Empowered for Greater Works: A Call to Action
Summary
In our journey as believers, we are called to a mission that is both vast and vital. The Church of Jesus Christ is not merely an institution of the past; it is a living, breathing organism that continues to grow and expand its reach. There are souls yet to be saved, and victories yet to be won. The work is far from over, and we must not limit ourselves by thinking that the imminent return of Christ negates our responsibility to engage fully in the Great Commission.
The story of DeMoss Hall at Liberty University serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that we must not build our lives and ministries with a short-sighted view of Christ's return. Instead, we must invest in the long-term work of the Kingdom, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Our mission extends far beyond the geographical confines of Christ's earthly ministry. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach the ends of the earth, to preach to multitudes, and to witness the transformative power of the Gospel on a scale that the early disciples could scarcely have imagined.
The greater works we are called to do are not just about the extent of our ministry or the number of people we reach. They are also about the clarity and power with which we present the Gospel. We no longer have to veil the glory of Christ as He once did; we are to proclaim it boldly. Our inheritance as co-heirs with Christ includes the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perform works that bear witness to the risen Savior.
Prayer is the conduit through which we access the power and provision of God. It is not a formulaic incantation but a sincere appeal to God's will, character, and glory. When we pray in Jesus' name, we align ourselves with His purposes, trusting in His merits and seeking His glory above all else. Our confidence in prayer stems from our relationship with Christ, the assurance of eternal life, and the knowledge that God hears us.
As we face the storms of life, we are reminded that if we are in Christ, it will be okay. This assurance is not based on wishful thinking but on the solid foundation of Christ's resurrection. We are encouraged to believe and keep on believing, trusting in the promises of God, which include a heavenly home and the privilege of participating in His greater works through prayer.
Key Takeaways:
- The Church is called to a mission that transcends time and geography. We must not limit our engagement in the Great Commission, regardless of our anticipation of Christ's return. Our work is to continue with fervor, knowing that there are still victories to be won for the Kingdom of God. [01:05:19]
- The greater works we are called to do encompass a vast ministry reach, greater outreach, and a clarity of purpose that was not possible during Jesus' earthly ministry. We are to boldly proclaim the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to a world that is both larger and more connected than ever before. [01:07:49]
- Prayer is our lifeline to God's power and provision. It is not about demanding what we want but aligning our desires with God's will. When we pray in Jesus' name, we do so with the understanding that we are appealing to His authority and seeking His glory, not our own. [01:16:34]
- The assurance that "it's all going to be okay" for those in Christ is rooted in the reality of the resurrection. This hope serves as an anchor for our souls, providing peace and certainty amidst life's uncertainties and challenges. [52:45]
- Believing and keeping on believing is essential, especially during difficult seasons. Our faith is not static; it is a continuous act of trust in the promises of God. This belief is what sustains us and allows us to cling to the hope of a heavenly home and the fulfillment of doing greater works in His name. [01:30:20]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 14:12-14 (NKJV): "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him according to John 14:12-14?
2. How does the sermon describe the extent of the "greater works" that believers are called to do? [01:06:04]
3. What role does prayer play in accessing God's power and provision, as discussed in the sermon? [01:16:34]
4. How does the story of DeMoss Hall at Liberty University serve as a cautionary tale in the sermon? [01:04:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might Jesus mean by "greater works" in John 14:12-14, and how does the sermon interpret this? [01:06:04]
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of praying in Jesus' name? What does it mean to align our prayers with God's will? [01:20:04]
3. The sermon mentions that the assurance of "it's all going to be okay" is rooted in the resurrection of Christ. How does this assurance impact a believer's response to life's challenges? [52:45]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should view their mission in light of the imminent return of Christ? [01:05:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the "greater works" Jesus mentioned. What specific actions can you take this week to expand your ministry reach or clarity in presenting the Gospel? [01:06:04]
2. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily life, aligning your desires with God's will? [01:16:34]
3. Think about a current storm or challenge in your life. How does the assurance of Christ's resurrection provide you with hope and peace in this situation? [52:45]
4. The story of DeMoss Hall serves as a reminder to invest in long-term Kingdom work. What are some long-term goals you can set for your personal ministry or involvement in the church? [01:04:04]
5. The sermon calls for continuous belief and trust in God's promises. Identify a promise of God that you find challenging to believe. How can you strengthen your faith in this area? [01:30:20]
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission, knowing that there are still victories to be won for the Kingdom of God? What steps can you take to engage more fully in this mission? [01:05:19]
7. Reflect on your prayer life. Are there any selfish motives or sense of entitlement that you need to address? How can you ensure your prayers are for God's glory and aligned with His will? [01:24:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Unfinished Mission
The Church's mission is a continuous call to action, one that does not wane with the expectation of Christ's return. Believers are urged to engage in the Great Commission with renewed vigor, recognizing that there are still souls to be saved and victories to be won. This mission is not confined by time or geography; it is an ongoing effort to expand the Kingdom of God. The work of the Church is to persist with passion and purpose, understanding that every effort contributes to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan. The anticipation of Christ's return should not dampen the spirit of evangelism but rather fuel the commitment to spread the Gospel to all corners of the earth [01:05:19].
"Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people." - Revelation 14:6
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission within your own community this week?
Day 2: Proclaiming the Gospel Boldly
The call to do greater works is not just about the breadth of ministry but also the depth of the Gospel's impact. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach further and speak clearer than ever before, without the need to veil the glory of Christ. The Church is tasked with boldly proclaiming the transformative power of the Gospel, a message that resonates across the globe. This divine empowerment enables the faithful to bear witness to the risen Savior with a clarity and power that surpasses the limitations of Christ's earthly ministry. The inheritance as co-heirs with Christ includes this very power, which should be wielded with confidence and conviction [01:07:49].
"And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs." - Mark 16:20
Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate the power of the Gospel in your life to someone who may not know Christ?
Day 3: Aligning with God's Will Through Prayer
Prayer is the vital connection to the divine power and provision of God. It is not a means to impose one's will but to seek alignment with the will of the Almighty. When praying in Jesus' name, it is an acknowledgment of His authority and a desire for His glory to be manifested. This form of prayer is a sincere appeal that trusts in the character and promises of God. It is through this intimate communication that believers can access the strength and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges, always seeking to glorify God above personal desires [01:16:34].
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." - 1 John 5:14
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to align your desires more closely with God's will, and how can you use prayer to seek His guidance in this?
Day 4: Anchored in the Assurance of Resurrection
The assurance that "it's all going to be okay" for those in Christ is not a hollow platitude but a profound truth anchored in the reality of the resurrection. This hope is not based on wishful thinking but on the solid foundation of Christ's victory over death. It is this assurance that provides peace and certainty amidst life's storms and uncertainties. Believers can rest in the knowledge that their future is secure in Christ, and that the trials of this world are temporary when compared to the eternal joy that awaits them [52:45].
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection shape your response to the challenges you are currently facing?
Day 5: Sustained by Continuous Belief
Faith in God is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of trust in His promises. Believers are called to believe and keep on believing, especially during difficult times. This active faith is what sustains and empowers them to participate in the greater works of God. The belief in a heavenly home and the privilege of being used by God for His purposes is what motivates and encourages the faithful to persevere. This dynamic faith is the bedrock upon which believers can build their lives, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain [01:30:20].
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Reflection: What promise of God do you need to hold onto more firmly, and how can this promise inspire you to continue in the work He has called you to?
Quotes
- "Our ministry extent is so much more vast than that of Jesus or even his immediate disciples. We are called to the ends of the earth to share the good news of Jesus." [01:07:49](Download | )
- "Greater things even than Jesus. That the extent of our ministry and the outreach of our ministry would be even greater than his." [01:10:19](Download | )
- "Jesus no longer says go and tell no one. Now He says go and tell everybody. Go and tell everyone the good news." [01:12:49](Download | )
- "Jesus is going away and this is your benefits package. He's going away to prepare a heavenly home for you and he has greater works even than he accomplished, planned for you and for me." [01:14:04](Download | )
- "Believe and keep on believing. Trust and keep on trusting. He's making a way in heaven for you. And he has great work for you to do." [01:29:04](Download | )
- "We have the privilege and power of prayer that bridges the gap between our needs and God's abundant, limitless, undepleted resources." [01:16:34](Download | )
- "Praying in Jesus' name means according to God's character and his will. Praying in Jesus' name is not a formula." [01:24:04](Download | )
- "Delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart because the desires of your heart will be the desires of his heart." [01:27:49](Download | )
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