Message Notes for May 16, 2021
Series: Sculpting; Title: The Sculpted Church

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

In review:
God’s plan is to grow us in the likeness of His son – Jesus. (Romans 8:29)

God’s micro plan for you and me sculpts us toward His macro plan for His Kingdom agenda.

How God has been sculpting His Church in this Covid exile:

Reminding us that He is the constant.
Psalm 136:1, Psalm 20:7-8, Jeremiah 29: 12-14, Hebrews 13:8

A church’s capacity to outreach in love is only as strong as its people’s intention to meet and encourage each other.
Hebrews 10:24-25

Our unified ability to do good and transform a community is realized.
Jeremiah 29:5-7

Stay faithful – God will establish us stronger after exile.
1 Peter 2:4-6

Family/Group Study Notes for May 16, 2021
Series: Sculpting; Title: The Sculpted Church

Discuss with each other what church has been like for you over the past year of Covid? What was good? What was not good? What did you miss the most about online church? What did you like the most with online church?
As you engaged with God over the past year, what was God’s Spirit revealing to you? How was your faith getting weaker? Why? How was your faith getting stronger? Why?
You have had many plans over your lifetime. How would you evaluate your plans in relation to what God would have for you? How did you plan with God’s will in mind? How did God shape your character through your plans? How did your plans align with God’s desire for you to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with Him? (Micah 6:8) What could you do differently going forward?
In Jeremiah 28:4-14, God requires us to pray for the welfare of the city. God expects us to multiply His influence in the land. How can you be more fully a part of God’s plan right here in the Charlotte region?
Read Psalm 136 and Psalm 20. How do these passages give you hope in times of struggling plans? What is the promise? What is the writer asking you to do?
Read Hebrews 10:24-25. How has the Covid era of not gathering as church caused you to become less passionate or less engaged in your walk with Jesus and serving Him in the community? How has gathering with other Christian friends, and regular worship and teaching, challenged you to deeper faith and following? Give examples.
What do you believe God will do next with His Church? How does God want the Church positioned in our community?
Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other. In this Asian American Heritage month, pray specifically for the Asian community – their contributions, their concerns, their acceptance.