Embracing Commitment: Pray and Proclaim the Gospel
Summary
The sermon titled "Pray in the New Year" is a powerful message of dedication, worship, and the proclamation of the gospel. The speaker, whose name is not discernible from the title, begins by expressing a deep sense of gratitude and trust in God. They acknowledge God as the author of tomorrow, shaping their story and providing answers. The congregation is called to worship and recognize the victory of the Lamb, with a focus on the urgency of spreading the gospel to every corner of the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of doing everything for the glory of Jesus and the power of His blood to save every soul.
The pastor's unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel is evident throughout the sermon. They boldly declare, "We're not ashamed of the gospel," and express a willingness to be forgotten or even die, as long as Jesus receives the glory. This sentiment is repeated, reinforcing their dedication to the mission of reaching every tribe and tongue for Christ's glory.
The power and freedom found in God's word are highlighted as the speaker describes God as their shield and provider. They rejoice in the redemption and freedom they have received, praising God's endless mercy and amazing grace. The speaker reminds the congregation that even though the earth and sun may pass away, God's presence is eternal.
A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to worship, with the congregation singing passionately about giving their all to God and being a living sacrifice for Jesus Christ. The lyrics reflect a deep desire to worship God wholeheartedly and to magnify Christ in every aspect of their lives. The congregation commits to not bowing to any idols and to praising the Lord's name forever.
The speaker also emphasizes the importance of standing strong in faith and holding fast to the truth, rather than being swayed by feelings. They speak of the transformation that comes from the cross and the concept of death as a doorway to resurrection life. The sermon concludes with a song about God's amazing grace and the freedom it brings, inviting the congregation to join in praising Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The speaker conveys that true worship and dedication to God involve a readiness to be forgotten and to face death, if necessary, for the sake of Christ's glory. This level of commitment reflects a profound understanding of the gospel's value and the importance of living a life that magnifies Jesus above all else. [01:26:54]
- The concept of God as the author of our tomorrows is a reminder that our lives are part of a greater narrative crafted by divine providence. Trusting in God's sovereignty allows believers to face the future with confidence, knowing that their story is being shaped by an omnipotent and loving Creator. [59:34]
- The urgency of the harvest and the call to spread the gospel globally underscore the speaker's recognition of the vastness of God's kingdom and the critical role of believers in reaching out to every tribe and tongue. This missionary zeal is rooted in the belief that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient to save every soul. [01:24:24]
- The speaker's emphasis on God's word as a source of power and freedom highlights the transformative effect of Scripture in a believer's life. It is through God's word that individuals find redemption, mercy, and grace, which are the bedrock of a life lived in gratitude and worship. [45:24]
- The call to be crucified with Christ and to embrace the cross as a transformative experience speaks to the paradox of Christian life, where death leads to resurrection life. This perspective encourages believers to surrender fully to God, trusting that in losing their lives for Christ's sake, they will find true life. [36:34]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Pray in the New Year"
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."
2. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the speaker mean when they say, "We're not ashamed of the gospel"? How does this align with Romans 1:16? [01:26:02]
2. How does the concept of being "crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20 relate to the speaker's call to be a living sacrifice? [21:30]
3. What is the significance of the speaker's emphasis on spreading the gospel to every tribe and tongue? How does this connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? [01:24:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. The speaker mentions a willingness to be forgotten or even die for the sake of Christ's glory. How does this level of commitment reflect a profound understanding of the gospel's value? [01:27:34]
2. How does trusting in God as the author of our tomorrows help believers face the future with confidence? What does this say about God's sovereignty? [58:27]
3. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of the harvest and the call to spread the gospel globally. What does this urgency imply about the current state of the world and the role of believers? [01:24:46]
4. How does the speaker's description of God's word as a source of power and freedom highlight the transformative effect of Scripture in a believer's life? [45:07]
#### Application Questions
1. The speaker calls for a readiness to be forgotten and to face death for Christ's glory. How can you cultivate this level of dedication in your own life? What practical steps can you take to prioritize Jesus above all else? [01:27:34]
2. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's plan for your future. How can you remind yourself that God is the author of your tomorrows and find peace in His sovereignty? [58:27]
3. The urgency of spreading the gospel is a key theme in the sermon. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [01:24:46]
4. The speaker emphasizes the power and freedom found in God's word. How can you incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine to experience its transformative effects? [45:07]
5. The sermon calls for believers to be living sacrifices. What are some practical ways you can offer your life as a living sacrifice to God in your daily activities and interactions? [21:30]
6. The speaker mentions the importance of standing strong in faith and holding fast to the truth. How can you ensure that your faith remains strong even when faced with challenges or doubts? [21:00]
7. Reflect on the concept of death as a doorway to resurrection life. How does this perspective change the way you view your own struggles and sacrifices for the sake of Christ? [21:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Surrender for Christ's Glory
True worship requires a readiness to surrender all, even to the point of being forgotten, for the glory of Christ. This surrender is not a loss but a profound understanding that living for Jesus surpasses all else. [01:26:54]
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: How can you practice surrendering your desires for recognition or success today to live more fully for Christ's glory?
Day 2: Trusting the Divine Author
Acknowledging God as the author of our tomorrows instills confidence and trust in His divine narrative for our lives. This trust allows us to face the future with assurance, knowing we are part of His greater story. [59:34]
James 4:13-15 - "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: What are your plans for the coming year, and how can you submit them to God's will, trusting that He is the author of your story?
Day 3: The Urgency of the Gospel Mission
The call to spread the gospel to every tribe and tongue is urgent and rooted in the belief that Jesus' sacrifice can save every soul. This mission is a response to the vastness of God's kingdom and the transformative power of the gospel. [01:24:24]
Romans 15:20-21 - "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written: 'Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.'"
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to share the gospel with someone who has not yet heard the message of Jesus Christ?
Day 4: Transformation Through God's Word
God's word is a source of power and freedom, offering redemption, mercy, and grace. It is through Scripture that we are transformed and learn to live lives of gratitude and worship. [45:24]
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: How can you engage with Scripture today in a way that allows God's word to transform an area of your life?
Day 5: Embracing the Cross for Resurrection Life
The paradox of Christian life is found in the cross, where death leads to resurrection life. This perspective calls believers to fully surrender to God, trusting that in losing their lives for Christ, they will find true life. [36:34]
Colossians 3:3-4 - "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: What does 'dying to self' mean for you in practical terms, and how can you live out this principle today?
Quotes
"I know the author of tomorrow is sort of my story. I'm praising my risen King and Savior all day long." [59:34] (Download)
"For the Lamb has conquered, and I will follow Him to the end of the earth. It's all for your glory. Till every soul is won." [01:24:24] (Download)
"The harvest is ready, we have to go. We won't stop till the whole world knows. The power in your blood to save every soul. We're not ashamed of the gospel." [01:24:24] (Download)
"And I will preach the gospel, I'll die and be forgotten, as long as you get the glory." [01:26:54] (Download)
"Jesus, you're worthy of every tribe and tongue. It's all for your glory. Till every soul is won." [01:29:35] (Download)
"The cross brings transformation. Now be crucified with you. Because death is just a doorway to resurrection life. If I join you in your suffering, then I will join you in your rise." [21:19] (Download)
"We don't give you 50%, 99%, we give you everything, because you're worthy of everything, we're here to burn for you." [05:44] (Download)
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