Summary
Pastor Chris and Suzy shared the journey of planting Presence Church over the past 18 months, from their initial calling during a prayer retreat to launching with 300 people and seven salvations. They emphasized how God provided through every step, from equipment donations to community support, and celebrated reaching their $100,000 Building What Matters campaign goal. The sermon highlighted the importance of building monuments of remembrance like the Israelites did, recognizing God's faithfulness through pictures and memories of their church planting journey.
Intro Prayer
Father, we thank you for gathering us together today. As we reflect on your faithfulness and provision, we ask that you open our hearts to what you want to teach us through this time together. Help us to be receptive to your voice and to encourage one another as we discuss how you work in our lives. Draw us closer to you and to each other as we seek to understand your heart for community and your calling on our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one place or location that holds special spiritual significance for you, and why is it meaningful?
Key Verses
Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 6:10
Galatians 6:2
Questions
How do you think building 'monuments of remembrance' like the Israelites did can help strengthen our faith today?
What role did community play in the church planting journey, and how does this apply to our own spiritual growth?
Pastor Chris mentioned that 95% of the 10 million people in their area don't have an active relationship with Jesus. How does this statistic impact you personally?
The pastors emphasized the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when it seemed risky. Can you share about a time when God called you to step out in faith?
How do you think prayer walks and community engagement can impact a neighborhood or city?
What stood out to you about the way God provided for Presence Church throughout their journey?
The sermon mentioned that 'life following Jesus is even harder some days' and we need community. How has Christian community supported you during difficult times?
What do you think it means to 'bear one another's burdens' in practical, everyday terms?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific way you can 'build a monument of remembrance' to God's faithfulness in your life. This could be writing in a journal, creating a photo album, or sharing a testimony with someone. Also, consider how you can step out in obedience to something God has been calling you to do, even if it feels risky or uncertain.
Key Takeaways
God calls us to build monuments of remembrance to recall His faithfulness and provision in our lives
Obedience to God's calling often requires stepping out in faith, even when the path seems uncertain or risky
Community is essential for bearing one another's burdens and walking through life's difficulties together
God provides in unexpected ways when we trust Him and follow His leading
The mission of the church is to reach those who don't yet know Jesus, with 95% of people in their area needing to experience His love
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank you for the reminder of your incredible faithfulness through the story of Presence Church. Help us to be people who remember your goodness and build monuments of remembrance in our own lives. Give us courage to step out in obedience when you call us to take risks for your kingdom. Strengthen our commitment to community and help us bear one another's burdens with love and grace. Use us to reach those around us who need to experience your love. May we be faithful stewards of the calling you have placed on our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
