Pastor Cory Demmel
Celebration Weekend
INTRODUCTION
1987. Three Men and A Baby. Fatal Attraction. President Ronald Reagan at the Berlin Wall. George Michael giving us the great lyrical reminder that, “You’ve gotta have faith.” 35 years ago 35 people took some crazy, Spirit-led steps to establish a church in a school. It took faith and it was a lot of work which has translated to a tremendous harvest. We are all part of that harvest! There are two primary things we need to do in response. First, we need to thank God and those faithful ones who established this great church. Secondly, we need to learn from them and be inspired to do likewise. This church has an undeniable great history, but our future is dependent upon us building upon this foundation to keep loving God and loving people.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
As you look back on your life you will see the faithfulness of God and also the faithfulness of some people in your life. Please share some examples of His faithfulness and how you saw it through people in ways that blessed your life.
When we are tuned in to what matters to God we will notice things along our path and also be compelled to do something to help. Peter and John were minding their own business and going to a prayer meeting when they encountered need. Many others passed by the lame man, but Peter and John engaged him. Please give an example of times you have engaged opportunities and then also examples where you allowed yourself to use reasons/excuses to keep walking past opportunities.
When we engage need our default setting is often to focus on “silver and gold I do not have,” but Peter and John did not stop there. They said, “But what I have I give to you.” This is not a trick question. What do you have to give others?
As if stopping to engage the lame man was not a big enough risk, reaching down to help him to his feet was an even bigger risk. Can you think of a time that you took an uncomfortable step of faith only to have God lead you to more steps of faith?
What did you learn about yourself in those scenarios?
What did you learn about God?
When the formerly lame man walked (WALKED!!) into the temple there was an immediate reaction and change in atmosphere. The Bible says the people were filled with “wonder and amazement.” Most churches can use more “wonder and amazement.” ALL churches can use more “wonder and amazement!” Nothing is more inspiring than a life changed by God’s power. What is an instance where you were inspired by what you saw God do in someone else?
Are you willing to be the spark that leads to that for others along your path?
MOVING FORWARD
God has blessed this church with an amazing foundation and history. Our purpose is clear to keep loving God and loving people. Our future is in our hands. We have opportunities daily to notice what God wants us to notice and to value what God values. He wants to use us in ways beyond our understanding and also beyond our comfort. He wants “wonder and amazement” to be normative because that is the kind of God He is. May we always seek to grow in our alignment with what matters to Him. There is only one way to do this… “You’ve gotta have faith.” Let’s love God and love people!