Embracing Faith: The Power of Obedience and Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! It's a joy to be here with you today. If you're new, I encourage you to give us a year, and I promise you, your life will never be the same. For our regular members, let's continue to bring others along on this journey. This week, I want to highlight the importance of community and the transformative power of God's Word in our lives.
We delved into Acts chapter 10, where we see the Holy Spirit moving powerfully, healing the sick, and transforming lives. This isn't about sensationalism; it's about giving all glory to Jesus. The miracles we witness are birthed from a deep move of God, especially evident in our 9am prayer meetings. If you haven't joined us for these prayer sessions, I strongly encourage you to do so.
We also touched on the concept of the "mystery of the faith" from 1 Timothy 3:9. This mystery involves allowing God's Word to correct and grow us, even when it challenges our comfort zones or prior knowledge. It's about embracing the unknown and trusting God in ways we might have previously rejected. This is vividly illustrated in Acts 10, where Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding and leads him to Cornelius, a Gentile. Despite the mystery and lack of clarity, Peter obeys the Holy Spirit, leading to a profound revelation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household.
The essence of greater faith is saying "yes" to God, even when the outcome is uncertain. It's about stepping out in obedience, trusting that God will reveal His plans as we move forward. This principle applies to various aspects of our lives, whether it's in our personal growth, relationships, or ministry.
We also shared a testimony about the importance of Christian counseling and how God is opening doors for us to provide true healing and support to those in need. This is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to God's prompting and stepping out in faith.
As we conclude, I challenge you to reflect on what the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do. If there's something you've been resisting, today is the day to say "yes" and step into greater faith. Remember, God has no favorites; He is ready to work through anyone willing to obey His call.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the Mystery of Faith: The mystery of faith involves allowing God's Word to challenge and correct us, even when it goes against our comfort zones or prior knowledge. This mystery is not about being weird or made-up; it's about trusting God in the unknown and stepping out in faith. [26:07]
2. Greater Faith Requires Obedience: Greater faith is about saying "yes" to God, even when the outcome is uncertain. Peter's obedience to the Holy Spirit, despite not fully understanding the vision, led to a profound revelation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household. [36:09]
3. God Has No Favorites: God shows no favoritism; He is ready to work through anyone willing to obey His call. This means that the power and presence of God are available to all who seek Him and say "yes" to His promptings. [48:36]
4. The Importance of Community and Prayer: The miracles and transformations we witness are often birthed from a deep move of God, especially evident in our 9am prayer meetings. Being part of a praying community can significantly impact our spiritual growth and the manifestation of God's power in our lives. [24:29]
5. Christian Counseling as a Ministry: Providing true healing and support through Christian counseling is a powerful way to minister to those in need. This testimony highlights the importance of stepping out in faith and saying "yes" to God's call, even when it involves significant personal and financial investment. [57:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:22] - Introduction and Community Invitation
[20:38] - Wednesday Night Ladies Event
[23:44] - Acts Chapter 10 Overview
[25:17] - Prayer and Holy Spirit Invitation
[26:07] - Mystery of the Faith
[29:30] - Embracing Correction and Growth
[32:49] - The Mystery in Acts Chapter 10
[36:09] - Greater Faith and Obedience
[40:35] - Peter's Vision and Obedience
[48:36] - God Shows No Favoritism
[51:25] - The Power of Saying Yes
[57:14] - Testimony of Christian Counseling
[59:52] - Holy Spirit Outpouring on Gentiles
[01:01:40] - Call to Greater Faith and Obedience
[01:06:05] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:11:26] - Prayer for Healing and Deliverance
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 10:9-21 - Peter's Vision and Obedience
2. 1 Timothy 3:9 - The Mystery of the Faith
3. Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Favoritism
### Observation Questions
1. What vision did Peter receive in Acts 10, and how did he initially react to it? ([38:07])
2. According to 1 Timothy 3:9, what must leaders in the church hold with a clear conscience? ([26:07])
3. How did Peter's understanding of the vision change after he met Cornelius? ([47:08])
4. What was the reaction of the Jewish believers when they saw the Holy Spirit poured out on the Gentiles? ([59:52])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter was perplexed by the vision he received, and what does this tell us about the nature of God's revelations? ([38:58])
2. How does the concept of the "mystery of the faith" challenge our comfort zones or prior knowledge? ([26:07])
3. What does Peter's eventual understanding of his vision reveal about God's inclusivity and lack of favoritism? ([48:36])
4. How does the testimony of Christian counseling in the sermon illustrate the power of saying "yes" to God's call? ([57:14])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit but hesitated to act. What held you back, and how can you overcome similar hesitations in the future? ([01:01:40])
2. How can you embrace the "mystery of the faith" in your daily life, especially when it challenges your comfort zones or prior knowledge? ([26:07])
3. In what ways can you actively participate in your church community and prayer meetings to witness and be part of God's transformative power? ([24:29])
4. Think of a situation where you need to step out in obedience without knowing the outcome. What practical steps can you take to trust God more in this area? ([36:09])
5. How can you support or get involved in Christian counseling or other ministries that provide healing and support to those in need? ([57:14])
6. Identify one person in your life who might feel like an outsider. How can you show them that God has no favorites and that His love and power are available to them? ([48:36])
7. What specific action can you take this week to say "yes" to a prompting from the Holy Spirit, even if the outcome is uncertain? ([49:52])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Mystery of Faith
The mystery of faith involves allowing God's Word to challenge and correct us, even when it goes against our comfort zones or prior knowledge. This mystery is not about being weird or made-up; it's about trusting God in the unknown and stepping out in faith. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding and leads him to Cornelius, a Gentile. Despite the mystery and lack of clarity, Peter obeys the Holy Spirit, leading to a profound revelation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household. This teaches us that embracing the mystery of faith means being open to God's guidance, even when it disrupts our preconceived notions.
[26:07]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is challenging your understanding or comfort zone? How can you embrace this mystery and trust His guidance today?
Day 2: Greater Faith Requires Obedience
Greater faith is about saying "yes" to God, even when the outcome is uncertain. Peter's obedience to the Holy Spirit, despite not fully understanding the vision, led to a profound revelation and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household. This principle applies to various aspects of our lives, whether it's in our personal growth, relationships, or ministry. Obedience to God often requires stepping out in faith, trusting that He will reveal His plans as we move forward. This kind of faith is not passive but active, requiring us to take steps even when we don't see the full picture.
[36:09]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you have been hesitant about? What step of obedience can you take today to move forward in faith?
Day 3: God Has No Favorites
God shows no favoritism; He is ready to work through anyone willing to obey His call. This means that the power and presence of God are available to all who seek Him and say "yes" to His promptings. In Acts 10, the Holy Spirit was poured out on Cornelius and his household, demonstrating that God's love and power are not limited by ethnicity, background, or status. This truth encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is willing to work through us regardless of our past or present circumstances.
[48:36]
"So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'" (Acts 10:34-35, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that God shows no favoritism change the way you view yourself and others? How can you be more inclusive and loving in your interactions today?
Day 4: The Importance of Community and Prayer
The miracles and transformations we witness are often birthed from a deep move of God, especially evident in our 9am prayer meetings. Being part of a praying community can significantly impact our spiritual growth and the manifestation of God's power in our lives. In Acts 10, the community of believers played a crucial role in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the importance of gathering together in prayer, supporting one another, and seeking God's presence collectively. When we prioritize community and prayer, we create an environment where God's power can move freely.
[24:29]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." (Acts 2:42-43, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make prayer and community a more integral part of your life? What steps can you take to join or strengthen a prayer group this week?
Day 5: Christian Counseling as a Ministry
Providing true healing and support through Christian counseling is a powerful way to minister to those in need. This testimony highlights the importance of stepping out in faith and saying "yes" to God's call, even when it involves significant personal and financial investment. Christian counseling offers a space for individuals to experience God's healing and guidance in a structured and supportive environment. By embracing this ministry, we can help others find wholeness and restoration through the power of God's love and wisdom.
[57:14]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who could benefit from Christian counseling or support? How can you encourage them to seek help and offer your support in their journey toward healing?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Give us one year and you will never be the same. And I mean that with all of my heart, all my soul, mind, and strength. Give us one year and you'll never be the same. Let the Lord place you in a community of people that will build you up, that will call the best out of you, that will be clear about his word into your life and what he can and will do in and through you. Give us one year and you'll never be the same." (9 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Greater faith is trusting God in ways that we would have rejected before. Greater faith is trusting God today in a way that I would have rejected it yesterday because maybe it was not absolute enough. Maybe I'm more self-reliant than God. I'm more God-reliant. I got this. I'm tough. I can handle a lot more. Whatever the case may be, it's not absolute clear enough. I just don't know. I'm unsure. It's not comfortable to me. Whatever the case may be, greater faith is trusting God in ways we would have rejected before." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we will say yes now, if we will say yes when it's a mystery, if we will say yes without even knowing the outcome, we will find ourselves in places of greater faith without even trying. Many times, you know what, you may be used to, you'll be used for and you will see the Holy Spirit use you and work through you in ways that you never would have understood before, that your yesterdays would have never seen." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The good news is, you know what, God's got a work that he wants to do through you. He's got a plan that he wants to work through you. He's got power from the heaven to work through you and operate through you. He's got a greater faith to sow and deposit into you that will have you in places that you never thought you would ever be, seeing things you never thought you would ever see. It will happen in your home. It will expand to your work. It will expand to your city and on beyond. He has no favorites. It's just whoever's willing to say yes." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Greater faith is not for special people. Greater faith is only, is for those who say yes. Greater faith is a result of our yes. The father of a demon-possessed boy, Jesus walked up to at one point and he asked him to help his son and Jesus tells him, says, anything is possible to those who believe. And he said, I do believe, but help my unbelief. In other words, I don't have all this figured out, Jesus, but I got enough to depend on you here. Will you please help me?" (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When is the last time you allowed the word of God to correct you or to grow your faith, grow your faith, mean out of your comfort zone, do what you had would not do otherwise. When is the last time you allowed? The word of God or the Holy spirit or, uh, something someone's sharing with you spiritually to correct you or to grow your faith rather than just go into the word to prove that you're right and others are wrong." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Embracing the mystery of faith is accepting the correction. And the change from God's word when often it is against my preference or my prior knowledge or against my experience. Does that make sense? It is accepting the mystery. Well, I've never heard it like that. I've never seen it like that. I don't know about this. In Acts chapter 10, we have a mystery of faith event. The reason it's a mystery of faith is because we like absolutes." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Learning to hear or learning to follow the Holy Spirit is not always clear. Very comforting, I know. It's not very clear where you are going, but the Holy Spirit will give you at times what is needed for the next step. It's the mystery. In the Old Testament, we see a man named Abraham, and God speaks to him and says, get up and go from here and I will send you to a land you do not know. Where am I going? As you go, I will show." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What do you do? When you know what to do, but you don't know what will happen when you do. Many people wrestle with this with finances. Many people wrestle with this with praying for someone. Many people wrestle with this with setting a time to be a devotion and seeking the Lord in the morning. I know what to do, I just don't know what will happen when I do. And here is what is needed to be, here is what is needed to be made known. Until we respond in a different way than we did before. Until we respond in a different way than we did before. Until we respond with a more forward yes than we did before. Until we respond different than before, we will keep getting further behind than where we currently are." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Peter has a vision, and the vision is beginning to make sense. The mystery is being revealed after his yes to obeying the Holy Spirit to go. In verse 29, he says, so I came without objection as soon as you sent for me. Now tell me, why did you send for me? Wait, this is the man of God. This is the man of God who's got two books by his own name in the Bible. There's so much by him, it's just, first, one Peter and two Peter. I mean, he's not even trying to summarize and give it a subject title." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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