Today, our message will draw on the testimonies from last Sunday’s “I Heart Exeter” event and emphasize how God uses ordinary people like us and ordinary things to accomplish extraordinary purposes when they are placed in His hands. Today we will celebrate how the congregation lived out our missional calling to “know Christ and make Him known” by serving the community together as the Church.

Looking at biblical figures like Moses, Gideon, David, and the disciples, the sermon demonstrates that God does not require extraordinary resources or perfect people. Moses had only a staff, Gideon had only a small and seemingly inadequate army, David had a sling and stones, and the seventy-two disciples were sent out trusting only in God’s provision. What made the difference was not what they possessed, but who was with them and empowering them. God’s presence transformed ordinary tools and ordinary people into instruments for His purposes, just like He did then.

The same principle applies to the Church today. Whether through a wrench, a chainsaw, a cup of coffee, a prayer, a word of encouragement, or simply a willingness to help, God can use whatever He has placed in our hands. We must be challenged not to wait for another special event, but to continue living missionally every day. The question is: What has God placed in your hands that you can use for His Kingdom right now? Because if you are in Christ, He has made you His forerunner.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1. What did the “I Heart Exeter” event demonstrate about what it means for the church to live our our core values to be in community, on mission, and with Jesus?

2. In Exodus 4, God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” What did Moses have, and how did God use something ordinary to accomplish His purposes?

3. The sermon emphasized that it was not the staff itself that made the difference, but who was with Moses. How does God’s presence change the way we view our own abilities and resources?

4. Consider the examples of Moses, Gideon, David, and the seventy-two. What did each person have available to them, and how did God use what they had?

5. Why do we sometimes underestimate what God can do through us? What are some things in your own life that you might be tempted to dismiss as “just a stick”?

6. The sermon repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus makes all the difference. How does trusting in Jesus change the way we approach serving others and participating in God’s mission?

7. Think about the different ways people served during “I Heart Exeter”—using tools, offering hospitality, praying, encouraging others, cleaning, repairing bicycles, and simply helping wherever needed. What does this teach us about the many ways we can serve God?

8. The sermon challenges us not to wait until another special event to live missionally. 

What has God already placed in your hands, and how can you use it for His Kingdom this week?

Scripture References

Exodus 4:1-3
Judges 6:12
Matthew 28:20b
Judges 8:4
Judges 8:10
1 Samuel 17:48-51
Luke 10:3
Luke 10:17-18

Referenced but not read:

Exodus 3-4
Judges 6:11-8:35
Luke 10