Empowered by the Word: A Call to Shine
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor mothers and celebrate our graduating students. Mothers, you are the world changers, and we deeply appreciate your sacrifices and love. Graduates, you have completed nine months of rigorous training, overcoming numerous challenges, and discovering your true identity in Christ. This milestone marks the beginning of a new season where you are called to shine the light of Jesus, set captives free, and bring good news to the poor.
In this age of abundant information, it is crucial to ground ourselves in the Word of God. The Bible is not just an ancient text but a living and active guide that provides wisdom, direction, and hope. The Word of God is perfect, converting the soul, making the simple wise, and enlightening the eyes. It is more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. The Scriptures are not just for learning but for building our faith and giving us hope.
We see examples in the Bible, like John the Baptist and Apostle Paul, who found their purpose and defended the Gospel through Scripture. Even Jesus used the Word to stand against the enemy. Today, we must do the same. The Word helps us find our purpose, defend the Gospel, gain wisdom, and fight off the enemy.
David's story of encouraging himself in the Lord during his darkest times is a powerful reminder of the Word's sustaining power. When David faced despair, he turned to the Word, remembered God's faithfulness, and found strength to recover all that was lost. Similarly, we must remind ourselves of our authority and anointing through the Word.
The Word is not just text; it is Jesus Christ, the living Word, activated by the Holy Spirit. In times of struggle, the Word provides the antidote to our feelings of depression, inadequacy, fear, and failure. By shining the light of truth on our struggles, we find freedom and strength. Faith, which comes by hearing the Word, is crucial for inheriting the Kingdom of God and pleasing Him.
As you move forward, never forsake the Word. It will sustain, direct, and guide you. The Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. The most important person you will ever need is the Holy Spirit and the living Word, Jesus Christ. Congratulations, class of 2024. May you continue to shine the light of Jesus in all you do.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Word: The Word of God is not just an ancient text but a living and active guide that provides wisdom, direction, and hope. It is perfect, converting the soul, making the simple wise, and enlightening the eyes. The Scriptures are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering great reward to those who keep them. [01:06:07]
2. Finding Purpose in Scripture: Biblical figures like John the Baptist and Apostle Paul found their purpose and defended the Gospel through Scripture. Even Jesus used the Word to stand against the enemy. Today, we must do the same by using the Word to find our purpose, defend the Gospel, gain wisdom, and fight off the enemy. [01:08:38]
3. Encouragement in Times of Despair: David's story of encouraging himself in the Lord during his darkest times is a powerful reminder of the Word's sustaining power. When faced with despair, David turned to the Word, remembered God's faithfulness, and found strength to recover all that was lost. We must remind ourselves of our authority and anointing through the Word. [01:14:44]
4. The Living Word and Holy Spirit: The Word is not just text; it is Jesus Christ, the living Word, activated by the Holy Spirit. In times of struggle, the Word provides the antidote to our feelings of depression, inadequacy, fear, and failure. By shining the light of truth on our struggles, we find freedom and strength. [01:17:26]
5. Faith Through the Word: Faith, which comes by hearing the Word, is crucial for inheriting the Kingdom of God and pleasing Him. The Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us in the way we should go. As we move forward, we must never forsake the Word, for it will sustain, direct, and guide us. [01:21:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[59:12] - Honoring Mothers and Graduates
[01:00:44] - Transitioning to a New Season
[01:01:49] - Overcoming Challenges and Discovering Identity
[01:02:52] - Shining the Light of Jesus
[01:04:03] - The Importance of Grounding in the Word
[01:05:12] - The Abundance of Information vs. True Knowledge
[01:06:07] - The Power of the Word
[01:08:02] - Finding Purpose in Scripture
[01:08:38] - Examples from John the Baptist and Apostle Paul
[01:10:02] - Using the Word to Defend the Gospel
[01:11:10] - The Story of Job and the Importance of the Word
[01:12:16] - David's Encouragement in the Lord
[01:14:44] - Recovering All Through the Word
[01:17:26] - The Living Word and Holy Spirit
[01:18:22] - Validating Truth Over Feelings
[01:21:31] - Faith Through the Word
[01:23:22] - Never Forsake the Word
[01:23:55] - Conclusion and Congratulations
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 19:7-11: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward."
2. Ephesians 2:10: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
3. Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 19:7-11, what are some of the attributes of the Word of God? How does it impact those who follow it?
2. In Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean to be God's workmanship, and what are we created for?
3. How does Deuteronomy 31:6 encourage believers in times of fear and uncertainty?
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the power of the Word in finding purpose and defending the Gospel? [01:08:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of the Word in Psalm 19:7-11 compare to the way the sermon describes the Bible as a living and active guide? [01:06:07]
2. What does it mean to find one's purpose in Scripture, as seen in the lives of John the Baptist and Apostle Paul? How can this be applied today? [01:08:38]
3. How did David's reliance on the Word during his darkest times (as described in the sermon) demonstrate the sustaining power of Scripture? [01:14:44]
4. How does the concept of the Word being Jesus Christ, the living Word, activated by the Holy Spirit, change the way we approach reading the Bible? [01:17:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or without purpose. How might grounding yourself in the Word help you find direction and purpose? [01:08:38]
2. David encouraged himself in the Lord during his darkest times. How can you practically remind yourself of God's faithfulness and your authority in Christ when facing challenges? [01:14:44]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of not just reading the Word but allowing it to build our faith and give us hope. What steps can you take to make your Bible reading more impactful and faith-building? [01:10:02]
4. The Word is described as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. What specific areas of your life need the guidance and direction of the Word right now? [01:21:31]
5. The sermon mentioned that the Word provides the antidote to feelings of depression, inadequacy, fear, and failure. Identify one of these feelings you struggle with and find a Scripture that addresses it. How can you use this Scripture to combat that feeling? [01:18:22]
6. How can you ensure that you never forsake the Word, as the sermon advises? What practical habits or routines can you establish to keep the Word central in your life? [01:23:22]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to shine the light of Jesus in all we do. What is one specific way you can shine the light of Jesus in your community or workplace this week? [01:04:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Living and Active Word of God
The Word of God is not just an ancient text but a living and active guide that provides wisdom, direction, and hope. It is perfect, converting the soul, making the simple wise, and enlightening the eyes. The Scriptures are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering great reward to those who keep them. In a world overflowing with information, grounding ourselves in the Word is essential for true knowledge and spiritual growth. The Bible is a source of life and strength, transforming us from the inside out and equipping us for every good work. [01:06:07]
Psalm 19:7-10 (ESV): "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb."
Reflection: How can you make time today to immerse yourself in the Word of God, allowing it to transform and guide you?
Day 2: Discovering Purpose Through Scripture
Biblical figures like John the Baptist and Apostle Paul found their purpose and defended the Gospel through Scripture. Even Jesus used the Word to stand against the enemy. Today, we must do the same by using the Word to find our purpose, defend the Gospel, gain wisdom, and fight off the enemy. The Scriptures provide clarity and direction, helping us understand our calling and equipping us to fulfill it. By studying the Word, we can discern God's will for our lives and stand firm in our faith, no matter the challenges we face. [01:08:38]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to seek God's purpose for your life through the study of Scripture?
Day 3: Encouragement in Times of Despair
David's story of encouraging himself in the Lord during his darkest times is a powerful reminder of the Word's sustaining power. When faced with despair, David turned to the Word, remembered God's faithfulness, and found strength to recover all that was lost. We must remind ourselves of our authority and anointing through the Word. In moments of weakness and discouragement, the Scriptures provide comfort and hope, reminding us of God's promises and His unwavering love for us. By meditating on the Word, we can find the strength to persevere and overcome any obstacle. [01:14:44]
1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV): "And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."
Reflection: When you face moments of despair, how can you turn to the Word of God to find encouragement and strength?
Day 4: The Living Word and the Holy Spirit
The Word is not just text; it is Jesus Christ, the living Word, activated by the Holy Spirit. In times of struggle, the Word provides the antidote to our feelings of depression, inadequacy, fear, and failure. By shining the light of truth on our struggles, we find freedom and strength. The Holy Spirit brings the Word to life, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to live victoriously. As we engage with the Scriptures, we experience the presence of Jesus and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [01:17:26]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures and bring the living Word of Jesus into your daily struggles?
Day 5: Faith Through the Word
Faith, which comes by hearing the Word, is crucial for inheriting the Kingdom of God and pleasing Him. The Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us in the way we should go. As we move forward, we must never forsake the Word, for it will sustain, direct, and guide us. By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, our faith is strengthened, and we are equipped to navigate life's challenges with confidence and trust in God's promises. The Word of God is our foundation, and through it, we build a life of faith that honors and pleases the Lord. [01:21:31]
Romans 10:17 (ESV): "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to deepen your faith through regular engagement with the Word of God?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Today is a special day. It's not just Mother's Day. It's not just a Sunday service. But we're also here to celebrate our beautiful graduating students. Can we give it up for them? I want to honor Pastor Andrei and Natasha. Because of your years of service. Yes. We have another group of students that lives have been transformed. After completing nine months." [01:00:44] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's time for you to shine Jesus everywhere you go. It's time for you to set the captives free. It's time for you to bring good news to the poor. And it's time for you to go and impact this generation. It's time for you to go and impact this generation. Freely you have the power to do good. You have received. Freely you have been given. Now it's your time to shine Jesus." [01:04:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When everyone has deserted you, the word is there. When you feel discouraged, the word is there to encourage you. When you feel down, the word is there to uplift you. The word will sustain you. The word will show you the way. The word is the way, the truth, and the life. I'm not simply talking about the text or the letter. Jesus is the living word. Jesus Christ is the living word." [01:17:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you're struggling, no matter how deep your struggle is, when you're struggling with something, no matter how deep and scary it is, shine the light of truth to it. It will set you free. And reading the word daily will keep you free. When we read the word, it's like a mirror of what our spirit is. Which is our spirit is whole, perfect, righteous, healed. So anytime I doubt, I open the word and it reminds me what my spirit is." [01:21:01] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith doesn't come by feelings or emotions. Faith comes by hearing hearing the word of God. Joshua 1a it says this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success." [01:22:28] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "You each sacrificed to be here. In your own words. You overcame a lot of brokenness. You've learned to lay down your life. You've overcome confusion and fear. You overcame the lies of your life. You overcame the lies of the enemy. You overcame hopelessness. You learned how to manage time and resources. You stood up and took charge. You became more confident. You've discovered your identity. And you overcame fear. You've learned to overcome. You sacrificed, you struggled, but you persevered. We are so proud of you." [01:02:52] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This past college year, Pastor Serge and I both felt from the Lord. That we are to solidify sound teaching. But most importantly, get grounded in the word and the truth. To build everything on the word of God. Today's generation has everything at their fingertips. You want to learn how to build a house from scratch. It's on the internet. You want to bake a cake in the shape of a car. It's on the internet. You want to know about all the different religions in the world. It's on the internet. You want to build a rocket. It's on the internet." [01:05:12] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We use the Word to find our purpose. We use the Word to defend the Gospel. We gain wisdom and understanding by reading and applying the Word. And we fight off the enemy by the truth written in the Word. Paul quotes, for whatever things were written before were written for our learning that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Paul says, everything that was written before was written to us in instruction so that we could keep hope with patience and consolation from the Scripture. The Scriptures give us hope." [01:10:02] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "David turned to the word and encouraged himself in the Lord his God. He remembered God's faithfulness. He remembered that he was anointed to be king. He remembered that he encouraged himself and he remembered that he was anointed. And he encouraged himself in the Lord. And David wrote most of Psalms. And he was speaking of how the word sustained him in times of trouble. So after David encourages himself in the Lord. With a sound mind. He asked the Lord for wisdom. God give me a plan. And so God gives him a plan. And he speaks to the men. And scripture says he recovered all." [01:16:03] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So students and all that are listening I want to encourage you to never forsake the word it is the truth there's 2,500 prophecies in the bible 2,000 of them have already been fulfilled out of the 2,000 there has not been a single error the word will sustain you you will see The word will direct you. It will direct you in the way that you should go. It is a lamp unto your feet and a light to your path. The most important person you will ever need is Holy Spirit and the living word, Jesus Christ. Amen." [01:23:55] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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