Commitment: Transforming Lives Through Prayer and Action
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Radiant Church. My name is Mike, and I am the lead pastor here. Our heart for our gatherings is that you would encounter the presence of Jesus because we believe He changes lives. Whether you are here in person or joining us online, we are grateful for your presence today.
Today, I want to talk about commitment, a theme that is deeply rooted in our faith and our mission as a church. We are committed to being a praying and worshiping church because prayer is the incubator for God's presence. Prayers have birthed this church, our retreat center, and the revival we are experiencing. We are also committed to reaching people far from God, teaching sound doctrine, and helping people encounter the Holy Spirit because that is where true freedom and empowerment lie.
I shared a personal story about my initial calling into ministry. I was deeply involved in the music industry, but during an altar call at a small church event, I felt God speak to me. He told me I was using my gift for selfish reasons while people were going to hell. That moment changed my life and gave me a burden for people far from God. I believe in the reality of eternity, and my heart breaks for those who are eternally separated from God.
We also discussed the importance of social justice flowing out of the gospel. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, and while social justice is important, it should not replace the gospel. Meeting people's needs without giving them Jesus leaves them eternally lost. Our motivation should always be to bring people closer to God.
I shared a story about a man named Billy, whom my wife Jen and I met recently. Billy had been shot nine times, and as we prayed for him, I realized that our commitment should extend beyond ourselves. When we are dedicated to something larger than ourselves, we take action, and that action has a profound impact on our community.
We looked at the story of Nehemiah, who was called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's commitment started in his heart, motivated by a burden for his people. He prayed for months before taking action, and when he did, he rallied others to join him. Commitment is tested by action, and it requires us to see beyond ourselves.
We also talked about the practical aspects of our commitment as a church. We have asked you to pray about making a faith commitment to support our initiatives like Water the City, which aims to replace cabins at our retreat center and upgrade our sound and video systems. This commitment is not just about financial contributions; it's about dedicating our lives to a cause greater than ourselves.
As we move forward, I encourage you to engage with God and let Him stir something in your heart. Whether it's a burden for Gen Z, social justice, or any other cause, let that motivation drive your commitment. Today, as we bring our commitments forward, let's remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Let's pray together and ask God to bless our efforts as we continue to serve Him and our community.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prayer as the Incubator for God's Presence: Prayer is not just a ritual; it is the incubator for God's presence. Prayers have birthed our church, our retreat center, and the revival we are experiencing. When we commit to being a praying and worshiping church, we create an environment where God's presence can dwell and transform lives. [45:05]
2. The Reality of Eternity: Eternity is real, and we will either spend it in the presence of Christ or be eternally separated from Him. This reality should break our hearts and motivate us to reach people far from God. Our commitment to sharing the gospel is not just about meeting immediate needs but about addressing the eternal destiny of souls. [33:02]
3. Social Justice and the Gospel: While social justice is important, it should flow out of the gospel and not replace it. Meeting people's needs without giving them Jesus leaves them eternally lost. Our motivation should always be to bring people closer to God, using social justice as a gateway to share the gospel. [28:54]
4. Commitment Beyond Ourselves: True commitment requires us to see beyond ourselves and take action. When we are dedicated to something larger than ourselves, like Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, we can make a significant impact. Our actions, motivated by a burden from God, can transform our community and bring glory to Him. [35:36]
5. Engaging with God Before Taking Action: Before making any commitment, we must first engage with God. Nehemiah prayed for months before taking action, allowing God to stir something in his heart. Our commitments should be motivated by a burden from God, ensuring that our actions align with His will and purpose. [26:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:52] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[15:18] - Introduction and Vision for Radiant Church
[16:13] - The Mandate from God and Water the City Initiative
[18:26] - Commitment in a Culture of Belonging
[19:55] - Personal Story of Calling into Ministry
[23:00] - Nehemiah's Burden for Jerusalem
[24:09] - Kingdom Commitment and Rebuilding
[26:17] - Nehemiah's Arrival and Initial Actions
[28:54] - The Gospel and Social Justice
[31:30] - Personal Testimony and Burden for Souls
[35:00] - Nehemiah's Rallying Call
[39:13] - Stories of Transformation and Legacy
[45:05] - Prayer as the Incubator for God's Presence
[48:04] - Practical Steps for Commitment
[50:49] - Final Prayer and Commitment Moment
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 2:11-18 (ESV)
> So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work. 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.
2. Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV)
> For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
3. James 2:14-17 (ESV)
> What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
### Observation Questions
1. In Nehemiah 2:11-18, what actions did Nehemiah take before sharing his plan with others?
2. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon seeing the state of Jerusalem's walls and gates?
3. According to Matthew 25:35-40, what are some specific actions that demonstrate care for others?
4. In James 2:14-17, what is the relationship between faith and works?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah chose to inspect the walls of Jerusalem at night and keep his plans to himself initially?
2. How does Nehemiah's burden for Jerusalem reflect a deeper spiritual commitment?
3. What does Matthew 25:35-40 suggest about the importance of meeting physical needs in the context of faith?
4. How does James 2:14-17 challenge the idea of faith without action?
### Application Questions
1. Nehemiah prayed and engaged with God before taking action. What steps can you take this week to engage with God about a burden on your heart?
2. Nehemiah's commitment led him to take significant action. What is one specific action you can take this week to address a need in your community?
3. Reflecting on Matthew 25:35-40, identify one person in your life who is in need. How can you practically meet one of their needs this week?
4. James 2:14-17 emphasizes the importance of works accompanying faith. What is one area of your life where you can better align your actions with your faith?
5. Nehemiah rallied others to join him in rebuilding Jerusalem. Who can you invite to join you in a cause that is important to you, and how will you approach them?
Devotional
Day 1: Prayer as the Incubator for God's Presence
Prayer is not just a ritual; it is the incubator for God's presence. When we commit to being a praying and worshiping church, we create an environment where God's presence can dwell and transform lives. Prayers have birthed our church, our retreat center, and the revival we are experiencing. This commitment to prayer is foundational to our faith and mission. It is through prayer that we invite God's presence into our lives and our community, allowing Him to work in and through us.
Prayer is the lifeline that connects us to God. It is through prayer that we communicate with Him, seek His guidance, and experience His presence. When we prioritize prayer, we create a space for God to move in powerful ways. Our church's commitment to prayer has led to significant growth and transformation, and it is a testament to the power of prayer in bringing about change. Let us continue to be a praying and worshiping church, trusting that God will continue to work in and through us as we seek His presence. [45:05]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2 ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize prayer in your daily life to create an environment for God's presence to dwell and transform you?
Day 2: The Reality of Eternity
Eternity is real, and we will either spend it in the presence of Christ or be eternally separated from Him. This reality should break our hearts and motivate us to reach people far from God. Our commitment to sharing the gospel is not just about meeting immediate needs but about addressing the eternal destiny of souls. Understanding the reality of eternity gives us a sense of urgency in our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
The reality of eternity should shape our perspective and priorities. It reminds us that our time on earth is temporary and that our ultimate goal is to spend eternity with God. This understanding should drive us to share the gospel with others, knowing that their eternal destiny is at stake. Let us be motivated by the reality of eternity to reach out to those who are far from God and share the hope and love of Jesus with them. [33:02]
"And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46 ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of eternity impact your perspective on sharing the gospel with others? What steps can you take to reach out to someone who is far from God today?
Day 3: Social Justice and the Gospel
While social justice is important, it should flow out of the gospel and not replace it. Meeting people's needs without giving them Jesus leaves them eternally lost. Our motivation should always be to bring people closer to God, using social justice as a gateway to share the gospel. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, and it is through the gospel that true transformation and freedom are found.
Social justice is a vital aspect of our faith, but it should never overshadow the gospel. Our efforts to meet people's physical and social needs should be accompanied by a desire to share the love and message of Jesus with them. When we prioritize the gospel, we ensure that our actions are rooted in God's love and purpose. Let us use social justice as an opportunity to share the gospel and bring people closer to God. [28:54]
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you integrate the gospel into your efforts for social justice? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions are rooted in God's love and purpose?
Day 4: Commitment Beyond Ourselves
True commitment requires us to see beyond ourselves and take action. When we are dedicated to something larger than ourselves, like Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, we can make a significant impact. Our actions, motivated by a burden from God, can transform our community and bring glory to Him. Commitment is tested by action, and it requires us to see beyond our own needs and desires.
When we commit to something larger than ourselves, we are willing to make sacrifices and take risks for the sake of a greater cause. Nehemiah's commitment to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was driven by a burden for his people and a desire to honor God. Similarly, our commitment to God's mission should be motivated by a desire to see His kingdom come and His will be done. Let us be willing to take action and make a difference in our community, trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory. [35:36]
"So we rebuilt the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can commit to something larger than yourself? How can you take action today to make a difference in your community?
Day 5: Engaging with God Before Taking Action
Before making any commitment, we must first engage with God. Nehemiah prayed for months before taking action, allowing God to stir something in his heart. Our commitments should be motivated by a burden from God, ensuring that our actions align with His will and purpose. Engaging with God through prayer and seeking His guidance is essential before we take any steps forward.
When we engage with God before taking action, we ensure that our efforts are aligned with His will and purpose. Nehemiah's example of praying and seeking God's guidance before rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem reminds us of the importance of seeking God's direction in our own lives. Let us take the time to engage with God, allowing Him to stir something in our hearts and guide our actions. By doing so, we can be confident that our commitments are rooted in His will and purpose. [26:58]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3 ESV)
Reflection: How can you engage with God before making any commitments or taking action? What steps can you take to seek His guidance and ensure that your actions align with His will and purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What motivates you? What are you committed to? What are you willing to dedicate your life to? And I want to add to it. That's beyond yourself. Because if we are just dedicated to our retirement. If we are just dedicated to our careers. And it's all. When you are dedicated to only you. Your soul actually diminishes. That's what we learned about in the happiness series." [30:17]
2. "Commitment means this. It's when you dedicate your life to a cause. And I would add this. For kingdom commitment, those who follow Jesus, we dedicate our lives to a cause that's beyond us. It's greater than us. I've dedicated my life to following Jesus. I dedicated my life to ministry. And it's fun. It's awesome. But it's messy and complicated. But I will always follow." [19:55]
3. "When we start actually living new levels of happiness. Or new levels of freedom. We start getting outside of ourselves. And we start looking to the people around us. When we are only dedicated to my thing. And my cause. And my ministry. Whatever that is. Your soul will shrink. It diminishes you." [31:30]
4. "I am committed to Jesus. He's not a club. He's not a reward system. I'm still fascinated by him, that every day he shows up in my devotion and I encounter him and he heals my heart. I am committed to Jesus. Following Jesus was the best decision of my life." [19:55]
5. "Commitment starts in the heart. And it's motivated by God put this in my heart. So what that tells us. When we make a commitment to any cause. We first have to engage with God. And we know that Nehemiah prayed for three months. He's engaging. With God. Before he jumps into it. And God is stirring this thing up in his heart. And he's looking around." [26:58]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Prayer is the incubator for God's presence. Prayers birth realities. Prayers birth this church at Spring Arbor. Prayers birth Sycamore. Prayers birth the retreat center. Prayers birth, I believe, the revival that we're experiencing. We're committed to reaching people far from God. And you've heard me say this. It's a little tongue-in-cheek. But we'll do everything shy of sin to reach people. Reaching people with the love, the life-giving message of Jesus." [45:05]
2. "I do believe being eternally separated from God. Is a real thing. I believe eternity is real. We will spend eternity in heaven. In the presence of Christ. Or we will spend eternity. Vanished from the presence of Christ. And the ancients labeled it. What we now have translated as hell. But when you look at this in scriptures. It is a very real place." [33:02]
3. "Social justice flows out of it. But don't flip it. Because if you meet a need. Without giving them Jesus. And now they are eternally lost. So my motivation is people. Who are far from God. And I look at those needs. As the gateway into their story. And into their life." [28:54]
4. "Commitment is a concern beyond yourself. Let's keep reading in verse 17. So Nehemiah gathers some people together. And he said to them, it's probably going to look weird on camera for Sycamore. Hopefully that's out of the camera for you. I got a thumbs up. All right. Verse 17, he says, so he gathers some people together. He's rallying around this cause. And he said to them, you see the trouble we are in. Have you looked at? Like, what's going on in the world? Has any of the news, like, does any of that concern you? Or like, what is going on in the world?" [34:10]
5. "When you're committed, something starts happening. Committed. is tested by action words are cheap and when you move into something what begins to happen is your you start sensing a purpose beyond yourself you start sensing ownership of the very thing that God has called you to do actions is costly commitment does require me I look at Jesus going to the cross and dedicated to something larger than himself which was the souls of humanity the very treasures of heaven now look at that like he took action and he he didn't want to do it we know this because of the prayer in the garden he says Lord take this cup from me I don't I don't want to go through with this and yet he was committed and that's what dedication is when it's beyond yourself and you're like I'm gonna do this because I do see the need and and so Nehemiah shares the need I said yeah let's start rebuilding the wall." [36:34]
6. "We have witnessed since the launching of Sycamore, many people just come to Jesus. I can't believe I spent 18 minutes on that point. but that it empowers us to live well it empowers us to live dedicated it empowers us to love well the cross is our example of healing of love receive the blood of christ shed for you." [33:02]
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