The New Era

It’s time for a very deep theological question:

Pepsi or Coca Cola?

Woah Woah Woah…there’s a fight breaking out right here in front of me...LOL

"Choice of a New Generation" was Pepsi's slogan from 1984 to 1991

“It’s the Real Thing” was Coca Cola’s slogan for many years

I’d like to share with you for a bit today about a New Generation or a New Era.

It was so good that Pastor Russ shared about the history of the church and the moves of God throughout history.

AND I hope you were really encouraged by the message last week about the fact that:

“Jesus died for it (the church), this is why we should build it!” - Pastor Mel Mullen

Part of this building process going to have to do with the New Era that is upon us.

What is an Era?

An Era is a significant, large-scale change that is longer than a season (which is usually less than a year) but has no fixed length.

Some examples of Eras in the Bible:

Israelites in Captivity in Egypt

Wilderness Experience

Promised Land Experience

Various Captivities & Restorations

What’s the big deal about a New Era?

Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

A New Era is a time of fresh advancement for Jesus’ Church in a new way - this means you will advance too if you stay connected.

Significant leadership changes happen at the transition of an era.

The KIND of leader tends to change going into a new era

We are heading into a new era & many of you are those new kind of leaders this new era needs.

You don’t want to miss next week, because we are going to be talking about what a New Era Believer/Leader will be like.

We should learn from the past and from past leaders, but:

We cannot follow the past to move into the future!

The Moses to Joshua Transition is one of the most profound transitions of leadership & eras.

What should New Era Leaders be aware of?:

• They may (will) experience persecution and lack of understanding from the previous generation of leaders

• Every legitimate move of God was persecuted by the legitimate move of God that came before it.

• Some of the previous generation will support them, but some will not

Everyone from the previous generation died in the previous era because of unbelief (except Caleb & Joshua - they had a different heart Numbers 14:24).

Hebrews 3:19 NKJV

19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

• A new Era Leader must be secure in knowing the voice of God & the call of God

John 10:27 NKJV

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 10:2–5 NKJV

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

• It takes courage and maturity to hear God’s voice and follow Him especially when it is wildly unpopular - even with other believers.

People mocked Noah until it started really raining

• The way you do it is not going to look like anyone before you.

But God and His principles are still the same.

Where do I fit?:

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 139:13 CJB

13 For you fashioned my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Esther 4:14 NKJV

14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

If you believe that God has always had a specifically designed plan for your life, then you must believe that:

Out of all the ages of human history, God planned that this was the time that you were essential to His plan for the world!

Isaiah 60:1 NKJV

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Just One Thing:

Decide to participate like never before in the New Era of God. You were made for such a time as this!

Discussion Questions:

What’s the most frustrating product you own? Oh…& Pepsi or Coke?! LOL!

Are you seeing a change in era from your perspective (within or outside of the church)? If so, what are some of the indicators you are seeing of this shift? If not, listen to some others’ observations.

Read Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:5, & Esther 4:14. Knowing that God does not play favorites - Share what these scriptures tell you about your life and purpose? Do you feel like you’re currently living your purpose?

If money didn’t matter & there was no possibility that you could fail - What would you do with your life? Share a bit about this.