Embracing Apostolic Ministry Through Worship and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and glorify God, recognizing His omnipresence and omniscience. We acknowledged that we are in the midst of a divine move and that our faith will always elicit a response from God. We emphasized the importance of worship and praise, encouraging everyone to open their mouths and bless the Lord, for He is worthy of all honor and glory. We also reflected on the past year, recognizing the challenges we faced but also celebrating the preservation and blessings we received from God.
We delved into the concept of the apostolic church, focusing on the foundational principles laid by the apostles according to the doctrine of Christ. We discussed the importance of being a part of an apostolic ministry, which involves being sent with a specific message and assignment. We highlighted the roles of Peter and Paul, noting how God can raise replacements if we fail to obey His call. The sermon emphasized the need for unity within the church, the importance of sound doctrine, and the role of apostles and prophets in establishing and maintaining the church's foundation.
We also touched on the characteristics of an apostolic ministry, including being pioneers and trailblazers, imparting gifts, and strengthening churches. We stressed the importance of being guardians of the gospel and bringing order and correction to the church. The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to recognize their gifts and use them for service, not for show. We prayed for a fresh wind of strength and grace to finish the year strong, trusting that God will continue to direct our paths.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Worship and Praise: Worship is not just a ritual but a powerful act that invites God's presence and intervention. When we open our mouths to praise Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and create an atmosphere for miracles, signs, and wonders. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, allowing us to experience His peace and power. [01:26]
2. The Importance of Apostolic Ministry: Apostolic ministry is foundational to the church. Apostles are sent with a specific message and assignment, laying the groundwork for sound doctrine and church growth. This ministry is characterized by pioneering, trailblazing, and imparting spiritual gifts to strengthen the church. Understanding and embracing this role helps us align with God's purpose for our lives. [55:06]
3. Unity in the Church: Unity is essential for the church's strength and effectiveness. Division and disunity are tactics of the enemy to weaken the church. We must pursue peace, love, and understanding, recognizing that we are all part of God's family. This unity flows from our shared foundation in Jesus Christ and is crucial for fulfilling our collective mission. [01:16:05]
4. Guardians of the Gospel: As believers, we are called to be guardians of the gospel, ensuring that the truth of God's word is preserved and taught accurately. This involves being discerning and rejecting false teachings that deviate from the foundational principles laid by the apostles. A strong foundation in the word of God protects us from deception and empowers us to live out our faith effectively. [01:23:24]
5. Recognizing and Using Spiritual Gifts: Every believer has spiritual gifts that are meant for service, not for show. These gifts are to be stirred up, developed, and used to edify the church and advance God's kingdom. Recognizing and using our gifts helps us fulfill our unique roles in the body of Christ and contributes to the overall health and growth of the church. [01:27:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[18:40] - Call to Praise and Worship
[19:26] - Acknowledging God's Presence and Protection
[20:23] - Breathing in God's Goodness
[21:25] - God's Not Done with You
[23:02] - It's Your Breath in Our Lungs
[25:44] - Overcoming Challenges
[26:55] - God Will Carry You
[28:31] - Encouragement and Praise
[31:05] - Better Days Ahead
[32:54] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[35:51] - Expanding Ministry and Holy Gathering
[37:10] - Supporting Minister James Branham
[38:04] - Women's Night and Bishop's Preaching
[38:57] - Mission Offering and Giving
[40:32] - Favor Comes with Responsibility
[41:39] - Pressing Through Challenges
[42:17] - Apostolic Foundation and Ministry
[49:57] - Walking by Faith, Not Feelings
[50:53] - Build It Again Series
[55:06] - Apostolic Church Blueprint
[01:00:04] - The Role of Apostles and Prophets
[01:08:25] - Unity and Order in the Church
[01:18:02] - Characteristics of Apostolic Ministry
[01:23:24] - Guardians of the Gospel
[01:27:03] - Recognizing and Using Spiritual Gifts
[01:31:12] - Revelation and Authority in Apostleship
[01:33:29] - Prayer for Strength and Grace
[01:36:09] - Invitation to Salvation and Connection
[01:38:55] - Testimonies of God's Faithfulness
[01:42:12] - Sowing and Reaping in Faith
[01:44:09] - Upcoming Town Hall Meeting
[01:47:34] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42 - "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
2. Ephesians 2:19-20 - "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 2:42, what were the early believers devoted to?
2. In Ephesians 2:19-20, what is the significance of being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets?
3. What does 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 say about the distribution and purpose of spiritual gifts?
4. How did the sermon describe the role of apostles and prophets in the church?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for the church to be built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:19-20?
2. How does the concept of being "guardians of the gospel" relate to the preservation of sound doctrine in the church?
3. What are some practical ways believers can recognize and use their spiritual gifts for service, as discussed in the sermon?
4. How does unity within the church contribute to its strength and effectiveness, according to the sermon?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you make your worship more intentional and powerful, inviting God's presence and intervention in your life?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of sound doctrine. How can you ensure that you are grounded in the true teachings of the Bible and not swayed by false teachings?
3. Unity is crucial for the church's mission. Are there any areas in your church or small group where you see division? How can you actively work towards promoting peace and understanding?
4. Think about the spiritual gifts you have. Are you using them for service or for show? What steps can you take to better use your gifts to edify the church and advance God's kingdom?
5. The sermon mentioned the need for apostles and prophets to bring order and correction to the church. How can you support and respect the leadership in your church while also holding them accountable to biblical standards?
6. Reflect on the past year and the challenges you faced. How did you see God's preservation and blessings in your life? How can this reflection strengthen your faith moving forward?
7. The sermon called for a fresh wind of strength and grace to finish the year strong. What specific areas in your life need a fresh touch from God, and how can you seek His strength and grace in those areas?
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Worship
Worship is not just a ritual but a powerful act that invites God's presence and intervention. When we open our mouths to praise Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and create an atmosphere for miracles, signs, and wonders. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, allowing us to experience His peace and power. By engaging in heartfelt worship, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door for His divine intervention in our lives. Worship is a declaration of faith, a reminder of God's omnipotence, and a source of spiritual strength.
[01:26]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Reflection: Think about a recent challenge you faced. How can you incorporate worship into your response to this challenge, acknowledging God's greatness and inviting His presence into the situation?
Day 2: Embracing Apostolic Ministry
Apostolic ministry is foundational to the church. Apostles are sent with a specific message and assignment, laying the groundwork for sound doctrine and church growth. This ministry is characterized by pioneering, trailblazing, and imparting spiritual gifts to strengthen the church. Understanding and embracing this role helps us align with God's purpose for our lives. Apostolic ministry involves being sent out to spread the gospel, establish new churches, and ensure that the teachings of Christ are upheld. It requires a deep commitment to God's mission and a willingness to be used as His instrument.
[55:06]
Ephesians 2:20 (ESV): "Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
Reflection: Reflect on your own life and spiritual journey. How can you embrace the principles of apostolic ministry in your daily walk with Christ, and what specific steps can you take to fulfill your God-given assignment?
Day 3: Pursuing Unity in the Church
Unity is essential for the church's strength and effectiveness. Division and disunity are tactics of the enemy to weaken the church. We must pursue peace, love, and understanding, recognizing that we are all part of God's family. This unity flows from our shared foundation in Jesus Christ and is crucial for fulfilling our collective mission. When the church is united, it becomes a powerful force for good, able to accomplish great things for God's kingdom. Unity requires humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to working together despite our differences.
[01:16:05]
1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
Reflection: Consider a relationship within your church community that may be strained. What steps can you take today to promote unity and reconciliation in that relationship?
Day 4: Being Guardians of the Gospel
As believers, we are called to be guardians of the gospel, ensuring that the truth of God's word is preserved and taught accurately. This involves being discerning and rejecting false teachings that deviate from the foundational principles laid by the apostles. A strong foundation in the word of God protects us from deception and empowers us to live out our faith effectively. Being a guardian of the gospel means standing firm in the truth, defending the faith, and sharing the message of Christ with others.
[01:23:24]
2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of the gospel. Are there areas where you need to deepen your knowledge or correct misunderstandings? How can you actively guard and share the truth of God's word in your daily life?
Day 5: Recognizing and Using Spiritual Gifts
Every believer has spiritual gifts that are meant for service, not for show. These gifts are to be stirred up, developed, and used to edify the church and advance God's kingdom. Recognizing and using our gifts helps us fulfill our unique roles in the body of Christ and contributes to the overall health and growth of the church. Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to empower us for ministry and to build up the body of Christ. It is important to seek God's guidance in identifying our gifts and to use them faithfully for His glory.
[01:27:03]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Take a moment to identify your spiritual gifts. How can you use these gifts to serve others in your church and community? What steps can you take to develop and strengthen these gifts for greater effectiveness in ministry?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you have breath in your body, God's not done. Who am I talking to? If you got breath in your body, God's not done. And because God's not done, you gotta press." [21:25] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Look where the Lord has brought us from. It's been a long journey but Jesus has been right by our sides. It's been a challenging and difficult year at times but look at you looking how you're looking the Lord has blessed you and he has preserved you and he has kept you." [25:44] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Would you look at somebody and tell them you've already overcome come on tell them you've already overcome I don't know what you're working through I don't know what you're going through in this moment but you have already overcome." [25:44] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because I know that God is going to carry me because I know God’s gonna take care of me that gives me confidence that gives me courage that gives me boldness to let me know that I am going to make it through this so I can praise him and I can bless him and I can glorify him and I can honor him." [28:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Better days are ahead of me I can smile at you and encourage you to let you know that better days better moments, better seasons, better relationships better days are ahead." [31:05] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "How I steward my present really determines what happens in my future. And so often we will blame God for things that we have the wherewithal, that we have the ability to partner and collaborate with Him to see His will come to pass." [51:40] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're saved, if you are in relationship with Jesus Christ, you have a call. And because you have a call, you have a commission. A commission is what you have received from God that sends you a certain place." [01:08:25] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The unity of the church ultimately flows out of the foundation that we have in Jesus Christ. The reason that we see this unity and division and not just local churches but churches all across this world is because the foundation has been moved from Jesus Christ." [01:14:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Apostles and apostolic individuals they are pioneers and trailblazers. And I have the sneaky suspicion that I'm talking to some people in the room talking to some people online who knows what it's like to be misunderstood because you don't do what everybody else does." [01:18:19] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have seen an evolution of gifts in the church particularly within the 20th century and further where people are making merchandise of their gifts and they're creating things it becomes an operation for filthy lucre come to me cause I can do this come to me cause I can do that so now the saints are seeking soothsayers and not prophets." [01:28:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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