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A NEW WAVE OF OWNERSHIPGod uses us to carry out his purpose—for us to be in relationship with him and with each other.
PRAYER God, guide our conversations today. Keep us open to the work that you want to do in us and through us. Amen. Discuss: Think back to one of the first major purchases you made in your life with your own money. What was the purchase? How did it make you feel to truly “own” something for the first time? How did you treat or view that possession differently from your other possessions? SCRIPTURE Read 1 Chronicles 22:7-19; 28:9-10, 20; 29:1-9, and Ephesians 3:20 What really stands out to you from these passages? How might the story of David, Solomon and the Temple relate to what God is calling those of us at Mariners to do? Why is it important to remember that “the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 29:9) as we seek to follow God’s vision for our church? JOURNEY God has blessed Mariners Church with a 30-year history of lives being changed. We have experienced nearly two decades of continuous growth in weekend attendance. There is a history of determined, focused leadership and a relevant ministry that reaches real people. In the past year, over 100 people have said Yes! to Christ. Dedicated people who wanted to see God’s work done founded this church. They realized that God had a great plan for them, but that it was up to all of them to carry out that plan. They had to become active participants in what God called them to do. Ephesians 3:20 talks about how God can accomplish amazing things through us. And while nothing can be accomplished apart from the work of God’s Spirit in us, we have responsibility as well—we need to claim ownership of the mission God has called us to. Ownership in this sense can be defined as surrendering to God’s will by engaging with all God has given us and then personally investing our lives towards accomplishing God’s mission. Think of a song that you love. The first step in the birth of that song was for the songwriter to write the song and get the notes and lyrics on paper. But the song isn’t truly a song if it’s just on paper. The next step is to put the song in front of the band, musicians and vocalists to perform. The work isn’t done with the writing of the song—the song itself must be performed to have life and meaning. Similarly, David was asked to work towards the building of a temple in Jerusalem to honor God and provide a place for worship. But David would not accomplish the actual building of the Temple - that task was given to his son Solomon to complete. What a huge task! But even Solomon, in all his wisdom, couldn’t do it alone. He needed the help of others to get the task done. God had also promised that he would be with them—as long as they together kept God first in all that they did, they would succeed. As a church, we are committed to seeking God's direction and wisdom. As we sense God’s Spirit directing us, it is vital that we walk in obedience. As a church, every individual must be committed to seeking God's direction and then to acting in obedience in a manner that brings glory to God. Personal commitment is needed for this vision – everyone is asked to take ownership. The success of this vision will be measured by whether or not we have done as God has asked us to do. REFLECTION AND APPLICATION What part have you played in the life of this church in the past? How have you invested yourself? How might God be calling you in a new way—as an owner—to invest yourself in the future of the church? Take a look at your notes from this weekend’s message (Not Without Ownership), as well as your notes in the Prayer Journal to help you as you answer the following questions: How am I challenged by what I heard? How will I apply what I have learned? PRAYER God, we know that the vision you are calling us to requires not only great faith but also ownership. Help us to invest ourselves in the mission of the church, knowing that greater joy and purpose are the result of ownership of a God-sized vision. Amen. MEMORY VERSE |
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Ephesians 4:2-3
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
