Scripture References: Isaiah 61, 1 Peter 2, Genesis 3, Revelation 22

Intro:

• Welcome and introduction of Mike, returning from a year of church planting training in St. Louis.
• Announcement of Radiant Church's church plant in Sacramento, and Mike and Katie's involvement.
• Express gratitude for the support received from Radiant Church during their time away.
• Sharing personal connection to Isaiah 61, and its significance as Jesus' "life verse."
• Highlight the relevance of Isaiah 61 to the topic of growth, and its timeliness for the church.
• Acknowledge the church's lack of numerical growth in the past year, and address potential concerns.

Key Points:

• The Need for the Gospel (Good News):
  • Isaiah 61 highlights the need for the "gospel," or good news.
  • Humans naturally crave good news due to the prevalence of bad news.
  • The historical context of Isaiah's writing: God's people facing division, captivity, and idolatry.
  • The effects of the curse from Genesis 3, and its ongoing impact on our lives.
• The Effect of the Gospel:
  • The gospel brings healing, freedom, and restoration.
  • It's an exchange: our mess for God's perfection.
  • The gospel transforms us into "oaks of righteousness" that glorify God.
  • The significance of trees in the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.
  • The cross of Calvary, and how that tree makes us into oaks of righteousness.
• The Ongoing Fruit of the Gospel:
  • Isaiah 61:4 speaks of rebuilding and repairing what was destroyed.
  • Our destiny is to participate in God's work of redemption.
  • The gospel empowers us to plant more "oaks of righteousness."
  • Discipleship is the ongoing work of gospel flourishing.
  • The gospel grows people, and glorifies God.
• A Call to Continue in Gospel Flourishing:
  • Encouragement to persevere in discipleship, despite challenges.
  • Emphasis on the grace-filled nature of this work.
  • Addressing the potential for the church to "look smaller" as it plants new churches.
  • Gods work is not our work, it is his work.

Conclusion:

• Reiterate the importance of responding to God's presence and word.
• Highlight the dual responses: signing up for discipleship and receiving prayer.
• Emphasize the invitation for everyone to participate in God's story.
• The gospel is free, and freeing.

Call to Action:

• Sign up for parties and packs, and commit to discipleship.
• Receive prayer for healing, brokenness, or spiritual needs.
• Invite those who don't know Jesus to experience the gospel.
• Embrace the journey of becoming "oaks of righteousness."
• Respond to the presence of God.

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