Sermon Recap
This morning’s sermon, delivered by Gospel Lee at The Woods Church, set a powerful tone by challenging us to examine our level of expectation. The message opened with the idea that God doesn’t give us what we deserve but rather what we expect, urging us to recognize and fill the gap between who we are and who we desire to become. This call to evaluate our expectations laid the groundwork for a transformative message about personal renewal.
Gospel Lee proclaimed that this is a “year to remember”—a pivotal time when we actively close the gap between our current state and the divine calling God has for us. He explained that this process begins with what we choose to remember. Remembrance, as he described it, is not a passive act but a dynamic tool for action, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Through examples like Moses at Passover, Joshua’s twelve stones, and Samuel’s Ebenezer stone, we saw how tangible reminders were used to anchor the memory of God’s faithfulness and inspire ongoing action.
The sermon then focused on three essential elements for this transformative year: identity, inheritance, and intention. Our identity is anchored in God’s declaration that we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that we are no longer ordinary but chosen and set apart (2 Peter 2:9). Our inheritance in Christ, which Jesus secured through His sacrifice, grants us authority over sin (John 8:36), empowers us in prayer (Matthew 16:19), and enables us to manifest signs and wonders (Matthew 10:12). Additionally, our purpose is defined by God’s intentional design for us, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:10, where we are described as His masterpiece.
Finally, the sermon emphasized that the key to unlocking our full potential lies in active remembrance—meditating on the Word. This process transforms our understanding from merely recalling our identity and authority to living them out every day, regardless of our circumstances. By consistently remembering what God has done for us, we align ourselves with His promises and purpose, ensuring that we do not settle for a life that falls short of His intended design. The sermon concluded with a reflective challenge: What have you forgotten that you need to remember?
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
In what ways does your level of expectation shape the gap between who you currently are and who God is calling you to be?
How do the Old Testament examples of active remembrance (such as Moses at Passover or Joshua’s twelve stones) inspire you to remember God’s faithfulness in your daily life?
Reflect on the concepts of identity, inheritance, and intention discussed in the sermon. How do these elements work together to redefine your understanding of being a “new creation” in Christ?
What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are consistently meditating on the Word, so you fully embrace your authority and purpose in every season of life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I reflect on Your promise that I am a new creation in Christ, help me to actively remember who You say I am. I confess that sometimes I let my past define me, but today I ask for Your strength to fill the gap between my current self and the person You are calling me to be. Empower me to meditate on Your Word, to embrace the authority over sin and the inheritance of prayer and miracles that You have given me, and to live out my intentional purpose in every season. In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen!
Life Application
Daily Remembrance Meditation: Dedicate a specific time each day—whether it's 15 or 30 minutes—to read, meditate, and pray over key Bible passages that affirm your identity in Christ. Use this time to actively recall God’s promises and create tangible reminders (like journaling or visual cues) that reinforce the truth of who you are and the authority you hold as a new creation.
Set and Pursue Specific Growth Goals: Identify one area in your life where you feel the gap between who you are and who God is calling you to be is most evident. Write down clear, measurable steps to bridge this gap, and commit to taking practical actions—be it through prayer, accountability with others, or intentional changes—to actively align your daily life with God's intended purpose for you.
Don’t Forget
Register for our marriage event taking place April 4th-5th
Additional Resources
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