Embracing Childlike Faith and the Power of Praise
Summary
### Summary
Today, we experienced a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, welcoming His presence into our midst. We began by lifting our hands and hearts in praise, acknowledging that there is no one greater than Jesus. We celebrated the success of our Vacation Bible School (VBS), where over a hundred children participated, and many gave their lives to Jesus. This culminated in a joyous baptism ceremony for several children and adults, symbolizing their new life in Christ.
We reflected on the importance of childlike faith, as illustrated in Mark 10:13-16. Jesus rebuked His disciples for preventing children from coming to Him, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This childlike faith is not childish but is marked by trust, innocence, and a sense of wonder. We were reminded that our praise should be pure and reflexive, much like a child's cry for help, which is instinctive and immediate.
We also shared personal stories of faith and heritage, highlighting the importance of passing down a legacy of faith to our children. The story of my grandmother, who donated land for a church and prayed fervently until it was filled, serves as a testament to the power of persistent, childlike faith.
As we moved into a time of offering, we were reminded that giving is an act of worship. We were encouraged to give generously, knowing that God blesses us abundantly when we sow into His Kingdom. The service concluded with a powerful time of communion and a call to release a perfected praise, one that is pure and untainted by cynicism or doubt.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Childlike Faith: Jesus emphasized the importance of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child. This means having a faith that is trusting, innocent, and full of wonder. Childlike faith is not about being naive but about having a pure, untainted trust in God. This kind of faith can break generational curses and bring about lasting change in our lives and communities. [01:35:06]
2. The Reflexive Nature of Praise: Just as a baby's cry is a reflexive action for survival, our praise should be a natural, instinctive response to God's goodness. This kind of praise can stop the enemy and still the avenger. It is not something we have to think about; it should flow naturally from our hearts. [01:45:22]
3. Legacy of Faith: Passing down a legacy of faith to our children is crucial. The story of my grandmother, who prayed and worshipped until her church was filled, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person's faith can have on future generations. Our children need to see and experience our faith in action. [01:30:05]
4. The Importance of Giving: Giving is an integral part of our worship. When we give, we are not just supporting the church; we are sowing into the Kingdom of God. God blesses us abundantly when we give with a cheerful heart, and our giving can have a profound impact on the lives of others. [01:12:02]
5. Perfected Praise: Perfected praise is pure and unconnected to our thought processes. It is a praise that comes from a place of total abandonment to God. This kind of praise can bring about a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, as we witnessed during our VBS and baptism ceremony. [01:39:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:14] - Trusting in Jesus
[47:30] - Nobody Greater
[50:27] - VBS Highlights
[55:24] - Baptism Celebration
[56:27] - God is Moving
[01:03:17] - Acknowledging Volunteers
[01:06:16] - Pursuing God Alone
[01:10:02] - Breaking the Spirit of Confusion
[01:12:02] - Offering Time
[01:20:15] - Opening the Word: Mark 10
[01:31:52] - Let the Children Come
[01:35:06] - Childlike Faith
[01:45:22] - Reflexive Praise
[01:50:19] - Shutting Down the Enemy
[01:55:48] - Baptism Ceremony
[02:07:04] - Communion
[02:10:59] - Baby Dedication
[02:12:34] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 10:13-16 (NIV): "People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' reaction when the disciples tried to prevent the children from coming to Him? ([01:31:52])
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of childlike faith? ([01:35:06])
3. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the legacy of faith? ([01:30:05])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of giving as part of worship? ([01:12:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child? What characteristics of children might He be highlighting? ([01:35:06])
2. How does the concept of "reflexive praise" compare to a child's instinctive cry for help? Why is this type of praise important in our spiritual lives? ([01:45:22])
3. In what ways can passing down a legacy of faith impact future generations, as illustrated by the pastor's grandmother's story? ([01:30:05])
4. How does the act of giving reflect our trust and worship of God, and what are the potential blessings mentioned in the sermon? ([01:12:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own faith. Do you approach God with the same trust, innocence, and wonder as a child? If not, what steps can you take to cultivate a more childlike faith? ([01:35:06])
2. Think about your daily life. Is your praise to God reflexive and natural, or do you find it forced and infrequent? How can you make praise a more instinctive part of your day? ([01:45:22])
3. Consider the legacy of faith in your family. What are some practical ways you can pass down your faith to the next generation? ([01:30:05])
4. How do you view giving in the context of worship? Are there changes you can make to give more generously and cheerfully? ([01:12:02])
5. The sermon mentioned the power of perfected praise. How can you practice this kind of praise in your personal worship time? ([01:39:43])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit strongly. What were you doing at that moment, and how can you create more opportunities for such experiences? ([01:55:48])
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with cynicism or doubt. How can you release a pure and untainted praise to God in that area? ([01:39:43])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Childlike Faith
Childlike faith is characterized by trust, innocence, and a sense of wonder. Jesus emphasized the importance of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child, as seen in Mark 10:13-16. This kind of faith is not about being naive but about having a pure, untainted trust in God. It is a faith that can break generational curses and bring about lasting change in our lives and communities. When we approach God with childlike faith, we open ourselves to His blessings and guidance, allowing Him to work powerfully in our lives. This faith is marked by a deep sense of reliance on God, much like a child relies on their parents for everything.
In our daily lives, we often complicate our relationship with God by overthinking and doubting. However, childlike faith calls us to trust God wholeheartedly, without reservations. It is a faith that believes in God's goodness and His ability to provide for our needs. By embracing this kind of faith, we can experience a deeper connection with God and witness His transformative power in our lives. [01:35:06]
Mark 10:13-16 (ESV): "And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you struggle to trust God completely. How can you approach this situation with childlike faith, trusting in God's goodness and provision?
Day 2: The Reflexive Nature of Praise
Praise should be a natural, instinctive response to God's goodness, much like a baby's cry is a reflexive action for survival. This kind of praise can stop the enemy and still the avenger. It is not something we have to think about; it should flow naturally from our hearts. When we praise God reflexively, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This kind of praise is powerful and can bring about a sense of peace and joy in our lives.
In our busy lives, it is easy to forget to praise God for His goodness. However, when we make praise a reflexive action, it becomes an integral part of our daily routine. By cultivating a habit of reflexive praise, we can maintain a constant connection with God and experience His presence in our lives. This kind of praise is not dependent on our circumstances but is a response to who God is and what He has done for us. [01:45:22]
Psalm 8:2 (ESV): "Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger."
Reflection: How can you make praise a more natural and instinctive part of your daily life? What are some specific ways you can remind yourself to praise God throughout the day?
Day 3: Legacy of Faith
Passing down a legacy of faith to our children is crucial. The story of a grandmother who prayed and worshipped until her church was filled serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person's faith can have on future generations. Our children need to see and experience our faith in action. By living out our faith authentically, we can inspire and encourage the next generation to develop their own relationship with God. This legacy of faith can have a lasting impact, shaping the spiritual lives of our children and their children.
In today's world, it is important to be intentional about passing down our faith. This can be done through regular family devotions, prayer, and worship. By creating an environment where faith is nurtured and celebrated, we can help our children develop a strong foundation in their relationship with God. This legacy of faith is not just about words but about living out our faith in a way that is visible and impactful to those around us. [01:30:05]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can pass down your faith to the next generation? How can you create an environment in your home that nurtures and celebrates faith?
Day 4: The Importance of Giving
Giving is an integral part of our worship. When we give, we are not just supporting the church; we are sowing into the Kingdom of God. God blesses us abundantly when we give with a cheerful heart, and our giving can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Giving is an act of worship that reflects our trust in God's provision and our desire to be a blessing to others. It is a tangible way to express our gratitude for God's blessings and to participate in His work.
In our daily lives, it is important to cultivate a spirit of generosity. This can be done by regularly giving to the church, supporting charitable organizations, and helping those in need. By giving generously, we can experience the joy of being a blessing to others and witness the impact of our giving. God promises to bless those who give with a cheerful heart, and our generosity can open the door to His abundant blessings in our lives. [01:12:02]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity in your daily life? What are some specific ways you can give to support the church and help those in need?
Day 5: Perfected Praise
Perfected praise is pure and unconnected to our thought processes. It is a praise that comes from a place of total abandonment to God. This kind of praise can bring about a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, as witnessed during the VBS and baptism ceremony. Perfected praise is not hindered by doubt or cynicism but is a genuine expression of our love and adoration for God. It is a praise that flows from a heart that is fully surrendered to Him.
In our worship, it is important to strive for perfected praise. This means letting go of our inhibitions and allowing our praise to flow freely from our hearts. By doing so, we can experience a deeper connection with God and invite His presence into our lives. Perfected praise is a powerful tool that can bring about spiritual breakthroughs and a greater awareness of God's presence. [01:39:43]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Reflection: How can you let go of doubt and cynicism in your worship? What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of perfected praise that is fully surrendered to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You can't pursue junk and God at the same time. Come on y'all, I'm talking to everybody right there. You can't pursue God and junk at the same time. You got to pursue God and God alone. You got to come after Him with your whole heart." [01:06:16] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There's something about your children finding God at an early age that breaks curses off of families. Come on somebody, it breaks curses off of generations and causes generations to serve God." [01:31:52] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Anytime a child wants to come and talk about Jesus, you ought to receive them in the love of Jesus. You ought to speak to them with the love of God. You ought to listen. I'm just telling you that there is something that happens in the heart of a child that doesn't happen in the heart of an adult because we're so cynical." [01:33:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Perfected praise is praise that is not connected to your thought process. Where Jesus is quoting from is Psalm 8: 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou have established the heavens.' Do you know that your praise can stop the enemy and steal the avenger?" [01:39:43] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you start doing that, you can steal the enemy. Somebody steal the enemy, say stop the enemy and steal the avenger. Yeah, s-t-i-l-l, still. Make them to be still, not s-t-a-l. Y'all with me? I can make the avenger shut up. I can make the enemy cease." [01:41:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I saw God strengthening you, Coach, making a new man out of you, making a stronger man out of you and in the moment in your godly conviction, in your ability to lead, in your ability to stand up and be the man that God has called you to be. I saw Him strengthening you and I saw Him challenging you to take another level." [01:06:16] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I anointed every doorway in this place with oil today. I anointed this place with oil today, every platform with oil. I anointed every door in every hall with oil and I told the devil, 'You don't have another opportunity. You don't have another moment. You don't have another second. Your time is up here. Your time is up here. Evil is out of this house in the name of Jesus. Division is out of this house in the name of Jesus. Confusion is out of this house in the name of Jesus.' And I declare it done in Jesus' name." [01:10:02] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you ever watch little kids when they play or do something, or an adult, somebody that they really trust, somebody that they love, somebody that they acknowledge, somebody that they love, somebody that they acknowledge, somebody that has acknowledged them, you know, I could put my kids on top of a refrigerator when they were little and tell them to jump and they would jump. No fear at all. Why? Because they knew daddy was there to catch them." [01:35:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your reflex is built in you to save you. I'm going to say it again: your reflex is built in you to save you. If you trip, you don't just say, 'I should probably put my hands out because I'm going down pretty fast.' No, we saw a little girl do that one day and this woman laughed all the way. No, anyway, it was so bad. This girl, I don't know what she was thinking, but she about 15, 16 years old just ran outside and tripped and didn't even put her hands out, just fell on the ground like, 'Good grief, what was she thinking?'" [01:46:49] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reason some of us don't know how to praise God is because there has been a disconnect between the brain. Now, the last time I checked the scripture in Ephesians, it told me that Christ is the head and we are the body. So if He is the head, where is the brain? Come on y'all, this is basic science. It is in the head. If I am disconnected from headship, my reflexes are broken and I don't no longer know how to stop the enemy or steal the avenger." [01:48:27] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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