Sermon Reflections based on Dream Higher | Alex Hardt | December 31, 2023
Happy New Year!?! I'm wondering if you are like me and at some point, you thought why even bother making plans, or doing a new years resolution, or looking to the future? Everything around me looks dismal, broken, and new years resolutions never work anyway. What I am going through won't change and anything I do won't make a difference. It will be the same today, tomorrow, and the next day. In a world often shadowed by uncertainties and limitations, the scriptures in Isaiah, Revelation, and Philippians shine forth as beacons of hope, inviting us to dream higher and embrace a future anchored in God's promises. These passages, although diverse, weave together a profound narrative that resonates with the core essence of faith—trusting in God's redemptive plan, pursuing spiritual maturity, and adopting a forward-looking perspective. Our past and our present doesn't define our future. In fact, the only thing that holds weight on our future is God. Isaiah 43:1-13: Isaiah's words echo through the ages, offering assurance in times of tribulation. As the Israelites faced exile and uncertainty, God reassured them of His abiding presence. His promise of redemption isn't just a distant hope but a present reality—a reminder that the Creator of the world is actively working on behalf of His people. If you thought you were alone in this world, then you would be wrong. We have a God who is always with you and always for you, working on your behalf for Good. Revelation 21:1-8: John's apocalyptic vision paints a picture of a new heaven and earth. It's a breathtaking glimpse of a future where pain, sorrow, and suffering cease to exist. This vision isn't merely an allegory but a tangible promise of God's ultimate restoration. Just because we have failures, brokenness, pain, suffering, death now doesn't mean that's how it will always be. God paints a future where every tear is wiped away and where death no longer exists. Philippians 3:12-14: Paul's words exhort believers toward spiritual maturity. He encourages a relentless pursuit of Christlikeness, urging us not to dwell on past successes or failures but to press on toward the upward call of God—a call that beckons us toward a higher purpose and a deeper communion with Christ. We can hold on to the past all we want but it won't change the future. If we dwell in the past and the present then we will never move toward the future that God has for us. God has something much greater for us, but we have to let go of our fears and failures. We have to surrender today and yesterday, to discover tomorrow. Discussion Questions: How do you navigate between living in the reality of present circumstances and holding onto the hope of God's promises for the future? In what ways can we encourage one another to pursue Jesus? What steps can we take to cultivate a forward-looking perspective amidst life's challenges and uncertainties? Practical Application: Let's engage in a practice of daily reflection and prayer. Allocate time each day to meditate on a specific promise from Scripture. Journal about how that promise speaks to your current situation and future hopes. Share these reflections with a trusted friend or within a faith community to encourage one another in holding onto God's promises amidst life's ebb and flow. As we journey in faith, may we hold firm to these timeless truths, envisioning and pursuing a future anchored in God's unwavering hope. Embracing a future of hope involves actively participating in God's redemptive narrative, seeking spiritual maturity, and fixing our gaze on the promises that transcend our present circumstances. Blessings, Pastor Alex MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. SUSermon Reflections from Transform For Mission | Alex Hardt | August 6, 2023
Pastor Alex sought to answer the basic questions we all have: Who am I? Where do I belong? Why am I here? When we succeed in answering these questions basic to life, we become more self-assured, hopeful and motivated. We can all agree that without the answers to these questions we will be doubting life, drifting, not connected and without purpose. Those without Christ seek answers in the world with things, people, projects, education, etc. Those with Christ know He holds the answer to each questions providing us with hope, motivation and value. Pastor Alex began with Who am I? He wanted us to see how God sees us and gives us value. Our identity and our value is given to us by God. God was intentional in our design and loves us even when we do not love Him! I particularly liked Ephesians 1:4-6 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” We are loved and valued by God and He made a way for us, sinful man, to be blameless in His sight through Jesus. Our value and identity come though Jesus as God loved us so much He made the ultimate sacrifice in sending His Son to redeem us. “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. God’s motivation was LOVE. He desires a relationship with us and He made a way for that to happen. My heart is always gladdened when I read Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in his: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God loved and valued me even before I came to Him. How wonderful is that?!!! Next, Pastor Alex tackled the question of Worth with the concept of where do I fit in? Where is my place in this world? Where do I belong? Our worth comes from God. We are His treasured possession as proclaimed in Exodus 19:5 “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,” How does that make you feel? The God of the Universe loves and treasures you! Jesus also spoke of his family and our adoption into His family. Romans 8:15 tells us that we belong to Him and can call God our Father. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” We are adopted into His family. Mark 3:34-35 “ Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Each and every believer Jesus considers His brother and sister. How much more valued can we get? Belonging to the King is a special place and honor. Galatians 4:6 tells us how we can know for sure we belong to Him. “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” His Spirit within us is our proof. I claim the truth of Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Praise God we can know and feel His presence in our lives and know for certain we are loved by Him! Lastly, Pastor Alex answered the question, Why am I here? The basic answer is God created us for a purpose to glorify Him and for His pleasure. His pleasure will bring us pleasure too. His purposes will give meaning and definition to our lives. One of my favorite scriptures I claim is Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” We are made for relationship with him. He promises direction, a listening ear, hope, a future and plans that are for my benefit. There are multiple scriptures that guide us in seeing God has a plan and a purpose for which we were made. 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.’ God has a purpose and plan for all things. Colossians 1:16 “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.“ This gives me comfort in knowing God has a plan for our world and nothing happens without His allowing it. We know that God has a plan and purpose for us but how do we know what that is? 1 Peter 4:10 gives us a glimpse into this. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” We are to use our gifts given though the Spirit in addition to His Word as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 suggests. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” He has good works for us to do that will benefit the body of Christ. “ How personally are we to take this work God has for us. Here is Paul’s perspective in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” How serious are you about serving, using your God given gifts, studying the Word for direction and guidance and prayer? Blessings as you ponder life’s questions and the answers God gives through Jesus. Comb the scriptures and you will see abundant proof of His LOVE, Your WORTH in Him and Your PURPOSE! Linda SUMMARY OF MESSAGE Click Here for Summary MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. |
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