Transformative Encounters: Living Out Our Faith
Summary
In reflecting on the journey of the past few weeks, I was reminded of the importance of revisiting our roots to understand our future path. By delving into the Book of Acts, I was inspired by the transformative encounters people had with Jesus, which led to a profound change in their lives. This reflection prompted me to challenge us all: if we claim to have met Jesus, our lives should reflect that transformation. Our mission at High Point Church remains steadfast: to develop fully devoted followers of Christ and to reach people with the life-giving message of Jesus.
As we mature in our faith, much like watching our children grow, God desires for us to grow spiritually and not remain stagnant. Our church's mission is not about building a denomination or competing with other churches but about leading people to encounter the living God. We are called to be different from the world, to let the Spirit of God guide our lives, and to serve Him daily. Our mission is to bring people into the family of God, build them up, train them, and send them out to make a difference in the world.
The analogy of a mama bird nudging her young out of the nest resonates with our mission. We are not meant to remain comfortable within the church walls but to be ejected into the world to fulfill our calling. We must be willing to go where people are, to love them, and to introduce them to Jesus. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We are called to be those workers, to share the message of Jesus, and to trust Him to change hearts.
As we approach the holiday season, we have a unique opportunity to be salt and light to those around us. We must strive to grow in our faith, apply the Word of God, and care about what Jesus cares about most—people. Let us never become inward-focused or judgmental but remain generous and compassionate, always seeking to reflect the heart of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transformation Through Encounter: Meeting Jesus should lead to a transformative change in our lives. If our lives remain unchanged, we must question whether we have truly encountered Him. Transformation is a journey, with some changes happening instantly and others progressively. [01:00]
2. Mission of the Church: Our mission is to develop fully devoted followers of Christ, not to build a denomination or compete with other churches. We are called to lead people to encounter the living God and to serve Him daily, reflecting His love and grace in our lives. [04:13]
3. Growth and Maturity: Just as we celebrate the growth and maturity of our children, God desires for us to grow spiritually. We must not remain stagnant but strive to mature in our faith, applying the Word of God and living out our calling. [06:36]
4. Being Sent Out: Like a mama bird nudging her young out of the nest, we are called to be ejected into the world to fulfill our calling. We must be willing to go where people are, love them, and introduce them to Jesus, trusting Him to change hearts. [27:25]
5. Compassion and Generosity: We must never become inward-focused or judgmental but remain generous and compassionate, always seeking to reflect the heart of God. Our mission is to care about what Jesus cares about most—people—and to be His hands and feet in the world. [19:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Transformation Through Encounter
- [01:56] - Revisiting Our Roots
- [02:29] - Unchanging Mission
- [03:04] - Spiritual Growth and Maturity
- [04:13] - Mission of the Church
- [05:16] - Reflecting God's Love
- [06:36] - Growth and Maturity
- [07:09] - Reaching the World
- [08:18] - Living the Mission
- [09:25] - Bringing People In
- [10:04] - Being the Church
- [12:07] - Serving the Community
- [13:31] - Living Out Our Faith
- [19:14] - Compassion and Generosity
- [27:25] - Being Sent Out
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 9:1-22 - The Conversion of Saul
2. Matthew 9:35-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful, but the Workers are Few
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 9, what was the immediate change in Saul's life after his encounter with Jesus? How did this transformation manifest in his actions?
2. According to Matthew 9:35-38, what was Jesus' response when he saw the crowds? What does this reveal about His character and mission?
3. The sermon mentioned the analogy of a mama bird nudging her young out of the nest. How does this analogy relate to the mission of the church? [27:25]
4. What are the four key actions mentioned in the sermon that High Point Church focuses on to fulfill its mission? [08:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Saul's transformation in Acts 9 illustrate the concept of "Transformation Through Encounter" as discussed in the sermon? [01:00]
2. In Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus speaks about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few. How does this passage challenge the church's current approach to outreach and evangelism?
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. How can the analogy of children maturing be applied to our spiritual lives? [03:39]
4. Reflect on the statement, "Our mission is to care about what Jesus cares about most—people." How does this align with the actions and teachings of Jesus in the Bible? [19:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal encounter with Jesus. In what ways has your life been transformed, and are there areas where you still seek change? [01:00]
2. The sermon challenges us to be "salt and light" during the holiday season. What specific actions can you take to reflect Jesus' love to your family and friends during this time? [16:53]
3. How can you actively participate in the mission of the church to "bring people in, build them up, train them, and send them out"? Identify one step you can take this week. [08:51]
4. Consider the analogy of the mama bird. What comfort zones might you need to leave to fulfill your calling, and how can you take a step of faith this week? [27:25]
5. The sermon warns against becoming inward-focused and judgmental. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion and generosity in your daily interactions? [19:14]
6. Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Who in your life might be in need of guidance, and how can you be a shepherd to them? [20:36]
7. The sermon encourages us to be workers in the harvest. What practical steps can you take to be more involved in outreach and evangelism in your community? [20:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Encounter
Meeting Jesus should lead to a transformative change in our lives. If our lives remain unchanged, we must question whether we have truly encountered Him. Transformation is a journey, with some changes happening instantly and others progressively. The Book of Acts provides numerous examples of individuals who experienced profound changes after encountering Jesus. These encounters were not just momentary experiences but marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of transformation. As believers, we are called to reflect on our own encounters with Jesus and assess whether they have led to genuine change in our lives. This transformation is not just about personal growth but also about becoming a living testimony of Jesus' power to change lives. [01:00]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have seen transformation since encountering Jesus. How can you continue to nurture this change and allow it to impact those around you?
Day 2: Mission of the Church
The mission of the church is to develop fully devoted followers of Christ, not to build a denomination or compete with other churches. This mission is about leading people to encounter the living God and to serve Him daily, reflecting His love and grace in our lives. The church is called to be a community that embodies the teachings of Jesus, focusing on spiritual growth and outreach rather than institutional expansion. By prioritizing the development of disciples, the church fulfills its purpose of being a beacon of hope and love in the world. This mission requires a commitment to living out the values of the Gospel and being a light in the darkness. [04:13]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church's mission to develop fully devoted followers of Christ? What steps can you take this week to reflect God's love and grace in your community?
Day 3: Growth and Maturity
Just as we celebrate the growth and maturity of our children, God desires for us to grow spiritually. We must not remain stagnant but strive to mature in our faith, applying the Word of God and living out our calling. Spiritual growth is a continuous process that involves deepening our understanding of God's Word and allowing it to shape our lives. This growth is not just for personal edification but also for equipping us to serve others and fulfill our God-given purpose. As we mature in our faith, we become more effective in our witness and more aligned with God's will for our lives. [06:36]
Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV): "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you feel stagnant. What practical steps can you take to grow and mature in this area, and how can you apply God's Word to facilitate this growth?
Day 4: Being Sent Out
Like a mama bird nudging her young out of the nest, we are called to be ejected into the world to fulfill our calling. We must be willing to go where people are, love them, and introduce them to Jesus, trusting Him to change hearts. This calling requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world around us. It involves being intentional about building relationships and sharing the message of Jesus with those who may not yet know Him. As we go out into the world, we are reminded that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, and we are called to be those workers. [27:25]
Luke 10:2 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Consider a specific person or group in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you step out of your comfort zone this week to share His love and message with them?
Day 5: Compassion and Generosity
We must never become inward-focused or judgmental but remain generous and compassionate, always seeking to reflect the heart of God. Our mission is to care about what Jesus cares about most—people—and to be His hands and feet in the world. This involves being attentive to the needs of those around us and responding with love and kindness. As we approach the holiday season, we have a unique opportunity to be salt and light to those around us, demonstrating the compassion and generosity that Jesus exemplified. By doing so, we reflect the heart of God and draw others to Him. [19:14]
1 John 3:17-18 (ESV): "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Identify a specific way you can show compassion and generosity to someone in need this week. How can you be intentional about reflecting the heart of God in your actions and interactions with others?
Quotes
1) "If we say that we've met Jesus but our life has never changed and I want to challenge you. Have you truly met Jesus? Because you can't encounter God and not live a different life. You can't encounter the living one true God and not have something transforming your life. Now, everything doesn't change at once. Some things change instantly, some things are a progress. But we continue to live a different life. But we continue on the journey and on the road to that life that God has called us to." [01:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Our mission as a church has never changed, that High Point Church exists to develop fully devoted followers of Christ, to reach people with the living, breathing gospel of Jesus, to help people to grow and to develop fully devoted and mature believers. Now, how many of you, how many parents in the room, how many of you were excited when your kid got potty trained? Woo! That was a blessing. Was that not like, oh, happy day, you know? How many of you were glad when your kids could feed themselves, when they could dress themselves?" [03:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "We're not about building a denomination. We're not about competing with other churches. Other churches in our city, they're our sister churches. They're our allies, and we're in this together. Amen? But what we are going to be about is leading people to know and encounter the real and living one true God. Letting the Spirit of God have control of our lives because we do realize that, right? That when you become a Christian, that means you surrender to God, that it's no longer my life, but it's Him that lives through me, that I give Him everything and I give Him my all." [04:13] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "How many of you know somebody that needs Jesus? Let me see your hands. So the big question is, how are we going to reach them? We're going to pray that God changes their life. We're going to pray that God sends someone and God goes, oh, I am sending somebody. You. Here I am, Lord, send me. See, we want to pray for God to change the world and he said, I'm trying. I'm trying to change the world. But you're the ones that I want to use to change the world. I just need you to be willing to go." [07:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Being the church isn't just showing up for an hour on Sundays. It's being here for that hour and letting the presence of God change you so that you go out there and change the world. See, if you walk in here and you aren't changed and you go out the same way you came in, you wasted your time, catch up on your sleep, go home, do some yard work. Because if you walk in here and you don't walk out changed or challenged or in some way have served God to a place that you made a difference in someone's life, then we're just wasting our time." [10:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The world has seen too many Sunday morning church going Christians that wallow in their old habits and sin and they don't change. They go to church, but they don't live like the church. Let's not be that church. We got to show the world something different. That not every Christian is a hypocrite. That when the early Christians met Jesus, they changed. They didn't just go to synagogue. They didn't just go to temple. They went and met the savior and their life turned around." [12:48] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "May we never ever become inward focused, outward condemning, know it all, holier than thou, judgmental so-called Christians. May we always be like Christ, generous in our hearts and our hearts breaking for what breaks the heart of God. That's what I want to be like to where when I go to Publix and I'm standing in line that I pray for the people around me. I don't have to jump up on the register and start thumping a Bible and start preaching hellfire and brimstone." [19:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "The cruelest thing I think that we could have in the church is to know that we have the cure for what ails the world and not share it. You know what ails the world? Sin and Jesus' blood is the cure to that sin. That's why we took communion a moment ago and when we know that we can't force people because guess what, we're not the Lord of the harvest. We're not the Lord of the harvest. He said he didn't say anything other than he's looking for workers." [26:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Ekbalo means to eject them, cast them out, hit that ejection button, get out of here, go change the world, quit hanging around the church, go out there and make a difference. It conveys a passion, a force that we gotta be compelled. Come on pastor, pray, hurry, I got people I gotta go talk to. I mean think about how fundamentally different that is from the message that the American church overall is sending." [27:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "I want to feed you so you get strong enough to go out there and fly, fulfill your calling and change the world, fly out of the nest and let's go do this because we said let me see your hand who said you know somebody that needs Jesus let me see your hands again so how do we reach them how do we do it God said I'm sending you you don't feel qualified you don't feel like you know what to say what if they ask me a question and I don't know the answer I get asked questions and don't know the answer you know what I tell them I don't know but I'll find out." [33:59] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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