"The Unfinished Story: God’s Next Move for Us"
Building on the Foundation, Reaching for the Future
Scripture References: Matthew 7:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14; Isaiah 43:18-19
Introduction: Looking Back on 2024…
I am reminded of the builder laying a foundation for a house. Every detail is measured and secured, but no one moves in until the walls rise and the roof is placed. 2024 has been our year of startup and foundation—it has been a time to dig deep, a time to clarify vision, and a time to align with God’s plan for Lifeway Church. Now, as the year ends, we prepare to move forward and build on what God has started.
- Matthew 7:24-25 reminds us that the wise builder lays a strong foundation on the rock.
- “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and [t]acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the [u]floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
- In 2024, we’ve committed ourselves to God’s Word and prayer, rooting ourselves in Christ.
- Reflecting on Key Moments from 2024
- As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's important to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve walked together in 2024. This year can be characterized as one of breakthroughs, resilience, and spiritual growth, both individually and as a church family.
- Personal Breakthroughs
Many of us have experienced personal victories—moments where God’s hand was unmistakably present or intervened. Maybe you found the strength to overcome a challenge you thought was insurmountable. Perhaps it was a deepened relationship with Christ, a restored connection with a loved one, or clarity in your purpose.
Some of you have even voiced that you have found a deep desire to "know" the Truth of God's Word, digging deeper into Scripture and seeking a closer relationship with Him. This hunger for Truth is a powerful breakthrough, as it sets the stage for spiritual growth that transforms not only your own life but also those around you. This was started on the very first series ever taught at Lifeway – “The Seed Principle” and has continued all the way through the telling of the beautiful Christmas story.
These moments remind us that God is faithful in meeting us where we are and leading us into new places of hope, understanding, and joy. Take a moment to consider your own breakthroughs this year. What prayers were answered? What victories did God bring into your life?
- Church-Wide Breakthroughs
As a church, we’ve seen God move powerfully. New ministries have started, our congregation has grown closer, and lives have been transformed through our discipleship efforts. Ministries like our Sunday Worship Gathering, Cultivators Men’s Group, Rooted and Real, and Harmony of Faith have been central to this growth. Each of these ministries has not only strengthened our internal community but also provided a platform for individuals to encounter Christ in deeper, more meaningful ways.
- These aren’t just numbers or programs—they’re stories of lives impacted for Christ. Testimonies of healing, testimonies of restored relationships, and testimonies of spiritual breakthroughs have flowed out of these ministries, reminding us that God is actively at work among us.
We’ve also seen challenges that require us to trust God fully. Whether through new initiatives and understanding or adapting to unforeseen obstacles, our church has shown resilience, relying on the foundation of faith and truth that God has laid among us. Each step has been a testament to God’s provision and our collective commitment to His mission.
- Challenges That Strengthened Us
This year wasn’t without its struggles. But those challenges taught us resilience. They reminded us of the importance of standing firm in Christ, even when the winds of life, friendships, and the unknown blow against us. Whether it was a personal trial or something we faced as a church, each challenge became an opportunity for growth, and this growth we saw.
- Just as Paul writes in Romans 5:3-4:
“…we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.”
- Each trial refined us, shaped us, and strengthened our foundation in Jesus.
- A Stronger Foundation in Faith
Through it all, we’ve grown stronger in our faith. We’ve seen the truth of Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Every step we’ve taken this year has been built on Christ, and because of that, we can look to the future with confidence.
- As we reflect on these key moments, let us give thanks to God for His faithfulness. He has brought us this far, and we know He’s not finished with us yet. The foundation has been laid—now it’s time to step forward into 2025 with faith and anticipation.
The Need for Forward Movement
- Transition: A Foundation Without Growth Is Incomplete
A foundation is critical—it determines the strength and stability of what’s built upon it. But by itself, a foundation is not the finished product. Imagine laying a solid foundation for a house, only to leave it untouched and undeveloped. Without walls, a roof, and finishing touches, it would fail to fulfill its purpose.
In the same way, the foundation we’ve built this year—through personal breakthroughs, spiritual disciplines, and growing as a church family—is only the beginning. A foundation is meant to be built upon. Without growth, a foundation remains incomplete, a promise left unrealized.
God’s Word makes it clear that faith is not static. James 2:17 (NASB) tells us, “Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” A solid foundation of faith, and true faith, must lead to action, growth, and fruitfulness.
As we step into 2025, we are called to grow—not for growth’s sake, but to fulfill the purpose God has for us individually and collectively. The foundation laid this year was not an end, but a launchpad. God’s work in us is not finished; He is preparing us to build higher, go deeper, and reach further.
This is our moment to move from starting strong to growing strong, ensuring that what God has begun in us is carried to completion. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:6 (NASB): “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”
Let’s not settle for simply laying the foundation; let’s commit to building a structure that reflects the glory of God and impacts the Community around us. Growth is the natural next step of a foundation rooted in Christ.
- Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB):"Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."
This passage emphasizes that being firmly rooted in Christ (the foundation) naturally leads to being built up in Him (growth). It illustrates the ongoing process of spiritual development that flows from a strong foundation in faith.
- 2 Peter 3:18 (NASB):
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
This verse directly commands believers to grow, highlighting that spiritual maturity and growth are essential aspects of a life grounded in Christ.
- Isaiah 43:18-19: God is doing a new thing! He is calling us to perceive it and step boldly into it. This is a year to see paths in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Illustration: Consider a runner preparing for a race. 2024 was the training phase—the stretching, strengthening, and “getting all the body pieces on the same page”. But now, the starting gun for 2025 is about to go off, and we must run the race with endurance.
- Heb 12:1 …and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2024: The Year of Startup and Foundation
- Clarity of Vision
- We’ve clarified Lifeway’s purpose: to ignite a spiritual movement in Ellis County and beyond.
- We’ve laid spiritual disciplines as a foundation, like prayer, biblical truth, deep dive Bible study, and relational engagement.
- Alignment with God’s Plan
- Partnerships, ministries, and a leadership team were established with intentionality.
- Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Every decision at and for Lifeway is and has been bathed in prayer and trust in God’s timing.
- Obedience in the Small Things
- We’ve been faithful in our “small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10).
- Zechariah 4:10 (NASB):
“For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth.”
- Explanation:
This verse is an encouragement not to underestimate or despise small beginnings. The "day of small things" refers to the humble start of rebuilding the temple under Zerubbabel's leadership after the exile. Though the work may seem insignificant or slow, it’s part of God's larger plan, and His eyes are always watching over and His Spirit is guiding it.
- God sees the small steps of faithfulness and promises that, in time, these small beginnings will grow into something significant. The "plumb line" in Zerubbabel's hand symbolizes that the work will be done according to God's standard and purpose. Ultimately, God’s presence and guidance will ensure the success of what He has initiated, no matter how small it may seem at first.
- This verse teaches us to trust that even small efforts, when aligned with God's will, can lead to great outcomes as long as we remain faithful and consistent.
2025: A Year of Growth and Movement
- Faith in Action
- Growth requires stepping out. Like Peter stepping onto the water (Matthew 14:29), we must move forward in faith.
- Commit to new levels of personal discipleship and evangelism.
- Expanding Our Reach
- Focus on community impact: Lifeway Church must engage more deeply with Ellis County and beyond.
- Begin new ministries and grow existing ones, staying grounded in the foundations we’ve built.
- The Power of Unity
- We cannot move forward alone. Ephesians 4:16 reminds us that the whole body, working together, grows in love.
- 2025 will be about coming together as one church, one body, with one mission (to ignite a spiritual movement in Ellis County).
Illustration: The Garden of Growth
Imagine that in 2024 a garden was planted. This year, the soil was prepared—rocks and weeds were cleared, the ground was tilled, and seeds of faith, hope, and commitment were carefully sown. Each act of prayer, each step of obedience, and every moment of faithfulness was like watering those seeds and ensuring the soil was rich with possibility.
But what happens if you stop there? If the gardener walks away after planting and never tends to the garden, the work will be in vain. The seeds may sprout, but without care, they will wither. New weeds could overtake them, or the harshness of the environment might stunt their growth.
In 2025, it’s time to tend the plants. This means nurturing what has already been started—watering it with prayer, protecting it with intentionality, and feeding it with the Truth of God’s Word. Growth requires patience and persistence but that also cannot be an excuse. It also means looking forward with an expectation to the harvest. A gardener doesn’t plant seeds without believing in the promise of fruit.
Galatians 6:9 (NASB) reminds us: “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” The harvest is coming, but it requires our continued effort and trust in God’s timing.
Just as a gardener tends to the plants daily, we must tend to our spiritual growth, our relationships, and the ministry of Lifeway church. The seeds planted in 2024 were only the beginning. In 2025, we look forward with faith, trusting with an expectation that God will bring forth an abundant harvest—but only if we remain faithful in tending to what He has entrusted to us.
The garden was planted. Now let’s nurture it, grow it, and prepare to rejoice in the fruit that God has promised. The harvest is coming—are you ready to care for the garden?
Challenge for 2025: Get Moving!
- Revisit Your Commitment
- Ask yourself: How can I, and in what ways, personally contribute to Lifeway’s growth in 2025?
- Be Bold in Faith
- Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous.” Trust that God will go before us as we move.
- “Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Agree in prayer daily that God will not only go before us but...take every step with us!
- Expect Great Things
- Let’s dream God-sized dreams. Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us that God can do more than we ask or imagine.
- “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
- Notice this scripture clarifies “in the church”! This is the prophecy and the promise to Lifeway Church! AMEN!
Conclusion: From Foundation to Forward Motion
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, let us remember: God has prepared us for this moment. We’ve laid the groundwork, and now it’s time to build, plant, and grow.
Closing Call: Will you rise to the challenge? Will you join Lifeway Church in this next season of growth? Together, let us move forward in faith, trusting that God, who began this good work, will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
Benediction:
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for all You have done in 2024. Thank You for the foundation You have helped us lay. As we enter 2025, give us the courage to move forward, to grow, and to follow Your vision. Help us to build on the foundation of Christ, and lead us into a year of growth and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
