Embracing Unity and Spiritual Empowerment for God's Kingdom
Summary
In this season, God is calling us to unity, surrender, and worship. As a church, we are being challenged to step into our gifts and callings, and to be part of something incredible for His kingdom. This is a time of spiritual awakening, where we are encouraged to put God first, even in challenging circumstances. The story of the widow who gave all she had, despite her poverty, serves as a powerful reminder that true worship and sacrifice are about giving from the heart, not from abundance.
As we approach March 5th, a day set aside for deeper spiritual engagement, we are called to prepare our hearts through fasting and prayer. This is a time to expect God to move mightily, to heal, and to pour out His Spirit. We are encouraged to come with a posture of openness, ready to receive all that God has for us.
The concept of spiritual upgrades is introduced, likening it to receiving more than we expect, like an unexpected upgrade at a coffee shop or on a flight. God offers us an upgrade in the form of empowerment through the Holy Spirit. This empowerment is not just for personal benefit but for being effective witnesses of Christ, equipped with divine power, communication, protection, and healing.
The sermon explores the three baptisms mentioned in the Bible: the Holy Spirit baptizing us into the body of Christ, the disciples baptizing us in water, and Jesus baptizing us in the Holy Spirit. Each baptism serves a unique purpose in our spiritual journey, and together they equip us to live a life of power and purpose.
As we prepare for March 5th, we are encouraged to seek God earnestly, to fast, and to come with an expectation of His presence. This is a call to deepen our relationship with God, to be filled with His Spirit, and to walk in the fullness of what He has for us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity, Surrender, and Worship: This season is a call to unity, surrender, and worship. God is raising up a group of people to do incredible things for His kingdom, and we are invited to be part of it. This requires a heart posture of openness and willingness to follow where He leads. [02:39]
2. True Worship and Sacrifice: The story of the widow who gave all she had teaches us that true worship and sacrifice come from the heart. It's not about the amount we give but the heart with which we give. God values our willingness to trust Him with everything, even in our lack. [04:22]
3. Spiritual Upgrades: God offers us an upgrade through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This empowerment is for us to be effective witnesses, equipped with divine power, communication, protection, and healing. It's an invitation to live a life of purpose and impact. [08:28]
4. The Three Baptisms: Understanding the three baptisms—into the body of Christ, in water, and in the Holy Spirit—helps us grasp the fullness of our spiritual journey. Each baptism serves a unique purpose, equipping us to live a life of power and purpose. [21:48]
5. Preparation for March 5th: As we approach March 5th, we are called to prepare our hearts through fasting and prayer. This is a time to expect God to move mightily, to heal, and to pour out His Spirit. We are encouraged to come with a posture of openness, ready to receive all that God has for us. [37:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:08] - Importance of Unity and Surrender
- [02:39] - Call to Action: No Time to Wait
- [03:22] - Conversations on Tithing
- [04:22] - The Widow's Offering
- [05:07] - Preparing for March 5th
- [06:02] - Fasting and Expectation
- [07:00] - The Joy of Upgrades
- [08:28] - Spiritual Empowerment
- [09:18] - Signs of Belief
- [10:23] - Working with Jesus
- [11:57] - Heritage vs. God's Word
- [14:33] - Elementary Principles of Baptisms
- [19:12] - Water Baptism Explained
- [21:48] - Jesus Baptizes in the Holy Spirit
- [25:43] - Invitation to March 5th
- [28:00] - Empowerment for Witnessing
- [31:41] - The Need for Power
- [35:21] - Seeking God Through Fasting
- [37:47] - Posture of Openness and Expectation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 16:14-20
2. Hebrews 6:1-3
3. Acts 8:12-17
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 16:14-20, what signs are said to accompany those who believe? How do these signs demonstrate the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? [09:18]
2. According to Hebrews 6:1-3, what are considered the "elementary principles" of Christ, and how do they relate to the concept of baptisms? [14:00]
3. In Acts 8:12-17, what sequence of events occurs after the new believers in Samaria accept the word of God? How does this passage illustrate the different baptisms discussed in the sermon? [23:28]
4. How does the story of the widow's offering in the sermon illustrate the concept of true worship and sacrifice? [04:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, as described in Mark 16:14-20, equip believers to be effective witnesses for Christ? What might this look like in a modern context? [09:18]
2. Hebrews 6:1-3 mentions the "doctrine of baptisms." How does understanding the different baptisms enhance a believer's spiritual journey and relationship with God? [14:00]
3. In Acts 8:12-17, why was it necessary for Peter and John to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit, even after they had already accepted the word of God? What does this suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? [23:28]
4. The sermon emphasizes unity, surrender, and worship. How do these elements contribute to a believer's readiness to receive spiritual upgrades and empowerment? [02:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the concept of spiritual upgrades. Have you experienced moments in your life where you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit? How did it impact your actions and decisions? [08:28]
2. The sermon calls for preparation through fasting and prayer as we approach March 5th. How can you incorporate these practices into your routine to deepen your relationship with God? [05:07]
3. Consider the story of the widow's offering. In what areas of your life is God calling you to trust Him more deeply, even in times of lack or uncertainty? [04:22]
4. Unity and surrender are key themes in the sermon. How can you foster a spirit of unity within your church community, and what steps can you take to surrender more fully to God's will? [02:39]
5. The sermon discusses the three baptisms. Have you experienced all three in your spiritual journey? If not, what steps can you take to explore and understand these experiences more fully? [21:48]
6. How can you create a posture of openness and expectation in your daily life to receive all that God has for you? What practical changes can you make to cultivate this mindset? [37:47]
7. The sermon encourages believers to be effective witnesses. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about your faith journey. How can you share your story with them this week? [28:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Purpose
In this season, God is calling His people to unity, surrender, and worship. This is not just about coming together physically but aligning our hearts and minds with His purpose. Unity requires us to set aside personal agendas and embrace a collective vision for God's kingdom. It is a call to be part of something greater than ourselves, where our individual gifts and callings contribute to a larger mission. As we unite, we become a powerful force for change, reflecting God's love and grace to the world. [02:39]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: What personal agenda or preference might you need to set aside to contribute to the unity of your church community?
Day 2: Heartfelt Sacrifice
The story of the widow who gave all she had, despite her poverty, is a profound lesson in true worship and sacrifice. It teaches us that God values the heart behind our giving more than the amount. True sacrifice is not measured by the size of the gift but by the willingness to trust God with everything, even in our lack. This kind of worship requires faith and a deep understanding that God is our provider, and He honors those who give from a place of love and devotion. [04:22]
2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (ESV): "For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord."
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to trust Him more deeply, even if it feels like a sacrifice?
Day 3: Empowerment Through the Spirit
God offers us an upgrade through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This empowerment is not for personal gain but to be effective witnesses of Christ. It equips us with divine power, communication, protection, and healing, enabling us to live a life of purpose and impact. Just as an unexpected upgrade can bring joy and excitement, receiving the Holy Spirit's empowerment brings a new dimension to our spiritual journey, allowing us to fulfill our calling with confidence and authority. [08:28]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life to be a more effective witness for Christ?
Day 4: The Journey of Baptisms
Understanding the three baptisms—into the body of Christ, in water, and in the Holy Spirit—helps us grasp the fullness of our spiritual journey. Each baptism serves a unique purpose, equipping us to live a life of power and purpose. The baptism into the body of Christ signifies our inclusion in the family of believers. Water baptism is an outward expression of our faith and commitment to follow Jesus. The baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with boldness and effectiveness. Together, these baptisms form a foundation for a vibrant and impactful Christian life. [21:48]
1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV): "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism experiences. How have they shaped your understanding of your identity and purpose in Christ?
Day 5: Preparing for a Divine Encounter
As we approach March 5th, a day set aside for deeper spiritual engagement, we are called to prepare our hearts through fasting and prayer. This is a time to expect God to move mightily, to heal, and to pour out His Spirit. Coming with a posture of openness and expectation allows us to receive all that God has for us. Fasting and prayer are powerful tools that help us focus on God, align our hearts with His will, and prepare us for a divine encounter. This preparation is not just about a single day but a lifestyle of seeking God's presence and guidance. [37:47]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your routine this week to prepare for a deeper encounter with God?
Quotes
In this season, God is raising up true worshippers and like a challenged as priest to bring to the altars what God has asked for spiritually, sacrifice is acceptable to God and it's kind of leading us up into March 5th. I want to tell you to mark your calendars March 5th. [00:04:50]
I want us to come in with an expectation for God to move and again we are praying that his presence would be poured out so it's one of those Wednesday nights where I'm like I I'm just asking you as your pastor kids can go to school tired, you know you can miss work Thursday. [00:06:15]
What if I was to tell you that the old car that you have which is a great car it it gets you from Earth to Heaven meaning you've given your life to Jesus Christ and it's an incredible thing like you are going from Earth to Heaven you are going to spend all eternity with him. [00:08:06]
What signs will accompany those who believe they will have divine power, Divine communication, Divine protection, and Divine Healing next question what did Jesus do when the disciples went went out to proclaim the gospel what do it say it says that he worked with them and he confirmed his word. [00:10:17]
I just want to say first of all we thank God for your heritage but if we ever put Heritage above God's word we're wrong and so what I'd love to do today is I'd love to teach you the Bible and then after we look at the Bible I'm going to teach you more of the Bible. [00:11:49]
The Holy Spirit baptizes Us in Jesus or the holy the Holy Spirit baptizes Us in the body of Christ and and I it's important to understand what the word baptism means the Holy Spirit baptizes baptism means fully immersed so when he baptizes Us in something he fully immerses us. [00:15:22]
When the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ we are dipped into and we're totally transformed no longer to be the same and that's why when we've been talking about first Peter 2:5 as living stones when you said yes to Jesus you said I'm going to surrender my life to him. [00:16:10]
The second baptism the disciples baptize us into water in Matthew chapter 28: 19 it says therefore go and make disciples of all Nations baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit Romans 6: 3-4 says this this or don't you know that all of us. [00:19:08]
Jesus baptizes Us in the Holy Spirit Jesus baptizes Us in the Holy Spirit all four gospels confirm how Jesus does this uh we'll start by looking at Matthew 3:1 says I baptize you with water for repentance but after me comes one who is more powerful than I whose sandals I am not worthy. [00:20:50]
I have not been holding back to start this year and I definitely am not holding back on Wednesday nights and I am asking you to be here because we are going to place our hands on you and pray for you and for some of you in this room you are going to experience the presence of God. [00:25:43]
I just wonder if sometimes we miss out on what God has because we don't come with a posture that says God I want everything you have for me we say God here's what I'll take and here's what I want Ah that's that message isn't for me you know that that scripture I'll just leave. [00:35:40]
Fasting is US seeking after him fasting is denying my flesh because I want God more sometimes when when I realize that like I've lost some of my hunger and when I say hunger my walk with God I need to make my flesh like you don't get nothing right now because I need that hunger back. [00:36:39]
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