In today's gathering, we celebrated Dream Team Sunday, a day dedicated to honoring the spirit of volunteerism within our church community. Volunteers are the backbone of Life Church, and their dedication is what makes our church a vibrant and welcoming place. Today, we not only express our gratitude to these volunteers but also explore the opportunities available for others to join in serving. We encourage everyone to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit about how they can contribute, whether through time, talent, or treasure.

In today's gathering, we explored the concept of "the roundabout way" as a metaphor for the unexpected paths God often leads us on. Drawing from Exodus 13, we reflected on how God led the Israelites out of Egypt not by the shortest route but through a roundabout way in the wilderness. This detour was not a punishment but a preparation, a necessary journey to build their faith and trust in God. Just as roundabouts in traffic force us to slow down and can prevent accidents, the roundabouts in our spiritual lives are designed to develop our character and prepare us for what lies ahead.

We often desire the quickest and most convenient paths in life, whether in our careers, relationships, or personal growth. However, God's ways are not always the most direct. He sees the bigger picture and knows what we need to face and overcome before reaching our promised land. The Israelites were not ready to face the Philistines, and God knew that a direct route would lead them back to Egypt in fear. Similarly, God sometimes leads us through detours to protect us from battles we are not yet prepared to fight.

In our pursuit of convenience, we may miss the deeper work God is doing in us. The delays and detours are opportunities for growth, teaching us patience, trust, and reliance on God. We are reminded that God is with us in these roundabouts, guiding us with His presence, just as He guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Our challenge is to trust His timing and His path, knowing that He is preparing us for what He has prepared for us.

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives, especially when we don't feel like being thankful. Thanksgiving is a time to pause and recognize the blessings God has bestowed upon us, but what happens when gratitude doesn't come naturally? It's important to acknowledge that not everyone feels thankful, and that's okay. Life's challenges, losses, and hardships can make it difficult to maintain a grateful heart. However, the key to gratitude lies in our perspective. By shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have, we can cultivate a spirit of thankfulness even in difficult times.

In today's message, we explored the profound story of the prodigal son, a narrative that resonates deeply with many of us. This story is not just about a wayward son but is a powerful depiction of the father's love and grace. It illustrates how God, our Heavenly Father, is always ready to welcome us back, no matter how far we have strayed. The prodigal son, in his youthful arrogance, demanded his inheritance and squandered it in reckless living. Yet, when he found himself destitute and broken, he decided to return home, expecting to be treated as a servant. However, his father, filled with compassion, ran to him, embraced him, and restored him as a son. This act of grace is a reminder that Gods love for us is unconditional and transformative.

In our journey through the book of Acts, particularly chapter 5, we have been exploring the unorthodox nature of the early church. The New Testament church was marked by a powerful anointing and a demonstration of God's power that was contrary to the norms of their time. This series has been a call to embrace that same unorthodox spirit today. We have choices, like Ananias and Sapphira who disobeyed, or Peter and the apostles who chose to obey God over human authority. When Peter and the apostles were arrested for preaching in Jesus' name, they boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."The story of Gamaliel, a Pharisee who advised the high council to leave the apostles alone, is pivotal. He recognized that if their work was of human origin, it would fail, but if it was from God, it could not be stopped. This truth remains today: God's church cannot be stopped. The early church experienced miraculous signs, healings, and deliverance, and despite opposition, they thrived. The same power and presence of God are available to us now. We are reminded that the church is not a political organization or a business; it is the body of Christ, His hands, feet, and voice in this generation.Opposition will come, but it is merely thatopposition. We must not mistake it for anything more. The church is a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a special people. Our purpose is to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are empowered to overcome bondage, addiction, temptation, and trials. The church is unstoppable because it is an extension of God Himself, who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. His word stands forever, and His promises are unshakeable.As we face challenges, we must focus on God's promises and the mission of the church. We are called to live out our faith boldly, trusting in God's plan for our lives. The church, both universal and personal, is a testament to God's enduring power and presence. We are the church, and we cannot be stopped.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace 'unorthodox' obedience to God. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of dishonesty and partial commitment to God. Their tale isn't just about giving; it's about the integrity of our hearts and the genuineness of our obedience. We're called to reflect on areas where we might be holding back from God, whether in our finances, service, or personal consecration. The message emphasizes that true obedience stems from settling the issue of lordship in our lives. When we fully submit to God's authority, making right choices becomes easier, even in the face of cultural pressures. This teaching invites us to examine our lives and ask: Are we advancing our walk with God or pulling away from His requirements? It's a call to choose obedience, not out of obligation, but out of love and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives.

In today's message, we explored the concept of being an "unorthodox church," drawing inspiration from Acts chapter 5. The early church was characterized by its powerful, spontaneous, and miraculous nature, which was contrary to the traditional and expected norms of their time. This unorthodox approach led to explosive growth and a vibrant community of believers who lived with an eternal perspective, expecting the miraculous as a regular part of their gatherings. We examined why the modern church often looks different from the New Testament church. While cultural, technological, and political differences play a role, the core issue lies in the church's tendency to conform to societal norms rather than embracing the unorthodox nature of the early church. The early believers defied conventional religious practices, lived with unorthodox faith, and expected God to move powerfully among them.

The message challenges us to return to this unorthodox approach, focusing on the mission to reach lost people and not being afraid to expect the miraculous. We must not compromise on preaching the truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely. The church's primary mission is evangelism, and we are called to be bold witnesses of Jesus, sharing the new life that He offers.

We also heard a powerful testimony of God's healing power, reminding us that miracles still happen today. The story of Kevin Delony, who experienced a heart attack during church and was miraculously healed, serves as a testament to God's continued work among us. This reinforces the call to be an unorthodox church that expects and embraces the miraculous.

In conclusion, we are encouraged to break free from the constraints of traditionalism and embrace the unorthodox nature of the early church. By doing so, we can experience the power of the Holy Spirit and see lives transformed. Let us be bold in our faith, unafraid to step out and share the gospel with those around us.

Today, we explored the profound theme of trust, emphasizing its critical role in our relationship with God and others. Trust is a foundational element in our lives, whether in personal relationships or our spiritual journey. We began by acknowledging the challenges of broken trust and the difficulty of rebuilding it, whether between spouses, friends, or even between a parent and child. Trust, once violated, can lead to turmoil and requires significant effort to restore. However, we are reminded that God is a steadfast refuge, an unfailing source, and a sovereign king who is always present and trustworthy.

Psalm 46 served as our anchor, illustrating God's unwavering presence and strength. We delved into the historical context of Hezekiah's victory over the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, highlighting how God intervened miraculously. This psalm is divided into three stanzas, each revealing a different aspect of God's greatness. First, God is our unshakable refuge, a place of safety and strength in times of trouble. Second, God is our unfailing source, providing for our needs even when the world around us is unstable. Lastly, God is our sovereign king, ruling with authority and ensuring that His promises are fulfilled.

We also discussed the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. This act of surrender allows us to experience His peace and perspective, trusting that He will work all things for our good. God's presence is our assurance, reminding us that we are loved, called, chosen, and equipped for His purposes. As we lean on Him, we find strength and courage to face life's challenges, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Psalm 1 serves as a profound guide for living a blessed life, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. In today's world, where moral compasses are often skewed by unreliable sources, it's crucial to anchor ourselves in the Word of God. The psalm begins by highlighting what the blessed person does not do: they do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. This implies a conscious choice to avoid influences that lead away from God's truth. Instead, the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. This delight is not just a passive enjoyment but an active engagement with God's Word, allowing it to shape thoughts, actions, and decisions.

In Lamentations 3, we find a profound reminder of God's unwavering love and mercy, which are renewed every morning. This passage, set against the backdrop of Jerusalem's destruction, serves as a beacon of hope amidst despair. The prophet Jeremiah, traditionally believed to be the author of Lamentations, uses these verses to remind us that even in the darkest times, God's faithfulness and compassion remain constant. The steadfast love of the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that His mercy is not just a fleeting sentiment but a perpetual promise. This love is not contingent on our actions or worthiness but is a gift from God, renewed with each dawn. The concept of God's mercies being new every morning is a powerful metaphor for the fresh start that each day brings. It is a reminder that no matter the challenges or failures of yesterday, today is an opportunity to experience God's grace anew. This is not just a passive experience but an active one, where we are called to engage with God's mercy through faith, prayer, and a conscious decision to wait on Him. Faith is our response to God's revelation, and it is through faith that we receive His mercy. Prayer is another avenue through which we draw near to God, boldly entering His presence because of the sacrifice of Jesus. Moreover, we are encouraged to declare God's goodness, speaking life into our circumstances and those around us. This declaration is not just for our benefit but also serves as a testimony to others, including our children and even our adversaries. It is a proclamation of where we stand and whom we serve. Lastly, we are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This focus helps us to see beyond our current trials to the hope and joy that lie ahead.