Embracing Our Call as a Remnant Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of being a remnant church, a community deeply rooted in prayer and the Word of God. We began by welcoming everyone, especially our first-time visitors, and shared various church activities and groups that foster community and spiritual growth. We then delved into the essence of our series "Shook," emphasizing that everything around us is changing, and the Bible has already foretold these events. Hebrews 12 warns us to be attentive and not refuse to listen to God's Word, as it is our only true source of guidance and strength.
We explored the life and ministry of Bertha Smith, a Southern Baptist missionary in China, who exemplified what it means to be part of God's remnant. Her life was a testament to the power of prayer and the importance of having a heart free from sin and unforgiveness. Through her story, we learned that miracles are birthed in prayer and that God honors His Word when we live in obedience and humility. Bertha's experiences, from miraculous healings to logistical miracles, underscore the necessity of a pure heart and unwavering faith in God's Word.
We also discussed the significance of being trained to hear God's voice, as illustrated in the story of Samuel and Eli. Eli's failure to act on God's Word led to his downfall, while Samuel's obedience positioned him to lead and bring revival. This serves as a reminder that we must be willing to listen and act on God's Word to experience His power and presence in our lives.
Furthermore, we touched on the need for true deliverance and the importance of dealing with the "leaven" of sin daily. The story of Dr. Sun, a scientist turned evangelist, highlighted the transformative power of repentance and the Holy Spirit. His life and ministry were marked by miracles and a deep commitment to God's Word, showing us that true deliverance comes from a heart fully surrendered to God.
As we concluded, we were reminded that God is calling a remnant from all nations and languages to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in His work. We must be willing to separate ourselves from worldly influences and live in obedience to God's Word to see His glory manifest in our lives and communities.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of a Pure Heart: Bertha Smith's life teaches us that miracles are birthed in prayer and a heart free from sin and unforgiveness. When we hold grudges or harbor unconfessed sin, it hinders the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives. A pure heart, dedicated to God's Word, is essential for experiencing His power and presence. [20:56]
2. Listening and Obeying God's Voice: The story of Samuel and Eli illustrates the importance of being attentive to God's voice. Eli's failure to act on God's Word led to his downfall, while Samuel's obedience positioned him to lead and bring revival. We must be willing to listen and act on God's Word to experience His power and presence in our lives. [41:00]
3. Daily Dealing with Sin: True deliverance requires us to deal with the "leaven" of sin daily. Dr. Sun's transformation from a scientist to an evangelist shows the power of repentance and the Holy Spirit. By surrendering our lives to God and His Word, we can experience true deliverance and walk in His power. [54:51]
4. The Importance of Spiritual Authority: Spiritual authority is often missing in churches today because many are not fully committed to God's Word. We must be willing to separate ourselves from worldly influences and live in obedience to God's Word to see His glory manifest in our lives and communities. [44:46]
5. Being Part of the Remnant: God is calling a remnant from all nations and languages to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in His work. We must be willing to separate ourselves from worldly influences and live in obedience to God's Word to see His glory manifest in our lives and communities. [59:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:12] - Church Activities and Groups
[09:17] - Move, Smile, and Breathe
[11:06] - Blood Donation and Announcements
[13:06] - Youth Pastor Introduction
[15:33] - Call for Volunteers
[16:19] - Series Introduction: Shook
[17:06] - Importance of Listening to God's Word
[18:19] - Bertha Smith's Missionary Work
[19:09] - The Remnant Church
[20:56] - Power of a Pure Heart
[21:41] - Mrs. Culpepper's Healing
[23:09] - Confession and Forgiveness
[25:49] - James Chapter 5: Healing and Faith
[27:28] - Unforgiveness and Miracles
[28:30] - Bertha's Miraculous Experiences
[31:09] - Position of the Heart
[32:00] - Only God's Word
[33:58] - Leaven and Pride
[35:21] - Miracles and the Remnant
[38:46] - Samuel and Eli: Hearing God's Voice
[41:00] - Responding to God's Call
[44:46] - Spiritual Authority
[50:16] - My Sheep Hear My Voice
[54:51] - True Deliverance
[59:12] - The Remnant's Call
[01:04:51] - Closing and Altar Call
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:25-29
2. 1 Samuel 3:1-10
3. James 5:14-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:25-29 warn us about regarding listening to God's Word? How does this relate to the concept of a remnant church? [17:06]
2. In 1 Samuel 3:1-10, how does Samuel respond to God's call, and what role does Eli play in this process? [41:00]
3. According to James 5:14-16, what steps are involved in the prayer of faith for healing, and how was this demonstrated in the story of Mrs. Culpepper's healing? [25:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Bertha Smith illustrate the importance of having a pure heart in experiencing God's miracles? What does this teach us about the relationship between sin and the move of the Holy Spirit? [20:56]
2. What can we learn from Eli's failure to act on God's Word and Samuel's obedience? How does this contrast impact their respective outcomes? [41:00]
3. How does Dr. Sun's transformation from a scientist to an evangelist highlight the power of repentance and the Holy Spirit? What does this tell us about true deliverance? [54:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any areas where you are holding unforgiveness or unconfessed sin? How can you take steps to address these issues to experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit? [20:56]
2. How can you train yourself to be more attentive to God's voice, similar to Samuel? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are listening and acting on God's Word? [41:00]
3. What daily practices can you implement to deal with the "leaven" of sin in your life? How can you make repentance and surrender to God a regular part of your routine? [54:51]
4. In what ways can you separate yourself from worldly influences to live in obedience to God's Word? Identify specific areas in your life where you can make changes to align more closely with God's will. [44:46]
5. How can you contribute to being part of the remnant that God is calling from all nations and languages? What steps can you take to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in God's work? [59:12]
6. Think of a situation where you need to exercise spiritual authority. How can you prepare yourself to be in the right position to see God's glory manifest in that situation? [44:46]
7. Identify one person in your life who needs to experience true deliverance. How can you pray for them and support them in their journey towards repentance and surrender to God? [54:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of a Pure Heart
A pure heart, free from sin and unforgiveness, is essential for experiencing the power and presence of God. Bertha Smith's life exemplifies this truth. Her dedication to prayer and maintaining a heart free from grudges allowed her to witness miraculous healings and logistical miracles. When we harbor unconfessed sin or hold grudges, it hinders the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Therefore, a pure heart, dedicated to God's Word, is crucial for experiencing His power and presence. [20:56]
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me." (Psalm 51:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 2: Listening and Obeying God's Voice
The story of Samuel and Eli illustrates the importance of being attentive to God's voice. Eli's failure to act on God's Word led to his downfall, while Samuel's obedience positioned him to lead and bring revival. This serves as a reminder that we must be willing to listen and act on God's Word to experience His power and presence in our lives. Being attentive to God's voice requires a heart that is open and willing to obey, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. [41:00]
"And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.' Then the Lord said to Samuel, 'Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.'" (1 Samuel 3:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Daily Dealing with Sin
True deliverance requires us to deal with the "leaven" of sin daily. Dr. Sun's transformation from a scientist to an evangelist shows the power of repentance and the Holy Spirit. By surrendering our lives to God and His Word, we can experience true deliverance and walk in His power. This involves a daily commitment to self-examination, repentance, and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to overcome sin and live a life that honors God. [54:51]
"Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Corinthians 5:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific sin or habit you need to address today? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome it?
Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Authority
Spiritual authority is often missing in churches today because many are not fully committed to God's Word. We must be willing to separate ourselves from worldly influences and live in obedience to God's Word to see His glory manifest in our lives and communities. This involves a commitment to living a life that is distinct from the world, grounded in Scripture, and dedicated to following God's commands. [44:46]
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you better support and submit to the spiritual authority in your church? How can you encourage your leaders in their walk with God?
Day 5: Being Part of the Remnant
God is calling a remnant from all nations and languages to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in His work. We must be willing to separate ourselves from worldly influences and live in obedience to God's Word to see His glory manifest in our lives and communities. This involves a commitment to living a life that is distinct from the world, grounded in Scripture, and dedicated to following God's commands. [59:12]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively separate yourself from worldly influences today? What steps can you take to ensure you are steadfast and immovable in your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It matters the posture of our heart. It matters if we forgive people or not. It matters if we are Christians holding a grudge or not. It matters if you are a Christian who is in repentance. It matters if the husbands aren't right with wives. Or treating them right. Or loving them. It matters if wives are not respecting and loving their husbands. It matters if we hold that unforgiveness. Because it stops the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It stops miracles from taking place." [26:35] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Why aren't there more miracles in the body of Christ in America today? Because of unforgiveness. Unconfessed sin. Holding grudges. People not right with each other. How can we claim to love the Lord? When we don't love our brother. And so out of this great move. A great move of God. A great revival swept China. It was called the Shantung Revival. Miracle after miracle after miracle began to take place." [27:28] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have to be sure that we not only know about Jesus. But we're born of the Spirit. Most people understand with their mind about what God's Word says about Jesus. But they haven't been born of the Spirit. We have to be born again of the Spirit of God. And until the Spirit comes, we're not born again. We can have a knowledge without being born of the Spirit of God." [36:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus said my sheep hear when I call. Do you hear Him calling you today? Do you hear Him? Do you hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit of any leaven in your life today? Anything we need to get out of our lives you must take out of your life. And so Samuel took over. What happened was Eli died on this certain day. Both of his sons were killed. That was the prophecy against him. They were killed." [50:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If anything good in any of us. It's all because of Jesus Christ. Amen. And I made up my mind a long time ago. As long as I'm here. I want to walk in his glory. I want to feel his power and his presence. I want to see the miracles of God. I want to get rid of the leaven. I want to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. I want to see the nations saved and healed. I want to see the remnant of this church rise up. Jesus Christ. In a greater way than ever before." [01:03:57] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The remnant is birthed in prayer through prayer seeking the Lord he's a rewarder of those who diligently seek him his word his way his truth his life his life there's no other source for the Christian if we try to mix a new age a horoscope or any other authority with the word it is never gonna work God only honors his word if we enjoy the word God only honors his word if we enjoy the word we have to be a people of the word only the word it's only what God says it's only what God says a separated people separated people enter God consecrated unto him and so it's birthed in prayer we are born in prayer we are born in prayer" [19:09] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have to be those who are trained in true deliverance. How do we train ourselves? We've been with the Lord. We deal with the leaven every day. We get the leaven out of sin. I read Bertha's book, and she deals with leaven every day. If we don't deal with our flesh every day, if we don't deal with our flesh every day, and surrender to the Lord and His Word, then we're going to live. Like the world. Then we're going to live like the world. And we're going to live for ourselves." [54:51] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The remnant that God's calling. They will learn to be steadfast. Unmovable. Always abounding in the word of the Lord. Much as I am. To make a difference while we're here. You see the miracles weren't just about the miracles. The miracles were to point the people to the miracle worker. Jesus Christ. It never elevated that. Bertha never. They never took any other. Nunca tomaron ningun credito acerca de los milagros. Nunca tomaron ningun credito acerca de los milagros." [59:12] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to be a people birthed in prayer. We have to be a people birthed in prayer. Miracles are birthed in prayer. We have to be sure that we not only know about Jesus. But we're born of the Spirit. Most people understand with their mind about what God's Word says about Jesus. But they haven't been born of the Spirit. We have to be born again of the Spirit of God. And until the Spirit comes, we're not born again. We can have a knowledge without being born of the Spirit of God. And the Holy Spirit today, through the Word of God, in our response to the Word of God, is convicting hearts to get the leaven out." [36:56] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we're going to be that remnant, we're going to not only be birthed in prayer and not only be trained to know the voice of God, but be trained in true deliverance. Things may become darker as days go by. with the church being the reason we need to be here. We need to do our church. But we also need to vote, of course. And vote for our conscience. Vote for the little guy in the womb. That is not a political issue. That is a biblical issue. That's it. We have to be those who are trained in true deliverance." [53:29] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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