Embracing Divine Presence: Listening and Acting in Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of divine intervention in our lives and the importance of listening to Jesus. We began by reflecting on the story of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17, where Jesus is revealed in His divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah. This moment serves as a reminder of the divine presence that should be active in our lives daily, not just during significant spiritual experiences. We often get caught up in our routines and the structures we've built, such as ministries and church activities, which can become modern-day tabernacles that distract us from the true essence of our faith.
The story of the Transfiguration challenges us to listen to Jesus and be open to divine interruptions in our lives. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and engage with the world, sharing the good news of Jesus with others. This requires us to overcome our fears and trust in God's presence and guidance. Jesus' touch reassures us that we are not alone and encourages us to rise and not be afraid.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of baptism as a symbol of our commitment to Christ and the transformation it brings. Baptism is not just a ritual but a pledge of a good conscience before God, signifying our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a vital step in our spiritual journey, representing our willingness to die to self and live a new life in Christ.
As we move forward, let us be mindful of the divine presence in our lives, listen to Jesus, and be willing to share His message with the world. Let us not be paralyzed by fear but be empowered by the Spirit to be ambassadors of Christ, bringing His love and truth to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine intervention is essential in our daily lives, not just during significant spiritual experiences. We must be open to God's presence and guidance, allowing Him to lead us in unexpected ways. [53:04]
- Our faith should not be confined to the structures and routines we've built, such as ministries and church activities. These can become distractions from the true essence of our faith, which is to listen to Jesus and follow His lead. [01:02:20]
- Overcoming fear is crucial in sharing the good news of Jesus with others. We must trust in God's presence and guidance, knowing that He is with us always and will never leave us or forsake us. [01:06:17]
- Baptism is a vital step in our spiritual journey, representing our commitment to Christ and the transformation it brings. It is a pledge of a good conscience before God, signifying our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. [01:13:01]
- We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth with the world. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with others, trusting in the Spirit to empower us in this mission. [01:11:38]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[46:16] - Community Announcements
[49:16] - The Power of Prayer
[50:26] - Listening to Jesus
[51:37] - The Transfiguration
[53:04] - Divine Intervention
[54:40] - Moses and Elijah
[56:43] - The Law and the Prophets
[57:22] - Peter's Proposal
[58:00] - Human Opinion vs. Divine Wisdom
[59:12] - Allowing God to Speak
[01:00:09] - The Arrogance of Certainty
[01:01:14] - The Need for Divine Interruptions
[01:02:20] - Modern-Day Tabernacles
[01:03:46] - Fear and Faith
[01:05:17] - Jesus' Reassurance
[01:06:17] - Being Ambassadors of Christ
[01:09:34] - The Importance of Baptism
[01:11:38] - Taking Faith into the World
[01:13:01] - Baptism and Transformation
[01:15:57] - Listening to Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 17:1-9 - The Transfiguration of Jesus
- 1 Peter 3:18-22 - The Importance of Baptism
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the Transfiguration, who appeared alongside Jesus, and what was the significance of their presence? ([51:37])
2. What was Peter's initial reaction to witnessing the Transfiguration, and how did God respond to his suggestion? ([57:22])
3. According to the sermon, what are some modern-day "tabernacles" that might distract us from the essence of our faith? ([01:02:20])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of divine intervention in our daily lives? ([53:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the presence of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration symbolize about Jesus' mission and identity? ([56:43])
2. How does the sermon suggest we should respond to divine interruptions in our lives, and what might be the consequences of ignoring them? ([59:12])
3. In what ways does the sermon challenge the traditional view of church activities and ministries? How might this affect one's personal faith journey? ([01:03:46])
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of baptism beyond being a mere ritual? ([01:13:01])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there any "modern-day tabernacles" that might be distracting you from truly listening to Jesus? How can you address these distractions? ([01:02:20])
2. When was the last time you felt a divine interruption in your life? How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? ([59:12])
3. Consider a fear that has been holding you back from sharing the good news of Jesus. What steps can you take to overcome this fear and trust in God's presence? ([01:06:17])
4. How can you make baptism a more meaningful part of your spiritual journey, whether you have already been baptized or are considering it? ([01:13:01])
5. Identify one area in your life where you can be an ambassador of Christ this week. What specific actions will you take to share His love and truth with others? ([01:11:38])
6. Think about a time when you were paralyzed by fear. How can you invite Jesus' reassuring touch into that situation to help you rise and not be afraid? ([01:06:17])
7. How can you ensure that your faith is not confined to church structures and routines but is actively lived out in your daily interactions with others? ([01:03:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Interruptions
In our daily lives, divine intervention is not limited to grand spiritual experiences but is a constant presence that guides us in unexpected ways. The story of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17 reminds us of the divine glory of Jesus and the importance of being open to God's presence. Often, we become so engrossed in our routines and the structures we have built, such as church activities and ministries, that we miss the subtle ways God is trying to lead us. By being open to divine interruptions, we allow God to guide us beyond our comfort zones and into a deeper relationship with Him. This openness requires a willingness to listen to Jesus and trust in His guidance, even when it leads us into unfamiliar territory. [53:04]
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt a nudge to do something out of the ordinary. How can you be more open to these divine interruptions in your daily routine?
Day 2: Beyond the Structures of Faith
Our faith should not be confined to the structures and routines we have built, such as ministries and church activities. These can become distractions from the true essence of our faith, which is to listen to Jesus and follow His lead. The story of the Transfiguration challenges us to look beyond the physical manifestations of our faith and focus on the spiritual essence. It is easy to become comfortable within the walls of our churches and the routines we have established, but true faith requires us to step out and engage with the world. By listening to Jesus, we can discern His will and follow His guidance, even when it leads us away from the familiar. [01:02:20]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?'" (Isaiah 66:1, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one routine or structure in your spiritual life that may be hindering your ability to listen to Jesus. How can you adjust this to better align with His guidance?
Day 3: Courage to Share the Good News
Overcoming fear is crucial in sharing the good news of Jesus with others. We must trust in God's presence and guidance, knowing that He is with us always and will never leave us or forsake us. The reassurance of Jesus' touch during the Transfiguration reminds us that we are not alone in our mission. Sharing the gospel requires courage and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. By trusting in God's presence, we can overcome our fears and boldly proclaim the message of Jesus to those around us. This courage is not born out of our strength but from the assurance that God is with us every step of the way. [01:06:17]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. What is one step you can take today to share His love with them?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Baptism
Baptism is a vital step in our spiritual journey, representing our commitment to Christ and the transformation it brings. It is not just a ritual but a pledge of a good conscience before God, signifying our participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Through baptism, we publicly declare our willingness to die to self and live a new life in Christ. This transformation is an ongoing process that requires us to continually seek God's guidance and allow His Spirit to work within us. By embracing the transformative power of baptism, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His transformative work. [01:13:01]
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does this commitment to Christ influence your daily actions and decisions?
Day 5: Ambassadors of Christ
We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth with the world. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with others, trusting in the Spirit to empower us in this mission. As ambassadors, we represent Christ in our words and actions, bringing His message of hope and salvation to those around us. This calling is not limited to a select few but is a responsibility for all believers. By embracing this role, we become vessels of God's love, shining His light in a world that desperately needs it. [01:11:38]
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you can be a more effective ambassador for Christ. What practical steps can you take to represent Him more authentically in that area?
Quotes
1. "I wonder sometimes if we diminish the power of our prayers, thinking that we have to be the ones who are always telling the story. I'm not saying don't tell the story. But let me tell you, we plant the seed, we water, but who gives the increase? It's God. And so we need to pray that he is touching hearts, that he is in the lives of those people that we're telling about Jesus, our Savior. If we're not doing that, if we're forgetting the prayer part, we're forgetting the most powerful piece of us sharing the good news and transforming lives." [00:49:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And I would even ask the question, do we downplay the divine interaction in our own lives today? Are we so caught up in what we do and what we've established and what we've built and what we put together that we downplay the divine intervention that needs to come in all of us every single day? Not just in the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross and his resurrection that gives us life, but every single day." [00:53:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are God things, and we need to allow his spirit to work through us. Will his spirit fill us and give us insight and wisdom and discernment? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, it's not about us. It's not about my knowledge. It's not about how much I've read or how much I've studied. It's not about how many church services I've been to or church dinners I've attended or seminars I've gone to to make myself more spiritual. All of those things are good." [00:58:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And in that, that while he was still speaking, I wonder in our lives how often we go through the process where God is trying to tell us something and interrupt what we're doing, and we don't hear a word because we're talking so loud. Where he's trying to invert something into your life to say, No, you need to listen to me. Listen to my son. Listen to my words. And we just pretend like he's not talking. Because guess what? We have it figured out, right?" [00:59:28] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And we've got to walk into Jesus. We've got to be in him and let him fill us and him guide us and him direct us. Because even within, again, stepping on our toes, even within the churches of Christ, we don't even get along within our own fellowship. So which part of the fellowship is right? And so when I see this, I think we've not allowed God to interrupt us enough when we're speaking about things with some grandiose idea that we think we've got it all together. We fail to let God speak." [01:01:47] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And if we believe that the God that we serve is the God from Scripture, who is the God of the gospel, then we believe that the Spirit speaks and convicts and still is active within us. Is it possible that we have become, we're a little bit like Peter. Has the church been building tabernacles, booths, shelters for about 20 centuries too long?" [01:02:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And if they have, then shame on all of us, and God, forgive us and allow us to step out of those and realize that, man, we've got to be like Peter and John when God finally speaks through, through the cloud and says, Peter, basically, you just need to be quiet. This is my son whom I love. Listen to him. And they fell on their faces terrified." [01:04:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We're afraid, and so what that fear does to us is it paralyzes us. And so what we want to do is we want to retreat to the comfort of our buildings and our tabernacles and our shelters and the things that we've built to give us protection rather than saying, God, put me in the world. Move your spirit through me and let me be your speaker." [01:05:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And those are all well and good, but those are simply that those are experiences. Now we've got to figure out how to take that experience into the world to make it real life. So we don't stay on the mountain. We don't stay here. We've got to go out of here and we've got to step into the world and we've got to be those who are preaching and teaching Jesus." [01:12:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And the question is, are we willing to step into basically our ark, which is Christ? Because scripture tells us we are in Christ. You are buried with Christ. You participate in his death, burial, and resurrection. That's how you get into Christ is because of that. And we die to self. We die to our sins. We're raised to walk in new life. Baptism is important. We can't overlook that." [01:15:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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