Reaching Into Their Future Pt. 1 | Reaching Into Their Future | Dr. Nate Ruch

Reaching Into Their Future

Introduction to the Series

• The message introduces a six-week journey aimed at influencing and transforming the experiences of those around us, including family, friends, and colleagues.

• Emphasizes that this series is designed for more than just Sunday listening; sharing experiences with others is crucial.

Importance of Group Engagement

• Encourages everyone to join or start a group using tools available on the Emanuel MN app or website.

• Highlights that life change occurs when faith is shared in community rather than being a passive experience.

Special Acknowledgment

• A shout-out is given to 60 individuals on death row who will participate in this journey, emphasizing inclusivity within the family of God.

Focus on Hebrews Chapter 11

• Introduces Hebrews chapter 11 as the "faith chapter," which recounts examples of faith from biblical figures under persecution.

• Discusses Abraham as a key figure whose promise from God was to bless not only him but also his descendants and the world.

Isaac's Act of Faith

• Isaac, referred to as the son of promise, blessed his sons Jacob and Esau by faith despite being blind.

• Quotes Hebrews 11:20 about Isaac blessing his sons through an act of faith that reached into their future.

Spiritual Vision Beyond Physical Limitations

• Describes how Isaac looked beyond physical sight to bless his sons based on spiritual insight rather than their current actions.

• Illustrates blessings as God's essence being poured out onto others through acts of faith, regardless of present circumstances.

Personal Reflection: Grandpa Roo's Story

• Shares a personal story about Grandpa Roo’s challenging upbringing and how it could have limited his future potential.

• Reflecting on inherited dysfunction from family origins emphasizes overcoming limitations imposed by past experiences.

The Impact of Family Dynamics on Faith and Personal Growth

The Early Life of the Speaker's Grandfather

• The speaker shares about their grandfather's troubled childhood, marked by anger stemming from a confusing parental situation and lack of a father figure.

• His anger manifested in physical fights, leading to encounters with law enforcement due to his violent behavior.

• A pivotal moment occurred when he attended a church revival meeting where he encountered Jesus and experienced profound personal transformation.

Transition to Military Life

• After getting saved, the grandfather still struggled with past dysfunction until he joined the Navy during World War II.

• The military provided him with structure and discipline, which brought him peace through defined boundaries and expectations.

Parenting Style Influenced by Military Background

• Upon returning home, the grandfather raised his children, including the speaker's father, using strict military-like methods.

• Despite being in a Christian household, the father's upbringing was influenced by unresolved anger from his own father’s past.

Generational Patterns of Dysfunction

• The speaker addresses first-generation Christians who may feel burdened by their family's past issues but emphasizes that change is possible for future generations.

• The father's journey into ministry was also shaped by perfectionism instilled during his upbringing.

Personal Journey Towards Faith

• At age 11, after attending a spiritual retreat, the speaker's father repented for not being the best dad he could be; this moment marked significant change in their family dynamics.

• This repentance broke generational chains of anger within the family, allowing for healthier relationships moving forward.

Youth Experience and Spiritual Awakening

• As a teenager, the speaker faced personal struggles despite growing up in church; they felt torn between faith and worldly influences.

• An unexpected trip to Cedar Point led to an impromptu worship session that challenged the speaker’s hardened heart towards faith.

• This experience highlighted that merely attending church does not equate to genuine spirituality; individuals must cultivate their own faith journey.

Transformation Through God's Love

Personal Experience of Repentance

• The speaker shares a transformative moment in the choir loft, where they felt God's overwhelming love leading them to repentance.

• Upon returning home, the speaker repented to their parents, evoking an emotional response from their mother, highlighting the impact of this spiritual experience.

• The change was attributed to a praying church community and family members who had been interceding for the youth group.

Impact on Future Generations

• The speaker reflects on how their transformation led to a legacy; 37 out of 55 teenagers pursued full-time ministry after this trip.

• They emphasize that individual decisions can have far-reaching effects on future generations, as seen in their own family with children who love Jesus.

Human Nature and Self-Centeredness

• The speaker discusses human nature's tendency to position oneself at the center of the universe, illustrating this with a relatable example about taking group photos.

• This self-centeredness extends into various aspects of life including faith and relationships, where individuals often prioritize personal gain over others' needs.

Gospel Perspective on Relationships

• Contrasting societal values focused on fame and recognition, the gospel teaches humility and prioritizing others' interests (Philippians 2:3).

• The importance of seeing beyond one's own perspective is emphasized; many people live with relational blindness towards those around them.

Seeing Potential in Others

• The speaker encourages viewing others through "spiritual eyes," recognizing their potential rather than just their current circumstances.

• They share a personal anecdote about needing reading glasses as a metaphor for gaining clarity in understanding people's true value and potential.

God's Unwavering Love and Support

Personal Experience of Growth

• The speaker reflects on their first job at a hardware store, emphasizing how God sends help in unexpected ways. They recount being tasked with greeting customers despite having no prior knowledge or experience.

• Initially filled with anxiety, the speaker learned to engage with customers by asking how they could assist them, which built their confidence in social interactions.

• This experience not only helped the speaker develop communication skills but also laid a foundation for their role as a pastor, where meeting new people is essential.

The Importance of Belief and Support

• The speaker highlights the significance of having someone who believes in you, like their first boss Jim or supportive figures such as parents or teachers.

• They affirm that even if one lacks personal support, God's belief in individuals is paramount; everyone has value in the kingdom of God.

God's Enduring Love

• Citing Psalm 136, the speaker emphasizes God's everlasting love and faithfulness: "His faithful love endures forever," reinforcing that God remembers us even in our weaknesses.

• The message conveys that regardless of life's ups and downs over decades, God's patience and unwavering support remain constant.

Examples from Scripture

• An anonymous list illustrates various biblical figures who faced significant challenges yet were used by God: Moses stuttered, David had an affair, and Paul was a murderer among others.

• These examples serve to show that imperfections do not disqualify individuals from being used by God; rather, His grace encompasses all flaws.

Understanding God's Perspective

• The speaker contrasts Satan's accusations about unworthiness with Jesus' perspective focused on redemption through the cross.

• Emphasizing that past mistakes are irrelevant to God’s view of us encourages listeners to embrace their identity as loved children of God.

Steps to See What God Sees

• To perceive others through God's eyes, one must first accept how God sees themselves—embracing His love and forgiveness is crucial for loving others effectively.

• Remembering those who have positively influenced one's life can help combat negative thoughts when faced with past failures or guilt.

Overcoming Through God's Love

The Importance of Receiving God's Love

• To overcome personal struggles, one must first receive God's love; without it, loving others becomes difficult.

• Asking God for spiritual insight is crucial; this involves seeing others through His perspective rather than our frustrations.

Seeing Others as God Sees Them

• Instead of expressing frustration towards loved ones, one should pray to see them through God's eyes, fostering understanding and compassion.

• Repentance is essential for change; it's not just a one-time act but an ongoing process that requires honesty and a commitment to transformation.

The Process of Repentance

• True repentance involves recognizing selfish perspectives and committing to change one's behavior towards others.

• Acknowledging past mistakes is important, but genuine repentance means actively working towards a new way of seeing and treating people.

Adopting Jesus' Perspective

• Embracing the "Jesus lens" means adopting His attitude toward humility and service in interactions with others.

• Philippians 2:5 emphasizes having the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself despite being divine.

Humility in Relationships

• Jesus’ example teaches us to approach relationships with humility rather than judgment or criticism.

• Recognizing our own flaws allows us to treat others with grace and understanding instead of condemnation.

Personal Reflection on Legacy

• The speaker shares a personal story about their grandfather's dedication to serving others even in his final days, illustrating the impact of living out faith actively.

• Despite health challenges, the grandfather exemplified love by engaging deeply with those around him during a mission trip.

Prayer and Legacy: Reaching into the Future

The Power of Prayer in Family Legacy

• The speaker reflects on their grandfather's deep commitment to prayer, emphasizing that he prayed for his family and team in Chile for over half an hour, demonstrating a legacy of spiritual investment.

• As the grandfather nears death, he expresses a sense of completion regarding his life’s journey, symbolically passing the baton to the speaker, indicating a transfer of responsibility for future generations.

• The speaker acknowledges the impact of their grandparents' prayers on their own life and ministry, highlighting gratitude for those who have spiritually supported them throughout their journey.

Responsibility to Pray for Others

• With the metaphorical baton now in hand, the speaker emphasizes their responsibility to pray for others, starting with family but extending to all individuals God has placed in their life.

• An invitation is made to engage with new material aimed at evangelism; this includes purchasing books as tools for outreach and sharing positive possibilities with others.

Engaging with Personal Connections

• The speaker encourages participants to visualize their unique fingerprints as symbols of individuality while reflecting on personal connections through mental snapshots of people in their lives.

• Emphasizing individual responsibility, they remind listeners that each person is entrusted with specific relationships and are called to reach into those individuals' futures through prayer.

Collective Prayer Initiative

• A call is made for collective prayer where attendees are encouraged to lift up names of loved ones and acquaintances before God, seeking blessings and transformation in their lives.

• The speaker articulates specific prayers asking God to restore relationships and bring joy into people's stories while invoking themes like forgiveness revival within families.