Embracing Spiritual Freedom: Our Call to Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound privilege and responsibility of worshiping God freely, a right that has been fiercely protected by our forefathers. This freedom is not just a political right but a spiritual necessity, allowing us to gather and worship without fear. We explored the deceptive nature of governments that seek to control and suppress religious freedom, using China as an example where the facade of religious freedom masks a deeper control over people's lives. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our spiritual liberties and the role of the church in standing firm against such control.
We also delved into the concept of elections and governance, emphasizing that while elections are a human construct, the church operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The church's mission transcends political affiliations, focusing instead on doing the will of God. We are called to pray for our leaders, not for political gain, but for the peace and stability necessary to spread the gospel worldwide. The ultimate goal is to reach every nation with the message of Christ, a task that requires peace and cooperation among nations.
Our mission is clear: to preach the gospel to every creature, as commanded by Jesus. This involves not just teaching but living out the principles of the gospel, being led by the Spirit, and engaging in prayer and intercession. The power of prayer is emphasized as a means to effect change, not just locally but globally. We are reminded that our purpose is to be fishers of men, casting our nets wide to bring souls into the kingdom of God.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to focus on our God-given purpose and to be proactive in reaching out to others. We are encouraged to see people as God sees them, recognizing their potential and speaking life into their situations. This is not just about personal evangelism but about being part of a larger movement to fulfill the Great Commission.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Spiritual Freedom: Our ability to worship freely is a precious gift that must be protected. It is not just a political right but a spiritual necessity that allows us to gather and worship without fear. This freedom is essential for the church to fulfill its mission. [19:32]
2. Beyond Political Affiliations: The church's mission transcends political affiliations. We are called to pray for our leaders, not for political gain, but for the peace and stability necessary to spread the gospel worldwide. Our focus should be on doing the will of God. [29:52]
3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that can effect change globally. It is through prayer that we tap into God's unlimited resources, allowing us to impact nations and fulfill our mission to preach the gospel to every creature. [37:25]
4. Being Fishers of Men: We are called to be fishers of men, casting our nets wide to bring souls into the kingdom of God. This involves not just teaching but living out the principles of the gospel and being led by the Spirit. [56:47]
5. Seeing People Through God's Eyes: We are encouraged to see people as God sees them, recognizing their potential and speaking life into their situations. This perspective shifts our focus from our limitations to God's possibilities, empowering us to reach out effectively. [01:11:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [19:32] - The Privilege of Worship
- [21:07] - Government Control and Religious Freedom
- [22:37] - The Deceptive Nature of Control
- [23:45] - The Role of Elections and the Spirit
- [25:49] - Organization in the Church
- [26:58] - Empowering Through Delegation
- [28:51] - God's Sovereignty in Leadership
- [29:52] - Beyond Politics: God's Will
- [30:59] - The Church's Mission
- [32:04] - Peace and the Spread of the Gospel
- [33:44] - America's Role in Evangelism
- [35:42] - The Power of Intercession
- [37:25] - Prayer's Global Impact
- [38:24] - Vision for Revival
- [42:57] - Bible Study Ministry Impact
- [46:14] - Celebrating Evangelism Efforts
- [47:34] - The Call to Discipleship
- [56:47] - Casting the Net for Souls
- [01:01:45] - The Power of God's Presence
- [01:02:18] - Reaching the Lost
- [01:03:52] - The Role of Anointed Ministry
- [01:04:36] - Building the Church
- [01:05:43] - Teaching and Discipleship
- [01:10:45] - God's Purpose for Individuals
- [01:11:24] - Seeing Through God's Eyes
- [01:15:56] - Speaking Life and Purpose
- [01:16:46] - Faith and Miracles
- [01:18:38] - Remembering Our Purpose
- [01:20:18] - Preparing for Change
- [01:21:14] - The Time to Act
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1-4
2. Matthew 28:19-20
3. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some examples given in the sermon of governments attempting to control religious freedom, and how does this relate to the importance of spiritual freedom? [21:07]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of elections in the church compared to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? [23:45]
3. What is the significance of prayer in the sermon, and how is it described as a tool for global impact? [37:25]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of being "fishers of men," and what does this mean for the church's mission? [56:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual freedom. How does this freedom enable the church to fulfill its mission, and why is it considered a spiritual necessity? [19:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's mission transcends political affiliations, and how should this influence our prayers for leaders? [29:52]
3. The sermon highlights the power of prayer. How does prayer connect us to God's unlimited resources, and what impact can it have on nations? [37:25]
4. What does it mean to see people through God's eyes, and how can this perspective shift our approach to evangelism and discipleship? [01:11:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own experience of spiritual freedom. How can you actively protect and cherish this freedom in your daily life? [19:32]
2. Consider your political views and affiliations. How can you ensure that your focus remains on doing the will of God rather than being swayed by political agendas? [29:52]
3. Identify a specific area in your life or community where you can use prayer to effect change. What steps will you take to commit to this prayer focus? [37:25]
4. Think of someone in your life who may not know Christ. How can you be a "fisher of men" in their life, and what practical steps can you take to share the gospel with them? [56:47]
5. Reflect on a recent interaction where you may have judged someone based on your limitations rather than seeing their potential through God's eyes. How can you change your perspective in future interactions? [01:11:24]
6. How can you incorporate the principles of living out the gospel into your daily routine, and what specific actions will you take to be led by the Spirit? [56:47]
7. Consider the role of the church in your life. How can you contribute to the church's mission of reaching every nation with the message of Christ? [32:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of Spiritual Freedom
The ability to worship freely is a profound privilege that transcends political rights, serving as a spiritual necessity for believers. This freedom, fiercely protected by our forefathers, allows us to gather and worship without fear, enabling the church to fulfill its mission. In some parts of the world, such as China, the facade of religious freedom masks deeper governmental control over people's lives. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining our spiritual liberties and the role of the church in standing firm against such control. As we reflect on this, we are called to cherish and protect our spiritual freedom, recognizing it as essential for the church's mission. [19:32]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively protect and cherish your spiritual freedom in your daily life, and how does this freedom empower you to fulfill your spiritual mission?
Day 2: Transcending Political Affiliations
The church's mission transcends political affiliations, focusing instead on doing the will of God. While elections and governance are human constructs, the church operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are called to pray for our leaders, not for political gain, but for the peace and stability necessary to spread the gospel worldwide. This perspective shifts our focus from political divisions to a unified mission of reaching every nation with the message of Christ. As believers, our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, and our actions should reflect this higher calling. [29:52]
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you pray for your leaders today, focusing on peace and stability rather than political outcomes?
Day 3: The Global Impact of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that can effect change globally, allowing us to tap into God's unlimited resources. Through prayer, we can impact nations and fulfill our mission to preach the gospel to every creature. This involves not just personal petitions but intercession for the world, seeking God's guidance and intervention in global affairs. As we engage in prayer, we align ourselves with God's purposes, becoming conduits of His power and presence in the world. The call to prayer is a call to action, inviting us to participate in God's redemptive work on a global scale. [37:25]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate global intercession into your daily prayer life, and what specific nations or issues will you commit to praying for this week?
Day 4: Casting the Net for Souls
We are called to be fishers of men, casting our nets wide to bring souls into the kingdom of God. This involves not just teaching but living out the principles of the gospel and being led by the Spirit. Our mission is to preach the gospel to every creature, as commanded by Jesus, and this requires both action and authenticity. As we engage in this mission, we are reminded of the importance of being Spirit-led, allowing God's presence to guide our efforts. The call to evangelism is a call to embody the gospel, demonstrating its transformative power in our lives. [56:47]
"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'" (Matthew 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to live out the principles of the gospel and actively engage in evangelism?
Day 5: Seeing Through God's Eyes
We are encouraged to see people as God sees them, recognizing their potential and speaking life into their situations. This perspective shifts our focus from our limitations to God's possibilities, empowering us to reach out effectively. As we view others through God's eyes, we are called to speak life and purpose into their lives, becoming agents of transformation and hope. This involves not just personal evangelism but being part of a larger movement to fulfill the Great Commission. By aligning our vision with God's, we become instruments of His love and grace in the world. [01:11:24]
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to be seen through God's eyes today, and how can you speak life and purpose into their situation?
Quotes
1. "And to take away the freedom of the people to worship is essential for the government. And the government would like to be God. And the government would like to be God. You know, just look at China. The government is God. There is no state religion. So it's very deceptive because in China, there is freedom of religion. That's what they state." [00:21:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But when it comes to the will of the Spirit, we move beyond elections and we move into direction of the Holy Ghost. The church doesn't elect. The church walks in the Spirit and appoints, and as the Holy Ghost leads, gives people opportunity." [00:25:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so there's a very important role that man has to play in the organization of the church. Because it's people. And when you're in the people business, you need organization." [00:26:04] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I'm going to tell you why we need God's outcome in every election. Because God raises us. Up and God puts down. I preached last Wednesday that God had Nebuchadnezzar take Tyrus down and he didn't get paid for the job. Apparently Tyrus was broke and didn't get his payment for his military." [00:28:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Democrats and Republicans and independents and libertarians are all welcome in this house. Everybody's welcome. It's not about your party. It's about, are you willing to do the will of God? No matter what it costs, we got to quit looking at politics as a divider and realize we're in the kingdom." [00:30:21] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy ghost. We are the church. We are not people that are just looking at the church. We are the church. We are the church. We are the church. We are the church. We are the church. We are the church. We are the church. We are the church. We have the hope." [00:31:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We're missing the point of our purpose. It's to preach the gospel in every country, to every language, to every people. It's to get the word of God into every nation. And then the end will come. The preaching of the gospel to every nation is the last sign of the times." [00:33:07] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And praying people are people that make a difference in the world. Listen, we're not just impacting Oklahoma, we're impacting the world. We're not just impacting a region, we're impacting the world. Nations. Nations. I said nations. Amen." [00:36:54] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When we tap into prayer, we have tapped into the unlimited resource of God's power, wisdom, knowledge, ability, and anything can happen. And when we get into the flow of prayer and allow God to pray through us, we just allow God to speak things into the atmosphere, because He doesn't do anything except He first reveals it, and then it's spoken through a prophetic word." [00:37:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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