Transforming Ordinary Lives Through Generosity and Peace
Summary
Welcome to the first Sunday of Advent, marking the official start of the Christmas season. As we transition from Thanksgiving, it's a time to reflect on generosity and the blessings that come from giving. Recently, our church received a significant offering, which is a testament to the seeds sown by our congregation. I am praying for a bountiful harvest in your lives, whether it be financial, spiritual, or emotional. Today, we focus on the legacy of tithing, a practice rooted in biblical principles that transcends the Old Covenant. Tithing is not just a ritual; it's a commitment to sow into fertile ground, trusting God for a return.
We also launched our Christmas series, "Christmas at the Movies," starting with the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." This movie, set in the early 1900s, tells the story of George Bailey, a man who dreams of a life beyond the ordinary but finds himself tethered to his small town. The film's climax reveals George contemplating his worth, paralleling the shepherds in the Christmas story who were ordinary men chosen to witness an extraordinary event. The angels' announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14 reminds us that God often breaks into our ordinary lives in unexpected ways.
The Christmas season is a time when we yearn for peace, yet many experience stress instead. The commercial pressures and family dynamics can be overwhelming. In Mark 4:35-39, Jesus calms a storm, illustrating two types of storms we face: the external and the internal. The external storms are life's challenges, while the internal storms are the turmoil within us. To navigate these, we must be followers of Jesus, have a word from God, and speak words of peace. Jesus' peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of calm amidst chaos. As we enter this season, let's lean into the Prince of Peace and transform our ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies of His grace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Generosity and Harvest: The act of giving, whether through tithing or offerings, is a seed sown into fertile ground. It is a spiritual principle that promises a harvest, not just in financial terms but in every area of life. Trusting God with our resources opens the door for His blessings to flow abundantly. [39:21]
2. Ordinary to Extraordinary: The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 and George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" highlights how God often chooses ordinary people to experience extraordinary events. This reminds us that our seemingly mundane lives can be transformed by divine encounters. [54:16]
3. Peace Amidst Chaos: True peace is not the absence of external storms but the presence of Jesus in our lives. By being followers of Christ, we can experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of life's challenges. [01:12:27]
4. Responding to Storms: Our response to life's storms can either heighten or alleviate stress. By speaking words of peace and relying on God's promises, we can navigate through difficulties with grace and calmness. [01:09:43]
5. The Power of God's Word: Having a word from God is crucial for enduring life's seasons. It provides assurance and direction, enabling us to stand firm in faith, knowing that His promises will come to pass regardless of circumstances. [01:14:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:21] - The Importance of Tithing
- [45:22] - Christmas at the Movies Introduction
- [46:21] - Classic Christmas Movies
- [47:38] - It's a Wonderful Life Overview
- [49:21] - George Bailey's Struggles
- [51:30] - The Villain: Mr. Potter
- [53:02] - George's Crisis
- [54:16] - The Christmas Story: Shepherds
- [56:25] - Angels' Announcement
- [59:10] - The Messiah's Arrival
- [01:00:15] - Breaking the Ordinary
- [01:01:06] - The Need for Peace
- [01:02:42] - Christmas Imagery and Peace
- [01:08:13] - Responding to Life's Storms
- [01:12:27] - Walking in Peace
- [01:14:02] - The Power of God's Word
- [01:19:27] - Speaking Words of Peace
- [01:23:47] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-14
- Mark 4:35-39
- Isaiah 9:6
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2:8-14, who were the first to receive the announcement of Jesus' birth, and what was their initial reaction? How does this relate to the theme of ordinary people experiencing extraordinary events? [54:16]
2. What were the two types of storms mentioned in Mark 4:35-39, and how did Jesus respond to them? [01:12:27]
3. How does the sermon describe the significance of tithing and its impact on the congregation's life? [39:21]
4. What parallels are drawn between George Bailey's story in "It's a Wonderful Life" and the shepherds in the Christmas story? [54:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 challenge our understanding of who God chooses to reveal His plans to? What does this say about God's view of ordinary people? [54:16]
2. In Mark 4:35-39, what does Jesus' ability to calm the storm reveal about His nature and the kind of peace He offers? How does this apply to the internal and external storms we face? [01:12:27]
3. The sermon mentions the importance of having a word from God during life's storms. How can believers discern and hold onto God's promises in challenging times? [01:14:02]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the concept of generosity and tithing relate to the idea of sowing seeds and expecting a harvest in various areas of life? [39:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like George Bailey, questioning your worth or purpose. How can the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 encourage you to see your life as part of God's extraordinary plan? [54:16]
2. Identify an external storm you are currently facing. How can you apply Jesus' example in Mark 4:35-39 to find peace amidst this challenge? [01:12:27]
3. Consider the internal storms that may be affecting your peace. What steps can you take to address these internal conflicts and invite Jesus' peace into your life? [01:10:28]
4. How can you practice generosity in your daily life, not just financially but also in other areas such as time, talents, and relationships? What impact do you hope this will have? [39:21]
5. The sermon encourages speaking words of peace. Think of a situation where your words could either escalate or calm a conflict. How can you intentionally choose words that promote peace? [01:19:27]
6. Reflect on the importance of having a word from God. What is one promise from Scripture that you can hold onto during difficult times, and how will you remind yourself of it? [01:14:02]
7. As we enter the Christmas season, what practical steps can you take to focus on the Prince of Peace rather than the stress and commercialism of the holidays? [01:21:20]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Generosity as a Seed of Faith
Generosity is more than an act; it is a seed of faith that promises a harvest in every area of life. When we give, whether through tithing or offerings, we are sowing into fertile ground, trusting God to bring forth a bountiful return. This principle is not limited to financial blessings but extends to spiritual and emotional growth as well. By entrusting our resources to God, we open the door for His abundant blessings to flow into our lives. The act of giving reflects our faith in God's provision and His ability to multiply what we offer. [39:21]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a specific area in your life where you can practice generosity today. How can you trust God to bring a harvest from this act of giving?
Day 2: God’s Extraordinary in Our Ordinary
God often chooses ordinary people to experience extraordinary events, as seen in the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 and George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." These narratives remind us that our seemingly mundane lives can be transformed by divine encounters. God delights in breaking into our ordinary routines, revealing His presence and purpose in unexpected ways. This truth encourages us to remain open to His work in our lives, knowing that He can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. [54:16]
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment in your life that seemed ordinary. How might God be using this moment to reveal something extraordinary to you?
Day 3: Peace in the Midst of Life’s Storms
True peace is not the absence of external storms but the presence of Jesus in our lives. In Mark 4:35-39, Jesus calms a storm, illustrating that peace comes from His presence, not from the absence of challenges. As followers of Christ, we can experience His peace, which surpasses all understanding, even amidst life's chaos. This peace is a gift that allows us to navigate through difficulties with grace and calmness, transforming our lives into testimonies of His grace. [01:12:27]
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an internal storm you are currently facing. How can you invite Jesus into this situation to experience His peace?
Day 4: Responding to Life’s Storms with Grace
Our response to life's storms can either heighten or alleviate stress. By speaking words of peace and relying on God's promises, we can navigate through difficulties with grace and calmness. This approach not only helps us manage external challenges but also addresses the internal turmoil we may experience. By anchoring ourselves in God's word and His promises, we can find the strength to respond to life's storms with faith and resilience. [01:09:43]
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently by speaking words of peace and relying on God's promises?
Day 5: The Power of God’s Word in Our Lives
Having a word from God is crucial for enduring life's seasons. It provides assurance and direction, enabling us to stand firm in faith, knowing that His promises will come to pass regardless of circumstances. God's word is a powerful tool that equips us to face challenges with confidence and hope. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can draw strength and guidance for every situation we encounter, trusting that God is faithful to His word. [01:14:02]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: What specific word or promise from God are you holding onto in this season? How does it provide you with assurance and direction in your current circumstances?
Quotes
We believe in that much. And so I encourage you, if you're not a tither in the room, and I believe that many of us in this room are tithers, but if you're not a tither in the room, I encourage you to take our 90 -day tithe challenge. You can do that by scanning the QR code, and it'll pull it up. You can fill out that form right there online, and you can submit it. And once we receive that, we'll be in touch with you. We've got some things that we want to give to you during that 90 days, and we want to believe with you, and we want to hear what God does. Amen? [00:39:21] (36 seconds)
And so we believe in that. That if you are here and you are a tither, you have your normal way of giving. You can give a few different ways. You can give in here, in person. We'll have our ushers come to the front here in just a moment and stand. We get out of our seat, come to the front, bring our tithe and offering to the Lord. That's how we do it. And then, you know, if you want to dance all the way up here and dance all the way back to your seat, man, feel free. [00:39:56] (26 seconds)
When we look at the Christmas story, there is one passage that you've heard me quote or read before during this season that every time I think about ordinary, I go back to this one passage. That's Luke chapter 2, verses 8 through 14. And the Bible reads like this. Now, there were in the same country, shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. [00:53:31] (37 seconds)
And the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you. You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth. Peace. [00:54:46] (37 seconds)
And all of those images are meant to evoke the emotion of peace and rightfully so because isn't this the time of year that we celebrate the Messiah that Isaiah prophesied over 700 years before his birth when he said in Isaiah 9 6 for unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government will be upon his shoulders and his name will be called wonderful counselor mighty God everlasting father prince of peace yet with all the peaceful movies and all the peaceful images and all the peaceful songs this time of year causes many people to experience not peace but stress the commercialism of the holidays the pressure to purchase the latest the greatest many find that their finances take a hit and bills seem to be strained a little more this time of year with family taking over their homes and the burden of making sure that everyone's holiday is pleasant but blood pressures soar and heart rates increase and yet we all desire peace [01:04:21] (90 seconds)
For many when difficulties arise their response heightens the stress of the circumstance. Do you remember in the movie if you've watched the movie. In the movie as stress begins to rise. Old George goes home and his daughter's playing the piano. And the son's doing something and the other child's doing something else. And the wife is trying to juggle all three of the things that the kids are doing. And George walks in and the daughter playing the piano wants him to listen. And the son wants him to see. And the other child wants something from him. And as everything in the scene heightens. All of a sudden old George loses it. And he screams at the daughter. Can't you play anything else? [01:08:13] (43 seconds)
To walk in peace, I've got to be a follower of Jesus. To walk in peace, I've got to have a word from God. And third and final, to walk in peace, I must learn to speak words of peace. Notice that when Jesus came to the bow of the boat, He didn't walk up to the bow of the boat and go, Whoa, man, I didn't realize it was this bad. He didn't wait until a wave slapped against the side of the boat and go, Whoa, did you see how big that one was? Do you feel how strong those winds are? I'm not quite sure what we're going to do here, guys. Everybody needs to buckle down and let's row harder and get to the other side. No, Jesus stood up and He just, Peace be still. [01:16:37] (52 seconds)
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