10 Dec Really Big Things | Part 4 “This is the Time” – All Locations
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REMINDER: DISCOVER CLASS: For New Leaders, Leaders who have not taken the class, or Leaders who have not taken the class in the last couple of years. It is held on the first Sunday of the month.
One of our Small Group Leaders- Crystel Hoyt had major back surgery a week ago, please share this meal train for the family, thank you!
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We will have a home-cooked menu and a fun night of activities for all ages. Help us make this a great time for our guests by registering to serve!
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LEADERS: WE HAVE CHANGED UP THE DISCOVER CLASS WHICH USED TO BE GROWTH TRACK AND ARE ASKING ALL LEADERS TO RE-TAKE THIS A SOME POINT. BELOW IS THE CLASS SCHEDULE:
1st Sunday : Discover Waters – after 1st service
2nd Sunday: NO CLASSES
3rd Sunday: Connect Class – after 1st service
4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after 1st service
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Really Big God – Part 4
This is the Time
Haggai 1
Ice Breaker:
Q. If you could invite any three people (from any time in history) to dinner, who would they be and what would you ask them?
Hebrews 10:39
We are not those who shrink back!
We are people who believe God is able. We believe Cain killed Able, Jesus rose from the dead, and Moses divided the sea. Nothing is impossible with our God.
Haggai 1:2 (ESV)
Haggai has a heart for the house of God. He is a minor Prophet.
Context: The Israelites were delivered from slavery and then went back into exile for seventy years. Then after seventy years, they were permitted to go back into the land and rebuild their temple.
Israel is the only nation, the only people that defied the odds of human history. This is the only ancient nation that broke all of the rules. God had a plan through this ancient nation of Israel.
Ezra 3:10-11
Even though only the foundation was laid, it was a miracle.
But, they got busy with the temple and time passed.
This happens to us. We may get started in a relationship, pick up a new hobby, or perhaps buy a new house. We get an initial burst of enthusiasm and then time passes.
Q. Can you relate this to personal experiences where initial enthusiasm was high, but momentum was lost over time?
How can one rekindle commitment and enthusiasm in such situations, whether in personal projects, relationships, or spiritual journeys?
In Haggai 1:2 we had read that these were the people who shouted when only the foundation was laid and then a little time had passed, sixteen years, and they stalled out.
What causes them to stop?
FIRST: They faced POLITICAL HEADWINDS.
All their rights and freedoms were taken away. They were forced by the government to stop building.
Whenever you start something for God, the enemy will come against you big time. He does this because he knows he can knock you out if he can land a right hook on your faith early on.
Take authority in Christ and push back.
SECOND: They faced PERSONAL ATTACKS from their own.
The Israelites interbred with non-spiritual people. Half Jews and half pagans were known as the Samaritans. The Samaritans did not like the fact that the Jews had come back and were getting their act together so they started to attack and accuse them.
Our greatest threat may not be unbelievers. The greatest threat to our faith is half-in and half-out Christians. We need to move with the movers. Join the people running with God.
THIRD: They GREW ACCUSTOMED to the RUINS.
“When the work ceased, the people turned to private affairs and gradually became used to worshiping among the ruins of the once great temple.” – James Montgomery Boice.
We can get used to people mocking God. We can get so comfortable with how things are that we forget we have a divine mandate to be salt and light.
Q. How can we as Christians, individually and as part of our church community avoid becoming complacent or indifferent in our faith journey? What are some ways we can stay motivated and engaged and actively live out our faith in this constantly changing world?
RESULT: For 16 years they let the political situation, personal attacks, and the comfort of what they knew to STOP them from rebuilding.
The enemy will do that to us as much as possible.
The WORLD, the FLESH, and the DEVIL all want God’s people to say: NOW is NOT the TIME.
God says today is the day of salvation. If you hear His voice now, act on it now. We cannot wait for the perfect conditions to exist because they never will exist.
Haggai 1:7-8 (ESV)
The KEY to life with God: Just GET STARTED.
Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
Haggai 1:12 (ESV)
We get started with God the moment we fear HIM more than ANYONE or ANYTHING ELSE.
Q. What are some fears that may keep us from doing what we need or want to do especially for God’s kingdom?
Three reasons to build in spite of the opposition:
1. God will GET INVOLVED.
Haggai 1:7-8 (ESV)
Start. Even if you fear, just do it anyway. Don’t wait for a sign from heaven. Christians should be the greatest business administrators, and the best creators, because we are sons and daughters of the Most High!
Q. Can you share a situation where you had to act despite fear or uncertainty and how did your faith influence your decision and its outcome?
Three reasons to build in spite of the opposition:
2. The BLESSING will COME.
God rewards faith. Believe and act and the blessings will come. Blessing comes when we step out in faith.
Haggai 1:6 (ESV)
If God is not first, you will not get blessed. We are God’s people.
Q. What are some examples from personal experience where faith led to blessings?
Three reasons to build in spite of the opposition:
3. The Spirit will MOVE
Haggai 1:14 (ESV)
This is the greatest year in our church’s history. We have experienced more growth, more baptisms, and more salvations than ever before.
Hebrews 10:39 (ESV)
Q. Hebrews 10:39 talks about not shrinking back in faith. How can this principle be applied in your life, especially in times of opposition or challenge?
Sermon in a sentence:
When we reject FEAR and earthly PERSPECTIVE and embrace FAITH and heavenly PROMISES – God blesses, Jesus SPEAKS, and the HOLY SPIRIT MOVES.
CHALLENGE: Take a step of faith this week. Do something that you are hesitant to do due to fear or uncertainty and next week share your experience with the group focusing on how faith helped you to overcome any fears or obstacles.
Pay it forward (pay for the items purchased by someone behind you at t a drive-thru, give a tip greater than 20%, etc.) and hand out Christmas Service invites.
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