Empowered by Love: Living Out the Gospel
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the transformative power of the Gospel and the undeniable truth that God is for us, not against us. We were reminded that the love of God is so profound that He sent His only Son to break every chain that binds us, regardless of how long those chains have been part of our lives. This love initiates a new chapter for us, one that is not of this earth but born from above.
We celebrated the victories of our outreach efforts, particularly the inaugural service at the University of Pittsburgh, where the Spirit of God moved mightily, resulting in salvation for many. This is a testament to the fact that the Gospel is as powerful and relevant today as it was in the days of the early church. We are called to be bold, to preach the Word, and to let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
The sermon also addressed the importance of not being lukewarm in our faith. We were challenged to ignite the fire of the Holy Spirit within us and to resist the complacency that threatens to deaden our spirits. We are created for more than the struggles of this world, such as addiction, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Jesus has already conquered these battles, and it is our inheritance to walk in that victory.
Furthermore, we were encouraged to understand that the church is not a passive observer in the world. We are to actively engage in society, bringing the light of Christ to every dark place. This includes standing against injustices and being a voice for truth in a world that often rejects it.
Lastly, we were reminded that the church is not a one-man show. It is a collective of believers, each playing a vital role in the advancement of God's kingdom. From the youngest to the oldest, every member is called to be on fire for God, to pray for the sick, to cast out devils, and to make disciples of all nations.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's love is so immense that He sent His Son to liberate us from generational chains. This liberation is not just for us but for our future generations, who will inherit the freedom we embrace in Christ. Our identity is not rooted in earthly origins but in our heavenly birthright. [30:03]
2. The Gospel is unchanging and eternally effective. Our recent outreach at the University of Pittsburgh demonstrated that when the Gospel is preached, lives are transformed. This is a call to action for every believer to be involved in sharing the good news, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. [37:57]
3. Being lukewarm in our faith is unacceptable. We must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The challenges of our time should not dampen our zeal but rather compel us to shine brighter, demonstrating the transformative power of a life surrendered to God. [02:07:03]
4. The church is called to be a beacon of hope and a force for change in society. We must not shy away from addressing societal issues but rather engage with the authority of Christ, knowing that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. [01:24:06]
5. Every believer is empowered to do the works of Christ. The book of Acts is not a historical account of what once was; it is a blueprint for what should be. We are all called to be active participants in the ministry of reconciliation, carrying the anointing to heal, deliver, and set captives free. [01:10:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 16:14-18 (NLT)
> "Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.'"
2. Acts 4:23-31 (NLT)
> "As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: 'O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, "Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah." In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness."
3. Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)
> "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"
### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His disciples in Mark 16:15-16?
2. In Acts 4:29-30, what did the believers pray for after Peter and John were released from prison?
3. According to Revelation 3:15-16, what is Jesus' attitude towards those who are lukewarm in their faith?
4. What recent outreach effort was celebrated in the sermon, and what was the outcome? [37:29]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of preaching the Gospel to all the world in Mark 16:15-16?
2. How does the prayer of the believers in Acts 4:29-30 reflect their understanding of their mission and the challenges they faced?
3. What does it mean to be "lukewarm" in faith according to Revelation 3:15-16, and why is this condition unacceptable to Jesus?
4. How does the recent outreach at the University of Pittsburgh demonstrate the relevance and power of the Gospel today? [37:29]
### Application Questions
1. Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the Gospel to everyone. How can you personally take steps to share the Good News in your daily life? [40:01]
2. The believers in Acts prayed for boldness to preach the Word despite threats. What are some practical ways you can pray for and exhibit boldness in your faith? [01:00:30]
3. Reflect on your own spiritual temperature. Are there areas in your life where you feel lukewarm? What steps can you take to reignite your passion for God? [02:07:03]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of not being passive but actively engaging in society. What is one societal issue you feel called to address, and how can you start making a difference? [01:24:06]
5. The church is described as a collective of believers, each with a vital role. What role do you feel called to play in your church community, and how can you start or continue to fulfill it? [01:10:12]
6. The sermon mentioned that Jesus has already conquered battles like addiction and depression. Is there a specific struggle you are facing that you need to surrender to Jesus? How can your small group support you in this? [02:07:03]
7. The outreach at the University of Pittsburgh showed the transformative power of the Gospel. Is there a specific outreach or ministry you feel led to participate in or start? How can you take the first step? [37:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Heavenly Liberation
The love of God is a force that breaks the chains of bondage, no matter how long they have been entwined in a person's life. This divine love ushers in a new chapter, one that is not defined by earthly circumstances but by a heavenly birthright. It is a reminder that one's identity is not anchored in the past or the struggles faced but in the eternal promise of freedom through Christ. This liberation is not a temporary fix but a generational blessing, ensuring that the freedom embraced today will echo into the lives of future generations. It is a call to live in the fullness of what it means to be children of God, liberated and set apart for His purpose. [30:03]
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15 ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively break free from a 'chain' in your life today, trusting in your identity as a child of God?
Day 2: The Gospel's Unchanging Power
The Gospel's potency is not diminished by time or cultural shifts; it remains as transformative today as it was in the early church. The recent outreach at the University of Pittsburgh serves as a vivid example of the Gospel's enduring relevance and power. When the Word is preached, lives are changed, souls are saved, and the kingdom of God is expanded. This is a clarion call to every believer to step out in faith, to share the good news, and to be a vessel through which the power of God is manifested in salvation for all who believe. The Gospel is not a relic of the past but the living, active truth that demands to be shared. [37:57]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15 ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to share the Gospel with someone in your sphere of influence?
Day 3: Fervency Over Lukewarmness
In a world where lukewarmness can easily creep into one's faith, the call to be fervent in spirit is paramount. The challenges and struggles of the present age should not quench the fire within but should instead fuel a greater zeal for the Lord. Believers are encouraged to resist complacency and to let the Holy Spirit's fire ignite their hearts, leading to a life that shines brightly with the love and power of God. This fervency is not just for personal edification but is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of a life surrendered to God. [02:07:03]
"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Romans 12:11 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your spiritual life where you have become complacent, and how can you reignite passion in that area today?
Day 4: The Church as a Force for Change
The church is not meant to be a passive entity in society but an active participant in bringing about change. Believers are called to shine the light of Christ in every dark corner of the world, standing against injustice and speaking truth in the face of opposition. The authority of Christ empowers the church to confront societal issues with courage and conviction, knowing that the forces of darkness cannot withstand the advancing kingdom of God. This engagement is not optional but a fundamental aspect of what it means to be the church in the world today. [01:24:06]
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV)
Reflection: What is one issue of injustice you feel called to address, and how can you take a step towards that in your community this week?
Day 5: Every Believer's Ministry
The narrative of the book of Acts is not merely a historical account but a blueprint for the church today. Every believer is empowered to do the works of Christ, to pray for the sick, to cast out devils, and to make disciples of all nations. This is not a calling reserved for a select few but for every member of the body of Christ. From the youngest to the oldest, each person has a vital role to play in the advancement of God's kingdom. The ministry of reconciliation is a collective effort, with each believer carrying the anointing to heal, deliver, and set captives free. [01:10:12]
"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can exercise your God-given authority to impact someone's life for Christ this week?
Quotes
1) "The joy of Christianity is doing it. Otherwise, you're just sitting back waiting to be attacked. The greater one lives in you." [01:50:41] (Download | )
2) "The gospel will never not work. It is God's word to every generation. It changes the heart and takes out the things that are in a person that are literally killing them, sin." [01:01:25] (Download | )
3) "The fire must never go out. You can teach someone how to control their passion, but you can't teach passion." [01:05:50] (Download | )
4) "When you preach the gospel, you plunder hell and you build heaven. When you stop preaching the gospel, darkness moves in." [54:30] (Download | )
5) "Resist the devil and he will flee. So the church is not called to just teach the Bible and ignore what goes on outside." [51:00] (Download | )
6) "The Bible gives you a power light for healthy living, healthy marriage, healthy children at every age of their life." [58:17] (Download | )
7) "The church has more power now than anyone in the Old Testament had then. We're redeemed by the blood of Jesus. We're filled with the Holy Ghost." [01:30:16] (Download | )
8) "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. They need to know the way out, and the way out is Jesus." [01:31:39] (Download | )
9) "God's not against you. He's so for you. He proved it. He sent His only Son, not an angel, His own Son for you. He loves you." [30:03] (Download | )
10) "I'm not going down. I'm not going down. Somebody said without a fight, I'm not going down at all. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." [01:30:16] (Download | )
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