Next Chapter: Living Your Purpose

South Bay Community Church

Next Chapter: Living Your Purpose

September 29, 2024 • Pastor Tammy Long • Ephesians 2:8–10

Change from summer to autumn in created nature and change in our lives brings the next chapter in God’s unfolding story. In the season for the next chapter of changes, we turn the page and begin the next chapter. The Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 2:8-10 that our next chapter of life begins with the free gift of salvation by grace through faith. The free gift through faith cannot be earned, and sets up security in relationship with God as we live into our purpose. You are a masterpiece created by God for your purpose that is unique to you (as referenced by the song “Chosen” and a spiritual exercise of doodling). Lyrics of the song, “Chosen,” by Madison Ryann Ward remind that we are a masterpiece for a purpose. A spiritual exercise of doodling also reminds us that we are a masterpiece for a purpose. As you discover your next chapter to find or reexamine your unique purpose to live as God’s masterpiece there are four truths: First, root yourself in your identity in Christ. Second, seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture. Third, follow your God-given gifts and passions. Fourth, trust God in every season. Every day is an opportunity to live into our purpose.

Next Chapter: 39 & Counting!

October 27, 2024 • Pastor Tammy Long • Philippians 1:6

Sermon Quick Summary Today, South Bay Community Church is celebrating its 39th anniversary. We reflect on all God has done over these past decades, and look ahead to what God will do in the years ahead, for God never leaves us nor forsakes us. Philippians 1:6: "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" gives a solid framework as we look back and look forward with our eyes on God. We have completed a series called “Next Chapter” about God’s invitation to live into our purpose, live with passion, live through perseverance, and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Greek biblical language in Philippians 1:6 for “you” is plural, not singular; Paul is talking about the good work of the entire community of believers begun in us as the family of the body of Christ. We are called by God to live into our purpose both individually and as a connected community. When living into our passion, we have confidence that ignites joy. When facing challenges, we persevere by God’s Faithfulness. As we live into the Power of Walking in the Holy Spirit, God’s anointing falls on us. With faith in God, we move forward.

Next Chapter: Living in Power

October 20, 2024 • Pastor Tammy Long • Romans 8:18–25

Sermon Quick Summary Over the past few weeks, as we have entered into a new season, we have been exploring what it means to step into the Next Chapter of our lives with God. It is a reset as we listen and follow where God is leading us next. Our first message of the Next Chapter is living your purpose. We then explored the Next Chapter as living with passion. The third message in the Next Chapter is living in perseverance. In this message, we conclude the series on the Next Chapter by exploring living in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit binds, amplifies, and empowers you to experience all God has for you. As declared in Zechariah 4:1-6, God sent a message in a dream to the Prophet Zechariah to give to Zerubbabel, Governor of Judea; the message from God was, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” Only the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us can bring about all God intends. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity fully God just like God the Father and God the Son. The person of the Holy Spirit is our power source. The Holy Spirit empowers our purpose, passion, and perseverance. Here are five practical ways to actively live in the Power of the Holy Spirit in your daily lives: Surrender to God Daily. Stay Connected to the Source. Walk in Obedience to God. Cultivate Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Rely on the Holy Spirit for Strength.

Next Chapter: Living Through Perseverance

October 13, 2024 • Pastor Tammy Long • Romans 8:18–25

Sermon Quick Summary Over the past few weeks, as we have entered into a new season, we’ve been exploring what it means to step into the Next Chapter of God’s calling on our lives and where God is leading us next. Today’s message acknowledges the reality of persevering during a hard next chapter of our life that many are facing. The Apostle Paul explains in Romans 8:18-25 the sure, confident hope of believers in the midst of suffering. All creation, including believers in Christ, is groaning. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Pastor Tammy Long shared parallels between Paul’s message of Perseverance and the African American Experience. Lyrics to the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” also parallel Paul’s message of Perseverance. Here are practical ways to persevere: (1) Lament: Bring Your Pain and Suffering to God. (2) Embrace God-Given Distractions in Shifting Your Focus. (3) Lean into Community Support. Move forward with hope and trusting God by applying these practical ways to persevere.