HE BROUGHT US HOME SERMON NOTES
Sunday, September 13, 2026
HE BROUGHT US HOME
It's Not What Comes Into 7023—It's What Goes Out
Primary Text: Psalm 126:1–3
Mission Text: Matthew 28:18–20
Transformational Text: Mark 7:14–23
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 8:2 • Hebrews 10:23 • Numbers 14:1–9 • Joshua 4:4–7
Sermon Thesis
God did not bring Ekklesia home merely to give us somewhere to gather. He gave us a place where people can encounter Jesus, be transformed, and be sent back into the world differently than they came.
CONGREGATIONAL SERMON NOTES
HE BROUGHT US HOME
“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” — Psalm 126:3
1. REMEMBER — Don't Forget the Wilderness
Deuteronomy 8:2
God told Israel to remember “all the way” He had led them.
Our temporary seasons weren't wasted seasons.
Key Thought:Don't become so excited about where God brought you that you forget where God kept you.
My Note:What did God teach me in my wilderness?
2. HOLD — Faithful While Waiting
Hebrews 10:23
We hold fast—not because we know exactly how things will work out, but because:
“He is faithful that promised.”
Key Thought:Sometimes faithfulness simply means showing up again.
My Note:Where is God asking me to remain faithful?
3. TRUST — When the Journey Tests You
Numbers 14:1–9
The wilderness revealed fear in some and faith in others.
Key Thought:
Pressure reveals what's inside us.
Instead of asking, “Why didn't they handle it better?” ask:
“What did the journey reveal in me?”
And when God brings us through, our testimony isn't:
“Look who made it.”
It's:
“Look what the Lord has done.”
4. RECOGNIZE — When the Answer Finally Comes
Psalm 126:1–3
Sometimes we're so busy asking God for what's next that we forget to thank Him for what's now.
Key Thought:
I may be standing in something today that I once prayed for.
My Answer:What am I living in today that I once prayed for?
5. BUILD — Don't Just Move In—Build Something
Joshua 4:4–7
Israel built a memorial so another generation would eventually ask:
“What mean ye by these stones?”
Key Thought:
Someone coming behind me should be able to walk farther because I was here.
6. GO — IT'S WHAT COMES OUT OF 7023
Mark 7:14–23
Jesus taught that true defilement isn't simply an external issue.
What proceeds from the heart reveals what's happening within.
And that gives us a question for our new home:
What is going to come out of 7023?
People are going to come into 7023 carrying things.
Some will come broken.
Some confused.
Some angry.
Some addicted.
Some grieving.
Some questioning.
Some struggling in relationships.
Some who've been hurt by churches.
Some who don't know church language.
Some won't know when to stand, sit, shout, clap, pray—or what half of us are talking about.
LET THEM COME.
We aren't opening 7023 because perfect people need somewhere to meet.
We're opening these doors because people need somewhere to encounter Jesus.
So the measure of this ministry cannot simply be:
“How many people came in?”
We must also ask:
“WHAT WENT OUT?”
Did hope go out?
Did love go out?
Did disciples go out?
Did servants go out?
Did restored families go out?
Did people who discovered purpose go out?
Did somebody walk in believing their life was over—and walk out knowing God wasn't finished?
That's church.
Congregational Declaration
God brought us home.
We will remember where He kept us.
We will remain faithful.
We will trust Him through the journey.
We will recognize His blessings.
We will build for those coming behind us.
And we will welcome people just as they are while believing that an encounter with Jesus can transform their lives.
We will not simply count who comes into 7023.
We will pay attention to what God sends out of 7023.
Called • Chosen • Shifted
Belong • Grow • Serve • Reach
We are Ekklesia.
A People on Mission.
LoveUmorethanUknow, Pastor Stephӓn
