Study Guide: Get the Blessing Back | Pastor Ron Kelly

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Get the Blessing Back | Pastor Ron Kelly

Sermon Study Guide: Reclaiming Our Destiny - A Call to Church Renewal

Sermon Focus: A passionate call for the Seventh-day Adventist church to move from complacency and cultural conformity to a vibrant, advancing faith, rooted in God's covenant promises and a life of purposeful service.

Key Scriptures:

  • Deuteronomy 28:1-14

  • Joshua 1:1-9

  • James 1:27

  • Revelation 12:17 & 19:10

Key Quotation (Ellen G. White): "The wheels of nature and providence are not appointed to roll backwards nor to stand still. We must have an advancing working faith. A faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every vestige of selfishness." - (TMK 226.3-226.4)

Part 1: Reflection & Discussion

Icebreaker: The speaker mentioned a sign that read, "Laughter is the hand of God on the shoulder of a troubled world." When has a moment of joy or encouragement felt like God's hand on your shoulder during a difficult time?

Discussion Questions:

  1. The "Advancing Working Faith":

    • The sermon begins with the idea that faith is not static but must "advance." What does an "advancing working faith" look like in your personal life? In your local church?

    • The speaker states, "The natural tendency of any human being is to choose the convenient, carefree path." Why is this our default? How can we actively combat this tendency?

  2. The Crisis of Identity and Mission:

    • The sermon argues that the church has lost its sense of the "law of service" and has become focused on producing professionals for the world. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

    • What is the difference between having high standards and being legalistic? How can we uphold biblical standards with grace and wisdom, rather than with a "chafing, galling yoke"?

  3. God's Covenant Promises (Deuteronomy 28 & Joshua 1):

    • Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Joshua 1:1-9. The speaker claims these promises are for God's modern church, not just ancient Israel. Do you believe this? What would it mean for your church to truly believe and act on these promises?

    • The speaker prays to be a "Deuteronomy 28, Joshua 1, and Psalm 1" person. What would characterize such a person?

  4. A Strategy for Renewal:

    • The speaker shared a story about patiently changing the music in his church over nine months. What principles of patience, wisdom, and respect can we learn from this example when we see a need for change in our churches?

    • He states, "Religion should be caught before it's taught." How can we, as individuals and as a church body, become more "lovable" and "magnetic" so that others are drawn to the Christ we serve?

  5. Our Moment of Opportunity:

    • The speaker sees the current cultural "meaninglessness" and social breakdown as a great opportunity for the church. How can we position ourselves to meet the deep needs of people in our communities today?

    • The story of the encounter with William, the French cyclist, demonstrates simple, relational evangelism. What is one takeaway from that story that you can apply in your own interactions this week?

Part 2: Personal Application & Action Steps

Reflect Individually: Take a moment of quiet introspection. Ask yourself:

  • Comfort vs. Cross: In what area of my life (finances, entertainment, relationships, dress, etc.) am I choosing the "convenient path" over the path of discipleship that may require bearing a cross?

  • My Primary Identifier: Who am I trying to please most? Is God the "primary identifier" in my life, or am I more influenced by peer pressure and the desire to fit in?

  • My Role in Renewal: What is one step I can take this week to contribute to the renewal of my local church? (e.g., Pray faithfully for my pastor, engage in a kind act for a visitor, commit to a ministry of service, etc.)

Commit to Action:

  • Scripture Memory: Commit to memorizing a key verse from this study, such as Joshua 1:8 or Deuteronomy 28:2.

  • Prayer Focus: Begin praying regularly for your pastor and church leaders by name, asking God to give them courage, wisdom, and a clear vision for renewal.

  • One Conversation: Pray for and seek out one opportunity to have a meaningful, Christ-centered conversation with someone outside your church circle this week.

Part 3: Going Deeper - For Further Study

  • Read: The book of Acts in the New Testament to see the "advancing working faith" of the early church.

  • Explore: The first chapter of the book Education by Ellen G. White on the "law of service."

  • Research: The history of revivals and reforms within the Seventh-day Adventist church. What principles led to periods of growth and spiritual power?

Closing Prayer: Pray for one another, for your church, and for the wider Adventist community, asking God to ignite an "advancing working faith" that will lead to true revival and a powerful finish to His work on earth.

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