Our church is finishing up the 6-week series on the book of Nehemiah “Rebuild”. Tonight Pastor Jon will preach on the last part of the book
Pastor Jon has three application points…
Please share one of your applications with the group
1: When was the last time that you were moved to tears by the Word of God and why?
2: What is the ongoing work for the Kingdom in which you are presently engaged and why?
3: How will you respond to God’s Word today?
I usually do not cry. I only cry when I am sad and If I cry it would be in the shower where no one would see me. Sometimes I cry when I listen to worship songs where I feel overwhelmed of Gods love for me. The ongoing work I am presently involved is at RP, Cru, and Vietnam where I want to invest in the next generation and the unfortunate.
The last time I was moved to tears by God’s word was when I was fasting for two weeks to making a decision. During those two weeks, God was continually speaking to me through the counsel of others and his word and it culminated to a point when I was doing my devotionals one morning and i read exactly what I needed to hear and I was just overwhelmed with the fact that the God of the universe would hear me and listen to my prayers and care enough to show me grace and guidance.
The last time the word moved me to tears was last Saturday. I was listening to a sermon from The Meeting Place driving up to Arcadia and I was moved by how much God loves me despite how sinful I am. It was a very eye opening sermon.
1.The last time I was moved was when I read job. It was in a phase of my life where I was uncertain and riddled with anxiety. But when I read chapters 38-41, I felt like my fears where so minuscule in the grand scheme of things. I was in awe by God’s glory and creativity. I remember being blown away learning about how he crafted the world we’re in.
2. I think my industry would be the place where I’m called to do work (for his kingdom). I’m learning to lead by example (be a good worker and respectful) and that often can lead to deeper conversations. From there sometimes I get the opportunity to share my faith.
3. I think responding is continuing in the faith. Its a long journey ahead, so I hope I can continue to learn. And not giving on my faith is important too.
From brother Don:
The application question I’ve decided to share on from tonight’s sermon would be: “What is the ongoing work for the Kingdom in which you are presently engaged and why?” To begin with, I just want to touch on PJ’s use of the story of the leaf to demonstrate this point. Often times, it can seem as though the work we are doing is futile, and is without any real, tangible results. However, as PJ pointed out, and as we have discussed before, when we do all that we do for God’s glory and keep in might that as such everything we do has eternal implications, we will not lose hope. That being said, I would have to say that for me, a big part of what God has called me to do would be working alongside other alcoholics and addicts that are struggling to achieve sobriety. The very nature of addiction itself is a force that works against the possibility of success in achieving permanent sobriety, and this work is filled with moments of frustration and disappointment. However, it is my belief that with every seeming “failure,” there is a seed planted in eternity that will likely one day take root and grow into fruitfulness. I suppose the reason that I feel called to this is due to my own experience with addiction, and my ability to relate to the feeling of utter hopelessness and complete desperation that an addict feels at their lowest point. Often times people at this point are most receptive to the gospel. I know I was! And furthermore, working with another alcoholic or addict in this way helps me to maintain my own sobriety. In God’s immense goodness, He has saw fit to throw blessings in to go with the work he has called me to do for Him!
Lord, thank You for Your incredible goodness and amazing grace! Thank You for giving us an eternal hope! Open our hearts to be used by You to share that hope where hopelessness resides. Continue to guide and direct our steps, and lead us in the way everlasting!