Empowered Prayer: Discipleship and the Holy Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Prayer

Prayer is our most powerful tool in times of uncertainty and distress. It is not a last resort but our first line of defense. The church's responsibility is to pray fervently and consistently, especially when our country is at a crossroads. Prayer aligns us with God's will and brings peace to our troubled hearts. When we pray, we are not just speaking into the void; we are communicating with the Creator of the universe who hears and responds to our cries.

In times of distress, it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. However, prayer is a powerful reminder that we are not alone and that God is in control. By turning to prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite His presence into our circumstances. This act of faith can transform our perspective, bringing peace and clarity even in the midst of chaos. [34:21]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life that causes you anxiety. How can you commit to praying about this situation daily, trusting God to bring peace and resolution?

Day 2: Faithfulness in Persecution

The early church continued to spread the Gospel despite facing severe persecution. Their faithfulness led to a great number of conversions. We are called to remain steadfast and faithful in our mission, regardless of the challenges we face. Our perseverance can lead to significant spiritual growth and impact.

The believers who were scattered due to persecution did not allow their circumstances to hinder their mission. Instead, they saw it as an opportunity to spread the Gospel even further. This unwavering commitment to their faith serves as an example for us today. No matter what challenges we face, we are called to remain faithful to our mission of sharing the Good News. [51:01]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or trial. How did you respond? How can you remain steadfast in your faith and mission, even when facing difficulties?

Day 3: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

Barnabas was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. This enabled him to encourage new believers and lead many to the Lord. We are challenged to be like Barnabas, to be good people filled with the Holy Spirit, and to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just about having a personal spiritual experience; it is about being empowered to serve and encourage others. Barnabas's example shows us that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can have a profound impact on those around us. We are called to be sources of encouragement and support for our fellow believers, helping them grow in their faith. [51:38]

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." (Ephesians 5:18-19 ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may need encouragement in their faith journey. How can you be a source of support and encouragement to them this week?

Day 4: Self-Sufficiency and Mission Focus

The early church created its own economy to meet the needs of its community. We are called to do the same, to be self-sufficient and mission-focused. By supporting various missions and outreach programs, we can extend the reach of the Gospel and meet the needs of those around us.

The early church's approach to self-sufficiency and mission focus is a powerful example for us today. They did not rely on external resources but created their own economy to support their community and mission. This allowed them to be more effective in meeting the needs of their members and spreading the Gospel. We are called to adopt a similar approach, finding ways to support our mission and outreach programs through our own resources and efforts. [01:23:35]

"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." (Acts 2:44-45 ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to the self-sufficiency and mission focus of your church. What resources or skills can you offer to support your church's mission and outreach programs?

Day 5: Becoming World-Changing Disciples

To make world-changing disciples, we must first become disciples of Jesus Christ. This involves admitting our need for a Savior, believing in Jesus' sacrifice, and confessing Him as Lord of our lives. Once we are disciples, we are called to make more disciples, spreading the Gospel and changing the world for Christ.

Becoming a disciple of Jesus is the first step in making world-changing disciples. It requires a personal commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. Once we have made this commitment, we are called to share the Good News with others and help them become disciples as well. This is how we can have a lasting impact on the world for Christ. [01:38:42]

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own journey as a disciple of Jesus. How can you take steps to grow in your faith and help others become disciples as well? What specific actions can you take this week to share the Gospel with someone in your life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's sermon focused on the importance of prayer, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the call to make world-changing disciples. We began by reflecting on the troubling events that have weighed heavily on our hearts, emphasizing that prayer is not a last resort but our most powerful tool in times of distress. We were reminded that the church's responsibility is to pray fervently and consistently, especially when our country is at a crossroads.

We then delved into Acts chapters 11 and 12, exploring how the early church responded to persecution and the spread of the Gospel. The believers who were scattered due to persecution continued to preach the Word, leading to a great number of conversions. This passage highlighted the importance of remaining faithful and steadfast in our mission, regardless of the challenges we face.

The sermon also touched on the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Barnabas was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, which enabled him to encourage new believers and lead many to the Lord. We were challenged to be like Barnabas, to be good people filled with the Holy Spirit, and to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.

Furthermore, we discussed the need for the church to be self-sufficient and mission-focused. The early church created its own economy to meet the needs of its community, and we are called to do the same. We announced a new initiative to raise $6,000 over the next three weeks to support various missions and outreach programs, both locally and globally.

Finally, we extended an invitation to those who have not yet accepted Christ, emphasizing that becoming a disciple of Jesus is the first step in making world-changing disciples. We celebrated the decision of a new believer and encouraged everyone to continue supporting each other in our collective mission to spread the Gospel.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Sufficiency and Mission Focus**: The early church created its own economy to meet the needs of its community. We are called to do the same, to be self-sufficient and mission-focused. By supporting various missions and outreach programs, we can extend the reach of the Gospel and meet the needs of those around us. [01:23:35]
5. Becoming World-Changing Disciples: To make world-changing disciples, we must first become disciples of Jesus Christ. This involves admitting our need for a Savior, believing in Jesus' sacrifice, and confessing Him as Lord of our lives. Once we are disciples, we are called to make more disciples, spreading the Gospel and changing the world for Christ.

### [83:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:48] - Opening Reflection
[33:31] - The Power of Prayer
[42:47] - Call to Prayer
[50:01] - Reading from Acts 11-12
[58:07] - Making World-Changing Disciples
[61:18] - The Role of Disciples
[63:46] - Witnessing Boldly
[68:46] - Encouraging Converts
[74:15] - The Meaning of "Christian"
[78:18] - Educating About Giving
[83:35] - Creating Church Economy
[93:08] - Mission Focus Announcement
[97:13] - Call to Action
[98:42] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[100:48] - Prayer for New Believers
[101:04] - Closing Celebration

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the early church's response to persecution as described in Acts 11:19-21? ([50:32])
How is Barnabas described in Acts 11:24, and what impact did he have on the new believers? ([51:38])
What significant event happened to Peter while he was in prison, according to Acts 12:6-11? ([53:17])
What did Jesus command His disciples to do in Matthew 28:19-20, and what promise did He give them? ([01:05:41])

Interpretation Questions

How did the early church's faithfulness during persecution lead to the spread of the Gospel and conversions? ([51:01])
What does it mean to be "full of the Holy Spirit and faith" like Barnabas, and how can this influence our ability to encourage others? ([51:38])
How does the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison illustrate the power of prayer? ([53:17])
In what ways does Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 challenge us to be proactive in making disciples? ([01:05:41])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced a challenging situation. How did prayer help you navigate through it? How can you make prayer a more consistent part of your life? ([34:21])
The early church remained faithful despite persecution. What are some modern-day challenges to your faith, and how can you remain steadfast in your mission? ([51:01])
Barnabas was known for his encouragement and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Who in your life can you encourage this week, and how can you seek to be more filled with the Holy Spirit? ([51:38])
The early church created its own economy to support its community. What are some practical ways you can contribute to your church's mission and outreach programs? ([01:23:35])
Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? ([01:05:41])
Reflect on the new initiative to raise $6,000 for missions. How can you personally contribute, and what steps can you take to support this goal? ([01:33:56])
Becoming a disciple of Jesus is the first step in making world-changing disciples. Have you fully committed your life to Christ? If not, what is holding you back, and how can you take the next step in your faith journey? ([01:38:42])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Prayer is not the least that we can do. Prayer is the most that we can do. in times of uncertainty, in times of unrest, in times of distress, we need to pray. When our country is at a crossroads and many people don't know where to go or what to do." [34:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It's time for the body of Christ to begin boldly declaring the greatness of the power of Jesus Christ. We can't be timid any longer, my brothers and sisters. It's time for us to begin witnessing to those who don't look like us and tell them about the life-changing power of Jesus Christ." [01:03:46] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Stop asking God to bless what you are doing. Instead, ask God to allow you to do what he's already blessed. I feel like preaching this morning. Let me say that one more time. Stop asking God to bless what you're doing when you just went off and started doing something in and of your own self. You need to start asking God, God, allow me to do what you've already blessed." [01:04:58] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You don't have to be in full-time ministry to accomplish this. No, no, no, no, no, no. You can make disciples right in your own home. Y'all ain't saying nothing to me. Baptizing your own children. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. You can teach people on your job and even young people in your school all the things that God has commanded you and to observe the way of the Lord." [01:06:32] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We have too many people who say they are Christ-ians, but their lives say Republican bold and Christian light. We have too many Democrat bold, but Christ-ian light. Heavy on the political party, but light on the Christ affiliation. Y'all ain't saying nothing to me in this place. Listen, I don't mind you voting for someone who represents a political party. Just make sure that when they ask you, what party do you belong to, your answer should be, I belong to the Christ party." [01:15:20] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When you begin to align yourself with the thing that God has already blessed, God will in turn bless and prosper you. The text says the hand of the Lord, text says the hand of the Lord was, I'm going to try it one more time. The text says that the hand of the Lord was with them. Let me ask a question. The hand of the Lord with you. Aren't you fed up with the way, your way and growing frustrated because it isn't working out the way you thought it would or it should work out?" [01:04:58] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Barnabas also encourages the new believers to remain faithful to the Lord. Look at verse 24, chapter 11. Look at how the Word of God describes. Look at how the Word of God describes. Look at how the Word of God describes. Look at how the Word of God describes. This messed me up. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and the faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord." [01:10:20] (-1109 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We have a lot of people in the church doing things who are not even saved. Oh, this is how I can influence people to make money? Oh, I'll do that. want my tombstone to read Devin Goff. He was a good man. Full of the Holy Ghost and the faith. And many people were added to the Lord. Let my epitaph read that Devin was a good man. Y'all can keep all the other accolades. I just want it to be said of me that he was a good man. Full of the Holy Ghost and the faith. And many people were added to the Lord." [01:12:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We need to come alongside. We can't do everything. But we can partner with those that are doing things. To extend the reach of what the Lord wants to do. Again, it goes back to making world-changing disciples. This is part of our mandate as believers. And so what is it that we're going to do? Listen. This is just the start. This is just the beginning." [01:33:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We want to support these organizations financially. Want to support them financially. And again, this is just a start. And you know, hey, with the work that they're doing, this money going to go by, this is going to be gone just like that. But you know what? It's our start. And then God's going to begin to give us more so that we can do more. Are you understanding what I'm saying? I'm trying to get us to understand the beauty of starting somewhere. So that we can begin to be used by God." [01:34:32] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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