Embracing Our Call: Active Faith and Divine Power

 

Summary

Beloved congregation, today we gather to delve into the heart of our faith, to explore the transformative power of God's Word and the call to action it places upon our lives. Our sermon today is a clarion call to each one of us to become active participants in the divine feast of salvation, to extend the invitation of God's love to those around us, and to embody the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit in our daily walk.

We began by reflecting on the parable from the Book of Luke, chapter 14, where the master of the house commands his servants to go out and invite guests to his feast. This parable mirrors our divine commission: to reach out to those who have yet to accept the invitation to God's table. We are challenged to overcome the myriad of excuses that people offer, to persist in our mission, and to bring others into the fellowship and worship of our Savior.

Our discussion then shifted to the undeniable power of God that works through us when we align ourselves with His will. I shared personal testimonies of how God's blessings have multiplied in my life and the lives of my family, not because of our own greatness, but because of our commitment to bringing the glory and miraculous power of God into our household.

We delved into the essence of our salvation, as described in Hebrews chapter 2, and the unparalleled miracles that mark the narrative of the Bible. We contrasted the living, active faith we possess with the lifeless traditions of other religions, emphasizing that our faith is authenticated by the signs, wonders, and miracles that follow believers.

Furthermore, we explored the legacy of the great prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament, who walked in the power of God, performing signs and miracles that bore witness to the divine. We were reminded that as believers, we are called to seek a double portion of that anointing, to walk in the footsteps of our forebears, and to demonstrate the kingdom of God on earth.

In closing, we were exhorted to embrace our identity as kings and priests, to exercise dominion in our lives, and to minister the love and power of God to those around us. We were encouraged to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, and to anticipate the greater works that Jesus promised we would do in His name.

Key Takeaways:

1. The parable of the great feast in Luke 14 is not just a story but a directive for us to actively engage in evangelism, inviting others to experience the fullness of God's love. This is not a passive suggestion but a divine mandate that requires our obedience and commitment. [37:55]

2. Our personal achievements and professional successes are not merely the result of our own abilities but are significantly amplified when we invite God's presence into every aspect of our lives. This principle is rooted in the blessings outlined in Deuteronomy 28 and is a testament to the fact that God's favor is not limited to spiritual matters but encompasses all facets of our existence. [56:00]

3. The Bible's narrative is replete with miracles that serve as a testament to God's active engagement in the world. These miracles are not just historical accounts but are meant to inspire us to expect and experience the miraculous in our own lives, as a demonstration of our living faith in a living God. [57:25]

4. As believers, we are endowed with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to perform the same works as Jesus and even greater ones. This promise is not just for a select few but is available to all who believe and are willing to step out in faith, trusting in the Spirit's power to work through us. [01:02:30]

5. Our identity as kings and priests is not a mere theological concept but a practical reality that should influence how we live our lives. As kings, we have authority over our circumstances, and as priests, we have the privilege of ministering to others and to ourselves, bringing the reality of the kingdom of God into our daily experiences. [01:15:14]

May these insights not only resonate within us but also propel us to action, as we seek to live out the fullness of our calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 14:16-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet
2. Hebrews 2:3-4 - The Great Salvation and Miracles
3. John 14:12-14 - Greater Works Through Believers

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#### Observation Questions
1. In the parable from Luke 14, what were some of the excuses people gave for not attending the feast? How do these excuses relate to the excuses people give today for not accepting God's invitation? [38:34]
2. According to Hebrews 2:3-4, how does God confirm His message of salvation? What role do signs, wonders, and miracles play in this confirmation?
3. In John 14:12-14, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him? How does this promise relate to the works that Jesus performed during His ministry?

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of inviting others to experience God's love, as illustrated in the parable of the great feast. Why is it crucial for believers to persist in their mission despite the excuses they might encounter? [38:34]
2. Reflecting on Hebrews 2:3-4, how do the miracles in the Bible serve as a testament to God's active engagement in the world? How should this influence our expectations of experiencing the miraculous in our own lives? [57:25]
3. Jesus' promise in John 14:12-14 that believers will do greater works than He did is profound. What does it mean to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and perform greater works? How can believers practically step out in faith to see this promise fulfilled? [01:02:30]

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#### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to actively engage in evangelism. Think of someone in your life who has yet to accept God's invitation. What specific steps can you take this week to invite them to experience God's love? [37:55]
2. The pastor shared personal testimonies of God's blessings multiplying in his life when he invited God's presence into every aspect. How can you intentionally invite God's presence into your daily activities and decisions? [56:00]
3. The Bible is filled with accounts of miracles. Share a time when you experienced or witnessed a miracle. How did it impact your faith, and how can you cultivate an expectation for the miraculous in your daily walk with God? [57:25]
4. Jesus promised that believers would do greater works than He did. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith. What practical steps can you take to trust in the Holy Spirit's power to work through you? [01:02:30]
5. The sermon highlighted our identity as kings and priests. How does this identity influence the way you approach challenges and opportunities in your life? What specific actions can you take to exercise dominion and minister God's love and power to those around you? [01:15:14]
6. Reflect on the concept of spiritual warfare mentioned in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you need to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence? How can you prepare yourself to anticipate and participate in the greater works that Jesus promised? [01:02:30]
7. The pastor encouraged us to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. How can you cultivate a habit of listening to the Holy Spirit in your daily life? Share a recent experience where you felt led by the Holy Spirit and the outcome of that guidance. [42:00]

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May these questions guide your discussion and help you delve deeper into the transformative power of God's Word and the call to action it places upon our lives. Amen.

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Evangelistic Zeal
Evangelism is not merely an option for believers; it is a divine mandate that requires active participation. The parable of the great feast in Luke 14 serves as a powerful directive, urging followers of Christ to extend the invitation of God's love to everyone, especially those who have yet to accept it. This task involves persistence and dedication, as one must navigate through the excuses and rejections that may come. It is a call to step out of comfort zones and to engage with the world, sharing the message of salvation with urgency and compassion. The goal is to fill God's table, ensuring that no seat remains empty because of a lack of invitation. [37:55]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you have hesitated to invite to church or share the gospel with, and what is one step you can take this week to extend that invitation?

Day 2: Inviting God into All Facets of Life
The blessings of Deuteronomy 28 are not confined to spiritual victories but encompass every aspect of life, including personal and professional realms. When believers invite God's presence into their daily routines, they witness an amplification of their achievements that surpasses human ability. This principle highlights the importance of recognizing God as the source of all success and the need to honor Him in every endeavor. It is a reminder that the favor of God is not limited and that His hand can guide and multiply the work of those who trust in Him, leading to a life that is abundantly blessed in all dimensions. [56:00]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Reflection: What is one area of your professional or personal life where you have not acknowledged God's presence, and how can you intentionally invite Him into that space this week?

Day 3: Expecting the Miraculous
The narrative of the Bible is filled with miracles that demonstrate God's active presence in the world. These accounts are not merely historical events but are intended to inspire believers to anticipate and experience the miraculous in their own lives. This expectation of the miraculous is a hallmark of a living faith in a living God. It is a call to not only believe in the possibility of miracles but to also be vessels through which God can display His power today. The miraculous should be a natural expectation for those who walk in faith, as it serves as a testament to the world of God's sovereignty and love. [57:25]

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18)

Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life that seems impossible by human standards? How can you actively trust God for a miracle in this circumstance?

Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The promise of performing works as Jesus did, and even greater, is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who believe. This empowerment comes from the Holy Spirit, who resides within each believer. Trusting in the Spirit's power to work through us requires a bold step of faith, stepping out into the unknown with the confidence that God will act. It is a call to not only believe in the Spirit's power but to also act upon it, allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest the kingdom of God through our lives in tangible ways. [01:02:30]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Reflection: What is one way you can step out in faith this week, relying on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength?

Day 5: Living as Kings and Priests
Believers are called to live as kings and priests, exercising authority over their circumstances and ministering to others with the love and power of God. This identity is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that influences daily life. As kings, believers are called to rule over their domain with wisdom and authority, and as priests, they are to intercede and serve, bringing the reality of God's kingdom into every experience. This dual role empowers believers to live out their calling with purpose and power, impacting the world around them. [01:15:14]

"And you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:10)

Reflection: In what ways can you exercise your God-given authority this week to bring positive change to your environment, and how can you serve others as a priest in your community?

Quotes

"When you let the light and glory and power of God shine through you, you're far greater of a person. God blesses what I put hand to." [56:00] ( | | )

"Each one reach one. We still need to be out there telling people about Jesus, inviting them to the house of God so they'll come together and worship Jesus together." [37:55] ( | | )

"I'm not the powerful man, but I'm empowered by the Holy Spirit to do powerful things. There's no limit." [01:11:16] ( | | )

"Our identity as kings and priests is not a mere theological concept but a practical reality that should influence how we live our lives." [01:14:21] ( | | )

"God didn't give you the Holy Spirit just for so you can have a little quiet prayer here and there, but to go to demonstrate to the world that Jesus is Alive." [01:00:31] ( | | )

"The Bible is a book of Miracles, and it starts in Genesis chapter 1. That same Spirit dwells in us that have the Holy Spirit speaking in tongues." [48:17] ( | | )

"Jesus says, 'The works that I do shall he do also.' You have all the capacity within you to do what Jesus did." [01:02:30] ( | | )

"One word from God is enough to touch you, to radically change you. Death and life are in the power of the tongue." [41:18] ( | | )

"God has something special for you that is just for you. He cares exactly and knows exactly what you're going through." [40:34] ( | | )

"Jesus didn't come to fight the Romans at the cross; he went and defeated the enemy so that we're free of the problem of sin and death." [45:11] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?