Rembrandt in the Wind – Study Session 1

Adapted from the study, and book, by Russ Ramsey. Audible book available.

“Have you ever tried to create art, like drawing, painting, or sculpting? What was that experience like for you?”

Discussion Questions

Art and Self-Expression:

How does art, like the self-portraits of Vincent van Gogh, help us understand and express our own emotions and experiences?

Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Reflects on the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, including humanity.) What if we are His self-reflection?

Brokenness and Beauty:

In what ways can our personal brokenness lead to beauty, especially when viewed through the lens of compassion and healing?

2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (Speaks to the beauty and value in our brokenness and imperfection.)

Truth in Art:

Why is it important to depict truth in art, and how can this be compared to living a life of truth as a Christian?

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Emphasizes our creation in God’s image and our purpose in His plan.)

Goodness, Truth, and Beauty:

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Encourages the pursuit of goodness, truth, and beauty.)

How do goodness, truth, and beauty reflect the nature of God, and how can we pursue these in our daily lives?

Creativity and God’s Image:

What does it mean to be made in the image of God, especially in terms of creativity and our call to create?

Genesis 1:26-27 – “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Highlights the creative aspect of being made in God’s image.)

Community and Creativity:

How does community enhance our ability to create and appreciate beauty?

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another…” (Illustrates the importance of community in fostering growth and creativity.)

Honesty in Self-Reflection:

James 1:23-24 – “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (A metaphor for self-reflection and honesty in our spiritual walk.)

How can being honest in our self-reflection, much like an artist creating a self-portrait, help us grow spiritually?

Value and Worth:

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (Reminds us of our value and purpose in God’s eyes, despite our imperfections.)

How does understanding our value in God’s eyes, despite our flaws and brokenness, change the way we interact with others?

Scripture References

Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another…”

My Personal Notes from the Video

We hide what needs redemption
Concerned with goodness and truth
Created to be creative
God gave Adam and Eve as others and gave them others -community
We are drawing the self-portrait pretending I am ok.
Broken but unimaginably valued by God

Getting Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise in 2024

A blog adapted, using AI, based on my recent teaching which you can find on YouTube.

What We Can Learn from the Bible About Fitness and Health Goals

It’s a new year, which means New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. As we all know, most resolutions fail pretty quickly. By the end of January, almost half have already been abandoned. But as Christians, maybe we can do better if we approach our goals from a biblical perspective.

In his letters, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of runners competing in a race. He points out that while every runner runs, only one takes home the prize (1 Cor 9:24). This tells us a couple things about achieving our goals:

1) We need determination and endurance to reach the finish line. Quitting early means we automatically fail.

2) We should run with purpose and strategy, not “aimlessly” (1 Cor 9:26). Vague resolutions without concrete plans won’t get us far.

When it comes to health and fitness goals specifically, having S.M.A.R.T. goals can make a big difference – goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Getting more granular helps us track progress incrementally instead of getting discouraged by slow results. For example, aiming to lose 30 pounds this year breaks down to around 2-3 pounds per month. Much more motivating!

Of course, pursuing any goal requires self-control and discipline, two concepts most of us try to avoid (1 Cor 9:27). But ultimately, mastering our bodies and choices demonstrates good stewardship of the physical blessings God has already given us. After all, our bodies are temples where the Holy Spirit resides, purchased by Christ at a great price (1 Cor 6:19-20). Caring for them honors God.

The temptation and lust to overindulge have threatened mankind since the earliest biblical days. Gluttony may not get mentioned much from church pulpits, but Proverbs clearly warns against becoming “drunkards or…gluttonous eaters” (Prov 23:20-21). Excess food and drink dull our discipline, hurt our health, and distract us from Godly pursuits. As the Scottish Olympian Eric Liddell showed in Chariots of Fire, obeying our convictions sometimes means saying no to fleshly appetites.

Above all, Paul stresses keeping first things first. Physical training offers some benefits, but “godliness is of value in every way” for this life and the next (1 Tim 4:7-8). Health goals shouldn’t overtake our relationship with God. In a few weeks, we’ll look more closely at priorities for spiritual growth in 2024.

What physical goals do you hope to achieve this year? What practical steps can you take to give them the best shot at success? As you ponder, ask God to increase your self-control, consistency, and trust in His provision. Our bodies and our dreams matter to Him. Let’s care for both in a way that brings glory to His name.

Helping the Church Grow

This is specifically written for Innovate Church supporters but can be applied to almost any church.

The question came up the other night about what are the best ways our supporters and members can help our church grow. Now, I want to say upfront, that church growth is about reaching more folks who need Jesus and need a loving community. As with a digital church, honestly, many of the same principles are the same as a physical church when it comes to growth.

The Personal Invite

The personal invite remains the top way to get others to join you in church.

But how do we go about inviting others? Here are some tips:

When asked, “Where/how do you attend Church?”

“I attend Innovate Church, an online community that is specifically for those who, for various reasons, find traditional church settings challenging. Whether it’s due to health issues, mental health considerations, or personal preferences, Innovate Church provides a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone. They try to make it easy for anyone to attend our times of community together by offering these times via Zoom, YouTube, and Twitch live streams. This way, you can join in a way that is comfortable for you.”

“During the week, we have our open discussion and bible study time usually going deeper into the subjects and Scripture taught on the past Sunday. And on Sunday, we have a live church service online, including a children’s time. Following the Sunday service we have fellowship together and can comment or ask questions about the sermon, share prayer needs, and really be in community together.”

“We also have access to text groups and an online community that allows us to connect any time night or day.”

Invite Them to Dinner and Church

Because we meet digitally, you can invite anyone over to your own home, or meet anywhere outside of your home, and have dinner, or just coffee, with a small local group of family and friends. You can cast the service on a larger screen from your mobile device so that everyone can enjoy the stream on the big screen if you’d like.

Share Personal Experiences

One of the most powerful tools in your arsenal is your own story. Share how Innovate Church has impacted your life. Maybe it’s the convenience of attending services from home or the specific way a sermon spoke to your circumstances. Or maybe it’s the loving and warm community you’ve found in the Innovate members. Personal testimonies resonate deeply and can pique curiosity in others.

Highlight the Accessibility and Inclusion

You probably know someone who can’t or doesn’t go to church due to health issues, mental health considerations, or personal preferences. These are the folks we specifically want to be reaching out to and including in the life of Innovate Church. Tell these folks about us and emphasize the accessibility and inclusivity of Innovate Church. Let them know that they can participate in a full church experience from the comfort of their own home, which is a game-changer for many with health and mobility challenges.

Extend an Invitation to Online Groups

Innovate Church isn’t just about the Sunday service; we are in community and can participate in various online groups and activities throughout the week. While we may not have our online groups set up yet, you can still invite someone to join a Bible study, prayer group, or any other virtual gathering that aligns with their interests or needs. You can create, or we can help you start a new group online. We also have our bible reading plans that we do together using the Bible app by Youversion. You can add these folks as a friend and pass them on to the Innovate Church or Pastor Gerald’s accounts on the app so that they can be invited each time a new plan is started.

Other Great Ways to Help Us Grow

Serving

Other ways we can grow is by adding onto what we are already doing in giving folks a way to serve the church, let’s make that the big C-church. We’ve put together a whole list of ways folks could serve on our website: https://www.innovateccc.com/serve. But of course, even this isn’t exhaustive. We want to empower folks to use their God-given gifts, abilities, and passions to serve God. So, we are open to talking with anyone about what they’d like to do and come alongside them and help make it happen.

Utilize Your Social Media Platform

As a digital church and in the digital age, social media is a key platform for connection. Share links to our church’s services, blog posts, personal stories, or uplifting messages on your social networks. A simple post or tweet can open doors for someone seeking a spiritual community like ours. When we are live, make sure you share it on your platform of choice, or where you have the largest following. Create posts before service, maybe even early in the week, letting folks know what you’re looking forward to experiencing or learning when Innovate Church meets together the next time. Did our online community help you in some way recently? Share about it and encourage others to join it as well.

Giving out, and sharing, links to all of our social platforms is great and easy.

Online Community

We’d like to get our online community, through Mighty Networks or our Discord server, flooded with new folks and use that platform as a way to stay connected 24/7. We really feel Discord is the way to go for this as it is the easiest and free to use. It can be the online hub for groups and newcomers to first connect with us. It also allows for messaging and voice chat groups, and automatic notifications for when we are live on the various platforms.

WhatsApp also can be a messaging and group-gathering platform. It is used by millions outside of the US but hasn’t been as utilized here in the States…though it is a product of Facebook itself. It too is easy to use, works like instant messenger, and has voice and video chat capabilities and it can be set up to not give out personal phone numbers.

We do have a Facebook page and Group, but those aren’t really utilized well either. And we all know the distractions of Facebook, its advertising policies, notifications, and how bad many of us wish we weren’t on it.

I wrote and shared this blog in March of 2023, which also speaks to some of this listed above.

As always, your support through these years has been wonderful and I am so grateful.

Thankful for the Call to Share God’s Gifts

Sermon notes for this sermon here.

Introduction:

Recap the journey of the past three weeks: grace, mercy, and sovereignty.

Introduce the theme: “Thankful for the Call to Share God’s Gifts.“

Explain how we are not just recipients but also conduits of God’s grace, mercy, and sovereignty.

Enjoy, Apply, and Share

Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

I. The Gift of Sharing

What are we to do with the gifts we have received?

The Best Seed

There once was a farmer who grew the most excellent wheat. Every season he won the award for the best wheat in his county.

A wise woman came to him to ask him about his success.

He told her that the key was sharing his best seed with his neighbors so they could plant the seed as well.

The wise woman asked, “How can you share your best wheat seed with your neighbors when they compete with you every year?”

“That’s simple,” the farmer replied.

“The wind spreads the pollen from everyone’s wheat and carries it from field to field. If my neighbors grew inferior wheat, cross-pollination would degrade everyone’s wheat, including mine. If I’m to grow the best wheat, I must help my neighbors grow the best wheat as well.”

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

The farmer in our story was a good steward of what the Lord had given him, including wisdom.

Has God not given you His best gifts? That of, His Grace, His Mercy, and His sovereign care for us?

And if He has, then shouldn’t we, out of our gratitude give to others as He has given to us?

Imagine the change in your family, in your community, in the world, if we Christians gave as God has given us!

II. Sharing God’s Grace

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time, that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award–yet receives such a gift anyway–that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God.
G.W. Knight, Clip-Art Features for Church Newsletters, p. 53.

Grace received should result in grace being given.

We forgive because we have been forgiven.

God’s unmerited favor, is His kindness towards us. We don’t deserve it, but He chose to give it to us.

Instead of waiting for someone to “deserve” grace, or forgiveness, we are called to be the first to do so.

III. Sharing God’s Mercy

Luke 6:36 (ESV)

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

What is mercy you ask?

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.

“But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.”

“But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied.

“Sir,” the woman cried, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.”

“Well, then,” the emperor said, “I will have mercy.” And he spared the woman’s son.
Luis Palau, Experiencing God’s Forgiveness, Multnomah Press, 1984.

Our God is indeed a God of justice, but we need to be ever so thankful that He is a God of mercy.

If He were not merciful, if He didn’t show you mercy, what is it you deserve? Death. Hell. Eternal separation from the Father.

Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Let us remember in our own personal dealings with those who may deserve the consequences of their actions, that we also deserve consequences that God in His great mercy has chosen not to give us.

If He has shown us great mercy then we too should be people quick to show mercy to others.

IV. Sharing God’s Sovereignty

Isaiah 46:9-10

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.‘”

Sharing about God’s sovereignty in our lives can inspire others to trust Him.

When we can speak of and share the stories of our own trials and tribulations, and share that same word that Joseph shared with his brothers when they thought they were going to finally get what they deserved:

Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

I want to point out though, verse 19

Genesis 50:19 (ESV)

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

Joseph now saw God’s sovereignty at work, even through his own brothers’ actions. Because of that, he realized he had no right to be upset with how his brothers had done him because from God caused good to occur.

He wasn’t angry with his brothers, or even with God.

How about you? In sharing your own story you can help others to see hope in their own situation. Hope that God will bring about good from their pain because of His sovereign care for them.

Reminding them of Jeremiah’s words:

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

As redeemed people of Christ, we should be a people of hope in the world,

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

always prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…

Trusting in His sovereignty helps us to know that no matter what happens in life, or how we may feel we have failed Him, He will achieve His purposes through us and lead us into life eternal with Him.

Even if you feel as though you have failed Him because of how you’ve not acted as you feel you should due to your circumstances, or maybe you’ve struck out on your own trying to do things your own way instead of trusting His plan for your life.

You’re not alone in that, we all have done so!

So if you’re wrestling with this then I want to share about the next Gift He gives us:

V. The Gift of Salvation

During the building of the Golden Gate Bridge over San Francisco Bay, construction fell badly behind schedule because several workers had accidentally fallen from the scaffolding to their deaths. Engineers and administrators could find no solution to the costly delays. Finally, someone suggested a gigantic net be hung under the bridge to catch any who fell. Finally in spite of the enormous cost, the engineers opted for the net. After it was installed, progress was hardly interrupted. A worker or two fell into the net but were saved. Ultimately, all the time lost to fear was regained by replacing fear with faith in the net.

We are saved by grace, God’s unmerited favor given to us through our faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our safety net. You may feel you have failed…

But God in his great mercy and grace, through His sovereignty, knew you would and gave you a safety net to fall into.

If we are thankful for this great gift then He has given us a Commission, a responsibility that shouldn’t feel like a chore as much as it should be a joy, an overflow of our own joy.

We get to tell others about this safety Net!

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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When we understand the value, the cost, and the importance of the gift, we want to tell others about it.

This is our call, our mission, and our purpose.

All the gifts, all those trials and tribulations God has sovereignly allowed you to experience are to be used as tools in your efforts make disciples of others.

VI. Responding to the Call

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (ESV)

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Ambassador – defined

An accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.
“the French ambassador to Portugal”

A person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.
“he is a good ambassador for the industry”

All that we have studied these past 4 weeks are from God. His gifts to us overflow from His own character.

Hear this verse this way:

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled YOU to himself and gave YOU the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling YOUR neighbors, friends, co-workers to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to YOU the message of reconciliation. Therefore, YOU are an ambassador for Christ, God making his appeal through YOU. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God has given us the gifts of grace, mercy, and our experiences, to help us be His representatives in the world.

Are you living in a way that shows your gratitude for His gifts, and taking the responsibility of being His ambassador by giving these same gifts to those around you?

If we’re thankful for His gifts, then we should desire that others receive these gifts too.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this series was to call us to be thankful for God’s gifts not just in words but in deeds.

This is why we make sure we treat others as we want to be treated…with grace, with mercy, and in a way that shares our life with them as He did for us.

Sharing God’s gifts is a response of gratitude and a reflection of His character in us.

He shared His best seed with us and He calls us to share our best seed with others so that we can cross-pollinate with our neighbors the good seed of God’s love.

Thankful for God’s Sovereignty

Sermon Notes for the third of our thankful series. Video HERE.

An English writer, once wrote a story about a janitor at St Peter’s Church in London. One day a young vicar discovered that the janitor was illiterate and fired him. Jobless, the man invested his meager savings in a tiny tobacco shop, where he prospered, bought another, expanded, and ended up with a chain of tobacco stores worth several hundred thousand dollars. One day the man’s banker said, “You’ve done well for an illiterate, but where would you be if you could read and write?” “Well,” replied the man, “I’d be janitor of St. Peter’s Church in Neville Square.” Bits and Pieces, June 24, 1993, p. 23.

Often times, bad things happen and we don’t know what to do with them or why they happened until later in life.

Jesus was clear, “In the world you will have tribulation.” John 16:33

Tribulation: affliction, distress, oppression

John 15:18-John 16:33: Hated, murdered, sorrow for loss.

Encouragement: “Have peace, take heart, I have overcome the world.”

Today we’re going to explore the concept of God’s sovereignty, understanding the difference between God being in control and being controlling.

I. Understanding God’s Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty is His supreme authority and control over all things.

Nothing happens without His allowing it, or making it.

Hear this!

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

When it comes to us as humans, His creation, HE is in control of our lives but He does not control our lives.

We will dive into that further a little later.

We can trust His Sovereignty, His control.

God’s sovereignty as the foundation of our trust and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This is part of a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon.
The Babylonians had conquered the kingdom of Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BC. Many Jews were taken captive and exiled to Babylon.
Jeremiah wrote this letter to the exiles around 597 BC, about 10 years after the first wave of Jews were deported.
The exiles were living in a pagan land and surrounded by unfamiliar customs and false gods. They longed to return home.
False prophets were telling the exiles they would be able to return to Judah very soon. Jeremiah contradicted this, saying the exile would last 70 years.
Jeremiah encouraged the exiles to settle down in Babylon, build homes, plant gardens, marry, and seek the welfare of the city.
In the midst of the difficulties of exile, Jeremiah wanted to give hope that God still had a future and purpose for His people.

Again, here we see in action, God’s control of the situation, He allowed it. But He did not control His people’s response to it.

He used Jeremiah to speak encouragement to them, but it was ultimately theei choice to receive the encouragement.

God was offering them hope in the situation that looked horribly dire.

Hope was slow in coming though, 70 years in the making.

II. Examples of God’s Sovereignty in the Bible

One of my favorite stories of God’s Sovereignty is that of Joseph.

Joseph’s Story

Joseph’s Dreams: Joseph is 17 years old when he has his dreams (Genesis 37:1-11).
Sold into Slavery: This event happens shortly after the dreams, so Joseph is still around 17 (Genesis 37:12-35)
Purchased by Potiphar: This happens soon after Joseph is sold into slavery. (Genesis 37:36)
Falsely Accused and Imprisoned: The Bible doesn’t specify how long Joseph served in Potiphar’s house before being imprisoned, but it implies he was there for a significant period, during which he gained trust and authority. It’s possible a few years passed, but the exact time is not specified. (Genesis 39:1-20)
Interprets Prisoners’ Dreams: Joseph spends an unspecified amount of time in prison before interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. This could add several more years to his age. (Genesis 39:21- Genesis 40)
Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dreams: Joseph is 30 years old when he stands before Pharaoh. This is when he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and proposes the plan for the grain. (Genesis 41:1-36)
Second-in-Command in Egypt: This happens immediately after he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, so he is still 30. (Genesis 41:37-57)
Brothers Come to Egypt: The seven years of plenty are followed by two years of famine before Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt. This would make Joseph approximately 39 years old at this time. (Genesis 42-45)
Joseph Reveals His Identity: This occurs during the same visit, so Joseph is still around 39. (Genesis 45)
Family Moves to Egypt: This happens shortly after Joseph reveals his identity, so he is still around 39. (Genesis 46)
Joseph Reflects on God’s Providence: This reflection likely happens towards the end of the narrative, but no specific age is mentioned.
- Genesis 50:19–20 (ESV)
- But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You think Joseph would have questioned Jeremiah’s words if he were to have known them prior to the events of his life?

Have you questioned God’s plans for your life?

If you were in control, how would you be different?

Have you suffered in this life?

“Suffering gets our attention; it forces us to look to God, when otherwise we would just as well ignored Him.”

Many of us desire to end our suffering, and maybe even the suffering of others.

“I just want to be normal.”

What if your current suffering is part of God’s plan of hope for you, or someone you love?

Would you be thankful?

III. Embracing God’s Sovereignty with Thankfulness

Remember

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

He controls the situation but not our response to it.

Illustration of Our Control

A man found a cocoon of the emperor moth and took it home to watch it emerge. One day a small opening appeared, and for several hours the moth struggled but couldn’t seem to force its body past a certain point.

Deciding something was wrong, the man took scissors and snipped the remaining bit of cocoon. The moth emerged easily, its body large and swollen, the wings small and shriveled.

He expected that in a few hours the wings would spread out in their natural beauty, but they did not. Instead of developing into a creature free to fly, the moth spent its life dragging around a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The constricting cocoon and the struggle necessary to pass through the tiny opening are God’s way of forcing fluid from the body into the wings. The “merciful” snip was, in reality, cruel. Sometimes the struggle is exactly what we need.

We have to relinquish our desire for control and instead embrace God’s perfect plan.

Often it is the struggle of life that helps us to value it.

Steven Hawking once said, after receiving his ALS diagnosis and at first had that initial shock, became extremely positive in his acceptance of the illness that would likely take his life in the next two years, saying:

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero,” he said, “one really appreciates everything that one does have.”

Stated another way: contentment in life is determined in part by what a person anticipates from it. To a man like Hawking who thought he would soon die quickly, everything takes on meaning–a sunrise or a walk in a park or the laughter of children. Suddenly, each small pleasure becomes precious. By contrast, those who believe life owes them a free ride are often discontent with its finest gifts. James Dobson, New Man, October, 1994, p. 36.

Knowing that God is sovereignly in control of our circumstances, helps us to accept the hard parts of life.

We can trust that He has a plan and purpose for our struggle.

IV. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Romans 8:28 (ESV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The Apostle Paul is another example that we can learn from.

Written from Prison:

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” (Philippians 1:29)
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
“And we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

Can we trust God?

Isaiah 46:9-10

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.‘”

Conclusion:

We can trust the Lord with all of our lives on this earth.

Suffering
Trials
Tribulations

But I want you to remember:

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

He doesn’t force you to accept His plan or His outcomes.

It is up to you to trust Him. This includes trusting Him in this life and for the next.

Have you trusted Him with your eternity?

He has allowed you to hear the message today, but He is not forcing your response to it.

Salvation is a gift He offers to us, but it is up to us to receive it.

This is why we should be thankful for the Gift of His Sovereignty.

His Sovereignty brought you here, but the response is up to you.

Will you receive His Gift of salvation?

Overflowing with Mercy

Sermon notes for my recent teaching on God’s Great Mercy.

When we look at the world today and think of God, oftentimes we may question, “Where is God’s mercy when there is such evil in the world, such suffering in the world around us?”

If He is a merciful God, then why does He allow evil to continue, and good people to suffer, and not do something to end it?

Today I hope to enlighten and encourage us through God’s Word and teaching on His Merciful Nature so that we can be encouraged to be thankful for His mercy.

I. Understanding God’s Mercy

“When God calls us to love our enemies, He only calls us to follow His own example”

Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907), 289.

To understand God’s mercy, we must understand our standing before Him.

We were enemies:

Romans 5:10 (ESV)
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Colossians 1:21 (ESV)
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,

We are creatures in need of His grace, as we discussed last week, and we need Him to show us mercy for our wayward ways.

Grace vs. Mercy

Grace – Unmerited favor. It is a gift He decides to give to us freely by His own desire.

Mercy

Strong defines mercy as “that eternal principle of God’s nature which leads him to seek the temporal good and eternal salvation of those who have opposed themselves to his will, even at the cost of infinite self-sacrifice.”

Rolland McCune, A Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity: Prolegomena and the Doctrines of Scripture, God, and Angels, vol. 1 (Allen Park, MI: Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009), 266–267.

Hebrew OT – Racham – a word expressing a deep and tender feeling of compassion and pity.

Greek NT – Oiktirmos and Eleos

The Hebrew and Greek words both speak of this character in God to be compassionate towards us. It is from His heart that He is a compassionate God.

We are those who have opposed ourselves, by our nature, to His will. This is our sin nature.

II. An Illustration of God’s Mercy in the Bible

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’ ”
Luke 15:11–32 (ESV)

III. The Compassionate Nature of God

Like the Prodigal son, we have all sinned against God.

We’ve went our wayward way, taking His gifts for granted. YOLO

Thankfully God is a God of Mercy.

God’s character of compassion and mercy:

Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Fear of “going too far.” – Never cease, are new every morning.

Psalm 103:8: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Fear of angering God – slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

IV. A Thankful Heart for God’s Compassion

Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV)

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Have you experienced God’s mercy?

If you’ve received mercy then you should show mercy.

His mercy changes us, and it should inspire us to be a people of mercy.

Compassion

Kindness

Goodwill

Doesn’t this describe Jesus?

How often do we read in the scriptures, “He had compassion for them?”

The Father’s Mercy

Look at the father in the parable.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

Maybe you’ve walked away from the faith before.

Maybe you feel as though there isn’t another chance for you.

He’s waiting, waiting on you to turn back to Him.

V. Responding with Thanksgiving

What about he brother in the parable?

“But he was angry and refused to go in.”

Romans 9:15: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'”

It is in His nature to show mercy, but as the Righteous Judge, He decides who to show mercy to.

Just like His grace, His mercy is a gift that He decides upon who to give it to.

It is because of His love for you that He has shown you mercy.

If you are thankful for the mercy He has shown you, then you should also be thankful for those others He has decided to show mercy to.

Hoow you can extend mercy and compassion to others?

Conclusion:

The bible is full of stories of God’s mercy upon His people and His offer of mercy to you and I.

Remember His mercy is everlasting. He always welcomes the repentant sinner.

It’s in His character to forgive, to give us not what we deserve, but what is in His nature, His Love, Grace, and Mercy.

My hope and prayer is that we learn from His example, as New Creations, created in His image, we too build upon the character He has created us to be and be more compassionate to those around us.

This is how we thank God for the Gift of Mercy He has given us.

Thankful for Grace that Abounds

Sermon notes for week one of our “Thankful for God’s Gifts series.”

We love gifts, right? I know I do.

When someone gives you a gift, how do you respond?

What are God’s gifts and our response to them?

“The very center and core of the whole Bible is the doctrine of the grace of God. The center of the Bible, and the center of Christianity, is found in the grace of God.”
Theologian J. Gresham Machen

I. Understanding God’s Grace

Define and explain the concept of God’s grace:

Grace as God’s unmerited favor.
Grace as a gift we don’t deserve.
Grace as the foundation of our salvation.

Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker both had churches in London in the 19th century. On one occasion, Parker commented on the poor condition of children admitted to Spurgeon’s orphanage. It was reported to Spurgeon however, that Parker had criticized the orphanage itself. Spurgeon blasted Parker the next week from the pulpit. The attack was printed in the newspapers and became the talk of the town. People flocked to Parker’s church the next Sunday to hear his rebuttal. “I understand Dr. Spurgeon is not in his pulpit today, and this is the Sunday they use to take an offering for the orphanage. I suggest we take a love offering here instead.” The crowd was delighted. The ushers had to empty the collection plates 3 times. Later that week there was a knock at Parker’s study. It was Spurgeon. “You know Parker, you have practiced grace on me. You have given me not what I deserved, you have given me what I needed.

This is the Bible and Christianity at its core.

God has chosen not to give us what we deserve but instead what we needed.

Grace.

II. Examples of God’s Grace in the Bible

Remember this:

Romans 3:23 (ESV)
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Creation – We are here!

In the beginning God created…
Made in His image – given value from the beginning.

The Fall – Yet He didn’t give up

God chose in the beginning to show grace because He is gracious.

The Flood – Another chance given

The story of Noah and the ark, where God saved Noah and his family (Genesis 6-9).
Genesis 6:8 (ESV)
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
- Favor is grace.

The Covenant – He chose one man

Genesis 12:1–3 (ESV) 300 years after Noah
12 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 17:7 (ESV)
And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
Exodus 6:7–8 (ESV) 600 years after Abram
7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.’ ”

The Chosen – He chose one nation

Deuteronomy 7:6–8 (ESV)
6 “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Why the Old Testament Passages?

God doesn’t change!

Remember it is His unmerited favor!

He is a Gracious and Merciful God

III. Gratitude for God’s Unmerited Favor

J. I. Packer suggests that grace is simply God’s love demonstrated toward those who deserve the opposite.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death.

Paul – The life of the apostle Paul, who experienced God’s transformative grace (Acts 9:1-22).

Life Before Christ

Acts 8:3 (ESV)
But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
breathed threats and murder against the followers of Christ.

He Chose Paul!

Created

New Creation

Purpose

A life of dedication to the Lord.
Paul’s road was not easy though he was favored by God.

Chosen to Suffer

Acts 9:16 (ESV)
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

God doesn’t owe us

How are you showing God you are thankful for His grace?

My Own Life

Saved by Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Jesus is God’s Grace

Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”

God ordained for us, in our place, One who took upon Himself all the punishment we deserve. He fulfilled the law for us. He averted the judgment of God from us and appeased God’s wrath. Grace, therefore, costs us nothing, but is cost Another much to get it for us. Grace was purchased with an incalculable, infinite treasure, the Son of God Himself.”
Martin Luther, Daily Walk, May 5, 1992.

How are you showing God you are thankful for His grace?

Changed Lives

Titus 2:11–14 (ESV)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Live Your Purpose

When we are thankful for it then we are most likely to share it and desire it for others.

Show Grace – forgive lest ye be forgiven.

The Gospel

Romans 3:23–24 (ESV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Saved by grace through faith.

This is the major difference between Christianity and other world religions.

We are not saved by our own merit, how good we are.

It is a gift!

Finding Peace

In a world full of anxiety and unrest, we all long for peace. But where can we find real, lasting peace amidst the chaos? According to Scripture, true peace comes only from God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The “peace of God” described in Philippians 4:6-7 surpasses human understanding. It guards our hearts and minds when we bring our requests to God in prayer instead of being anxious. This supernatural peace comes from being in relationship with God. This is the peace you’re not only searching for, but you need.

Jesus Himself promised this peace to His followers in John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” The peace He gives is not like worldly peace that depends on circumstances. It comes from being united with Him by faith, even in troubled times. This peace is His gift to us.

To experience Christ’s peace, we must trust in God wholeheartedly, as Isaiah 26:3 describes. Fixing our minds on Him through scripture meditation, prayer, and worship nurtures an attitude of trust, resulting in “perfect peace.” Perfect peace only comes by us trusting in the One that lived perfectly.

Living in gratitude also enables us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3:15. Thanking God for His presence and blessings keeps us centered on Him. It is also this peace that works its way out by us seeking to live in peace with those around us. It is this peace in our hearts that helps us to be more patient, more understanding, and seeks to motivate us to be the peacemakers He calls us to be.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the key to walking in true peace. When Jesus healed people in the Gospels, He often said, “Go in peace.” Their faith had made them well and filled them with peace. As Luke 1:79 says, God guides our feet into the “way of peace” when we walk by faith in Him. Through our faith in Jesus, we are restored to a right relationship with the Father, giving us peace with Him.

Even when facing tribulation, we can have peace in Christ, knowing He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Fixing our eyes on Jesus gives peace and courage to endure hardships.

No matter what you are going through, Jesus’ peace is available to you. Come to Him in faith, pray for His salvation, trust in His promises, and let gratitude guard your heart. Walk in faith, knowing He has already won the victory. You were created to live in His perfect peace.

Understanding Unanswered Prayer

Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt that your prayers were unanswered? How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?

We had a little bible study and discussion on this vary topic, and I wanted to share with you the notes here so maybe you might be encouraged in your own prayer life, even when your prayers seem unanswered.

What Does the Bible Say?

1. James 4:2-3 (ESV)

“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

What does this passage say about the reasons for unanswered prayer?
Discuss how motives and desires can affect the effectiveness of prayer.
What are some wrong motives people might have when praying, and how can we ensure our motives are aligned with God’s will?

2. Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

How does Jesus encourage us to approach God in prayer?
What assurance do we have regarding God’s response to our requests in this passage?

3. Psalm 66:18 (ESV).

“If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

What does this verse suggest about the importance of a righteous life in relation to answered prayer?
What are some practical ways to maintain a righteous life and a close relationship with God, as Psalm 66:18 suggests, to enhance the effectiveness of your prayers?
How does repentance and maintaining a close relationship with God can impact our prayers?

4. 1 John 5:14-15 (ESV).

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

According to these verses, what is the key to having confidence in prayer?
How do you differentiate between prayers that align with God’s will and prayers that may not align with His plan?
Where have you seen prayers aligned with God’s will being answered?

5. Luke 18:1-8 (ESV) (the parable of the persistent widow).

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while, he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?'”

What does this parable teach us about persistence in prayer?
How should this parable influence our approach to unanswered prayer?
Think of an example from your life or from the Bible of a prayer that was initially unanswered but was later answered in God’s timing. How has that helped your faith in prayer?
How can the concept of persisting in prayer, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow, be applied to your life when facing unanswered prayer?

Conclusion:

We need to approach unanswered prayer with the perspective of seeking God’s will, maintaining a righteous life, and persisting in prayer.

God’s timing and wisdom are beyond our comprehension, and He always works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

We have to continue in faithful prayer, trusting that God hears and responds according to His perfect plan.

Building Courage Through Trust in God

Taken from our last sermon of our fear series “Beaking Ground.” See it here

Fear is inevitable in life. From health crises to new jobs to just daily worries, anxiety comes for us all. In those moments, it’s tempting to let fear win and paralyze us from moving forward. But with faith in God, we can find the courage to press on despite the fear.

Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s being able to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when afraid. God does not want us to live in bondage to anxiety and fear. He desires for us to live boldly and fully in the purpose He has planned. When inevitable worries arise, we can confront them head-on with trust in the power of God working within us.

So how do we build courage through trust in God? Here are some practical steps:

Bring your fears to God in prayer. Pour out your heart as David did in Psalm 55:1-7, 16-17:

“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy…My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me…But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.”

Ask God for strength in your fears, then leave those burdens fully in His hands.

Renew your mind with scriptures about God’s power and faithfulness, like Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Recall specific times God has brought you through trials in the past. Let these build your trust in Him for the future.
Take small steps to practice courage in manageable situations, building your “faith muscles.”
Journal about fears you face and how God helps you. Use these as touchstones when bigger fears arise.
Find supportive friends to walk this journey with you. We were not made to battle alone.

With each courageous step forward in trust, your confidence in God will grow. Before long, you’ll be ready to face any fear head-on, knowing He is right by your side. Our God is for us – who can stand against us with Him on our side? Don’t let fear have the final say in your life. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and boldly walk into the purpose God has for you. With Him going before you, what do you possibly have to fear?