Embracing Our Identity in the Apostolic Family
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by reflecting on the incredible journey that has led to the establishment of Harvest Tabernacle in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka. I shared the story of how, after meeting Pastor Mike and Ronda in 2003 and marrying Chandi, we served as interns in Minnesota before returning to Sri Lanka. With degrees in Christian Ministry and a shared vision, Chandi and I founded Harvest Tabernacle and IMPower Global, focusing on rebuilding communities through emergency rehabilitation and development. Our work is a testament to the power of apostolic leadership and the support of the Harvest community.
I emphasized the importance of family within the church, drawing from Acts 2:1-4 to illustrate the birth of the church as a family, united and filled with the Holy Spirit. I spoke about the significance of being part of an Apostolic family, where we are not orphans but sons and daughters of God, called to build and not tear down. I shared the heartwarming story of Esther, an orphan who found a family within the church, symbolizing the restoration and destiny that comes from being part of a spiritual family.
I delved into the three models of the church: the pastor model, the leader model, and the kingdom model, highlighting the latter as the ideal where we come together as a family and go out as an army. I shared personal anecdotes, including my own calling to preach and the second chance God gave me, urging the congregation to embrace their second chances and surrender to God's direction.
I spoke about the dangers of being out of alignment with God's family, using the metaphor of a minefield to describe the spiritual landscape. I stressed the importance of staying planted in the church, allowing leadership to minister love, forgiveness, and restoration.
I called on the congregation to protect what God has built in Harvest and to be part of the transgenerational leadership that is impacting cities around the world. I encouraged everyone to embrace their identity as sons and daughters, to build relationships with their spiritual leaders, and to understand the assignment God has for them.
In conclusion, I led the church in a prayer of repentance and commitment, inviting Christ afresh into our lives and pledging obedience to His will. I affirmed the divine planting of Harvest and the favor of God upon this house, encouraging everyone to grow and be planted in the house of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Apostolic family is a divine blueprint for the church, where we are called not as servants but as sons and daughters, builders of God's kingdom. This identity is crucial for understanding our role in the church and the world. ([21:58])
2. Unity and agreement within the church are essential for fulfilling God's vision for us. As we come together in one accord, we embody the family that was birthed on the day of Pentecost, each playing a vital role in the mission of the church. ([09:42])
3. Our spiritual leaders possess discernment and wisdom that can guide us through life's minefields. Surrendering to their guidance allows us to grow in alignment with God's purpose and avoid the traps set by the enemy. ([35:38])
4. Being part of an Apostolic family means protecting the legacy and the vision that God has entrusted to us. It is about being committed to the transgenerational impact and ensuring that the work of God continues through us and beyond us. ([37:50])
5. Repentance and recommitment to Christ are the foundation of our walk with God. As we invite Jesus into our lives anew, we must also commit to being obedient to His direction, knowing that we are planted in fertile soil where we can flourish. ([46:10])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:1-4 - "When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
2. John 15:15 - "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."
3. Ephesians 3:14-15 - "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant events occurred on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-4?
2. How does Jesus describe His relationship with His disciples in John 15:15?
3. According to Ephesians 3:14-15, what is the significance of the family in heaven and on earth?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be part of an Apostolic family as described in the sermon? How does this relate to the events of Pentecost? ([09:42])
2. How does the concept of being called "friends" by Jesus in John 15:15 change our understanding of our relationship with Him and with each other in the church? ([19:30])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being part of a spiritual family can lead to personal restoration and destiny, as illustrated by the story of Esther? ([15:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience in the church. How have you seen the church function as a family? Can you share a specific instance where you felt the support of your church family? ([09:42])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity and agreement within the church. What steps can you take to foster unity in your small group or church community? ([25:45])
3. How can you build a stronger relationship with your spiritual leaders and fellow church members to better align with God's purpose for your life? ([38:41])
4. The sermon mentioned the dangers of being out of alignment with God's family. Are there areas in your life where you feel out of alignment? What practical steps can you take to realign yourself? ([34:15])
5. The concept of transgenerational leadership was highlighted. How can you contribute to ensuring that the vision and legacy of your church continue to impact future generations? ([37:50])
6. Repentance and recommitment to Christ were emphasized as foundational. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to repent and recommit to following Jesus? How will you take action on this? ([46:10])
7. Think about the metaphor of the minefield used in the sermon. Are there any "minefields" in your life that you need guidance to navigate? How can you seek the wisdom and discernment of your spiritual leaders in these areas? ([35:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Identity as God's Children
The Apostolic family is not just a concept; it is the divine blueprint for the church. As believers, we are not merely servants in God's kingdom; we are His sons and daughters. This identity is foundational to understanding our role within the church and the broader world. It is about recognizing that we are part of a larger family, connected by our faith and our shared mission to build God's kingdom on earth. As children of God, we have a unique inheritance and authority to contribute to the church's growth and to impact the world positively.
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." - 1 John 3:1 ESV
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you interact with your church community and the responsibilities you undertake? [21:58]
Day 2: United in Spirit and Purpose
Unity and agreement within the church are not just idealistic goals; they are essential for fulfilling God's vision for His people. When the church comes together in one accord, it reflects the family that was birthed on the day of Pentecost. Each member plays a vital role in the mission of the church, contributing their gifts and talents to a collective purpose. This unity is not about uniformity but about harmonizing the diverse strengths of individuals to create a powerful force for God's kingdom.
"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: What are some practical ways you can contribute to the unity and agreement within your church community this week? [09:42]
Day 3: Guidance Through Life's Minefields
Our spiritual leaders are equipped with discernment and wisdom that can guide us through the complexities and dangers of life. By surrendering to their guidance, we align ourselves with God's purpose and avoid the traps set by the enemy. This submission is not about losing our autonomy but about trusting in the God-given insight of those appointed to shepherd us. It is through this relationship that we can grow and navigate life's minefields with confidence.
"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: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to seek and submit to the wisdom of your spiritual leaders? How can you take a step towards that this week? [35:38]
Day 4: Protecting Our Spiritual Legacy
Being part of an Apostolic family involves a commitment to protect and carry forward the legacy and vision that God has entrusted to us. It is about recognizing our role in a transgenerational movement that seeks to impact cities and nations for Christ. This commitment means being proactive in our faith, nurturing the seeds that have been planted, and preparing the ground for future generations to continue the work of God.
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." - Psalm 145:4 ESV
Reflection: What is one action you can take this week to contribute to the spiritual legacy of your church community? [37:50]
Day 5: Foundations of Repentance and Recommitment
Repentance and recommitment to Christ are not one-time events but ongoing processes that form the foundation of our walk with God. Inviting Jesus into our lives anew requires a heart willing to turn from sin and a commitment to obey His direction. This act of surrender ensures that we are planted in fertile soil, where we can flourish and bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
"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: What specific area of your life do you need to repent of today, and how can you demonstrate your recommitment to Christ in your daily actions? [46:10]
Quotes
1) "I'm a product because you as a mission team stepped out of your convenience, out of your comfort zone and took a plane ride over 20 hours one way to Sri Lanka... God spoke to me and he said, 'Son, I've called you as a preacher and I'm giving you a second chance.' Don't Be Afraid. God spoke to me also and he said, 'I'm giving you a second chance.'" [16:32]
2) "The kingdom model is we come together as family and we go out as Army... we come together as family with our relationships, loving one another, caring for one another... As spiritual Sons and Daughters, sometimes we think we know better... but it's important to bite the bullet and just hold on because this field is not a baseball field out there, it's a minefield." [34:15]
3) "Apostolic leaders are called to lead the church in Good Times, in tough times, in turbulent times... Paul told Timothy, 'you should know this, Timothy, in these last days it's going to be difficult.'... These are times where we need to preserve and to protect what God has given us, he's given us family to fulfill assignment." [18:40]
4) "Jesus sacrificed, he even sacrificed his life for Peter and he was expecting Peter to love Jesus like he would love Peter... Jesus makes the first move, he says 'I no longer call you servants but friends.'... The builder of the family house... God has not called you to tear down, he's called you to build." [21:58]
5) "Whenever God wants to do something significant in a given place, what he does first is he raises up a dad and a mom in that place, and through that Dad and that Mom, there's a family that has been built and through that family, God fulfills his plan for that place." [29:18]
6) "There are three models of the church... the pastor model, the leader model, and the kingdom model... The kingdom model is where we come together as family and go out as an army... It's about being committed to the transgenerational impact and ensuring that the work of God continues through us and beyond us." [32:39]
7) "God has a way to use you and his way is family, his way is the apostolic community in the church... like a plant planted by the rivers of Living Water, then God begins to flow through you and you begin to grow as a son and a daughter and take ownership in this place so that God can fulfill his plan for your life called assignment." [41:46]
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