Awakening to God's Call: Embrace Extraordinary Living

Summary

In today's gathering, I felt a profound sense of God's presence, urging us to break free from the mundane and embrace the extraordinary life that the Holy Spirit offers. It's easy to fall into routine, especially as the year winds down, but we must resist the temptation to let our spiritual fervor fade. I shared a personal story about a day with my kids, using it as a metaphor for the serious warnings found in the book of Revelation. Just as I warned my son about the dangers of wielding a real sword, Revelation warns us about the spiritual dangers we face if we don't heed God's call to repentance and renewal.

Revelation is not just a book of prophecy; it's a wake-up call. It begins with a vision of Jesus in His glorified state, a sight so overwhelming that even John, the beloved disciple, fell as though dead. This is a reminder of the awe and reverence we should have for God. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation are filled with warnings and calls to repentance. They remind us that God is not interested in half-hearted devotion. He desires a church that is alive, vibrant, and fully committed to Him.

We must examine ourselves and our churches. Are we like the churches in Revelation, drifting away from our first love? Are we more concerned with our preferences and comforts than with what pleases God? The early church devoted themselves to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread together. They were not distracted by consumerism or entertainment. We need to return to these simple, yet profound practices.

I challenge you to read the book of Revelation this week. Let it stir your heart and awaken you to the reality of God's holiness and the urgency of His call. We have an opportunity to change the course of the church, to strip away the excess and focus on what truly matters. Let's devote ourselves to God and to one another, living out our faith with sincerity and passion.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Presence of God is Transformative: Every day should be an extraordinary encounter with the Holy Spirit, not just another routine day. We must seek new experiences with God, asking Him to create something fresh in us rather than repeating past experiences. [02:02]

2. Revelation's Urgent Call: The book of Revelation is a severe warning, urging us to repent and return to our first love. It reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of God and the seriousness of our spiritual journey. [05:41]

3. Self-Examination and Repentance: Like the churches in Revelation, we must examine our own lives and churches. Are we drifting from our first love? Are we more focused on our preferences than on what pleases God? [09:02]

4. Return to Simplicity: The early church devoted themselves to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread. We need to return to these simple practices, stripping away the excess and focusing on what truly matters. [25:50]

5. Devotion Over Consumerism: We have an opportunity to change the course of the church by rejecting consumerism and devoting ourselves to God and one another. This requires a sincere commitment to live out our faith with passion and sincerity. [28:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Experiencing God's Presence
- [01:18] - Worship and New Creation
- [02:32] - Fruit Ninja and Serious Warnings
- [05:22] - Revelation's Urgent Message
- [06:10] - The Awe of Seeing Jesus
- [07:06] - Letters to the Churches
- [08:22] - The Flow of Revelation
- [09:53] - The Call to Repentance
- [10:24] - The Throne of God
- [11:47] - The Reality of the End
- [13:11] - Overcoming Temptations
- [14:01] - The Drift of Churches
- [15:20] - Self-Reflection and Change
- [18:31] - Devotion to God
- [25:50] - Returning to Simplicity
- [28:03] - Opportunity for Change

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 1:12-18
2. Revelation 2:1-7
3. Acts 2:42-47

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Observation Questions:

1. In Revelation 1:12-18, how does John describe his vision of Jesus, and what is his reaction to seeing Jesus in His glorified state? How does this compare to the pastor's description of John's experience? [06:10]

2. What specific warning does Jesus give to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7, and how does this relate to the pastor's message about losing our first love? [08:22]

3. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the key practices of the early church, and how do these practices contrast with the modern church as described in the sermon? [25:50]

4. How does the pastor use the metaphor of the "real sword" to illustrate the warnings found in the book of Revelation? [05:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the pastor mean when he says that Revelation is not just a book of prophecy but a severe warning? How does this perspective change the way we might read the book? [05:41]

2. How does the pastor's story about his son and the sword serve as a metaphor for the spiritual dangers mentioned in Revelation? What are the implications of not heeding these warnings? [05:22]

3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the modern church has drifted from the practices of the early church, and what might be the consequences of this drift? [15:20]

4. How does the pastor challenge the congregation to view their spiritual journey with urgency and seriousness, and what role does the book of Revelation play in this challenge? [12:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to create something new in your life rather than repeating past experiences? [02:02]

2. The pastor challenges us to read the book of Revelation this week. What steps can you take to prioritize this reading, and how might it impact your spiritual life? [11:58]

3. Consider the warning to the church in Ephesus about losing their first love. Are there areas in your life where you feel your passion for God has waned? What practical steps can you take to rekindle that passion? [08:22]

4. The early church devoted themselves to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread. How can you incorporate these practices into your life and community? [25:50]

5. The pastor speaks about the dangers of consumerism in the church. How can you shift your focus from personal preferences to what pleases God in your church involvement? [22:22]

6. Reflect on the pastor's story about the underground church in China. How does their experience challenge your understanding of what it means to be part of a church community? [15:44]

7. The pastor emphasizes the importance of self-examination and repentance. What specific areas in your life or church community need examination and change? How can you begin this process? [09:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Extraordinary Presence of God
Every day is an opportunity to experience the transformative presence of God. The Holy Spirit invites us to break free from the mundane and seek new encounters with God, allowing Him to create something fresh within us. This requires intentionality, as it's easy to fall into routine, especially as the year winds down. We must resist the temptation to let our spiritual fervor fade and instead pursue a vibrant relationship with God. By doing so, we open ourselves to the extraordinary life that the Holy Spirit offers, moving beyond past experiences to embrace the new things God wants to do in our lives. [02:02]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one new way you can seek God's presence today, breaking away from your usual routine?

Day 2: Heed Revelation's Urgent Call
The book of Revelation serves as a severe warning, urging believers to repent and return to their first love. It is a wake-up call that reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of God and the seriousness of our spiritual journey. Revelation begins with a vision of Jesus in His glorified state, a sight so overwhelming that even John, the beloved disciple, fell as though dead. This vision is a powerful reminder of the reverence we should have for God. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation are filled with warnings and calls to repentance, emphasizing that God desires a church that is alive, vibrant, and fully committed to Him. [05:41]

Revelation 3:19-20 (ESV): "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to repent and return to your first love for Him?

Day 3: Examine and Renew Your Devotion
Like the churches in Revelation, we must examine our own lives and churches to ensure we are not drifting from our first love. It's crucial to assess whether we are more focused on our preferences and comforts than on what pleases God. The early church devoted themselves to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread together, undistracted by consumerism or entertainment. We are called to return to these simple yet profound practices, stripping away the excess and focusing on what truly matters. This self-examination and renewal of devotion are essential for a vibrant spiritual life. [09:02]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life that needs examination and renewal today?

Day 4: Return to the Simplicity of Early Church Practices
The early church devoted themselves to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread, focusing on what truly matters. In our modern context, it's easy to become distracted by consumerism and entertainment, losing sight of these foundational practices. We are called to return to the simplicity of the early church, stripping away the excess and focusing on what truly matters. By doing so, we can cultivate a vibrant and sincere faith, living out our devotion to God and one another with passion and sincerity. [25:50]

Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Reflection: How can you incorporate one of the early church's practices into your daily routine this week?

Day 5: Choose Devotion Over Consumerism
We have an opportunity to change the course of the church by rejecting consumerism and devoting ourselves to God and one another. This requires a sincere commitment to live out our faith with passion and sincerity. By focusing on what truly matters, we can strip away the excess and cultivate a vibrant spiritual life. This devotion over consumerism is a call to prioritize our relationship with God and our community, living out our faith in a way that reflects the love and grace of Christ. [28:03]

Matthew 6:24 (ESV): "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Reflection: What is one way you can prioritize devotion to God over consumerism in your life today?

Quotes

man it has already been such a good morning for me like I I mean that I don't know what your day has been so far but the last hour like the Lord's been like speaking to me directing me just just coordinating conversations in what areas like Lord what are you doing right now this is insane like this is the way I want every day to be there shouldn't be like an ordinary another day when we're talking about the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in the side of you and leading you and directing you man I hope this chapel isn't just another guy I know I know how it gets at the end of the year it's like okay another chapel and just get through it [00:08:49]

I remember her saying to me she goes my god is not a duplicate or he is a creator and so every time I get up on that stage that God creates something new don't do what you did last time created me something new so that is such a great way to think about it it's not like you have a great chapel experience or worship experience and you say God can you do that again he's a creator and say God creates something new I experienced that okay do something new now man and I'm praying that's what this is and okay some of you guys I'm already losing you because you're like what are you talking about [00:01:48]

I was reading the scriptures today and this week I was reading the book of Revelation and I rely never noticed like this is not something where oh let's just do some light reading it's like a severe severe warning like I I was thinking about this Chapel I thought man I want to grab each of you like I did with my son ago no look me in the eyes right now and tell me you're listening to me a hundred percent cuz this is not messing around man I never noticed this in the book of Revelation see I've taught like chapter 1 where John sees Jesus the Risen Jesus you know and we all think oh if I could see Jesus right now just hug him no have you read Revelation chapter 1 [00:05:27]

I've taught through revelation two and three now was the letters to all the churches at the time you know saying look this is what I don't like about you this is Jesus writing letters come in I'm gonna destroy you I don't I don't like your church I don't like this about your church I don't like about this yeah it's like whoa well pretty intense things you can expand if you don't repent I'm going to spit you out of my mouth and I've read revelation four and five I think I've probably even taught it here in Chapel about when John gets to see God in all of his glory [00:07:06]

I never saw how serious like the letters were to the churches like he tells the church at Ephesus you've lost your first love you lost your first love you're doing a lot of great things but you don't love me like you used to and he says if you don't repent I'll remove you like I don't even want a church like that and the warning that he gives you a Saira and Pergamum and Dacia and sardis I mean these words I never saw it as such a severe warning but you'll get it here's this Almighty God in Chapter 1 and he gives these letters to John and he says tell the churches this to one of the churches as if you don't repent I'm just gonna remove you [00:08:22]

this is revelation this is the end this is not about your feelings or this guy hurt me or I have this scar that scar I'm talking about the end like there's a real God up there revelation four and five says he has lightning and thunder literally coming from his throne that there's a hundred million angels up there right now all bowing before his throne that there's these pillars of fire around his throne and I'm gonna see him one minute any minute this could be the day that I stand before that throne that's insane to me all the other things that have gone through this brain need to just get out that's what was going on in worship my god get all the other thoughts out of my head right now [00:10:24]

I mean so many of my friends I'm 50 now and I talk to him you know my friends like I have a stomach it goes into the hospital just a few months ago it's cancer game over another friend I got a headache right now I'm just gonna check this it's cancer game over he's found another one yeah it's the cancer the breast cancer it's back it's it's just boom boom boom boom and they don't record you recognize who you're gonna stand before like we're gonna be for this be before this god man it's that severe warning I want to grab you right now I don't wanna sit down and just read through the book of Revelation it's a whole book with you I mean that's what I want to do [00:11:47]

I timed it this morning oh man how long does it take to read Revelation it's about 26 minutes please do it is there anything this week you have to do that is more important than the 26 minutes of reading through the book of Revelation and just getting serious about the end this is real we're gonna see him and then you know the rest of Revelation where after he explains his glory and you get it so he's warning all these churches repent or else repent or else then he describes I'll show you what or else and then the rest of the book of Revelation is just torture after torture calamity after calamity this is serious [00:12:23]

this is reality this is going to happen I am going to destroy the world and all the little things that you think are so important and so huge right now you're gonna see nothing compares to the end get serious about me get serious about me because he says man if you can make it through if you can get through this life not just thinking about yourself but thinking about me you can overcome all the temptations and all the pain you're gonna get through because I promise you this crown of life I promise you at the end it's gonna be insane it's gonna be amazing I know you feel like your pain is so huge but he says be faithful even until death [00:13:11]

I hear that people are getting drunk during communion drunk communion really I hear that some of you don't even believe in the resurrection anymore what in the world are you kidding me right now and so I'm reading about all these churches that drift and we can look and go yeah the church in Ephesus yeah the Church in Laodicea yeah the church in Galatia yeah the church in Corinth paint what about us what about the church in America do we really think we're one of the good ones see I was thinking God do any of these people see they became weird but do we see it in ourselves [00:14:01]

I start telling them what it's like in America I go in America we have buildings that we call churches and you go to them and you sit for an hour hour and a half and someone teaches you a message and then if you don't like it you can go to the church down the street and and if you've get in a fight with someone they go to another Church if you want a divorce and they're against divorce and you go to this one if they're music better if they're children that are better I thought that's what we call church and they start laughing like hysterically they're go shut up shut up my daughter and we left she was like that did you see that did you see the way they were laughing like oh I know [00:15:20]

I think we'd be blown away if we simplified and went back the early church we read it don't you read about acts 2 and go I wish I live there where they just devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching to prayer to the fellowship and the breaking of bread and going that's all we need a few weeks ago I took my kids my family to Tahoe for vacation I said ok here's the rule we have four days no electronics I don't want a phone not a single phone out a single TV no iPads nothing you guys are like how you live through it yes and exactly what I knew was gonna happen we had the best time hanging out with each other talking to each other making memories [00:25:50]

Chatbot

Transcript

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