Embracing Forgiveness: A Call to Surrender and Serve

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating a Personal Relationship with Jesus

Description: A personal relationship with Jesus is essential for a genuine walk with God. It is not enough to rely on the faith of our parents or simply attend church. Each individual must call upon Jesus and acknowledge their need for Him in their lives. This personal connection is the foundation of a transformative spiritual journey. Without it, one's faith can become superficial and lack the depth needed to navigate life's challenges. Jesus desires a personal relationship with each of us, where we can experience His love, guidance, and forgiveness firsthand. [01:07:16]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: Think about your daily routine. How can you intentionally make time to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus today? What specific steps will you take to ensure this relationship grows?

Day 2: Surrendering to God's Call

Description: Many people resist God's call, thinking they are not ready or that they have more time. The story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus teaches us that resisting God only prolongs our suffering. When we surrender to God, He can dramatically transform our lives. Surrendering means letting go of our own plans and allowing God to lead us. It requires trust and a willingness to follow His guidance, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging. [01:09:13]

Acts 9:3-6 (ESV): "Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'"

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you are resisting God's call. What would it look like to surrender this area to Him today? How can you take a step of faith in this direction?

Day 3: The Urgency of Accepting God's Call

Description: We are not promised tomorrow. Just as the door of the ark was eventually closed in Noah's time, there will come a time when it will be too late to accept God's call. The urgency of accepting God's call cannot be overstated. We must seize the opportunity to follow Him now, as delaying can lead to missed opportunities for growth and transformation. God's call is an invitation to experience His love and purpose for our lives, and it is crucial to respond with a sense of urgency. [01:12:35]

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Reflection: Reflect on any hesitations you have about fully committing to God's call. What is holding you back? How can you overcome these barriers and respond to His call with urgency today?

Day 4: Lifelong Commitment to Serving God

Description: Serving God is not a temporary fix for our problems but a lifelong commitment. We must be willing to take up our cross daily, renounce sin, and live responsibly for Him. This commitment requires us to stay spiritually healthy and connected to God. It involves a daily decision to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult. A lifelong commitment to serving God means prioritizing His will above our own and continually seeking to grow in our faith. [01:23:57]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: Consider your current level of commitment to serving God. What does taking up your cross daily look like in your life? How can you strengthen your commitment to live responsibly for Him?

Day 5: Maintaining Spiritual Health

Description: Just as we are responsible for our physical health, we are also responsible for our spiritual health. This involves regular prayer, Bible reading, and active participation in church. Maintaining spiritual health is crucial for staying connected to God and growing in our faith. It requires intentional effort and discipline, much like maintaining physical health. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being, we can experience a deeper relationship with God and be better equipped to serve His kingdom. [01:29:11]

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

Reflection: Evaluate your current spiritual health. What practices do you need to incorporate or improve to stay spiritually healthy? How can you make these practices a regular part of your daily routine?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's sermon focused on the transformative power of Jesus' forgiveness and the importance of living a life that reflects that forgiveness. The central theme was the gratitude we should have for Jesus washing away our sins and how that should manifest in our daily lives. We explored the necessity of having a personal relationship with Jesus, rather than relying on the faith of others, such as family members. The message emphasized the importance of not fighting against God's call and surrendering fully to His will.

We discussed the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, highlighting how God can dramatically change our lives when we stop resisting Him. The sermon also touched on the urgency of accepting God's call, as we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We were reminded that serving God is a lifelong commitment that requires us to take up our cross daily, renounce sin, and live responsibly for Him.

The importance of maintaining spiritual health was also stressed, comparing it to physical health. Just as we need to take care of our bodies, we must also take care of our spiritual well-being by staying connected to God through prayer, Bible reading, and active participation in church. The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to surrender fully to God, stay excited about their faith, and work diligently for His kingdom.

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Key Takeaways

1. Personal Relationship with Jesus: It's not enough to rely on the faith of our parents or to simply attend church. We must have a personal relationship with Jesus, calling upon Him and acknowledging our need for Him in our lives. This personal connection is essential for a genuine walk with God. [67:16]
2. Stop Fighting God: Many of us resist God's call, thinking we are not ready or that we have more time. However, the story of Saul's conversion teaches us that resisting God only prolongs our suffering. We must surrender to God and allow Him to transform our lives. [69:13]
3. Urgency of Accepting God's Call: We are not promised tomorrow. Just as the door of the ark was eventually closed in Noah's time, there will come a time when it will be too late to accept God's call. We must seize the opportunity to follow Him now. [72:35]
4. Lifelong Commitment to Serving God: Serving God is not a temporary fix for our problems but a lifelong commitment. We must be willing to take up our cross daily, renounce sin, and live responsibly for Him. This commitment requires us to stay spiritually healthy and connected to God. [83:57]
5. Maintaining Spiritual Health: Just as we are responsible for our physical health, we are also responsible for our spiritual health. This involves regular prayer, Bible reading, and active participation in church. We must stay excited about our faith and continually seek to grow closer to God. [01:29:11]
### [89:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[66:03] - The Importance of Knowing Jesus Personally
[67:16] - Personal Relationship with Jesus
[67:51] - Stop Fighting God
[69:13] - Surrendering to God's Call
[70:41] - Accepting God's Will
[71:51] - The Urgency of Accepting God's Call
[72:35] - The Story of Noah's Ark
[73:56] - Lifelong Commitment to Serving God
[74:58] - Taking Up Your Cross
[75:38] - Renouncing Sin
[76:45] - The Reality of Sin
[78:16] - Self-Denial and Following Jesus
[79:54] - Surrendering to God's Will
[80:31] - Giving Up for God
[81:56] - The Call of God is for a Lifetime
[83:57] - Staying Committed Through Hard Times
[85:52] - Staying Alive for Christ
[89:11] - Maintaining Spiritual Health
[93:21] - Building a Successful Life for Christ
[95:32] - Call to Prayer and Commitment
[101:20] - Receiving the Call of God
[102:32] - Surrendering All to God
[103:40] - Offering and Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Saul doing before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? (Acts 9:1-2)
How did Saul respond when Jesus spoke to him during his conversion? (Acts 9:5-6)
What does Jesus mean when He says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me"? (Luke 9:23)
According to the sermon, why is it important to have a personal relationship with Jesus rather than relying on the faith of others? [01:07:16]

Interpretation Questions

How does Saul's conversion story illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' forgiveness? [01:08:41]
What are some ways people might resist God's call in their lives today, similar to how Saul resisted before his conversion? [01:09:13]
Why is it urgent to accept God's call according to the sermon, and how does this urgency compare to the story of Noah's Ark? [01:12:35]
What does it mean to take up your cross daily, and how can this be applied to modern Christian living? [01:14:58]

Application Questions

Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus. Are you relying on the faith of others, or do you have a personal connection with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [01:07:16]
Have you ever felt like you were resisting God's call in your life? What were the reasons, and how did you eventually surrender to His will? [01:09:13]
Considering the urgency of accepting God's call, what changes can you make in your life to prioritize your spiritual health and commitment to God? [01:12:35]
What are some practical ways you can take up your cross daily and follow Jesus? How can you renounce sin and live responsibly for Him? [01:14:58]
How do you maintain your spiritual health? Are there specific practices like prayer, Bible reading, or church participation that you need to improve? [01:29:11]
Think about a time when you felt spiritually dry or disconnected. What actions did you take to rekindle your excitement and commitment to your faith? [01:33:57]
Identify one area in your life where you need to surrender more fully to God. What steps will you take this week to give that area over to Him? [01:42:32]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You see, in order for you to have a walk with God, you have to know God. It's not enough that mom and dad know God. You've got to know him. And that you've got to get to the place that you call upon God. God, I need you. How many of you have ever had to get to that place in your life? God, I need you. Not just a building. Not just a preacher shaking his hand. I need you, Jesus." [01:07:16] (23 seconds) ( | | )

2. "At some point, you have to stop fighting and say, God, I surrender my life to you. God, I give my all to you. I want to worship you. You see, because he stands at the door knocking. And the only reason why he has to knock is because you have not opened the door. Can somebody say amen? I am so glad for the day I opened up that door and I allowed the Lord to come into my life." [01:09:13] (25 seconds) ( | | )

3. "How many are ready to serve God today? How many are ready to give him your all today and say, God, I'm ready to serve you with everything. I don't want to play church. I want God to do it in my life. Now, when we say yes to God, we have to focus on our work for Jesus. Because many don't realize it, but once you start serving God, you have responsibilities that you have to fulfill on a regular basis." [01:13:02] (23 seconds) ( | | )

4. "If God could die for me, I can live for Him. Can we get somebody to say amen this morning? He said you've got to deny yourself. We've got to focus on our work for God. Are you doing what God wants you to do? You give up all these other things. And you begin to do something. I know this is hard. Somebody's not going to like when I say this. You have to be willing to take a back seat and surrender your all to God." [01:19:19] (26 seconds) ( | | )

5. "There is no better life than serving Jesus. No better life than living for God. Let's pray. Father, we thank you right now for your goodness and for your mercy. We ask, God, that you bless, accomplish your divine will, meet every need. And, Lord, as each one begins to come to the church this morning, come to praying, I ask, God, that you help them. They know how involved they are in the church program." [01:33:57] (29 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "You see, you've got to realize that I've been fighting you, God. When God stopped Saul on the road to Damascus, he stopped and the light shined. And God was speaking to his heart. He began to tremble. He said, Lord, what would you have me do? But before then, Jesus made a revelation. He said, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks. He said, why persecutest thou me? Jesus made it very personal." [01:08:41] (30 seconds) ( | | )

2. "We have to let go of all those things. Stop letting people step on your toes if you want to get mad about it. Then we have to give up all the things that we're pampering. All of our desires. Another, we have to begin to do a checkup of self-denial. Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I where God wants me to be? People begin to make excuses. Well, I'll be in church next week. I'll be in church this time. I've got to take care of this. I've got to take care of that." [01:18:16] (28 seconds) ( | | )

3. "If you're responsible for your physical health, how much more are you responsible for your spiritual health? It's your responsibility to read your Bible. It's your responsibility to pray. It's your responsibility to come to church. In fact, let me just say something this morning. If you're not the life of the party in the church, have to ask you why. You ought to be a party animal to come to serve in God's. You ought to be excited for God." [01:29:11] (25 seconds) ( | | )

4. "We have to make up our mind. I'm going to keep on going. Now, in order for us to keep on going and to serve God and to build a successful life, we've got to focus on remaining in Jesus. It's one of the first things we're going to talk about, really, that we need to do before we have our prayer time. We're going to have prayer time this morning. We have to stay alive for Christ. We have to stay alive for Christ." [01:25:05] (26 seconds) ( | | )

5. "If you get somebody involved in your life that wants to take you away from serving God, that's on you. That's You are responsible to stay on fire for Christ and to stay on Team Jesus. It's your responsibility. Nobody else is responsible to keeping you going. Now, we're going to do our best to encourage you. We're going to do our best to love you. We're going to do our best to support you. But just like when it comes to your own health, it's on you." [01:31:30] (30 seconds) ( | | )

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