Building Faith: A Spiritual Mandate for Legacy
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Celebration Sunday! Today, we gather to reflect on the significance of building, both in the physical and spiritual realms. We begin by acknowledging the second anniversary of the Miracle Dome, a testament to God's promise and our collective faith. This building is not just a structure; it symbolizes continuity and the fulfillment of God's word, much like when God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations. This is a place where people from all over the world come, not just to see a building, but to experience the presence of God and the power of faith.
We delve into Luke 7:1-5, where a Roman centurion, a man of authority and compassion, seeks Jesus' help to heal his beloved servant. Despite not being a Jew, he understands the power of Jesus and respects the protocols of his time. He sends Jewish elders to speak on his behalf, demonstrating humility and faith. This story illustrates that faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries. The centurion's faith and his act of building a synagogue for the Jews make him a spiritual heavyweight, someone who has invested in the kingdom of God.
Building is a deeply spiritual act. Whether it's a family, a business, or a place of worship, building something meaningful is fraught with challenges and opposition. It's not just about having the resources; it's about the spiritual warfare that comes with it. Building signifies continuity, establishment, and a memorial that lasts for generations. This is why the act of building is so significant in the spiritual realm. It declares to the spiritual forces that you are here to stay, that you are establishing something that will outlast you.
We are called to be builders in our own lives. This means more than just constructing physical structures; it means building our spiritual lives, our families, and our communities. The grace to build is a divine gift, and it requires us to be spiritual heavyweights. This is not about physical strength but about spiritual resilience and the ability to withstand opposition. Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem amidst constant attacks, we too must be prepared to build and fight simultaneously.
The story of the centurion also teaches us about the power of intercession and advocacy. The Jewish elders interceded on behalf of the centurion, and Jesus responded to their plea. This shows the importance of community and standing in the gap for one another. When we build together, we become stronger and more resilient.
In conclusion, building is a spiritual mandate that requires faith, resilience, and community. Whether it's a synagogue, a family, or a business, what we build in the physical realm has profound implications in the spiritual realm. As we celebrate the Miracle Dome and all it represents, let us commit to being builders in our own lives, creating legacies that honor God and stand the test of time.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Transcends Boundaries: The story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7:1-5 illustrates that faith is not confined to cultural or religious boundaries. The centurion's faith and humility in seeking Jesus' help through Jewish elders show that true faith can bridge divides and bring about miracles. This teaches us that our faith should be inclusive and expansive, reaching out to others regardless of their background. [10:04]
2. Building as a Spiritual Act: Building something meaningful, whether it's a family, a business, or a place of worship, is a deeply spiritual act. It signifies continuity, establishment, and a memorial that lasts for generations. This act of building declares to the spiritual forces that you are here to stay and that you are establishing something that will outlast you. [30:08]
3. The Importance of Spiritual Resilience: Being a spiritual heavyweight means having the resilience to withstand opposition. Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem amidst constant attacks, we too must be prepared to build and fight simultaneously. This resilience is crucial for establishing something that will stand the test of time. [41:49]
4. Community and Intercession: The centurion's story also highlights the power of intercession and advocacy. The Jewish elders interceded on behalf of the centurion, and Jesus responded to their plea. This shows the importance of community and standing in the gap for one another. When we build together, we become stronger and more resilient. [43:05]
5. Legacy and Continuity: Building is not just about the present; it's about creating a legacy that honors God and stands the test of time. Whether it's a synagogue, a family, or a business, what we build in the physical realm has profound implications in the spiritual realm. As we celebrate the Miracle Dome, let us commit to being builders in our own lives, creating legacies that will last for generations. [56:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Introduction and Significance of the Miracle Dome
[02:20] - God's Promise to Abraham
[03:33] - The Importance of Being Present
[04:27] - Luke 7:1-5: The Centurion's Faith
[05:47] - Becoming a Spiritual Heavyweight
[09:09] - Personal Anecdotes and Spiritual Lessons
[10:04] - The Centurion's Protocol and Faith
[12:51] - Builders as Spiritual Heavyweights
[14:19] - Comparison of Moses and Jesus
[16:39] - Jesus' Mission to the Jews
[18:57] - Building as a Sign of Spiritual Weight
[20:27] - Righteousness Through Jesus
[22:03] - Building People and Families
[23:52] - Spiritual Weight and Influence
[24:52] - Muhammad Ali and Spiritual Weight
[26:30] - The Challenges of Building
[28:34] - Spiritual Warfare in Building
[30:08] - Building as a Spiritual Act
[32:17] - Continuity and Vision
[33:38] - The Impact of the Miracle Dome
[35:01] - The Grace to Build
[36:04] - Declaring Spiritual War Through Building
[37:04] - Establishing Continuity
[38:14] - The Importance of Physical Structures
[38:59] - Jesus Built the Church
[39:32] - Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem
[40:16] - Spiritual Warfare in Building
[41:49] - Building and Spiritual Resilience
[43:05] - The Centurion as a Spiritual Heavyweight
[44:35] - Personal Story and Spiritual Lessons
[45:54] - The Sanctity of Offerings
[48:24] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[50:51] - Building as a Memorial
[53:39] - The Significance of Memorials
[54:29] - Building and Prosperity
[56:20] - Legacy and Continuity
[56:48] - The Grace to Build
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 7:1-5 (ESV)
> "After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, 'He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.'"
2. Nehemiah 4:17-18 (ESV)
> "Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
3. Hebrews 3:3-4 (ESV)
> "For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)"
### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the centurion take to seek help for his servant in Luke 7:1-5?
2. According to Nehemiah 4:17-18, how did the builders protect themselves while working on the walls of Jerusalem?
3. In Hebrews 3:3-4, how is Jesus compared to Moses, and what is the significance of this comparison?
4. What does the act of building signify in the spiritual realm according to the passages and the key takeaways?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the centurion chose to send Jewish elders to Jesus instead of approaching Him directly?
2. How does the dual role of building and defending in Nehemiah 4:17-18 relate to the challenges we face in our spiritual lives today?
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be considered worthy of more glory than Moses, especially in the context of building and legacy?
4. How can the act of building something physical, like a synagogue or a family, have spiritual implications?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to rely on someone else to intercede or advocate for you. How did that experience shape your understanding of community and faith?
2. Identify an area in your life where you are currently building something (e.g., a relationship, a career, a ministry). What spiritual challenges are you facing, and how can you address them?
3. Think about a legacy you want to leave behind. What steps can you take this week to start building that legacy in a way that honors God?
4. Consider the concept of spiritual resilience. What is one specific action you can take this week to strengthen your spiritual "muscles" and prepare for opposition?
5. How can you support someone else in their building efforts, whether it's through prayer, encouragement, or practical help? Identify one person and plan a specific way to assist them this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Transcends Boundaries
Faith is not confined to cultural or religious boundaries. The story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7:1-5 illustrates this beautifully. Despite being a Roman and not a Jew, the centurion recognized the power and authority of Jesus. He demonstrated humility by sending Jewish elders to speak on his behalf, showing respect for the cultural protocols of the time. His faith and compassion for his servant moved Jesus to act, resulting in a miraculous healing. This teaches us that true faith can bridge divides and bring about miracles, regardless of our background or circumstances. Our faith should be inclusive and expansive, reaching out to others and embracing them with the love of Christ. [10:04]
Luke 7:1-5 (ESV): "After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, 'He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.'"
Reflection: Think of someone from a different cultural or religious background who might need your help or encouragement. How can you extend your faith to them today in a way that bridges divides and shows the love of Christ?
Day 2: Building as a Spiritual Act
Building something meaningful, whether it's a family, a business, or a place of worship, is a deeply spiritual act. It signifies continuity, establishment, and a memorial that lasts for generations. This act of building declares to the spiritual forces that you are here to stay and that you are establishing something that will outlast you. The Miracle Dome is a testament to this truth, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the power of collective faith. When we build, we are not just creating physical structures; we are making spiritual declarations and leaving legacies that honor God. [30:08]
Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV): "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.' And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' So they strengthened their hands for the good work."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel called to build something meaningful? How can you start this building process today, keeping in mind its spiritual significance?
Day 3: The Importance of Spiritual Resilience
Being a spiritual heavyweight means having the resilience to withstand opposition. Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem amidst constant attacks, we too must be prepared to build and fight simultaneously. This resilience is crucial for establishing something that will stand the test of time. Spiritual resilience is not about physical strength but about the ability to remain steadfast in faith and purpose despite challenges. It requires a deep trust in God's promises and a commitment to the work He has called us to do. [41:49]
Ephesians 6:13 (ESV): "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge you are facing in your spiritual journey. How can you equip yourself with spiritual resilience to overcome this challenge and continue building what God has called you to build?
Day 4: Community and Intercession
The centurion's story highlights the power of intercession and advocacy. The Jewish elders interceded on behalf of the centurion, and Jesus responded to their plea. This shows the importance of community and standing in the gap for one another. When we build together, we become stronger and more resilient. Intercession is a powerful act of love and faith, where we lift each other up and support one another in our spiritual journeys. It reminds us that we are not alone and that our collective faith can bring about miraculous changes. [43:05]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who needs intercession. How can you stand in the gap for them today through prayer and support?
Day 5: Legacy and Continuity
Building is not just about the present; it's about creating a legacy that honors God and stands the test of time. Whether it's a synagogue, a family, or a business, what we build in the physical realm has profound implications in the spiritual realm. As we celebrate the Miracle Dome, let us commit to being builders in our own lives, creating legacies that will last for generations. This requires vision, faith, and a commitment to God's purposes. Our legacy is not just in what we build but in the spiritual impact we leave behind. [56:20]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: What kind of legacy do you want to leave for future generations? How can you start building that legacy today in a way that honors God and impacts the spiritual realm?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The heavier the weight you have in the things of the spirit. The less you talk. Wherever you go you are making an impression by your weight and the things you have built. Everything looks shiny on the outside but who has built something? I am one of the leading what have you built other than your wardrobe of short skirts? A heavyweight is someone who has built us a synagogue." [25:19]
2. "The reason why many don't build anything in life is because of opposing forces. Listen, am I helping you? If you are not interested in prospering you came to the wrong church because we will make you prosper. The reason why people do not attempt in building a company, building a family, building wealth, building their own spiritual life, they don't want to build anything. Why? Because building is difficult." [27:08]
3. "You can build your future while seated in a chair. You can control your life. And after this was finished, he said these words to me. He said, Jerome, do you know something? One of the most difficult things for any man of God to do is to build a building. It doesn't matter if you have money because building something is the most spiritual activity you can get involved in." [28:52]
4. "Don't buy something, build something. You are never going to buy something. You are never too old, never too young for 30 seconds. You are going to build something. I impart into you the grace for a builder. You are going to build something. You are going to build something. You are going to build something. In the name of Jesus we pray. In the name of Jesus we pray. Say continuity." [34:37]
### Quotes for Members
1. "In the kingdom, whatever you build is continuity, establishment, and a memorial that will last for generations. It's time that every person in the glorious church, from the poor to the rich, to the very rich, to the ultra rich, to the supreme rich, everybody here under my voice, you are given the grace today by a prophet of God speaking in Jesus' name. The grace to be a builder. A grace to be a builder. A grace to be a builder. A grace to be a builder. You are going to build something powerful." [29:46]
2. "Anytime you build something, you have declared continuity. Who is going to pluck this building out? You know what I mean? Another reason why I came back is because the day we opened the dome, I had already declared, I am continuing here. So anytime you build something, you don't have to take two hours to say to demons and all of that stuff. You don't have to do all of that." [35:21]
3. "Trust me on this because it's in the word of God. Any time you build something, you have declared spiritual war in terms of continuity. If your whole family was poor and you are the only person in your family that built a business, don't just have it online. You have made a statement in the realm of the spirit. I'm a heavyweight. You are not going to steal money from my generation again." [36:07]
4. "When the Jews came to Jesus and spoke for the Roman soldier, he said, this man is a heavyweight because he has built us a synagogue. When you speak against a heavyweight, how many people we know? A man came up to me once. I was at a traffic light. He got my attention. I was in my vehicle. He was in his vehicle. He did this. I put the shutter down because I'm courteous. I'm kind. But I'm also one of a kind." [42:42]
5. "Jerusalem was attacked time after time after time. Because the enemy knew. If we can hit that target, But what did the Israelites do? Every time they recovered, they rebuilt Jerusalem. Wow. Just because you build something, that doesn't mean Satan is going to leave you alone. No, I am telling you, it's the most spiritual thing you will ever do. Therefore, you will unleash all spiritual warfare. Hell will break loose the day you put the foundation stone for your first house." [40:13]
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