Building Kingdom Infrastructure for Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we delved into the concept of "kingdom infrastructure" and its vital role in our spiritual lives. Just as physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and airports are essential for the functioning of a nation, spiritual infrastructure is crucial for the growth and health of the church. We explored how infrastructure facilitates the movement of resources, enabling us to carry the gospel and the Holy Spirit to those in need.
We began by emphasizing the importance of being connected to Jesus and each other. This connection is foundational for any further spiritual work. We then moved into the main text from Matthew 9, where Jesus was moved with compassion for the scattered sheep. This compassion should drive us to be laborers in the harvest, understanding that evangelism and harvest are distinct but interconnected tasks. Evangelism is the planting of seeds, while the harvest is the work of God drawing people to Himself.
We also discussed the importance of being a bridge, a conduit through which God's resources can flow to others. Just as physical bridges connect two points, spiritual bridges connect people to Jesus. However, many of us have become "bridges to nowhere" due to bitterness, pride, or other barriers. We need to repair these bridges to fulfill our purpose in God's kingdom.
The sermon concluded with a call to humility and repentance, urging everyone to remove any barriers that prevent them from being effective laborers in God's harvest. We were reminded that only a healthy, unified body can produce the spiritual fruit necessary for kingdom growth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Connection to Jesus and Each Other: Before any spiritual work can be effective, we must be deeply connected to Jesus and to each other. This foundational connection allows us to be vessels through which God's power and love can flow. Without this connection, our efforts are in vain. [45:46]
2. Understanding Evangelism and Harvest: Evangelism involves planting seeds by sharing the gospel, while the harvest is the work of God drawing people to Himself. We must be diligent in our evangelism but also trust that God will bring the increase. This distinction helps us focus on our role without becoming discouraged. [01:17:29]
3. Being a Spiritual Bridge: Just as physical bridges connect two points, we are called to be spiritual bridges that connect people to Jesus. However, many of us have become "bridges to nowhere" due to unresolved issues like bitterness or pride. We must repair these bridges to fulfill our purpose in God's kingdom. [01:46:10]
4. The Importance of Humility and Repentance: To be effective laborers in God's harvest, we must humble ourselves and repent of anything that hinders our spiritual effectiveness. This includes addressing secret sins and seeking reconciliation with others. Humility allows us to be vessels that God can use. [02:00:25]
5. Unity and Health in the Body of Christ: A healthy, unified body is essential for kingdom growth. We must strive for unity and health within the church, as only a healthy body can produce the spiritual fruit necessary for the harvest. This involves supporting each other and working together in love. [02:28:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:46] - Connecting with Jesus and Each Other
[48:17] - A Specific Word for the Youth
[51:14] - Preparing for the Message
[52:45] - Reading from Matthew 9
[53:39] - The Compassion of Jesus
[54:57] - Call for Unity in the Body
[56:16] - The Call of the Lord
[57:55] - Introduction to Kingdom Infrastructure
[01:01:03] - The Importance of Infrastructure
[01:03:47] - Infrastructure and Resources
[01:06:44] - The Cost of Infrastructure
[01:08:07] - Spiritual Infrastructure
[01:11:21] - Carrying the Holy Ghost
[01:12:58] - Apostolic Boldness
[01:14:25] - The Name of Jesus
[01:15:11] - The Great Commission
[01:16:45] - Evangelism vs. Harvest
[01:18:28] - The Harvest is Plenteous
[01:19:38] - Empowering the Disciples
[01:20:09] - The Apostolic Ministry
[01:21:18] - Purpose of Ministry
[01:22:32] - The First Commission
[01:23:09] - God Grows His Church
[01:24:50] - Focus on the Harvest
[01:25:30] - The Kingdom of Heaven
[01:26:44] - The Field and the Treasure
[01:27:34] - Being a Light and a Bridge
[01:29:32] - The Laborers are Few
[01:30:28] - Personal Story: Planting the Seed
[01:32:57] - The Parable of the Sower
[01:33:59] - God Draws People
[01:34:37] - The Story of Ruth
[01:36:03] - The Risk of Leaving the House of God
[01:37:01] - The Field of Boaz
[01:39:23] - Ensuring People Stay in the Field
[01:41:51] - Trusting God with the Harvest
[01:44:36] - The Importance of Bridges
[01:46:10] - Bridges to Nowhere
[01:47:23] - The Purpose of Bridges
[01:48:56] - Being Connected to Jesus and Others
[01:49:33] - The Purpose of Connection
[01:50:42] - Repairing Broken Bridges
[01:52:54] - Addressing Bitterness and Hurt
[01:54:21] - Ensuring Future Connections
[01:55:27] - Call to Prayer and Repentance
[01:56:58] - Getting Serious About the Harvest
[01:58:36] - Interceding for Souls
[01:59:45] - Final Altar Call
[02:00:25] - The Need for Humility
[02:01:12] - Responding to God's Call
[02:02:18] - Seeking Healing and Restoration
[02:03:23] - Praying for Unity and Healing
[02:04:33] - Releasing Bitterness and Pride
[02:14:01] - Refocusing on the Harvest
[02:16:41] - Being a Connection to Jesus
[02:18:15] - Praying for Unity
[02:19:51] - Prophesying and Praying Through
[02:25:03] - Singing and Worship
[02:28:33] - Healing and Sealing
[02:29:18] - Connecting with Each Other
[02:34:34] - Burying the Past
[02:35:56] - Remedy for Secret Sin
[02:37:05] - Seeking Reconciliation
[02:37:30] - Accountability and Healing
[02:38:26] - Final Encouragement
[02:39:17] - Fellowship and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)
> "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
2. John 15:4-5 (NIV)
> "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
3. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
> "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 9:35-38, what was Jesus' reaction when he saw the crowds? What did he instruct his disciples to do? ([53:39])
2. In John 15:4-5, what is the significance of remaining in Jesus, and what is the result of not doing so?
3. What roles are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-13, and what is their purpose within the body of Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to be connected to Jesus and each other before engaging in spiritual work? How does this connection impact their effectiveness? ([45:46])
2. How does understanding the difference between evangelism and harvest help believers focus on their role without becoming discouraged? ([01:17:29])
3. What does it mean to be a "spiritual bridge," and what are some barriers that can prevent us from fulfilling this role? ([01:46:10])
4. How does humility and repentance play a role in being effective laborers in God's harvest? ([02:00:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current connection with Jesus and others in the church. Are there any steps you can take to strengthen these connections? ([45:46])
2. Think about a time when you shared the gospel with someone. How did you feel about the outcome, and how can you trust God more with the results of your evangelism efforts? ([01:17:29])
3. Identify any unresolved issues like bitterness or pride that might be preventing you from being a "spiritual bridge." What steps can you take to address these issues and repair the bridge? ([01:46:10])
4. In what ways can you practice humility and repentance in your daily life to become a more effective laborer in God's harvest? ([02:00:25])
5. How can you contribute to the unity and health of the body of Christ in your local church? Are there specific actions you can take to support and work together with others in love? ([02:28:33])
6. Consider someone in your life who might be a "scattered sheep" without a shepherd. How can you show compassion and be a conduit of God's resources to them? ([53:39])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that you are not a "bridge to nowhere" but a bridge that connects people to Jesus? ([01:46:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Foundational Connection to Jesus and Each Other
To be effective in our spiritual work, we must first establish a deep connection with Jesus and with each other. This connection serves as the foundation for all other spiritual endeavors. Without it, our efforts are in vain. Just as a building needs a strong foundation to stand, our spiritual lives require a solid connection to Jesus and the community of believers. This connection allows us to be vessels through which God's power and love can flow, enabling us to carry out His work effectively. [45:46]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: Think about your current relationship with Jesus and your church community. What steps can you take today to deepen these connections?
Day 2: Distinction Between Evangelism and Harvest
Understanding the difference between evangelism and the harvest is crucial for our spiritual work. Evangelism involves planting seeds by sharing the gospel, while the harvest is the work of God drawing people to Himself. We must be diligent in our evangelism efforts, trusting that God will bring the increase. This distinction helps us focus on our role without becoming discouraged, knowing that the ultimate work of drawing people to Himself is God's responsibility. [01:17:29]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent efforts in sharing the gospel. How can you trust God more with the results of your evangelism?
Day 3: Being a Spiritual Bridge
We are called to be spiritual bridges that connect people to Jesus. Just as physical bridges connect two points, spiritual bridges facilitate the flow of God's resources to others. However, many of us have become "bridges to nowhere" due to unresolved issues like bitterness or pride. To fulfill our purpose in God's kingdom, we must repair these broken bridges and remove any barriers that prevent us from being effective conduits of God's love and grace. [01:46:10]
Isaiah 58:12 (ESV): "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in."
Reflection: Identify any unresolved issues in your life that may be hindering your ability to connect others to Jesus. What steps can you take to address and repair these issues today?
Day 4: The Importance of Humility and Repentance
To be effective laborers in God's harvest, we must humble ourselves and repent of anything that hinders our spiritual effectiveness. This includes addressing secret sins and seeking reconciliation with others. Humility allows us to be vessels that God can use, and repentance clears the way for His work in our lives. By removing these barriers, we become more effective in carrying out God's mission and bringing others to Him. [02:00:25]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Consider any areas of your life where pride or unrepentant sin may be hindering your spiritual effectiveness. How can you humble yourself and seek God's forgiveness today?
Day 5: Unity and Health in the Body of Christ
A healthy, unified body is essential for kingdom growth. We must strive for unity and health within the church, as only a healthy body can produce the spiritual fruit necessary for the harvest. This involves supporting each other, working together in love, and addressing any issues that may cause division. By fostering unity and health within the church, we create an environment where God's work can flourish and His kingdom can grow. [02:28:33]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: Reflect on your role within the church community. How can you contribute to the unity and health of the body of Christ today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We carry the truth. The truth is going to set people free. For just yourself. You have the truth. You have the truth. There are false. Things all over this world. There's fake all over this world. People are looking for truth. Jesus said. I am the way. The truth. And the life. Is the truth. We carry. We carry within us. On us. The name." [01:13:52] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We carry the Holy Ghost in us. We carry the word of God in us. Jeremiah said. It's like a fire. Shut up in my bones. Romans Paul writes. And he says. The word is nigh thee. Even in thy mouth. We can't be quiet. We can't be shy. I pray. That there would be an apostolic boldness. That would come upon some of you young people. That when you see somebody. Who's hurting and broken. You're willing to share the gospel with them." [01:12:58] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God did not give us. This. To just sit. As a bump on a log. And be happy. Until he comes back. That's not the purpose. That's not the great commission. Is to go ye into all the world. And to sit down in a corner. And be quiet until I come home. That's not the reason God gave you. What he gave you. I'm trying to wake. Somebody up here tonight. For you to understand. That you have the great commission." [01:15:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'm going to preach tonight, with the help of the Lord, or a region, or a city. hear a lot, especially during the political season, this word called infrastructure. A of times we hear it highlighted, and most of us probably don't quite understand what infrastructure is, or what infrastructure consists of. But before you leave here tonight, I'm going to try to give you an explanation of what infrastructure is. And specifically, I'm going to be highlighting, or targeting, kingdom infrastructure." [57:55] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Infrastructure is important. Because it takes necessary resources to life. From one place to another. It's what they have built. When they take rivers and they take these dams. And they direct water to places that need water. It's this infrastructure. The importance of it. Why we need it. It is a focal point of a nation. It is the foundation of a country. You take infrastructure out of a country. And you have destroyed a country." [01:05:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are. False teachers. Who try to say they're the same. But they're not. Evangelism. Is the planting of seed. And the word of God. That he has given to us. But the Lord. Is the one who brings the harvest. We do not conjure up a harvest. I plant the seed. But no man comes. Unless the father. Draws him. You got to understand this. That no man. Comes. Unless the father draw him." [01:17:29] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our first commission. Is to the church. We see in Matthew. We've been reading about this. We've been listening to this. We've been hearing about it. Constantly. Matthew chapter 16. Jesus gave the keys to Peter. And he said upon this rock. Peter you will build this church. No. He said upon this rock. I will build my church. And this goes back. And solidifies what I told you. You don't grow a crowd. You don't grow a church. God grows his church." [01:23:09] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so in Ephesians chapter number four. We see. We understand this. We've heard this so many times. He gave some apostles. And prophets. Evangelists. Teachers. Pastors. For the reaching out to the lost world. No. For the edifying of the body of Christ. The purpose. The purpose of ministry. Is for the perfecting of the saints. The work of the ministry. Of the saints. And the edifying of the body of Christ." [01:21:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so infrastructure includes roads, bridges, dams, water and sewer systems. It consists of transportation like railways and subways, airports and harbors. It is what makes up a country. And it is vital, it's necessary that we have infrastructure. Because in order for a resource, in order for me to get my eyes on the job that I was going to. In order for me to get the knowledge that I had of this job to that job site. It required infrastructure." [01:03:47] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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