Empowered to Share: The Urgency of the Gospel
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gather to celebrate the resurrection and glorification of Jesus Christ, who now sits at the right hand of God the Father. We are grateful for the message of Christ's lordship and reign that we have received and believed. This message is not just for us to keep but to share freely with others. We are reminded of the Great Commission, where Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. Once the Holy Spirit came upon them, they were empowered to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
As we continue to pray, we focus on three key aspects: obedience, providence, and power. Obedience involves going out and preaching the gospel, trusting that the Holy Spirit will convict sinners. Providence is God's provision for the ministers of the gospel, ensuring that their material needs are met. Power is the Holy Spirit's enabling us to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons, thereby validating the message of the gospel.
We also pray for the effective use of modern tools like social media to spread the gospel. The urgency of the message is highlighted, especially as we prepare for the second coming of Christ. We seek genuine signs and wonders to accompany the preaching of the gospel, not for our glory but for God's. We repent for any misuse of spiritual gifts and resources and ask for a revival of genuine faith and miracles.
We lift up prayers for our nation, asking for salvation from the highest offices to the grassroots. We pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to permeate every sector of society, from government to healthcare, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches everyone. We also pray for comfort for those who are bereaved, reminding them of the hope of resurrection in Christ.
Finally, we encourage everyone to participate in the ongoing revival week, to plug into evening services, and to support new believers. We acknowledge the efforts of those who make these gatherings possible and remind everyone of the Great Commission, urging them to go forth and preach the good news.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience to the Call: Our primary responsibility is to obey the call to preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit will convict sinners and turn them to Christ. Our role is to be faithful in delivering the message, trusting that God will do the rest. [14:22]
2. God's Providence: God provides for those who are sent out to preach the gospel. We must trust in His provision and support the ministers of the gospel materially and spiritually. This ensures that the message can reach far and wide without hindrance. [15:22]
3. Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons. These signs and wonders validate the gospel message and lead many to believe. We must seek to be filled with this power to effectively minister to others. [16:13]
4. Urgency of the Message: The message of the kingdom is urgent, especially as we prepare for the second coming of Christ. We must use every available means, including modern tools like social media, to spread the gospel. The time is now to reach out and share the good news. [19:20]
5. Genuine Signs and Wonders: We seek genuine signs and wonders to accompany the preaching of the gospel. These miracles should be for God's glory and not for personal gain. We repent for any misuse of spiritual gifts and ask for a revival of genuine faith and miracles. [20:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:58] - The Great Commission
[14:22] - Obedience to the Call
[15:22] - God's Providence
[16:13] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[17:03] - Prayer for Empowerment
[18:13] - Modern Tools for Evangelism
[19:20] - Urgency of the Message
[20:28] - Genuine Signs and Wonders
[21:26] - Repentance and Revival
[22:23] - Faithful Ministry
[24:23] - Provision for Ministers
[27:21] - Street Preaching and Outreach
[29:20] - Praying for the Nation
[31:50] - Salvation in Every Sector
[33:21] - Declaring Jesus as the Only Savior
[35:17] - Comfort for the Bereaved
[36:46] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 10:5-10 - "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: 'Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: "The kingdom of heaven has come near." Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.'"
2. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
3. Mark 16:15-18 - "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 10:5-10 regarding their mission and provisions?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will the disciples receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what will they become?
3. In Mark 16:15-18, what signs are said to accompany those who believe and preach the gospel?
4. What are the three key aspects of the sermon that we are encouraged to focus on in our prayers? ([14:22])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the instruction to "freely give" in Matthew 10:8 relate to our responsibility in sharing the gospel today?
2. What does it mean to be a witness "to the ends of the earth" as mentioned in Acts 1:8, and how can this be applied in our current context?
3. How do the signs mentioned in Mark 16:17-18 serve to validate the message of the gospel, and why is this important for believers today?
4. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of the message of the kingdom. Why is it urgent, and how should this urgency affect our actions and priorities? ([19:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to share the gospel. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more obedient to such promptings in the future? ([14:22])
2. In what ways can you support the ministers of the gospel, both materially and spiritually, to ensure that the message reaches far and wide? ([15:22])
3. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle, healing, or deliverance that validated the message of the gospel? How did it impact your faith and the faith of others around you? ([16:13])
4. Considering the urgency of the message, what modern tools (e.g., social media, online platforms) can you use to spread the gospel more effectively? What steps will you take this week to utilize these tools? ([19:20])
5. Reflect on any instances where you may have misused spiritual gifts or resources. How can you seek repentance and ensure that your actions glorify God moving forward? ([20:58])
6. How can you actively participate in the ongoing revival week and support new believers in their faith journey? What specific actions will you take to engage in these activities? ([47:11])
7. Think of someone in your life who is grieving or bereaved. How can you offer them comfort and remind them of the hope of resurrection in Christ? ([35:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience to the Call
Our primary responsibility is to obey the call to preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit will convict sinners and turn them to Christ. Our role is to be faithful in delivering the message, trusting that God will do the rest. [14:22]
In our journey of faith, obedience to God's call is paramount. We are reminded that our primary responsibility is to share the gospel with others. This task may seem daunting, but we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is at work, convicting hearts and drawing people to Christ. Our role is to be faithful messengers, trusting that God will handle the transformation of hearts. This obedience is not just about action but also about trust—trusting that God will use our efforts for His glory.
As we step out in faith, we may encounter resistance or feel inadequate. However, it is crucial to remember that the power to change lives does not rest on our shoulders but on God's. Our task is to be obedient and faithful, leaving the results to Him. This perspective frees us from the burden of trying to control outcomes and allows us to focus on being diligent and faithful in our calling.
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you take a step of obedience to share the message of Christ with them this week?
Day 2: God's Providence
God provides for those who are sent out to preach the gospel. We must trust in His provision and support the ministers of the gospel materially and spiritually. This ensures that the message can reach far and wide without hindrance. [15:22]
God's providence is a testament to His faithfulness and care for His people. When we are called to preach the gospel, we can trust that God will provide for our needs. This provision is not just for our benefit but also to ensure that the message of salvation can reach as many people as possible. As a community, we are also called to support those who dedicate their lives to ministry, both materially and spiritually.
Supporting ministers of the gospel is a collective responsibility. By providing for their needs, we enable them to focus on their calling without the distraction of financial worries. This support can come in various forms, such as financial contributions, prayer, and encouragement. When we trust in God's providence and actively participate in supporting His work, we become partners in the mission of spreading the gospel.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you support a minister or missionary in your community this week, either materially or through prayer?
Day 3: Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons. These signs and wonders validate the gospel message and lead many to believe. We must seek to be filled with this power to effectively minister to others. [16:13]
The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to perform miracles, heal the sick, and cast out demons. These signs and wonders serve as a validation of the gospel message, demonstrating God's power and leading many to believe. As believers, we are called to seek this power, not for our glory, but to effectively minister to others and bring glory to God.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit requires a posture of humility and dependence on God. It involves seeking His presence through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become vessels through which God's power can flow, impacting the lives of those around us. This empowerment is not just for a select few but is available to all who earnestly seek it.
Acts 2:4 (ESV): "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? How can you seek to be filled with His power this week?
Day 4: Urgency of the Message
The message of the kingdom is urgent, especially as we prepare for the second coming of Christ. We must use every available means, including modern tools like social media, to spread the gospel. The time is now to reach out and share the good news. [19:20]
The urgency of the gospel message cannot be overstated. As we anticipate the second coming of Christ, the need to share the good news becomes even more pressing. We are called to use every available means to spread the message of salvation, including modern tools like social media. These platforms provide unique opportunities to reach a broader audience and share the hope of Christ with those who may not otherwise hear it.
In a world filled with distractions and competing messages, the gospel stands as a beacon of hope and truth. The time to act is now. We must be intentional in our efforts to share the message of the kingdom, recognizing the eternal significance of our mission. By leveraging modern tools and technologies, we can amplify our reach and impact, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: How can you use social media or other modern tools to share the gospel this week? What specific steps can you take to make the message of Christ more visible in your online presence?
Day 5: Genuine Signs and Wonders
We seek genuine signs and wonders to accompany the preaching of the gospel. These miracles should be for God's glory and not for personal gain. We repent for any misuse of spiritual gifts and ask for a revival of genuine faith and miracles. [20:58]
Genuine signs and wonders are a powerful testament to the truth of the gospel. These miracles, performed through the power of the Holy Spirit, serve to validate the message of Christ and draw people to faith. However, it is crucial that these signs and wonders are sought for God's glory and not for personal gain. The misuse of spiritual gifts can lead to deception and disillusionment, detracting from the true purpose of these manifestations.
As a community of believers, we must repent for any instances where spiritual gifts have been misused or sought for selfish reasons. We should earnestly seek a revival of genuine faith and miracles, asking God to move powerfully in our midst. When signs and wonders accompany the preaching of the gospel, they serve as a compelling witness to the reality of God's kingdom and His active presence in the world.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (ESV): "And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
Reflection: Reflect on your attitude towards spiritual gifts and miracles. Are there areas where you need to repent for seeking personal gain? How can you seek a revival of genuine faith and miracles in your life and community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Holy Spirit has given us the power. And that is why Jesus is asking, go heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy and drive out demons. We have the power and the miracle working, and the power is by the Holy Spirit. And that in the evidence and the witness of the miracles, then many will believe." [15:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We can go on social media and we can post messages. We can be able. We can be able to interact with people on experts. We can be able to host people on a chat party on Facebook. We can send out the message of the gospel in diverse ways to people. Lord, I pray that we will not freak out. We will not fear. We will not on my father, dear Lord, relent, but send out this message." [18:43] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We pray that you will take every opportunity and use us. Oh King of glory Father to be effective in reaching out the gospel. There's so much to share. There's so much to give out. There is so much to witness. Uh, so much, uh, avenues that you've provided for us to witness. Unlike in the days of old Lord, when they had to depend on walking around and preaching the gospel father, we have mean the time round." [18:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are praying for more laborers into the harvest field of God. We are praying for more laborers, my Father, that the work of preaching the gospel will not be left out, Father, for Pastor Ambrose and Pastor Simon, and Pastor Kimani, and Pastor Kiniti, Father, and Pastor Washira, and Pastor Edith, and Pastor Felista, but the many of us, as we gather in our numbers, in our numbers, in our families, and in the office, wherever, Father, you've put us, we will be responsible and accountable to you and no other in terms of reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ." [29:20] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We pray that in the name of Jesus Christ, it will not only be ceremonial for judges and lawyers who seek to pray before they begin a court session, but there will be an outpouring of the Spirit of God, whom upon Jehovah, Father, having settled on the justices and the magistrates and the court orderlies, Father, cases will be administered in justice and in righteousness in the name of Jesus Christ." [32:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Three things that I want us to pick out of this as we continue to pray, that the obedience to the call is to go out. And as we go out and preach this gospel, we trust him who has given us the message that he's able to make people hear this message and be able to respond. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. To convict sinners and turn them to Christ. Ours is to preach the message. That is obedience." [14:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We pray that the Lord will continue to provide for the ministers of the gospel as they go out and that we who are sent or who are led to support the message, and the ministers of the gospel in provision of material needs that we will give without relenting or tiring." [14:22] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We long and desire once again, my Father, dear Lord, the manifestation of signs and wonders, Father, which have come to be known in the recent or in the last few years, O King of Glory in Kenya, as a manifestation, O King of Glory, of wrong spirit and manipulation and all the kinds of drama that has accompanied it in the church recently. We pray to that Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that you will bring these things to an end." [20:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We pray for those that you've sent out, oh my Father, among the talking hands, those that you've sent out, oh King of Glory, my Father, to preach out to the special needs groups, especially those that reach out to the rehabilitation centers, those that go out, oh my Father, to preach to the hospices, those that go out, oh my Father, to minister among the final injury care units, those that you've sent out, oh my Father, to reach to the elderly homes. Father, we pray that God you will enable them." [28:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We pray for Pastor Susan, we pray for the Thunder School Missionary, we pray Father for everyone who is working, among children, that King of Glory may they be equipped and enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to the little ones, Father, without fear, in the language that they can ably understand. Oh God." [28:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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