Embracing Our Divine Calling: The Presence of Jesus
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound presence of Jesus among us, emphasizing that His spirit is alive and active, even if we cannot see Him physically. This place is a sanctuary for those yearning for a spiritual awakening, a place where the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is anticipated and welcomed. We are called to be conduits of His miracle signs and wonders, just as He performed in the New Testament and continues to do today. Our mission is to be a beacon for the generations seeking authenticity and power in their spiritual journey.
We delved into the life mission of Jesus, which was to restore our relationship with God, broken by sin. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection paved the way for us to connect with the Father without the need for perfection. He commissioned us to spread His teachings, baptizing and instructing others in the way of life He exemplified. This commission is not just for the apostles of old but for us today, as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of staying connected to Jesus, the vine, to ensure an abundant harvest in our spiritual lives. We are reminded that our role is not to force others to accept Jesus but to provide opportunities for them to encounter Him. Our personal testimonies of transformation and healing are powerful tools in this mission. We are encouraged to share these stories, as they connect hearts and change lives.
As we move forward, we are challenged to embrace our calling with courage, knowing that we are made in the image of God, empowered and anointed to reflect His love and truth. We are to walk authentically, expecting to change the atmosphere wherever we go, as we carry the Holy Spirit within us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Presence of Jesus Among Us: Jesus is present in our midst, even if not visible to our physical eyes. His spirit is alive, and we are called to be conduits of His miracles and wonders, creating a space for spiritual awakening and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. [00:00]
2. Commissioned to Share the Gospel: Jesus' mission was to restore our relationship with God, and He has commissioned us to spread His teachings. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, sharing His love and truth with everyone we meet. [01:07:46]
3. Staying Connected to the Vine: Our spiritual abundance is assured when we remain connected to Jesus, the vine. This connection ensures that we can produce a fruitful harvest in our lives, reflecting His love and grace to others. [01:18:51]
4. Power of Personal Testimonies: Sharing our personal stories of transformation and healing is a powerful way to connect with others and demonstrate the reality of Jesus' work in our lives. These testimonies can change lives and draw others to Him. [01:33:42]
5. Embracing Our Divine Calling: We are made in the image of God, called and anointed to reflect His love and truth. By walking authentically and courageously, we can change the atmosphere around us and draw others to the gospel. [01:44:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:05] - The Presence of Jesus
- [00:15] - A Place for Awakening
- [00:25] - Conduits of Miracles
- [00:35] - Testimonies of Healing
- [00:45] - Seeking God's Perfect Will
- [00:55] - Jesus' Life Mission
- [01:05] - The Great Commission
- [01:15] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- [01:25] - Staying Connected to Jesus
- [01:35] - Sharing Personal Testimonies
- [01:45] - Embracing Our Calling
- [01:55] - Challenge for the Week
- [02:05] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:18-20
2. John 15:5
3. Acts 1:8
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how is Jesus' presence among us described, even though we cannot see Him physically? [00:00]
2. What is the significance of being a "conduit for miracle signs and wonders" as mentioned in the sermon? [00:25]
3. How does the sermon describe the mission Jesus gave to His followers in Matthew 28:18-20? [01:07:46]
4. What examples of personal testimonies were shared in the sermon to illustrate the power of Jesus' work in our lives? [01:33:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that staying connected to Jesus, the vine, ensures an abundant spiritual harvest? [01:18:51]
2. How does the sermon interpret the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 as a call for us today, not just for the apostles? [01:07:46]
3. What role do personal testimonies play in the mission of sharing the gospel, according to the sermon? [01:33:42]
4. How does the sermon challenge us to embrace our divine calling with courage and authenticity? [01:44:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of Jesus in your life. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you be more aware of His presence daily? [00:00]
2. The sermon encourages us to be conduits of miracles. What steps can you take to create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus through your actions and words? [00:25]
3. Jesus commissioned us to share His teachings. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you approach them this week with love and truth? [01:07:46]
4. Staying connected to Jesus is crucial for spiritual growth. What practical habits can you implement to strengthen your relationship with Him? [01:18:51]
5. Personal testimonies are powerful. What is one story of transformation or healing in your life that you can share with someone this week? [01:33:42]
6. The sermon challenges us to embrace our calling with courage. What fears or doubts do you need to overcome to walk authentically in your faith? [01:44:28]
7. Consider the atmosphere you create in your daily interactions. How can you intentionally reflect Jesus' love and truth in your workplace, home, or community? [01:44:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Invisible Presence, Our Visible Faith
In the midst of our daily lives, Jesus' presence is a profound reality, even if we cannot see Him with our physical eyes. His spirit is alive and active, inviting us to be conduits of His miracles and wonders. This is a call to create spaces for spiritual awakening and to welcome the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are tasked with embodying His presence, allowing His love and power to flow through us to touch the lives of others. This is not just a passive acknowledgment but an active participation in His ongoing work in the world. [00:00]
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a space in your daily routine to become more aware of Jesus' presence and allow His spirit to work through you today?
Day 2: Empowered to Share the Gospel
Jesus' mission was to restore our broken relationship with God, and He has commissioned us to continue His work by spreading His teachings. This commission is not limited to the apostles of old but extends to us today. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, sharing His love and truth with everyone we meet. This empowerment is not just a responsibility but a privilege, as we carry the message of hope and redemption to a world in need. Our lives become a testament to His transformative power, inviting others to experience the same restoration. [01:07:46]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of Jesus' love and truth today, and how can you share it with them in a way that is authentic and meaningful?
Day 3: Abiding in the Vine for Spiritual Abundance
Staying connected to Jesus, the vine, is essential for spiritual abundance. This connection ensures that we can produce a fruitful harvest in our lives, reflecting His love and grace to others. It is not about forcing others to accept Jesus but about providing opportunities for them to encounter Him through our lives. As we abide in Him, our lives become a reflection of His character, drawing others to the beauty of a life transformed by His presence. This abiding is a daily commitment to nurture our relationship with Him, allowing His life to flow through us. [01:18:51]
"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." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to deepen your connection with Jesus and ensure that His life flows through you to impact those around you?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Personal Testimonies
Sharing our personal stories of transformation and healing is a powerful way to connect with others and demonstrate the reality of Jesus' work in our lives. These testimonies are not just stories of the past but living examples of His ongoing work in us. They have the power to change lives and draw others to Him, as they see the evidence of His love and grace in our experiences. By sharing our testimonies, we invite others to witness the transformative power of Jesus and to consider how He might work in their own lives. [01:33:42]
"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one personal testimony of Jesus' work in your life that you can share with someone today to encourage and inspire them?
Day 5: Courageously Embracing Our Divine Calling
We are made in the image of God, called and anointed to reflect His love and truth. This calling is not just a passive identity but an active mission to change the atmosphere wherever we go. By walking authentically and courageously, we carry the Holy Spirit within us, impacting the world around us. This is a call to embrace our divine identity and to live out our faith with boldness, knowing that we are empowered to make a difference. As we step into this calling, we become agents of change, drawing others to the gospel through our lives. [01:44:28]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can step out in courage and authenticity today, reflecting God's love and truth to those around you?