Embracing Unity in One God: A Call to Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound truths found in Ephesians 4:6, exploring the concept of "One God." This passage reminds us of the unity and singularity of God, who is the Father of all, over all, through all, and in all. We began by reflecting on the importance of sharing the gospel, even in challenging environments, as we prepare to evangelize at the upcoming Electronic Music Festival in Orlando. This mission underscores our call to penetrate darkness with the light of Christ, bringing the message of salvation to those who may not yet understand it.
We also celebrated the significance of baptism, a public declaration of faith that symbolizes the transformation from death to life in Christ. This act of obedience is a testament to the inward change that occurs when one embraces the gospel. As we navigate our lives as Christians in America, we are reminded of our dual citizenship: earthly and heavenly. Our responsibility is to live as the best Christians we can be, advocating for the rights and freedoms that align with God's will, and praying for national repentance and revival.
The heart of our discussion centered on the prayer in Ephesians 3, where Paul prays for the Ephesian church to be strengthened inwardly with spiritual power. This prayer serves as a model for us to pray with our Bibles open, seeking God's strength to live out our faith with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. We are called to preserve the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace, recognizing that we are part of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
The message emphasized the importance of understanding God as our Father, a nurturing, protective, and guiding presence in our lives. This understanding shapes how we live, ensuring that every aspect of our lives is worthy of the calling we have received. We are encouraged to resist the schemes of the enemy, remain steadfast in our faith, and live in a way that glorifies God in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
- Evangelism in Dark Places: We are called to bring the light of Christ into the darkest places, sharing the gospel boldly and without fear. This mission requires prayer and preparation, trusting that God's mercy will go before us as we reach out to those who are lost and perishing. [02:51]
- The Significance of Baptism: Baptism is a powerful symbol of the transformation that occurs when we accept Christ. It is a public declaration of our faith and a testament to the inward change that God has wrought in our hearts. This act of obedience is a reflection of our commitment to live for Christ, regardless of the consequences. [16:35]
- Praying with Open Bibles: Praying with our Bibles open allows us to align our prayers with God's Word, seeking His strength to live out our faith with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This practice helps us to be fortified inwardly, enabling us to respond to the world with Christ-like love and grace. [08:17]
- Understanding God as Father: Recognizing God as our Father is crucial to our spiritual growth. This understanding shapes how we live, ensuring that every aspect of our lives is worthy of the calling we have received. God as Father is our nurturer, protector, and guide, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and holiness. [35:33]
- Resisting the Enemy's Schemes: We must be vigilant in resisting the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to distract and delude us. By remaining steadfast in our faith and confident in the sufficiency of God's Word, we can resist the devil and live in a way that glorifies God in all we do. [51:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:51] - Evangelism at the Music Festival
- [04:51] - The Power of Prayer
- [08:17] - Walking Worthy of Our Calling
- [11:51] - One God and Father of All
- [13:38] - Created in God's Image
- [16:35] - The Significance of Baptism
- [18:07] - Evidence of Salvation
- [19:27] - The Seriousness of Faith
- [21:40] - Unity in the Church
- [23:12] - The Shema and One God
- [25:49] - Jesus in the Old Testament
- [27:39] - Jesus' Claim to Divinity
- [29:56] - Old Testament Promises Fulfilled
- [34:15] - Attributes of God as Father
- [35:33] - The Importance of Calling God Father
- [38:14] - Living Worthy of Our Calling
- [40:17] - Love and Unity in the Church
- [42:31] - The Significance of God's Name
- [44:54] - God as Creator and Savior
- [48:26] - Resisting the Enemy's Schemes
- [51:22] - Confidence in God's Word
- [56:16] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:6
- Ephesians 3:16-19
- Romans 10:17
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 4:6 reveal about the nature and attributes of God? How does this passage emphasize the unity and singularity of God?
2. In the sermon, what was the significance of the upcoming evangelism event at the Electronic Music Festival in Orlando? How does this relate to the call to bring the light of Christ into dark places? [02:51]
3. How does the sermon describe the act of baptism, and what does it symbolize for believers? [16:35]
4. According to the sermon, what is the importance of praying with open Bibles, and how does this practice align our prayers with God's Word? [08:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "One God" in Ephesians 4:6 challenge or affirm the understanding of God as a nurturing and guiding Father? What implications does this have for believers' daily lives?
2. The sermon mentions the dual citizenship of Christians as both earthly and heavenly. How does this duality influence the way believers should live and engage with the world around them? [02:51]
3. In what ways does the prayer in Ephesians 3:16-19 serve as a model for believers to seek spiritual strength and live out their faith with humility, gentleness, patience, and love?
4. How does the sermon address the schemes of the enemy, and what strategies are suggested for resisting these schemes and remaining steadfast in faith? [51:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a challenging environment you are currently facing. How can you bring the light of Christ into this situation, similar to the evangelism event at the music festival? [02:51]
2. Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? If so, how did it impact your spiritual journey? If not, what might be holding you back from taking this step? [16:35]
3. Consider your current prayer habits. How can you incorporate the practice of praying with an open Bible to align your prayers more closely with God's Word? [08:17]
4. In what ways can you actively preserve the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace within your church community? Identify specific actions you can take to promote love and unity.
5. How do you perceive God as your Father? Are there any past experiences or misconceptions that might be affecting your relationship with Him? How can you work towards a healthier understanding of God as a nurturing and protective Father? [35:33]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the enemy's schemes are at work. What steps can you take to resist these schemes and remain steadfast in your faith? [51:22]
7. Reflect on your dual citizenship as a Christian. How can you better balance your earthly responsibilities with your heavenly calling, ensuring that your life glorifies God in all you do? [02:51]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Bringing Light into Darkness
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, Christians are called to be the light in dark places. This involves sharing the gospel boldly, even in environments that may seem intimidating or resistant. The upcoming mission to evangelize at the Electronic Music Festival in Orlando serves as a reminder of this calling. It is an opportunity to penetrate the darkness with the light of Christ, bringing the message of salvation to those who may not yet understand it. This mission requires preparation, prayer, and a deep trust in God's mercy to guide and protect those who step out in faith. [02:51]
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)." (Ephesians 5:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of the light of Christ? How can you intentionally share the gospel with them this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Baptism
Baptism is more than just a ritual; it is a profound symbol of the transformation that occurs when one accepts Christ. It represents the transition from death to life, a public declaration of faith, and a testament to the inward change that God has wrought in a believer's heart. This act of obedience is a reflection of one's commitment to live for Christ, regardless of the consequences. As Christians, understanding the significance of baptism can deepen our appreciation for the new life we have in Christ and encourage us to live out our faith boldly. [16:35]
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does this symbol of transformation inspire you to live out your faith more fully today?
Day 3: Praying with Open Bibles
Praying with open Bibles is a practice that aligns our prayers with God's Word, allowing us to seek His strength to live out our faith with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This approach to prayer helps believers to be fortified inwardly, enabling them to respond to the world with Christ-like love and grace. By using Scripture as a guide, Christians can ensure that their prayers are rooted in truth and aligned with God's will, leading to a deeper and more meaningful prayer life. [08:17]
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Choose a passage of Scripture to guide your prayers today. How can this passage shape the way you pray for yourself and others?
Day 4: Understanding God as Father
Recognizing God as our Father is crucial to our spiritual growth. This understanding shapes how we live, ensuring that every aspect of our lives is worthy of the calling we have received. God as Father is our nurturer, protector, and guide, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and holiness. By embracing this relationship, believers can find comfort and strength in knowing that they are deeply loved and cared for by their Heavenly Father. [35:33]
"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 viewing God as your Father change the way you approach your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 5: Resisting the Enemy's Schemes
Christians must be vigilant in resisting the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to distract and delude them. By remaining steadfast in their faith and confident in the sufficiency of God's Word, believers can resist the devil and live in a way that glorifies God in all they do. This requires a commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, to strengthen their resolve and keep their focus on Christ. [51:22]
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel spiritually vulnerable. What practical steps can you take to resist the enemy's influence and strengthen your faith in this area?
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Quotes
1. "We live in America, but we are Christians, right? We live in America. We are Christians. And so wherever you are, you be the best Christian that you possibly can be. And if we pull together and protect the rights that God has given us, perhaps God would grant this nation repentance. Perhaps God would grant our great nation revival." [00:02:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do you believe that God is that powerful? He is, amen. Do you believe the gospel can transform the lost into lovers of Christ rather than haters? I believe so. And as we continue in this lost and dark world, I want you to be as obedient as you possibly can, to be as bright for Christ as you possibly can. And that way, at the end of the day, when we face Christ at judgment, you'll be rewarded richly." [00:04:03] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The true Christian knows that meekness is not weakness. The true Christian knows that to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is to be able to harness your emotions, to harness the flesh and respond in love and gentleness and kindness and humility and actually give them preference. Give those who are lost preference, serve them and love them and do all that you can for your neighbor." [00:10:24] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so a true Christian, who has been changed on the inside, can do no other than glorify Christ, no matter the consequences. And so true believers truly get baptized because they're unashamed. And they're not afraid of whatever pushback or whatever perception people might think of them. They're not, that is so secondary. And Christ is so primary that they will gladly be baptized." [00:17:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The gospel is literally a life or death situation for everybody. No other conversation merits the weight of the gospel. No other conversation is more important than the gospel. And so to have gospel conversations in your daily life shows that you believe in this one God and that he is the father of all. And he's truly my father because I've been regenerated. I've been converted. I've been saved. I've been born again." [00:19:56] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Should not God be the center of all things? And if your affections, and your interest, and all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength is focused on him and his word, then from there, you have emotions, and thoughts, and life, and everything that you do is coming from your relationship in God. That's a safeguard for your own life to harness yourself, especially in the mornings." [00:25:38] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And so the Old Testament commandments as well. That's not the ends. We don't look at the commandments and say, this is how we are to live and it ends there. The commandments point to Christ. The commandments are there to show us that we cannot live up to God's holy standard and we need Christ. We need a substitute to Jesus. We need a pay for our sins in our place and to help us to be covered from his wrath, from God's wrath." [00:30:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God is God and He truly is enough. God is sufficient. His scriptures are sufficient. Everything about God is more than enough. We're not going to abandon the old gospel story for personal stories. We're not going to listen to what some man has to say about himself. We want to know about God. We will not abandon scriptural convictions for cultural trends." [00:48:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If we do what we do underneath God our Father then it is real and not religious. It's not punching a clock. It's not saying I went to church. It's not saying I served you Lord. It's not saying these things. It is real evangelism. Real discipleship. Real worship. It's real." [00:50:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I hope today that you've been encouraged through this one God whom I believe Paul would have had in his heart and mind by projecting to the Ephesian congregation. This one God who is father of all and is in all has been encouraging to you to help you walk closer with God, to want to know him more because he has revealed himself so graciously to you." [00:53:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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