First Alliance Church ATL

Believe and Live Part 2 | The Book of John

Summary 

 

In this sermon drawn from John 2:1-11, we explore the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. We unpack the cultural, contextual, and prophetic significance of this first miracle, showing that nothing in the passage is accidental. The running out of wine was not merely an inconvenience but an opportunity for the manifestation of God's glory, and the details of the story, including the six stone water pots, the 180 gallons of wine, and the timing on the third day, all point to the person and work of Jesus. There are four practical challenges from the text. First, we must dare to live counter-culturally going against societal and cultural norms, even those we hold dear. Second, we must leave it to Jesus, surrendering our thoughts, our will, and our emotions to Him. Third, we must believe Him to do it, trusting that if God shows us the first step, He will show us the next. Fourth, we must do whatever he says, allowing our behavior to match our belief. 

 

Woven throughout is the theme that Jesus is the God of more than enough, that His grace is inexhaustible, and that the darkness and difficulty in our lives is the very backdrop against which His glory shines brightest. 

 

 

Key Verses 

John 2:1-11 

2 Corinthians 9:8 

 

Nothing in the Book of John happens by accident, and that the darkness and inconvenience in our lives is not without meaning. Can you think of a difficult season in your life that, looking back, you can now see was an opportunity for God to reveal His glory? 

The miracle at Cana was Jesus's first public miracle, and it was centered around hospitality. What does it say to you about the character of God that He chose to reveal Himself first through an act of welcome and provision for others? 

 

The six stone water pots represented the imperfection of the Jewish law, and Jesus used them to introduce the new wine of the gospel of grace. In what ways do we sometimes try to earn God's favor through our own effort rather than resting in His grace? 

 

We were challenged to leave it to Jesus in three specific areas: our thoughts, our will, and our emotions. Which of these three is the hardest for you to surrender, and why? 

 

Mary told the servants, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it." What does wholehearted obedience look like in your daily life right now? Is there something God has been asking you to do that you have been hesitating on? 

 

The servants filled the water pots not just partially but to the brim. How does your daily life reflect the things you say you are trusting God for? 

 

Jesus provided 180 gallons of wine at a small village wedding, far more than was needed. How does the idea of God being "the God of more than enough" challenge or change the way you approach your current needs or worries? Pastor Ricky said that light shines best against the darkness. How can you practically support one another in the difficult or dark seasons of life so that God's glory can be seen through your community? 

 

Life Application 

 

This week, identify one area of your life where you have been holding on tightly, whether it is a worry, a plan, a relationship, or a need. Write it down, pray over it specifically, and make a deliberate choice to place it in God's hands. Then take one concrete step of obedience that reflects your trust in him, even if the outcome is not yet visible. Carry your "umbrella," as Pastor Ricky said, and let your actions match your belief. 

 

Key Takeaways 

 

The difficulties and dark seasons of our lives are not meaningless. They are the backdrop against which God's glory shines most brightly, just as light shines best against darkness. 

 

Jesus is the God of more than enough. The 180 gallons of wine he provided at Cana is a picture of his inexhaustible grace and abundant provision for every need we face. 

 

Jesus came to replace the imperfect system of the law with the new wine of the gospel of grace. We do not have to earn or strive for what he freely gives. 

 

We are called to leave it to Jesus (surrendering our thoughts, will, and emotions), believe Him to do it, and then do whatever He says, allowing our obedience to reflect our faith. 

 

Our culture must never become equal with our Christ. Kingdom culture supersedes every other culture, and our willingness to lay down personal preferences is what allows us to reach the people God has called us to serve.

06-28-26 Ricky Brown - Believe and Live Part 1 - The Book of John

Believe and Live Part 1 | The Book of John

Summary

In this opening sermon of the "Believe and Live" series in the Book of John, Jesus is introduced as the Word (Logos), emphasizing that He is not merely described as the Word but fully identified as the Word. Just as a word does something, Jesus actively brings life, light, reason, and purpose. Highlighted are the exclusive claims of Christ, noting that John wrote his Gospel to bridge both Jewish and Greek thought through the shared concept of the Logos, so that all people might believe in the life and death of the Son of God and receive eternal life.

A central challenge of this sermon is the call to die to self in order to truly live. Pastor Ricky draws a distinction between those who begin to believe and those who continue to believe, stressing that faith must be continually renewed or it begins to fade. We are also reminded that every person is God's masterpiece (poiema), created with intention and purpose for specific good works prepared in advance. The key question posed throughout is: 

Where are we avoiding death, and how is that preventing us from truly living in the freedom and power that Christ offers?

Key Verses

1. John 1:1-5
2. Ephesians 2:10
3. Psalm 37:18-21
4. Isaiah 55:11
5. Jeremiah 23:29

Questions

1. We described Jesus as someone whose identity and description are one and the same. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is not just described as loving or gracious, but that He actually is love and grace?
2. We introduced the idea that in order to truly live, we must first die to self. What areas of your life do you find it most difficult to surrender to God, and why do you think that is?
3. Where are you avoiding death, and how is it preventing you from living? How would you honestly answer that question right now?
4. John makes a distinction in the Greek between those who begin to believe and those who continue to believe. What does it look like practically to keep your faith renewed and active rather than letting it slowly fade?
5. The concept of the Logos means both Word and reason. How does understanding Jesus as the reason behind all of creation change the way you approach unanswered questions or difficult seasons in your life?
6. We are God's poiema, His masterpiece and poem, created for specific good works prepared in advance. Do you truly see yourself that way? What makes it hard or easy to believe that about yourself?
7. The sermon mentioned categories where people can become practical atheists, such as finances, relationships, or sexuality, by keeping God out of certain areas. Is there a specific area in your life where you have been reluctant to fully invite God in?
8. It was noted that faith must be renewed or it begins to die, using the example of someone who prayed boldly for healing early in their faith but later only prayed for comfort. How have you seen this pattern in your own spiritual journey, and what steps can you take to reignite your faith?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area of your life where you have been keeping God at a distance. It could be your finances, a relationship, a habit, or a mindset that contradicts the Gospel. Spend time each day this week in prayer, intentionally inviting God into that area and asking Him to help you die to your own preferences so that you can experience the fullness of life He has prepared for you. Consider journaling what you sense Him saying as you open that area to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus is not merely described as the Word. He is fully identified as the Word, meaning His character and His identity are inseparable. To encounter Him is to experience His love, grace, and mercy.
2. In order to truly live the abundant life Christ offers, we must first die to self. This includes dying to personal ambition, limiting beliefs, selfish desires, and any area where we are keeping God out.
3. Faith must be continually renewed. John distinguishes between those who begin to believe and those who continue to believe, reminding us that a faith that is not actively maintained will slowly diminish.
4. Every person is God's masterpiece (poiema), intentionally crafted and created for specific good works that He prepared in advance. Our existence is not accidental but purposeful.
5. Jesus as the Logos is both the Word and the reason of God. He is the reason behind creation, behind suffering, behind joy, and behind our purpose, and it is through faith that we engage with Him since He is infinite and we are not.

 

06-21-26 - Ricky Brown - Commands Come With A Promise

Sermon Summary 6-21-26 

In this sermon, Pastor Ricky preaches from Matthew 28:16-20 with a fresh perspective on why so many believers struggle to make disciples. He points out that the real issue is not simply the command to "go" in verse 19, but the surrounding context: some who witnessed the risen Christ still doubted, and Jesus responded by promising His constant presence. He argues that doubters do not make disciples, and that 67% of people who disengage from the church's mission do so because they have stopped believing the claims of Christ. He challenged the congregation to move from being "correct but uncertain" to being both correct and confident in their faith.

Pastor Ricky outlines three key responses to the Great Commission: walking in God's power, committing to his purpose, and resting in His promised presence. He draws a distinction between authority (the right to act) and power (the ability to act), urging the church to embrace both. He closes with an extensive list of biblical commands paired with God's promises, making the case that every command God gives is accompanied by a corresponding promise. This sermon is a call to trust God fully, engage in genuine disciple-making, and live with the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus is always present.

Key Verses

- Matthew 28:16-20

- Luke 10:17-19

- Matthew 4:19

- Psalm 34:9

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

- Joshua 1:9

- Malachi 3:10

- Proverbs 3:5-6

- Jeremiah 33:3

- Revelation 3:20

 

Questions

- Pastor Ricky pointed out that when the disciples saw the risen Jesus, some worshiped while others doubted. What does it say to you that doubt and faith can exist side by side, even among eyewitnesses of the resurrection?

- The sermon described a difference between being 'correct but uncertain' and being 'certain but incorrect.' Which side do you think describes most Christians today, and why?

- Pastor Ricky said that 67% of people who disengaged from the church's mission did so because they stopped believing the claims of Christ. What do you think causes people to drift from believing those claims, and how can a community like ours help prevent that?

- A distinction was drawn between authority (the right to act) and power (the ability to act). In your own walk with God, do you feel like you lean more on one than the other? What would it look like to walk in both?

- Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, 'Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.' The pastor said, 'If you're not fishing, you're not following.' How does that statement challenge or encourage you personally?

- The sermon described discipleship as making 'apprentices,' not just converts or church members. What is the difference between those things in practice, and what would it look like for you to be either making or receiving that kind of investment?

- Pastor Ricky presented a long list of biblical commands paired with promises. Which command-and-promise pairing stood out most to you, and why?

- He said we cannot commit to God's purpose without committing to His presence. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life this week?

 

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life, whether a friend, coworker, family member, or neighbor, with whom you can intentionally share something God has done for you. It does not have to be a formal conversation. Just as you would naturally recommend a great restaurant or a product you love, look for a natural moment to tell someone about what Jesus means to you. If you are not sure where to start, pray and ask God to open a door, and then trust His promise: 'Call to me and I will answer you' (Jeremiah 33:3).

Key Takeaways

- Doubters do not make disciples. Before we can obey the command to go and make disciples, we must honestly address our own doubts and bring them to Jesus, because unresolved doubt is one of the primary reasons people disengage from the mission of the church.

- There is a critical difference between authority and power. God has given the church both the authority (the right to act on his behalf) and the power (the ability to act through His Spirit). We must walk in both, not just one.

- Discipleship means making apprentices, not just converts. Following Jesus means teaching others to practice His way of life, not simply persuading them to agree with a set of facts about Him.

- Every command God gives comes with a promise. From the Great Commission to the call to pray, give, and trust, God never asks something of us without providing what we need to obey. Obedience unlocks the promise.

- We cannot commit to God's purpose without committing to His presence. The power to reach others flows from staying close to Jesus, just as a fisherman catches more fish when guided by a master who knows where they are.

Scripture References

Command → Promise in Scripture

1. Matthew 28:19-20

Command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."

Promise: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

2. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Command: "Humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways..."

Promise: "Then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."

3. Joshua 1:9

Command: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged."

Promise: "For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

4. Malachi 3:10

Command: "Bring the full tenth into the storehouse..."

Promise: "I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing without measure."

5. Isaiah 41:10

Command: "Do not fear."

Promise: "For I am with you; I will strengthen you, help you, and hold on to you."

6. Proverbs 3:5-6

Command: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding."

Promise: "He will make your paths straight."

7. Matthew 6:33

Command: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

Promise: "All these things will be provided for you."

8. John 15:7

Command: "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you..."

Promise: "Ask whatever you want and it will be done for you."

9. James 4:7-8

Command: "Submit to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God."

Promise: "He will flee from you... and He will draw near to you."

10. Luke 6:38

Command: "Give."

Promise: "It will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."

11. Romans 10:9

Command: "Confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart."

Promise: "You will be saved."

12. Acts 16:31

Command: "Believe in the Lord Jesus."

Promise: "You will be saved—you and your household."

13. Psalm 37:4

Command: "Take delight in the LORD."

Promise: "He will give you your heart's desires."

14. Psalm 46:10

Command: "Be still and know that I am God."

Promise: "I will be exalted among the nations."

15. John 14:15-16

Command: "If you love Me, you will keep My commands."

Promise: "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor."

16. Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Command: "Faithfully obey the LORD your God."

Promise: "All these blessings will come and overtake you."

17. Exodus 14:13-14

Command: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm."

Promise: "You will see the LORD's salvation... The LORD will fight for you."

18. Hebrews 13:5

Command: "Keep your life free from the love of money."

Promise: "I will never leave you or abandon you."

19. Jeremiah 33:3

Command: "Call to Me."

Promise: "I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things."

20. Revelation 3:20

Command: "Open the door."

Promise: "I will come in and have dinner with him, and he with Me.”

06-14-26 Ricky Brown - The Mission of Moving Forward

The Mission of Moving Forward

1) ________________ (v1) 1 Then Joshua got up early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they spent the night there before they crossed.
2) ________________ (v5) 5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do miracles among you.”
3) ________________ (v7) 7 Now the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they will know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.
4) ________________ (v8) 8 So you shall command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.”

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