Empowered by the Holy Ghost: Worship and Endurance

Summary

Today, we celebrated the life-changing power of the Holy Ghost and the freedom that comes from truly worshiping God. There is something unexplainable yet undeniable about the Spirit’s work in our lives—over a thousand people recently received the Holy Ghost for the first time, and that same power is available to anyone who desires it. The Spirit not only transforms us but sustains, directs, and keeps us through every season. We are called to be a people who are not just “classical” or reserved, but desperate for God, willing to worship Him in every circumstance, just as those who sang soul music in the midst of slavery found freedom in their worship.

We are reminded that the church is a multicultural body, reflecting the diversity of heaven itself. Every tribe, tongue, and nation is welcome at Calvary, and if we have a problem with that, we have a problem with God. The grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient for every situation, and we are called to be strong in that grace, enduring hardship as good soldiers. The gospel is not meant to stay with us; it is meant to be shared, taught, and lived out faithfully, regardless of our background or past.

Life will bring entanglements—distractions, temptations, the deceitfulness of riches, and the cares of this world. But we are exhorted to cut off those entanglements, to refuse to let the world or the enemy rob us of our faith, our worship, or our fruitfulness. True victory comes not from an easy life, but from enduring, fighting the good fight of faith, and refusing to quit when things get hard. Our words and our worship matter; they prophesy our future and shape our reality. When we worship, even in weakness, God’s strength is made perfect, and miracles happen.

We are not entitled to the blessings we enjoy—salvation came at a great price, paid by those who endured suffering and hardship for the sake of the elect. There is a cause worth fighting for: the salvation of our families, our city, and the world. We are called to endure, to keep our eyes on the prize, and to step into the fight for souls. As we worship, as we teach, as we reach, God’s Spirit moves, chains are broken, and lives are transformed. Today, the invitation is open: anyone who wants the Holy Ghost, anyone who needs deliverance, healing, or a fresh start, can receive it. All it takes is faith, repentance, and a willingness to worship.

Key Takeaways

- The Power and Necessity of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is not just a theological concept but a living, transformative power available to all who desire it. It is the Spirit that keeps, sustains, and directs us, and it is essential for overcoming the challenges of life. No matter your background or past, the Spirit is for you, and it will change you from the inside out if you are willing to receive and pursue it. [01:25:53]

- Enduring Hardship as a Good Soldier
True spiritual maturity is not measured by how we avoid trouble, but by how we endure it. Like Paul, we are called to endure all things for the sake of others, recognizing that our suffering can have a redemptive purpose. Endurance is not passive resignation but an active, faith-filled perseverance that refuses to quit, even when the cost is high. [01:42:19]

- Cutting Off Entanglements and Distractions
The enemy’s primary tactic is to entangle us with the cares of this life—distractions, temptations, and the deceitfulness of riches. These entanglements choke out our fruitfulness and rob us of our confidence in God. We must be ruthless in cutting off anything that hinders our walk, whether it’s unhealthy pursuits, toxic voices, or misplaced priorities, so that we can fight the good fight of faith with clarity and freedom. [01:46:34]

- The Multicultural Nature of God’s Kingdom
God’s church is a reflection of heaven: every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping together. Prejudice, division, and exclusivity have no place in the body of Christ. Embracing diversity is not just a social ideal but a spiritual imperative, for in Christ, all are made one, and the gospel is for every person, everywhere. [01:31:21]

- Worship as Warfare and Breakthrough
Worship is not just an emotional response but a spiritual weapon. When we worship, especially in adversity, we confuse the enemy and invite the presence and power of God into our circumstances. Worship breaks chains, brings healing, and releases miracles—no voice of the enemy, no past failure, and no present struggle can keep us from the breakthrough that comes when we lift our hands and hearts to God. [02:16:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:25:53] - The Power of the Holy Ghost
[01:26:54] - You Need It, You Can Have It
[01:28:41] - Worship in Every Circumstance
[01:31:21] - The Multicultural Church
[01:39:54] - Faithful Men and the Spread of the Gospel
[01:42:19] - Enduring Hardship as a Good Soldier
[01:44:42] - The Cost of Victory
[01:45:34] - Avoiding Entanglements
[01:49:22] - The Deceitfulness of Riches
[01:58:24] - God’s Blessings Beyond Money
[02:00:49] - The Price of the Gospel
[02:05:42] - God’s Grace in Weakness
[02:16:14] - Worship as Spiritual Warfare
[02:21:33] - Celebrating New Births
[02:24:05] - The Invitation to Receive the Holy Ghost
[02:26:18] - The Power of Baptism
[02:28:42] - Stepping Out for Victory
[02:31:37] - Receiving the Holy Ghost
[02:34:39] - Creating an Atmosphere for Miracles

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power and Freedom of the Holy Ghost

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### Bible Reading

1. 2 Timothy 2:1-13 (ESV)
> You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

2. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
> But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

3. Mark 4:18-19 (ESV)
> And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Timothy 2, what are some of the metaphors Paul uses to describe the Christian life, and what do they teach us about following Jesus?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the main reason people get “entangled” and lose their fruitfulness? [01:45:34]
3. What does Paul say about God’s faithfulness even when we are faithless? (2 Timothy 2:13)
4. How does the sermon describe the effect of worship during difficult times? [02:16:14]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize enduring hardship “as a good soldier” rather than seeking an easy life? What does this say about the Christian journey? [01:42:19]
2. The sermon says, “Worship is not just an emotional response but a spiritual weapon.” How does this idea challenge or expand your understanding of worship? [02:16:14]
3. The pastor mentions that the church should reflect “every tribe, tongue, and nation.” Why is embracing diversity not just a social issue, but a spiritual one? [01:31:21]
4. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul says God’s power is made perfect in weakness. How does this relate to the idea that miracles and breakthroughs often come when we worship in our weakest moments? [02:05:42]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “cut off entanglements” that distract us from God. Is there a specific distraction, temptation, or “entanglement” in your life that you sense God is asking you to address? What practical step could you take this week to begin cutting it off? [01:46:34]
2. The pastor said, “We are not entitled to the blessings we enjoy—salvation came at a great price.” How does remembering the cost of your salvation change the way you approach worship, service, or sharing your faith? [02:00:49]
3. The message emphasized that the Holy Ghost is available to anyone who desires it, regardless of background. If you have received the Holy Ghost, how did it change your life? If not, what questions or hesitations do you have about receiving it? [01:25:53]
4. The sermon called worship “warfare” and a way to break chains. When was the last time you worshiped God in the middle of a hard situation? What happened, and how did it affect your faith? [02:16:14]
5. The pastor said, “Our words and our worship matter; they prophesy our future and shape our reality.” What is one area of your life where you need to start speaking faith instead of doubt? How can you practice this in the coming week? [02:05:42]
6. The church is called to be multicultural, reflecting the diversity of heaven. Are there any prejudices or barriers in your heart that God is asking you to surrender? How can you take a step toward building relationships with people from different backgrounds? [01:31:21]
7. The sermon ended with an invitation: “Anyone who wants the Holy Ghost, anyone who needs deliverance, healing, or a fresh start, can receive it. All it takes is faith, repentance, and a willingness to worship.” What is one area where you need a fresh start or breakthrough? Are you willing to take a step of faith and ask God for it today? [02:24:05]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person walk in the freedom, power, and unity that comes from the Holy Ghost, and to give courage to cut off entanglements and worship boldly in every season.

Devotional

Day 1: Be Strong in the Grace of Christ Jesus
God’s grace is not just a gentle comfort; it is a powerful force that enables you to endure and overcome every hardship you face. No matter what life throws at you, there is grace for that situation—grace that sustains, directs, and keeps you moving forward. When you step into the grace of Christ, you are empowered to rise above adversity, to teach others, and to remain faithful even when the journey is difficult. Grace is greater than any problem, and it is the foundation for victory in every circumstance. [01:36:00]

2 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rely on God’s grace instead of your own strength, and how can you intentionally step into that grace today?


Day 2: Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier
Victory in Christ is not achieved without a fight; every believer will face obstacles, temptations, and seasons of adversity. Enduring hardship is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual maturity, and it is through these struggles that your faith is refined and your testimony is strengthened. When you refuse to quit, even when it’s hard, you become a living example of perseverance and hope for others. Don’t let setbacks or suffering cause you to give up—press on, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness, and that endurance leads to reigning with Christ. [01:44:42]

2 Timothy 2:10-13 (ESV)
"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."

Reflection: Think of a current struggle or hardship—how can you choose to endure and keep moving forward in faith, rather than giving in to discouragement or quitting?


Day 3: Break Free from the Entanglements of This Life
The world is full of distractions and entanglements—money, entertainment, bitterness, and the cares of life—that threaten to choke out your fruitfulness and rob you of your spiritual focus. To fight the good fight of faith, you must actively cut away the things that hinder your walk with God, refusing to let the enemy’s lies or the deceitfulness of riches hold you captive. True freedom comes when you de-entangle yourself from the world’s grip and pursue God’s purpose with undivided devotion, trusting Him to supply all your needs and elevate your life in ways money never could. [01:49:22]

Matthew 13:22 (ESV)
"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."

Reflection: What is one specific entanglement—whether a habit, distraction, or mindset—that you need to cut out of your life this week to pursue God more fully?


Day 4: Worship Your Way Through Every Battle
Worship is not just a response to good times; it is a weapon in spiritual warfare and a declaration of freedom, even in the midst of adversity. When you choose to worship God regardless of your circumstances, you confuse the enemy and invite God’s presence and power into your situation. Worship breaks chains, brings healing, and shifts the atmosphere—no force of darkness can keep a true worshiper bound. Don’t let shame, fear, or the voice of the enemy silence your praise; instead, lift your hands, open your mouth, and worship your way to victory. [02:16:14]

Psalm 149:5-9 (ESV)
"Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!"

Reflection: When you face opposition or discouragement today, how can you intentionally choose to worship God in that moment, and what might change if you do?


Day 5: The Power and Promise of the Holy Ghost
The gift of the Holy Ghost is for everyone who desires it—it is the power that transforms, delivers, and fills you with righteousness, peace, and joy. No matter your background or past mistakes, God’s Spirit is available to you, bringing new life and authority in Jesus’ name. When you receive the Holy Ghost, you are marked as God’s own, empowered to walk in victory, and equipped to see miracles, healing, and breakthrough in your life and the lives of others. Don’t settle for less—seek the fullness of God’s Spirit and let Him do the miraculous in and through you. [02:31:37]

Acts 2:38-39 (ESV)
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"

Reflection: If you have not yet received the Holy Ghost, what is holding you back from seeking it today? If you have, how can you share this promise and power with someone else this week?

Quotes

``When you believe, it doesn't matter what color you are, what your creed is, or what your background is. You could have been a hustler. You could have been in the brothel. You could have been somebody that was working the streets. But by the grace and the mercy of God, he picked you up out of your sin, put you on your feet, and gave you grace to overcome. I'm so glad that this is not something that's just for the best of us, but it's for the worst of us. [01:40:53] (28 seconds)  #GraceTransformsEveryone Edit Clip

You can't be saved if you don't believe. You can't be saved. You can't even be righteous without faith because your faith becomes your righteousness. Hallelujah. You're made perfect through faith. Faith perfects us. Faith gives us strength. Faith directs our steps and the enemy's after your faith. [01:41:42] (18 seconds)  #FaithIsRighteousness Edit Clip

Can I tell you right now that the grace of God makes life easy? Because when you look at an impossible situation, God's grace shows up and you say, whoa, look what the Lord has done. Because every time you face an obstacle, let me tell you, young lady, when you're facing adversity and your mind is being ravaged by the enemy's lies, all you need is a little grace to step into the middle of your situation, and all of a sudden you're going to look at it and say, whoa, that was nothing for God. [01:42:53] (27 seconds)  #GraceConquersAdversity Edit Clip

You chase Jesus, he'll supply all your needs. You chase money, you'll be chasing it the rest of your life and you'll never have enough. I'm preaching it's an entanglement and there's a lot of people looking for a raise but they're not looking for an elevation. They're looking for money but they're not looking for the glory of God in their life. God will elevate you and he'll change your value system and he'll supply your needs. Quit looking at the wrong source of joy. [01:49:12] (37 seconds)  #ChaseJesusNotMoney Edit Clip

You know how we're going to evade the forces of darkness? By worshiping our way all the way through it. Because when you worship God, you distract the enemy. You cause him to become completely confused. When the enemy is distracting you, it's hard to lift your hands in worship. But when you get into a mode of worship, all of a sudden the enemy is like, I can't get their attention. I can't get their attention. I can't get their mind off of worshiping God. I need them distracted right now. I need them thinking about how big their problem is. I need them looking at their situation. Instead, they're looking at God. [02:16:39] (32 seconds)  #WorshipDistractsTheEnemy Edit Clip

There was a man in the tombs. He cut himself with stones. He was a cutter. He was an emotional wreck. He should have been on medications by today's standards, but they didn't have the medications. He ran in the tombs. He broke chains under the influence of supernatural demonic power. He was filled with demons. And they called themselves legion. And a legion of devils could not stop a cutter from running and worshiping Jesus. You're going to let the devil tell you you can't worship him again? I'm glad that guy didn't let the devil tell him he couldn't worship Jesus. [02:19:09] (46 seconds)  #UnstoppableWorshiper Edit Clip

Let me tell you what baptism is. It's for the forgiveness of sins because it's where the washing of the water turns to blood. You don't think God can't turn water into blood? He does it every time we speak the name of Jesus. Because they took the rod and they lifted it over the waters and the waters turned to blood. And the rod represents the authority of the name of Jesus because it had the high priest's name written in it. When you go down in the water, God extends the authority of the name. And everything you've ever done in your past is in one moment erased by the blood of the Lamb. Hallelujah. And the sins are remembered no more. [02:26:06] (46 seconds)  #BaptismErasesSin Edit Clip