Embracing Awe, Boundaries, and Mission in Faith
Summary
In this sermon, the pastor underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of awe and reverence towards God, spiritual leaders, and fellow believers. The congregation is urged to identify and rectify any areas where familiarity has taken root, as this can lead to a decrease in faith. The pastor also emphasizes the need for open communication and trust between the church leadership and the congregation, while also maintaining respect and setting healthy boundaries.
The sermon also focuses on the future of the church, particularly the upcoming launch of a new church in Amsterdam. The pastor uses the biblical example of Jerusalem's restoration to illustrate that prophecies require action and faith from believers to come to fruition. The congregation is called upon to shift their mindset and actions, especially the leaders, to fulfill the apostolic work ahead.
The pastor further discusses the need to guard against familiarity within the church community. The congregation is reminded of the prophecies spoken about their move to Amsterdam and the changes that will come with the move to the new building. The pastor emphasizes that the new building will be unique and have an international impact, and likens their mission to the anointing of Nehemiah to build and war.
The sermon also delves into the importance of setting boundaries in relationships within the church community. The pastor acknowledges the value of connecting with others and being open to feedback and dialogue, but also stresses the need for healthy boundaries to prevent constant invasion of personal space. The pastor encourages constructive feedback and ideas over complaints, and highlights the importance of maintaining respect and avoiding its erosion.
Finally, the pastor discusses the significance of humility in navigating relationships with leaders and emphasizes the need for support and accountability within the church community. The congregation is encouraged to embrace change and remain focused on their mission.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the need to guard against familiarity with God, spiritual leaders, and fellow believers, as this can lead to a decrease in faith. This requires a constant renewal of awe and reverence, and a commitment to open communication and respect ([12:45]).
- The sermon underscores the importance of action and faith in fulfilling prophecies, using the example of Jerusalem's restoration. The congregation, particularly the leaders, are called upon to shift their mindset and actions to fulfill the apostolic work ahead ([22:30]).
- The pastor discusses the upcoming move to Amsterdam and the changes that will come with it. The new building is expected to be unique and have an international impact, and the congregation is reminded of their mission to evangelize and take back the city of Amsterdam ([34:15]).
- The sermon highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries within the church community. While open communication and feedback are valued, the pastor emphasizes the need to prevent constant invasion of personal space and to maintain respect ([45:50]).
- The pastor discusses the significance of humility in navigating relationships with leaders and the need for support and accountability within the church community. The congregation is encouraged to embrace change and remain focused on their mission ([58:30]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah's restoration of Jerusalem #!!40:20!!#
2. Prophecies in the Bible #!!40:59!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Nehemiah's restoration of Jerusalem?
2. How were prophecies used in the Bible and what was their purpose?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Nehemiah's restoration of Jerusalem relate to the concept of faith and action?
2. How can we understand and apply the use of prophecies in the Bible to our own lives?
Application Questions:
1. Can you think of a time when you had to take action in faith, similar to Nehemiah restoring Jerusalem? How did you handle it?
2. How can we apply the concept of prophecies in the Bible to our own lives? Can you think of a situation where this might be applicable?
3. How can we guard against becoming too familiar with God, leadership, and vision, as mentioned in the content?
4. How can we maintain a spirit of appreciation and respect in our relationships, as suggested in the content? Can you think of a specific relationship where this might be challenging?
Devotional
Day 1: Renewing Awe and Reverence Towards God
We must strive to renew our awe and reverence towards God, especially when we've become too familiar with His words that we hardly read them anymore. Recognizing the authority and responsibility that leaders have, we must understand that God placed them in those roles. We should honor and respect spiritual leaders, acknowledging that they are God's servants. In all our relationships, we should maintain a spirit of appreciation and respect for one another. [45:38]
Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."
Reflection: How can you renew your awe and reverence towards God and His word in your daily life?
Day 2: Encouraging Healthy Relationships with Open Communication
Open communication is key to healthy relationships within the church. However, this communication must be respectful and considerate. Trust between leadership and the church is crucial, and leaders should be approachable. Boundaries are also important to maintain, ensuring that respect and understanding are upheld. [47:52]
Ephesians 4:15 - "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Reflection: How can you improve your communication within your relationships in the church?
Day 3: Embracing the Future Vision of the Church
God has a vision for the future of the church, and we must not become too familiar or complacent with the current state of things. We need faith to believe in what God has said will happen, and we must actively work towards these prophecies. We must not become familiar with one another, with God, with the leadership, and with the vision. [39:04]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 - "Then the LORD replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"
Reflection: How can you actively work towards the future vision of the church?
Day 4: Guarding Against Familiarity
Familiarity can lead to complacency and a lack of respect. We must guard against this by maintaining a spirit of repentance and humility. We need to recognize the dangers of familiarity and repent for any area where it has taken roots. [44:56]
Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to guard against familiarity?
Day 5: Maintaining Boundaries and Respect
While open communication and approachability are important, it's also crucial to maintain certain boundaries for the sake of respect and understanding. Leaders need to be approachable, but they also need their personal space and time. We must respect these boundaries and understand that they are necessary for the health of the church. [49:45]
Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you better respect the boundaries of your leaders and fellow church members?
Quotes
"We need to recognize the authority and responsibility that leaders have and also understand that God placed them in those roles." [45:38]
"Just because God many years ago prophesied certain things doesn't mean it's automatically going to happen... we need Faith to believe in what God said will happen." [39:04]
"A lot will change when we move into the new building. It will be nothing that we have prepared for. It will be so different and unique that it's going to turn our world upside down." [42:20]
"I maintain certain boundaries of respect in this relationship. He is the one who is in charge, he is my father. Now of course we know each other very well, so I know sometimes what he wants. This is how we need to develop relationships - humility to navigate relationships with leaders." [51:40]
"God is going to do tremendous things in Amsterdam... but what God said to me is that the people and the leaders specifically will have to make a shift in their actions, but mainly a shift in their mindset." [41:43]
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