Overview

In Week 2 of the "Purpose" series, we dive into the challenge of self-forgiveness and the transformative power of embracing your story. Every individual is uniquely crafted by God, and your experiences—no matter how difficult—can reveal His glory. This episode invites listeners to do the deep work of connecting with their personal journey, understanding their God-given purpose, and extending forgiveness, starting with themselves.

Key Scripture References

• Psalm 139:13-14 – "You are fearfully and wonderfully made."
• Exodus 4:10-12 – God equips us despite our perceived weaknesses.
• Proverbs 20:5 – Insight draws out the deep purposes of the heart.
• Romans 12:3-8 – Embrace and steward your unique gifts for the body of Christ.
• Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving as God forgave you.

Major Points

Embrace Your Uniqueness

• God has made you uniquely with a purpose. Even identical twins are radically different.
• Your story is unlike anyone else’s and has the potential to glorify God when embraced fully.

The Power of Self-Acceptance

• Self-forgiveness is often the hardest step, but it’s essential for showing compassion to others.
• Reflecting on our past helps us better understand God and His purpose for us.

Don’t Disqualify Yourself

• Like Moses, we often feel unqualified, but God uses our weaknesses for His strength.
• God calls us to embrace, not hide, our story to bring life to others.

Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom

• True forgiveness begins with releasing the burdens we carry about ourselves.
• Extending grace to others flows from experiencing God’s grace for us.

Application

• This week, take time to reflect on your personal story. Identify areas where self-forgiveness is needed and bring them to God in prayer.
• Practice showing kindness and compassion to others, remembering that forgiveness is rooted in the forgiveness Christ offers us.

Closing Thought

Don’t let self-doubt or past mistakes rob you of your God-given purpose. As John 3:30 reminds us, “He must increase; I must decrease.” Let God’s glory shine through your unique story.

This week, we kick off our series, PURPOSE, by diving into one of life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? In this sermon, we explore how we were created to connect with a very real and personal God, and how that connection begins by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Acts 17, we examine the spiritual hunger of humanity and the incomparable fulfillment found in Jesus.

• Acts 17:22-23 – Paul addresses the Athenians' religious practices and introduces the "Unknown God."
• Acts 17:24-28 – God is revealed as Creator and sustainer, inviting us into relationship with Him.
• Acts 17:29-30 – A call to repentance and turning away from idols.
• Acts 17:11-12 – The Bereans' noble character in studying God’s Word leads to belief.

Humanity’s Search for Meaning

• Across philosophical, scientific, and spiritual realms, people seek purpose.
• We all tether ourselves to something, whether tangible (careers, relationships) or intangible (belief systems, idols).

The Unknown God

• Paul observed the Athenians’ worship and challenged them to know the true God.
• Modern parallels: idols of materialism, technology, and personal gratification.

The God Who Made Us

• God, the Creator of all, desires relationship with us.
• "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Repentance and Faith

• True purpose begins with repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.
• Jesus embodies unconditional love and fulfills our deepest desires for connection.

The Berean Example

• Our greatest connection to God is through His Word.
• A life built on Scripture leads to purpose and fulfillment.

• What "unknown gods" have you allowed to take priority in your life?
• How does knowing you were created for connection with God change your perspective on purpose?
• What steps can you take to build a foundation on God’s Word this week?

• Spend time daily in Scripture, asking God to reveal Himself to you.
• Identify one area of your life where you need to repent and invite Jesus in.
• Reflect on Acts 17:27—how can you "reach out for Him and find Him" this week?

• Action Step: Embrace your purpose by connecting with Jesus personally.
• Call to Action: Join us next week as we continue the PURPOSE series, exploring how to connect with your story.