abundance is not measured by excess but by having enough to sustain ourselves and our community. This perspective challenges the modern notion of abundance, which often equates to having more than enough for a lifetime. Instead, biblical abundance focuses on sufficiency and sharing, ensuring that everyone has what they need, especially in times of need. This understanding invites us to reflect on how we view our resources and encourages us to share our blessings with others, fostering a community where everyone is cared for. [29:16]
"For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God." (2 Corinthians 9:12, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current resources. How can you redefine abundance in your life to focus on sufficiency and sharing with those around you?
Day 2: The Call to Share
Sharing is a fundamental aspect of our faith, rooted in the biblical principle of tithing. By giving a portion of what we have, we ensure that everyone has enough, reflecting God's love and justice in an often unfair world. This act of sharing is not just about financial resources but also about time, talents, and love. It is a tangible expression of our faith and a way to participate in God's work of justice and compassion. As we reflect on what God has given us, we are encouraged to consider how we can share these blessings with our neighbors in the coming year. [21:45]
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." (Proverbs 11:24, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can give more freely, whether it be time, resources, or love. How can you start sharing this with others today?
Day 3: Community as a Lifeboat
The church is like a lifeboat where everyone works together to keep it afloat. While caring for those within is important, our mission is to reach out to those outside, offering them the love and grace of Jesus. This requires us to look beyond our walls and engage with our community, transforming it through the love and grace of Jesus. By working together, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment that not only sustains us but also reaches out to those who are lost and in need of Jesus' love. [33:22]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one way you can contribute to your church community as a lifeboat. How can you help reach out to those outside the church this week?
Day 4: Listening for God's Guidance
Engaging in kingdom work requires us to listen for God's direction on where to cast our nets. This involves prayer and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the resources needed for our mission. By embarking on a 40-day prayer journey, we seek to discern God's call for our ministry, emphasizing the importance of community and collective prayer in discovering how we can best serve God's kingdom. This journey is about listening to God's call and being willing to take the first step in faith. [42:24]
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)
Reflection: Spend time in prayer today, asking God where He is calling you to cast your nets. What is one step of faith you can take in response to His guidance?
Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Community
Through a 40-day prayer journey, we seek to discern God's call for our ministry. This journey emphasizes the importance of community and collective prayer in discovering how we can best serve God's kingdom. By coming together in prayer, we open ourselves to God's guidance and strengthen our bonds as a community. This shared journey of faith invites us to listen for God's voice and to support one another as we seek to fulfill our mission. [43:23]
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Consider joining or forming a prayer group within your community. How can collective prayer help you and your community discern God's call and strengthen your mission?
Quotes
"to gather. Today we're going to be thinking about the abundance that God offers us, but also the role that we get to play in bringing in that abundance and sharing it with others." [00:06:18] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"As we are working on building community, I invite you to take the black pew binders and sign in today. If you are new, it's wonderful to have you here with us today. If you'd like more information about our church, fill out the green slip and give us your contact. information, we can add you to the newsletter list, or we can set up a meeting if you'd like to learn more about the church." [00:17:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"so in the Bible God tells us that we should share some of what God has given us the food we have the money we have the housing the family we are given lots of blessings in our life by God and God says we should share with others because the world is an unfair place and some people get more than others now in the Bible there's a word for this it's called tithing and it we hear about in Micah and in Jesus time people were tithing Jesus would have tithed and tithing is where you give 10 of what you have to other people and you share it all so that everyone has enough so isn't sharing a wonderful thing" [00:24:21] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Abundance is two to three years worth of food so that you can make it if the crops don't come in. Two to three years. This is not Americans' idea of abundance. Abundance. When we want abundance, we're not looking at two or three years. We're looking at I don't have to worry about money for the rest of my life." [00:30:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But that's God's idea of abundance is enough. Enough. And to live into enough means we need to trust and that there might be a role for us to play. Sometimes we need to share and sometimes God wants us to do a little bit of work." [00:32:14] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Everyone works together on a boat. Because if a storm comes, one person is not going to keep the boat afloat. The whole group has to work together to keep the boat afloat. When you're pulling in a net like this, one person can't do it alone. The whole group has to work together. And this is the strength of the church that Jesus has gifted us. We all come together. We work together when we are in the boat." [00:33:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But Jesus didn't call us to take care of ourselves. Jesus called us to look for the lost. The lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son, to look for the people who need to be in the boat, which then brings us to this. Where do we throw our nets?" [00:39:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You got to pray and listen for God's instruction. You got to listen for where Jesus is saying to throw the net, who Jesus wants to catch, and how Jesus wants you to bring them in." [00:43:17] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God offers us abundance, but God doesn't just hand it out to us. God says, go find a couple loaves and fishes and then I'll multiply them. God says, throw your net in and I will fill it. But we always have to take the first step." [00:45:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God wants to see that we are willing. To be involved, to be engaged, to be partners in God's kingdom building. So I invite you to be part of our exciting adventure next year that I don't know what it's going to be." [00:46:02] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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