The Kingdom of God grows through witness and repentance, not by childbirth. The direction of people’s journeys through life hinges on whether or not someone is willing to tell them about what God has done. Are you telling others what God has done in your life?
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Twisted Scripture: Psalm 78:1-7
• Seth McCoy
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As the Old Testament records, the Israelites had lots of stories that were passed down from generation to generation – but they weren’t just stories about Israel, they were stories about God. The New Testament has shown that the same is true even today – Jesus invited a few people to follow Him as He told them about God, and they in turn shared their stories with others, and the process has never skipped even a single generation. Sharing our stories about what God has done in our lives is a crucial part of Kingdom living.
The book “The Martyr’s Mirror” tells powerful stories that, from a human standpoint, don’t always seem to end well. For example, it tells of a Mennonite man who was being chased in an attempt to capture and kill him, but as they ran across a frozen lake, his pursuer fell through the ice. Many Christians today would probably say “Thank you God!” and run to safety, but this Mennonite man turned around and saved the life of his pursuer. The tough part of the story is that it didn’t have a fairy-tale ending – the Mennonite man wasn’t thanked for saving his pursuers life and lived happily ever after, but instead was captured and killed. It can be tempting to not share stories like this, but Psalm 78 reminds us that our stories need to be shared. Remember, this is a story about a martyr, which means the story doesn’t end there…
One of the challenges of the Church has always been, “Who’s going to sit in this chair next?” Pastor Seth’s life changed after he ran away from home in high school because a youth pastor named Joel reached out and witnessed God’s love to him. Joel decided to care about others, even a young runaway, and not just himself. What do you think about the next generation? Are you sharing your stories of faith with them like Joel did with Seth?
The Church grows through witness and repentance – that’s how new Christians are born. But who is being a witness to people today? God has always cared deeply not only for what’s here, but also for what’s next. And God has given you a testimony, which is simply your story to share about how He has changed (and is changing) your life. Part of your role – your responsibility – is to share your story with others so they, too, can know what God has done.
Hide Extended SummaryTopics: Community, Evangelism, Faith
Sermon Series: Twisted Scripture: Season 2
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Focus Scripture:
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Psalm 78:1-7
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.5 He established a decree in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children;
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
2 thoughts on “Twisted Scripture: Psalm 78:1-7”
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"I've been a WH podrishioner for several years now and I can't tell you how much it has changed my life. I came across these podcasts at a time when I was in an extremely unhealthy/abusive situation, and these teachings were immensely influential to me maintaining my faith and sanity. THANK YOU for showing me what a Jesus-looking God is like and what it means to follow Him. Many, many blessings to all of you!"
– Christina, from Oregon
Great sermon Seth. Thank You for making me aware of the miracles that God has done for us that I have just been taking for granted. We are so glad that you are on the staff, we love your sermons.
Seth, I wanted to comment on your sermon series. I sit her typing a response from Taiwan after God bringing me to China 3 years ago. Before He led me overseas to international missions he first led me from a small town in North Carolina to the big twin cities to a house two blocks from Woodland Hills Church. Leading me further to this church and to an empty seat where 4 women from the area saw a southern girl wandering around alone, looking for closeness to our Father. Without question, they welcome me, and it is there that I began connecting with the children’s ministries, youth group, international missions teams, and young adult groups. In the sanctuary, in the room, in that chair God brought for me a strengthening and renewed purpose and began preparing my heart, my family, and my life for a greater calling into the world. Out of my small town to a city where I know no one, and into nations and sharing His love. By having loved shared to me. In that seat.