Exploring the Dream

Pastor Jeremy Eastman discusses the importance of dreams in our lives, drawing from the biblical story of Jacob. He emphasizes the need for rest, connection with God, and community engagement to fulfill God's purpose and dreams for us.

Welcome to Ignite Church's online service! While the weather may have prevented many of us from gathering in person, Pastor Jeremy Eastman delivered a timely and powerful message about pursuing the dreams God places in our hearts. Whether you’re tuning in from the warmth of your home or on the go, this message serves as an inspiration for how we can actively seek God’s purpose in our lives and communities.

Upcoming Events at Ignite Church

Before diving into the message, Pastor Eastman shared some exciting upcoming events to look forward to:

Membership Class: Kick off the new year by taking your next step with Ignite Church. The first membership class will be held on the first Sunday of February.
Forge Men’s Ministry: Men of all ages are invited to join on January 18th at 10:00 AM. This is an excellent opportunity for fellowship and growth—whether or not you’re a regular attendee at Ignite.
Bloom Women’s Ministry: The same day, January 18th at 6:00 PM, women are encouraged to gather for an evening of connection and spiritual growth.
Serve Team Night: On January 24th at 6:00 PM, explore ways to get involved in Ignite’s various ministries. Come ready to be inspired and equipped for service.
Life Groups Launch: Starting February 3rd, small groups will meet to explore meaningful topics like emotional health and family dynamics. This is a fantastic way to build deeper connections within the Ignite community.

Embracing the Dreams God Has for Us

Pastor Eastman’s message centered on the importance of recognizing and pursuing the dreams God places within us. Using the story of Jacob in Genesis 28:10-22 as a foundation, he highlighted key themes to inspire us in our faith journeys.

The Story of Jacob: Finding Rest to Dream

Jacob’s life teaches us a profound lesson: we must find rest in God to discover His purpose for us. When Jacob fled from his brother Esau, he stopped to rest and laid his head on a stone. In that moment of stillness, God spoke to him through a dream, revealing His promise and purpose for Jacob’s life.

In our own lives, it can be challenging to pause amid the busyness. Yet, as Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us, Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him. This rest is not only refreshing but vital for hearing from God and aligning with His plans.

Hosting God’s Presence

Another cornerstone of Pastor Eastman’s message was the importance of recognizing and hosting God’s presence. As 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, we are the temple of God, carrying His presence wherever we go. This awareness should encourage us to live intentionally, reflecting God’s love and truth in our daily lives.

The Church as a Catalyst for Change

Pastor Eastman also discussed the role of the church as the "eklesia" or the called-out ones. Ignite Church is not just a building; it is a community of believers tasked with bringing cultural transformation to our communities. Every member has a role in this mission, and together, we can make a significant impact.

Living Out God’s Dream

To pursue God’s dream for our lives, we must trust Him and take steps of faith. Referencing Isaiah 61:1-7, Pastor Eastman reminded us that we are called to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and rebuild what has been broken. As agents of change, we have the opportunity to restore hope and share God’s love in tangible ways.

Reflect and Respond

As the message concluded, Pastor Eastman invited us to reflect on our relationship with God and the dreams He has placed in our hearts. Whether you are new to faith or have walked with God for years, there is always room to grow deeper in your connection with Him. Take time to:

Rest in His presence: Make space to hear from God.
Recognize His dreams: Pay attention to the desires and visions He places in your heart.
Step out in faith: Actively pursue these dreams, trusting in His guidance.

Moving Forward Together

As we embark on this new year, let’s commit to being a light in our communities, sharing Christ’s love, and fulfilling the dreams God has for us.

Thank you for joining Ignite Church today, and may God bless you as you seek Him and His purpose for your life!