Creating Electrifying Environments Through Hope and Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our series on the values that guide our Team Orange, the dedicated group that serves our church community. We have explored the acronym "ORANGE," which stands for Over the top, Relational, Authentic, No matter what, Grateful, and today, Electrifying. The focus was on how we create the atmosphere around us, inspired by the creation story in Genesis, where God's words brought light into the void. Our words and actions have the power to shape our environments, just as God's words shaped the world.
We delved into the significance of being electrifying, not as mere hype but as a reflection of the hope and help we carry as followers of Jesus. This hope is transformative and enduring, and it empowers us to serve others genuinely. We discussed how our environments, whether at home, work, or in our communities, can be transformed by our intentional actions and words. The story of Saul's conversion to Paul highlighted the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, showing that even the most unlikely individuals can be instruments of God's work when we respond to His call.
We also touched on the concept of being a thermostat rather than a thermometer in our spiritual lives. A thermostat changes the environment, while a thermometer merely reflects it. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be thermostats, actively creating positive, life-giving atmospheres wherever we go. This involves serving others, speaking life, and embodying the values we aspire to live by. The challenge is to move beyond mere attendance and passive participation to active engagement and transformation in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to create and transform the atmosphere around us. Just as God spoke light into the void, our words can bring life, healing, and encouragement to those around us. Reflect on the words you use daily and consider their impact on your environment. [04:04]
2. Hope and Help: Being electrifying is not about hype but about carrying and sharing the tangible hope and help that comes from knowing Jesus. This hope is enduring and transformative, enabling us to serve others genuinely and make a real difference in their lives. [12:42]
3. Holy Ground: Everywhere we go is holy ground because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This means that our presence can bring God's love and power into any situation, transforming it into a place of hope and healing. Recognize the sacredness of your everyday environments and act accordingly. [15:27]
4. Obedience Unlocks Potential: Trusting and obeying God's call can unlock incredible potential in our lives and the lives of others. Ananias's obedience led to Saul's transformation into Paul, showing that our simple acts of faith can have far-reaching impacts. [21:42]
5. Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer: As followers of Jesus, we are called to change the atmosphere, not just reflect it. This means actively engaging in our environments, serving others, and embodying the values we believe in. Our actions and attitudes can create life-giving, transformative spaces. [30:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - Honoring Long-Time Members
[02:36] - The Power of Words
[04:04] - Words Create Worlds
[05:26] - Reflecting on Our Words
[06:59] - Electrifying Environments
[08:26] - Virginia Tech Hokies Example
[09:41] - Music and Atmosphere
[11:13] - Tangible Hope and Help
[12:42] - Quotes on Hope
[14:10] - Holy Ground
[15:27] - The Indwelling Spirit
[16:42] - Changing the Atmosphere
[18:08] - Saul's Conversion
[19:14] - Ananias's Obedience
[20:32] - Trusting God Unlocks Potential
[21:42] - God's Plan in Motion
[23:03] - Practicing What We Know
[24:24] - God's Plan is Bigger Than Excuses
[26:04] - Multiplying Impact
[27:28] - Real-Life Example from Ukraine
[28:59] - Thermometer vs. Thermostat
[30:26] - Creating Life-Giving Spaces
[31:38] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV)
> "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light."
2. Acts 9:10-19 (NIV)
> "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' 'Yes, Lord,' he answered. The Lord told him, 'Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.' 'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.' Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did God create in Genesis 1:1-3, and how did He do it?
2. How did Ananias initially respond to God's command to go to Saul, and what was his concern? [19:14]
3. What happened to Saul after Ananias laid hands on him? [20:32]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of our words in shaping our environment? [04:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the creation story in Genesis illustrate the power of words in shaping reality? [02:36]
2. What does Saul's transformation into Paul teach us about the potential impact of obedience to God's call? [21:42]
3. In what ways can recognizing that "everywhere we go is holy ground" change our daily interactions and environments? [15:27]
4. How does the concept of being a thermostat rather than a thermometer apply to our spiritual lives and interactions with others? [30:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the words you use daily. How can you be more intentional about speaking life and encouragement into your environments? [04:04]
2. Think of a situation where you can bring hope and help to someone this week. What specific actions will you take to make a tangible difference? [12:42]
3. Identify a place in your life that feels "formless and empty." How can you invite God's presence to transform that space into holy ground? [15:27]
4. Consider a time when you felt called to do something challenging, like Ananias. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you apply this experience to future situations? [19:14]
5. Are there areas in your life where you tend to reflect the environment rather than change it? What steps can you take to become more of a thermostat in those areas? [30:26]
6. How can you practice obedience to God's call in your daily life, even when it seems difficult or risky? What might be the potential impact of your obedience? [21:42]
7. Think of a specific relationship or community you are part of. How can you actively create a positive, life-giving atmosphere in that context? [16:42]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Words
Our words have the power to create and transform the atmosphere around us. Just as God spoke light into the void, our words can bring life, healing, and encouragement to those around us. Reflect on the words you use daily and consider their impact on your environment. Our words are not just sounds; they are powerful tools that can build up or tear down. By choosing to speak life, we can create environments that reflect God's love and grace.
Consider how your words can be a source of light in someone’s darkness. Whether it’s a kind word to a stranger or an encouraging message to a friend, your words can make a significant difference. Be mindful of the language you use and strive to speak words that uplift and inspire. [04:04]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Think about the last conversation you had. Were your words life-giving or did they bring someone down? How can you be more intentional about speaking words of encouragement and hope today?
Day 2: Hope and Help
Being electrifying is not about hype but about carrying and sharing the tangible hope and help that comes from knowing Jesus. This hope is enduring and transformative, enabling us to serve others genuinely and make a real difference in their lives. The hope we have in Jesus is not fleeting; it is a steadfast anchor for our souls. It empowers us to face challenges with confidence and to extend that same hope to others.
When we carry this hope, we become beacons of light in a world that often feels dark and hopeless. Our actions and attitudes can reflect the hope we have in Christ, offering help and encouragement to those in need. Let your life be a testament to the hope that is found in Jesus, and let that hope drive you to serve others with love and compassion. [12:42]
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: Who in your life needs a reminder of the hope found in Jesus? How can you practically share that hope with them today?
Day 3: Holy Ground
Everywhere we go is holy ground because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This means that our presence can bring God's love and power into any situation, transforming it into a place of hope and healing. Recognize the sacredness of your everyday environments and act accordingly. When we understand that we carry the presence of God with us, it changes how we interact with the world around us.
Our homes, workplaces, and communities become places where God's love and power can be manifested. By being aware of the Holy Spirit's presence within us, we can approach each day with a sense of purpose and reverence. Let your actions and words reflect the holiness of the ground you walk on, and watch how God uses you to bring transformation to those around you. [15:27]
1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"
Reflection: How can you acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily routines? What changes can you make to treat your everyday environments as holy ground?
Day 4: Obedience Unlocks Potential
Trusting and obeying God's call can unlock incredible potential in our lives and the lives of others. Ananias's obedience led to Saul's transformation into Paul, showing that our simple acts of faith can have far-reaching impacts. When we respond to God's call with obedience, we open the door for His power to work through us in ways we could never imagine.
Our obedience, even in small things, can lead to significant changes and blessings. It requires trust and a willingness to step out in faith, but the rewards are immeasurable. By saying "yes" to God, we allow Him to use us as instruments of His grace and love, impacting the lives of those around us in profound ways. [21:42]
Acts 9:17-18 (ESV): "So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act? What steps can you take today to respond in obedience and trust?
Day 5: Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer
As followers of Jesus, we are called to change the atmosphere, not just reflect it. This means actively engaging in our environments, serving others, and embodying the values we believe in. Our actions and attitudes can create life-giving, transformative spaces. A thermostat sets the temperature, while a thermometer only measures it. As Christians, we are called to set the spiritual temperature in our surroundings.
By living out our faith authentically and intentionally, we can influence the atmosphere around us for the better. This involves being proactive in our love and service to others, creating environments where God's presence is felt and His love is evident. Strive to be a thermostat in your daily life, bringing warmth, light, and life to every situation you encounter. [30:26]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively change the atmosphere in your home, workplace, or community? How can you be a source of light and life to those around you today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we genuinely connect with God, hope in your situation, and accept his love for you through Jesus, his help for you, it changes every facet of your life. That is electrifying. That's what we really want. We can stand and jump with 65,000 people in a rainstorm and see somebody's car get struck by lightning, but if it doesn't change our lives, was it worth it?" [12:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we genuinely experience God, our natural reaction is to do what God did in all of creation, which is to speak some life, to bring hope, to offer help. That changes things. That creates the atmosphere. It's why Paul, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm getting too excited. So our words and our actions then, what we embody, has the potential to create the spaces that we're in." [13:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Everywhere you go is holy ground. So what do I mean by that? What do I mean by that? Well, in the Old Testament, the first half of the Bible, vaguely the half, we read about God's spirit dwelling within the temple. In the New Testament, we read about the believers being filled with the spirit. Paul would write that your body is the temple of the living God." [14:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we surrender to what God has done through Jesus, we can be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live the life that God has for us. And that means everywhere you go, because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, is now holy ground. It's not just restricted to a place in four walls, just like it's not restricted to these four walls. It indwells you, wherever you go." [14:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The followers of Jesus, the true followers of Jesus, their faith is put into action. It creates the atmosphere. Instead of being a thermometer, they're actually a thermostat. They change the environment that they're in. Followers of Jesus jump to serve because they know it's central to Jesus's mission. It's one of the quickest ways to change the atmosphere." [30:26] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If your atmosphere feels heavy or fragile today, maybe reflect on the words that you're saying. I'm grateful for those who are endeavoring to build relationships. Maybe reflect on the words that are being used throughout your day and consider the connection with the kind of world that's being created in your home, in your workplace, in your relationships." [05:26] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Trusting God unlocks the potential that God has for you in your environment. Again, you've probably heard of this to some degree. It's crazy. We hear the headline, terrorist becomes apostle and missionary after radical encounter with God. Well, I'm not here to say that's necessarily going to be normative for all of us. Hopefully you're not driving and some bright light shines on you and that's it." [21:42] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's plan was already in motion. It says he is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again. Can I remind you this morning that God never sleeps nor slumbers. He's not unaware of the details of what's going on in your life. His plan is already in motion." [21:42] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's plan multiplies impact. Not only did Saul have a conversion experience on the road to Damascus, but he experienced God through Ananias. Ananias showed up. There was some tangible help Ananias offered. Hey, I'm going to pray for you. I'm going to lay my hands on you and encourage you. And we've already talked about what Saul went on to do as Paul." [26:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we talk about people who know and experience God, and we're talking about people who could bring a little bit of heaven to earth, you know what I'm saying? That's electrifying. That doesn't mean it's hype. It means mourning with those who mourn. It means celebrating with those who are experiencing victory and freedom. It's allowing the beauty of God's intent toward humanity to drive my words and actions." [26:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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