Scripture References: Isaiah 61, 1 Peter 2, Genesis 3, Revelation 22
Intro:
- Welcome and introduction of Mike, returning from a year of church planting training in St. Louis.
- Announcement of Radiant Church's church plant in Sacramento, and Mike and Katie's involvement.
- Express gratitude for the support received from Radiant Church during their time away.
- Sharing personal connection to Isaiah 61, and its significance as Jesus' "life verse."
- Highlight the relevance of Isaiah 61 to the topic of growth, and its timeliness for the church.
- Acknowledge the church's lack of numerical growth in the past year, and address potential concerns.
Key Points:
- The Need for the Gospel (Good News):
- Isaiah 61 highlights the need for the "gospel," or good news.
- Humans naturally crave good news due to the prevalence of bad news.
- The historical context of Isaiah's writing: God's people facing division, captivity, and idolatry.
- The effects of the curse from Genesis 3, and its ongoing impact on our lives.
- The Effect of the Gospel:
- The gospel brings healing, freedom, and restoration.
- It's an exchange: our mess for God's perfection.
- The gospel transforms us into "oaks of righteousness" that glorify God.
- The significance of trees in the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.
- The cross of Calvary, and how that tree makes us into oaks of righteousness.
- The Ongoing Fruit of the Gospel:
- Isaiah 61:4 speaks of rebuilding and repairing what was destroyed.
- Our destiny is to participate in God's work of redemption.
- The gospel empowers us to plant more "oaks of righteousness."
- Discipleship is the ongoing work of gospel flourishing.
- The gospel grows people, and glorifies God.
- A Call to Continue in Gospel Flourishing:
- Encouragement to persevere in discipleship, despite challenges.
- Emphasis on the grace-filled nature of this work.
- Addressing the potential for the church to "look smaller" as it plants new churches.
- Gods work is not our work, it is his work.
Conclusion:
- Reiterate the importance of responding to God's presence and word.
- Highlight the dual responses: signing up for discipleship and receiving prayer.
- Emphasize the invitation for everyone to participate in God's story.
- The gospel is free, and freeing.
Call to Action:
- Sign up for parties and packs, and commit to discipleship.
- Receive prayer for healing, brokenness, or spiritual needs.
- Invite those who don't know Jesus to experience the gospel.
- Embrace the journey of becoming "oaks of righteousness."
- Respond to the presence of God.
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