One-Offs: A Planting of the Lord

Scripture References: Isaiah 61, 1 Peter 2, Genesis 3, Revelation 22Intro:Welcome and introduction of Mike, returning from a year of church planting training in St. Louis.Announcement of Radiant Church's church plant in Sacramento, and Mike and Katie's involvement.Express gratitude for the support received from Radiant Church during their time away.Sharing personal connection to Isaiah 61, and its significance as Jesus' "life verse."Highlight the relevance of Isaiah 61 to the topic of growth, and its timeliness for the church.Acknowledge the church's lack of numerical growth in the past year, and address potential concerns.Key Points:The Need for the Gospel (Good News):Isaiah 61 highlights the need for the "gospel," or good news.Humans naturally crave good news due to the prevalence of bad news.The historical context of Isaiah's writing: God's people facing division, captivity, and idolatry.The effects of the curse from Genesis 3, and its ongoing impact on our lives.The Effect of the Gospel:The gospel brings healing, freedom, and restoration.It's an exchange: our mess for God's perfection.The gospel transforms us into "oaks of righteousness" that glorify God.The significance of trees in the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.The cross of Calvary, and how that tree makes us into oaks of righteousness.The Ongoing Fruit of the Gospel:Isaiah 61:4 speaks of rebuilding and repairing what was destroyed.Our destiny is to participate in God's work of redemption.The gospel empowers us to plant more "oaks of righteousness."Discipleship is the ongoing work of gospel flourishing.The gospel grows people, and glorifies God.A Call to Continue in Gospel Flourishing:Encouragement to persevere in discipleship, despite challenges.Emphasis on the grace-filled nature of this work.Addressing the potential for the church to "look smaller" as it plants new churches.Gods work is not our work, it is his work.Conclusion:Reiterate the importance of responding to God's presence and word.Highlight the dual responses: signing up for discipleship and receiving prayer.Emphasize the invitation for everyone to participate in God's story.The gospel is free, and freeing.Call to Action:Sign up for parties and packs, and commit to discipleship.Receive prayer for healing, brokenness, or spiritual needs.Invite those who don't know Jesus to experience the gospel.Embrace the journey of becoming "oaks of righteousness."Respond to the presence of God. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.