- The Year of Our Limitless Faith
As we step into the year 2024, our church community embraces the inspiring theme of “Serving a Limitless God.”
This theme is a powerful reminder that we worship a deity without bounds—One who defies limitations and invites us to partake in His infinite grace and power.
Key Aspects of the Theme
- Understanding God’s Limitlessness: We will explore the nature of God’s infinite attributes, including His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.
- Faith Beyond Limits: Encouraging the congregation to expand their faith, trusting that God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
- Empowerment Through Service: Highlighting how serving God and others can lead to experiencing God’s limitless power in our own lives.
- Breaking Personal Boundaries: A call to self-reflection and overcoming personal barriers that hinder spiritual growth and service.
Goals for the Year
- Deepen Spiritual Lives: To deepen our relationship with God by recognizing His boundless nature and how that reflects in our daily lives.
- Expand Outreach Programs: To use the concept of limitlessness to expand our outreach programs, reaching more people in need both locally and globally.
- Inclusive Community Building: To build a more inclusive church community that welcomes and integrates diverse backgrounds, reflecting the boundless love of God.
- Innovative Worship and Ministry: To introduce innovative ways of worship and ministry that resonate with the theme of serving a limitless God.
God's OmniPotence
God’s omnipotence refers to the belief that God possesses unlimited power and authority. It is the idea that God is all-powerful, capable of doing anything and everything that is logically possible. This divine attribute is often associated with the ability to create and control the universe, perform miracles, and influence the course of events. God’s omnipotence is a central concept in many religious traditions, highlighting the belief in a supreme being who is infinitely powerful and can accomplish any task according to His will
– The Bible offers numerous examples of God’s limitless power, demonstrating his ability to shape the universe, intervene in human history, and offer hope and transformation. Here are a few key highlights:
1. Creation:
Genesis 1:1-2: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
This passage describes God’s creation of the entire universe ex nihilo (out of nothing), showcasing his immense power and creative force.
2. Miracles:
Parting of the Red Sea: Exodus 14:15-22: God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Egyptian oppression. This event displayed his control over nature and his ability to protect his people.
Raising Lazarus from the dead: John 11:38-44: Jesus demonstrated his power over death by raising Lazarus from the tomb. This miracle signifies God’s ultimate victory over mortality and offers hope for eternal life.
3. Sustaining the World:
Colossians 1:16-17: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
This verse emphasizes God’s ongoing role in sustaining the universe and maintaining order within creation. His power isn’t a one-time event but a constant force upholding existence.
4. Transformation:
Acts 9:1-20: The conversion of Saul to Paul on the road to Damascus exemplifies God’s power to transform hearts and lives. From persecutor to preacher, Paul’s journey demonstrates how God’s grace can radically change individuals.
Romans 8:28-29: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
This passage speaks to God’s ability to bring good out of even challenging circumstances, shaping individuals and circumstances to align with his ultimate purpose.
God's Omniscience
God’s omniscience refers to the belief that God possesses complete and infinite knowledge. It means that God knows everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen in the past, present, and future. This divine attribute implies that God has perfect understanding and awareness of all things, including every thought, action, and intention of every individual. God’s omniscience is often seen as a fundamental aspect of His nature, demonstrating His limitless wisdom and authority over all creation. It is a concept that is central to many religious traditions and philosophical discussions about the nature of God.
1. Omniscience of the Past and Present:
Psalm 139:1-4: “You, Lord, have searched me and you know all about me. You know every move I make before I make it, you see me clearly in the light of your day, there is nothing about me that you don’t know.” This verse directly asserts God’s all-encompassing knowledge of every individual and their actions.
Hebrews 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” This passage emphasizes God’s complete awareness of everything that happens in the universe.
2. Foreknowledge of the Future:
Isaiah 46:9-10: “Remember the things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all my pleasure.'” This verse highlights God’s ability to foresee and predict future events.
Matthew 24:35-36: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This passage confirms God’s exclusive knowledge of the exact timing of future events, even his Son Jesus being unaware.
3. Understanding of Human Hearts and Thoughts:
1 Chronicles 28:9: “The Lord searches every heart and examines every intent of the thoughts.” This verse demonstrates God’s deep understanding of human inner thoughts and motivations.
Jeremiah 17:10: “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to the deeds they have done.” This passage reiterates God’s ability to discern individual character and intentions, ultimately determining outcomes based on their actions.
God's Omnipresence
God’s omnipresence refers to the belief that God is present everywhere at all times. It is a concept that is often associated with the divine nature of God and is found in various religious traditions. Omnipresence suggests that God is not limited by space or time and is able to be present in every corner of the universe simultaneously. This belief highlights the idea that God’s presence is not bound by physical limitations and that He is always accessible to His creation. It is a fundamental aspect of many religious doctrines and serves as a source of comfort and reassurance for believers.
The Bible is filled with beautiful examples of God’s limitless presence, offering glimpses into the incredible ways he connects with his creation. Here are a few powerful examples:
1. Omnipresence:
Psalm 139:7-8: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” This verse beautifully portrays God’s presence as inescapable, permeating every corner of existence.
Jeremiah 23:23-24: “Am I only a God near at hand,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far off? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.” This passage emphasizes that God’s presence transcends physical limitations, filling both the vastness of space and the intimacy of individual lives.
2. In Creation:
Genesis 1:2: “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” This verse describes God’s presence actively participating in the creation of the universe, showcasing his intimate involvement with his creation.
Image of God’s spirit hovering over the waters Opens in a new window
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God’s spirit hovering over the waters
Psalm 104:29-30: “When you hide your face, they are disturbed; when you take away their breath, they return to dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created; you renew the face of the ground.” This passage highlights the continuous presence of God’s spirit, sustaining life and bringing about constant renewal in the natural world.
3. Through His Word:
John 1:1-2: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” This verse establishes Jesus Christ as the living embodiment of God’s Word, his presence made tangible and accessible through Scripture.
Jesus Christ as the Word
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This passage highlights the transformative power of God’s Word, demonstrating his active presence in shaping our lives through scripture.
4. In Community and Fellowship:
Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This verse emphasizes the special presence of God experienced within the community of believers, fostering unity and fellowship.
Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This passage underscores God’s presence in a diverse community, transcending social and cultural boundaries to unite believers in love and unity.
