Embracing the Birth Pains of Faith and Renewal

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound journey of faith and the transformative power of God's Word. We began by acknowledging the presence of God among us, expressing gratitude for the spiritual blessings we have already received. We prayed for those who are unprepared to meet God, hoping that today would be the day they make the decision to embrace the new birth in Christ. We also prayed for those who have been on this journey for a long time, asking for new insights and understanding through the Holy Spirit.

We shared a personal story about a providential gift that symbolized the narrow path and the correct decision in following God's way. This story illustrated the importance of walking in the simplicity of the gospel, which, despite its simplicity, is the greatest truth we can know. We emphasized the need to support our local churches and the importance of being part of a community of believers.

The message also touched on the concept of birth pains, both in the natural and spiritual realms. Just as a woman experiences pain before giving birth, the church and the world are experiencing birth pains as they transition from the old to the new. This process is often painful and distressing, but it is necessary for new life to emerge. We explored how each age of the church has gone through these pains, leading to new movements and revelations of God's Word.

We concluded by reflecting on the current state of the world and the church, recognizing the signs of the times and the imminent return of Christ. We are called to be part of the bride of Christ, a church that is pure and faithful to His Word. This requires us to separate from worldly systems and embrace the truth of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The journey of faith involves making the right decisions and walking the narrow path, which leads to a glorious reward in heaven. This path is not always easy, but it is the way of God, and it brings tremendous victory and divine love. [05:28]

- The process of spiritual birth, like natural birth, involves pain and distress. The church must go through these birth pains to transition from the old systems to the new life in Christ. This is a necessary process for the emergence of a new, vibrant faith. [18:26]

- Each age of the church has experienced birth pains, leading to new movements and revelations. From Luther to Wesley to Pentecost, each movement has brought the church closer to the fullness of God's Word. We must continue to seek new revelations and be open to the Spirit's leading. [21:53]

- The current state of the world and the church indicates that we are in the final stages of birth pains. The signs of the times point to the imminent return of Christ, and we must be prepared as the bride of Christ, pure and faithful to His Word. [45:43]

- We are called to separate from worldly systems and embrace the truth of the gospel. This requires us to be part of a community of believers who are committed to living out the Word of God in its fullness. [01:10:53]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude
[02:24] - Personal Story of Providence
[03:57] - The Gift and Its Significance
[05:28] - Walking the Narrow Path
[08:36] - The Simplicity of the Gospel
[10:13] - Supporting Local Churches
[11:17] - Divine Healing and Faith
[12:54] - The Power of Prayer
[15:00] - Searching for the Right Scripture
[18:26] - Birth Pains and Spiritual Transition
[21:53] - Historical Church Movements
[26:08] - Signs of the Times
[45:43] - The State of the World and Church
[01:10:53] - The Call to Separate from Worldly Systems
[01:25:07] - Final Sign and Message
[01:45:50] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. John 16:21 - "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world."
2. Matthew 24:37-39 - "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."
3. Revelation 21:1 - "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of the "narrow path" in the journey of faith? [05:28]
2. How does the sermon describe the process of spiritual birth in relation to natural birth? [18:26]
3. What historical church movements are mentioned in the sermon, and how are they related to the concept of birth pains? [21:53]
4. According to the sermon, what are the signs of the times that indicate the imminent return of Christ? [45:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the metaphor of birth pains help us understand the current state of the church and the world? [18:26]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church must separate from worldly systems to be prepared as the bride of Christ? [45:43]
3. How does the sermon connect the historical church movements to the ongoing revelation of God's Word? [21:53]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of community and local churches in supporting believers on their faith journey? [10:13]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to follow the "narrow path." How did it impact your faith journey? [05:28]
2. The sermon discusses the necessity of birth pains for new life to emerge. Can you identify a painful experience in your life that led to spiritual growth? [18:26]
3. How can you actively support your local church and community of believers in living out the Word of God? [10:13]
4. The sermon calls for separation from worldly systems. What specific steps can you take to align your life more closely with the truth of the gospel? [45:43]
5. Consider the signs of the times mentioned in the sermon. How do they influence your sense of urgency in sharing your faith with others? [45:43]
6. How can you remain open to new revelations and the leading of the Holy Spirit in your personal faith journey? [21:53]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of gratitude for spiritual blessings. What are some blessings in your life that you can thank God for today? [01:24]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Walking the Narrow Path to Divine Love

The journey of faith is often described as a narrow path, one that requires intentional decisions and steadfast commitment. This path is not always easy, as it demands a departure from worldly desires and a focus on spiritual growth. However, it is through this journey that believers experience the profound love and victory that comes from walking in God's way. The narrow path symbolizes the choices we make daily to align our lives with the teachings of Christ, leading to a glorious reward in heaven. Embracing this path means trusting in God's guidance and finding strength in His promises. [05:28]

Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV): "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Reflection: What is one decision you can make today to align more closely with the narrow path of faith, and how can you seek God's guidance in this choice?


Day 2: Embracing the Pain of Spiritual Birth

Just as natural birth involves pain and distress, the process of spiritual birth is marked by challenges and trials. These birth pains are necessary for the transition from old systems to new life in Christ. The church, like an expectant mother, endures these pains to bring forth a vibrant and renewed faith. This process, though difficult, is essential for growth and transformation. Believers are called to embrace these challenges, trusting that they lead to a deeper understanding of God's purpose and a more profound experience of His love. [18:26]

Romans 8:22-23 (ESV): "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

Reflection: What current challenge in your life might be a spiritual birth pain, and how can you trust God to bring new life through it?


Day 3: Seeking New Revelations in Faith

Throughout history, the church has experienced birth pains that have led to new movements and revelations of God's Word. From the Reformation to the Pentecostal movement, each era has brought the church closer to the fullness of God's truth. Believers are encouraged to remain open to the Spirit's leading, seeking new insights and understanding. This openness requires humility and a willingness to let go of preconceived notions, allowing God to reveal His truth in fresh and transformative ways. [21:53]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: How can you create space in your life to be open to new revelations from God, and what steps can you take to actively seek His guidance?


Day 4: Preparing for the Imminent Return of Christ

The current state of the world and the church indicates that we are in the final stages of birth pains, pointing to the imminent return of Christ. Believers are called to be prepared as the bride of Christ, living lives that are pure and faithful to His Word. This preparation involves separating from worldly systems and embracing the truth of the gospel. It is a call to live with urgency and purpose, recognizing the signs of the times and responding with faith and obedience. [45:43]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to prepare for Christ's return, and how can you encourage others to do the same?


Day 5: Separating from Worldly Systems

Believers are called to separate from worldly systems and embrace the truth of the gospel. This separation is not about isolation but about living distinctively as followers of Christ. It involves being part of a community of believers who are committed to living out the Word of God in its fullness. This commitment requires courage and conviction, as it often goes against the prevailing culture. By standing firm in faith and supporting one another, believers can shine as lights in the world, drawing others to the hope and truth found in Christ. [01:10:53]

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively separate from worldly influences in your life, and how can you support your community of believers in doing the same?

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Quotes

"Because thou hast chosen the narrow path, the harder way, thou hast walked of your own choosing, thou hast picked the correct and precise decision, and it is my way. Because of this momentous decision, a huge portion of heaven awaits thee. What a glorious decision thou hast made. This in itself is that which will give and make come to pass their tremendous victory and love divine." [00:04:26]

"It's a glorious life, isn't it, brother? Just to walk in the simplicity of the gospel, and yet, in its simplicity, it's the greatest thing I know of. I know nothing of it. And being that it was made simple, that I had a chance to come into it, see, by the grace of God." [00:07:03]

"Now, the old has to die in order that the new is born. To have anything that gives birth has to have, pains of distress. And they certainly was going to go through a pain of distress and anguish. To get from the law unto grace. Normal, natural birth types the spiritual birth." [00:18:16]

"Birth is the same because you're bringing life into the world. And it's painful. Jesus said that his word was a seed, that a sower went forth to sow. Now, we're all acquainted with that. And I want to teach this like a Sunday school lesson because it's Sunday." [00:24:35]

"Now, we look at that as a nation, as not a nation, but a world. Now, Israel, the church, let's start back with her a few minutes. And let's follow her for the next ten minutes maybe. Israel had birth pains under every prophet that came to the earth. She had birth pains." [00:48:34]

"Systems doesn't have a life. It's only God's word has life. The systems that's built around it does not have life. It is the word that gives life. His message rocked the remnant back to the word. A little group would come out and believe sometime, maybe in Noah's time only about eight people." [00:49:44]

"Each of them, the messengers of their age, rock the back to the word, the message of their age, the message of according to the Bible. I've got to come in a book out on that. The commentary of the first four chapters of revelations. Read it. See as we get it on prayer and it proves beyond a shadow of doubt what Luther's message was." [01:08:08]

"Now, we find out that under the days of John Wesley, she gave pains again, but there's a Wesley born. But what did he do? Went right back like the mother did. Then under the days of Pentecost, was your father's mother's come out of that thing and hated it." [01:14:11]

"Love is corrective. And I do love the world. I'm zealous of God's church. And to see these systems that's binding it down under dogmas and it's rotting away and God declaring his word to be the truth and still if we don't do it. Amen. You know it's the truth, brother, sister." [01:15:00]

"Now, we know that that's right. Now, the word must produce the bride. But the old system has to keep its type. It has to produce an Esau who sold his birthright. Here it comes. I feel it. I hope you don't think I'm crazy. Well, if I am, let me alone. I feel good this way." [01:15:56]

"Now, I don't have any further on that, do I? Surely you know what I'm talking about. There we are. There you are. System, what system are you in? Just imagine now, if you were to live back in the other days under the jolting of God's prophets and words that come forth, what side would you want to be on back there where you've got the same choice today?" [01:16:46]

"Now, you can call me a fanatic if you wish to, but that same pillar of fire that led the children of Israel through the wilderness, right over that woman. Now, remember, Jesus said, a little while in the world seeth me no more, yet ye shall see me. I come from God, I go to God." [01:40:05]

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