Forward

Sermon Notes

FORWARD: TAKING YOUR NEXT STEP

Forward progress happens one step at a time. Whether it’s taking a literal walk around the block or developing a course of action to achieve a goal, steps are an essential part of the process. When it comes to your goals, plans, and dreams, are you achieving them? Is your relationship with God getting stronger? Are you making progress or are you unsure of what to do next? Growth moves us from where we are to where we want to be. Movement requires steps, and those steps require obedience. There is always another step to take in maturity and growth. Join us for Forward as we take the next step in stewardship, relationship, discipleship, and community.

Message 01

January 07, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)

Forward: Forward in Stewardship of Time

Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a; Ephesians 5:15-16

Series Truth:

God’s __ are God’s __ plan.

We grow in maturity as we take our next step.

For the person who wants to grow in the stewardship of time, they will need to be concerned with the __ of time and the __ of time.

  • Am I __ time wisely?
  • Am I __ time well?

There is always an __ that accompanies the commands of God.

The __ of one generation becomes the godly __ of the next generation.

For those who want to grow in the stewardship of time, each day there is…

  • A __ to act

“See, I have set before you today…” (v. 15a)

  • A command to __

“I command you today to love the Lord your God…” (v. 16a)

  • A __ to make

“So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants…” (v. 19b)

  • A path to __

“by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him…” (v. 20a)

  • A __ to enjoy

“for this is your life and the length of your days…” (v. 20b)

Message 02

January 14, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)

Forward: Forward in Stewardship of Treasure

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Three statements on understanding finances from a biblical perspective:

1) God owns everything.

2) God blesses us with work, resources, and the ability to make money.

3) We are stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

Big Truth: Generosity is a voluntary expression of __ that transcends wealth and circumstances. You don’t have to be __ to be generous. You have to be __ to be generous.

Biblical generosity is…

  • __
    “according to their ability…they gave” (v. 3)
  • __
    “and beyond their ability, they gave” (v. 3)
  • __
    “they gave of their own accord” (v. 3)
  • __
    “begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints” (v. 4)

Message 03

January 21, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)

Forward: Forward in Stewardship of Talent

Romans 12:1-8

What is a spiritual gift?

A spiritual gift is a special __, given by the Holy Spirit to every believer, that is to be used to __ others and build up the Body of Christ.

Based on information from the four primary texts, here are some foundational truths concerning spiritual gifts.

  • Every believer has been __ for ministry.
    (1 Peter 4:10)
  • The Holy Spirit __ the gift you receive.
    (1 Corinthians 12:11)
  • Every believer is not gifted in the same __.
    (1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-9)
  • No believer receives __ gift.
    (1 Corinthians 12:29)
  • Spiritual gifts are for the benefit of __.
    (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:12)
  • Spiritual gifts are different than personal talent.

How do spiritual gifts fit into the flow of Romans 12?

  • Verse 1 is about __.
  • Verse 2 is about __.
  • Verse 3 is about sound __.
  • Verse 4 is about __ in diversity.

Big Idea

Use the gifts God gave you, in the __ God called you, for the __ of those around you.

Motivational gifts are defined as gifts that motivate your thought __, actions, and reactions.

Finding your place of service is connected to how God MADE you.

  • M stands for __ gifts.
  • A stands for __.
  • D stands for __.
  • E stands for __.

Reflection/Response

How can you discover your gifting?

Take a free spiritual gifts inventory test:

gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/