Empowered Women: Breaking Ceilings Through Faith

Summary

Summary:

Today, we gather to celebrate International Women's Day and the start of our International Women's Conference. This is a time to recognize the significant role women play in God's grand design. Historically, women have been marginalized, both in biblical times and in many cultures, but Jesus has always seen and valued women. The New Testament elevates and empowers women, showing that they are near and dear to Jesus. Jesus is the true liberator of women, breaking societal norms by engaging with women, accepting their worship, and defending them against unjust condemnation. He acknowledges their contributions and includes them in His ministry, demonstrating that women count and matter.

The theme of our conference, "Break That Ceiling," is inspired by the story in Mark 2:1-13, where four men break through a roof to bring their paralytic friend to Jesus. This story symbolizes breaking through barriers and limitations. Ceilings in our lives represent obstacles that tell us we can't achieve more, but Jesus empowers us to break through these limitations. Whether it's societal expectations, personal doubts, or systemic barriers, we are called to rise above them.

Jesus' presence brings miracles, and His power is present to heal, save, and deliver. Even in hostile environments, the power of God prevails. We are reminded that Jesus lives within us, and when we gather, the corporate anointing is powerful. We are encouraged to partner in ministry, just as women supported Jesus and His disciples. As we continue this conference, let us embrace the grace to take our place, run our race, and break every ceiling that tries to limit us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus Values Women: In a society where women were often marginalized, Jesus esteemed and empowered them. He engaged with women, accepted their worship, and defended them against unjust condemnation, showing that women are valued and significant in His eyes. [07:59]

2. Breaking Through Ceilings: The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2:1-13 illustrates the importance of breaking through barriers. Ceilings in our lives represent limitations, but with faith and determination, we can overcome them and reach new heights. [15:33]

3. The Power of Jesus' Presence: Jesus' presence brings miracles, healing, and deliverance. Even in hostile environments, the power of God prevails, reminding us that no opposition can stop the work of the Holy Spirit within us. [18:55]

4. The Role of Women in Ministry: Women played a crucial role in Jesus' ministry, supporting Him and His disciples. This highlights the importance of women in the church today, as partners in spreading the gospel and continuing Jesus' work. [10:29]

5. Embracing Our God-Given Identity: Knowing who we are in Christ empowers us to overcome societal and personal limitations. We are called to embrace our identity, break through ceilings, and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [27:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - The House That Faith Built
- [01:24] - International Women's Day
- [05:31] - Jesus: The True Liberator
- [07:59] - Jesus' Esteem for Women
- [10:29] - Women in Jesus' Ministry
- [15:33] - Breaking Through Ceilings
- [18:55] - Jesus' Presence and Miracles
- [27:56] - Overcoming Limitations
- [31:32] - Testimony of Perseverance
- [31:32] - What's Beyond the Ceiling?

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 2:1-13
- John 4:27
- Luke 8:1-3

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 2:1-13, what actions did the four men take to bring their paralytic friend to Jesus, and what does this reveal about their faith? [15:33]

2. How did Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:27 challenge societal norms of His time? [05:31]

3. According to Luke 8:1-3, what role did women play in supporting Jesus' ministry, and how were they recognized? [10:29]

4. What was the reaction of the Pharisees and teachers of the law to Jesus' teachings and miracles, as described in Luke 5:17? [18:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2:1-13 illustrate the concept of breaking through barriers in our lives? What might these barriers represent today? [15:33]

2. In what ways did Jesus' interactions with women, such as the Samaritan woman and the woman caught in adultery, demonstrate His role as a liberator? [07:59]

3. How does the presence of Jesus bring about miracles and transformation, even in hostile environments, as seen in the sermon? [18:55]

4. What significance does the support of women in Jesus' ministry have for the role of women in the church today? [10:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a "ceiling" or barrier in your life that you feel is limiting you. What steps can you take to break through it with faith and determination? [27:56]

2. How can you actively support and empower women in your community or church, following Jesus' example of valuing and esteeming women? [07:59]

3. In what ways can you contribute to your church or community, similar to how the women supported Jesus' ministry with their resources? [10:29]

4. Think of a time when you felt marginalized or undervalued. How can Jesus' example of liberation and empowerment inspire you to overcome those feelings? [05:31]

5. How can you cultivate an environment where the presence of Jesus is felt, leading to miracles and transformation in your life and the lives of others? [18:55]

6. Identify a societal or personal expectation that you feel is holding you back. How can you challenge and rise above it, inspired by the theme "Break That Ceiling"? [15:33]

7. Consider the role of faith in overcoming obstacles. How can you strengthen your faith to face challenges in your life, as demonstrated by the four men in Mark 2:1-13? [15:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Esteem for Women
In a world where women have often been marginalized, Jesus stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Throughout the New Testament, He consistently engaged with women, accepted their worship, and defended them against unjust condemnation. This was revolutionary in a society that often overlooked the contributions and worth of women. Jesus' actions and teachings reveal that women are valued and significant in His eyes, and He elevates their status by including them in His ministry. This acknowledgment is not just historical but a call to recognize and honor the role of women in our lives and communities today. [07:59]

Luke 8:1-3 (ESV): "Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means."

Reflection: Who is a woman in your life that you can honor today for her contributions and support? How can you express your appreciation to her in a meaningful way?

Day 2: Breaking Through Barriers
The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2:1-13 is a powerful illustration of breaking through barriers. The men who carried their friend to Jesus were undeterred by the physical obstacle of the crowded house. They broke through the roof to ensure their friend could receive healing. This act of faith and determination is a metaphor for the ceilings in our lives—limitations that tell us we can't achieve more. Whether these barriers are societal expectations, personal doubts, or systemic obstacles, Jesus empowers us to rise above them. With faith, we can break through these ceilings and reach new heights. [15:33]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: Identify a barrier in your life that you feel is holding you back. What steps can you take today, with God's help, to begin breaking through this barrier?

Day 3: The Power of Jesus' Presence
Jesus' presence is transformative, bringing miracles, healing, and deliverance. Even in hostile environments, the power of God prevails, reminding us that no opposition can stop the work of the Holy Spirit within us. This assurance is a source of strength and hope, encouraging us to trust in Jesus' power to overcome any challenge we face. When we gather in His name, the corporate anointing is powerful, and we are reminded that Jesus lives within us, empowering us to fulfill His purpose. [18:55]

Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus' presence to bring transformation and healing? How can you create space for His presence today?

Day 4: The Role of Women in Ministry
Women played a crucial role in Jesus' ministry, supporting Him and His disciples. This highlights the importance of women in the church today, as partners in spreading the gospel and continuing Jesus' work. Their contributions are invaluable, and their involvement is essential for the growth and vitality of the church. Recognizing and embracing the role of women in ministry is a call to action for the church to be inclusive and supportive, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. [10:29]

Romans 16:1-2 (ESV): "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well."

Reflection: How can you support and encourage the women in your church or community who are involved in ministry? What practical steps can you take to uplift their work?

Day 5: Embracing Our God-Given Identity
Knowing who we are in Christ empowers us to overcome societal and personal limitations. We are called to embrace our identity, break through ceilings, and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This involves recognizing our worth and potential in Christ, and stepping into the roles and responsibilities He has prepared for us. By embracing our God-given identity, we can live with confidence and purpose, impacting the world around us for His glory. [27:56]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What is one aspect of your identity in Christ that you struggle to fully embrace? How can you begin to live out this truth in your daily life today?

Quotes

"International Women's Day and I just wanted to say a few words about that because I can't just let that pass right you know the thing about is that women are in the grand scheme of God you might not know it but I'm here to inform you that's the whole purpose of a meeting like this you know our stories are as different as our faces are different you can look at the person beside you she has a different face from yours you don't know where she's coming from she doesn't know where you're coming from our stories are different and that is how much God still loves us individually you know traditionally in the Bible and even in our African culture women are second class citizens in the Bible you will notice even when you get you know through from the Old Testament women did not have as many rights as men when you go to court to testify the testimony of a man was more than the testimony of a woman it was more than the testimony of a man it was more than the testimony of a woman men could do all sorts of things initiate contracts negotiate contracts women couldn't do that then you get into the New Testament did you notice that when Jesus was born and they went to when Joseph and Mary headed to Bethlehem because everybody had to go back to their village to their hometown to be counted for a census they only counted the men the women were not counted and women did not count that's the way the culture and the society is going to be counted and the women did not count that's the way the culture and the society was but thank God even though women were not counted and women did not count Jesus counts us today hallelujah Jesus the New Testament when you read the New Testament you will see that it esteems" [00:01:43]

"elevates and empowers women can anybody get excited about that the new testament esteems elevates and empowers women i hope you got your notebooks it's a good church i can tell already when i go to a church and i see the notebooks and i see the pens i know that they're well taught because no matter how much you like what you hear i can meet you on refinery road tomorrow how was the meeting yesterday ah it was powerful it was amazing hey god moved what did she say i just know it was powerful i just know it was amazing i just know that god moved but what did she say and what did you take away it's only what you write that you will take away hallelujah so i said in the new testament we can see that women are near and dear to jesus and because women are near and dear to jesus women are near and dear to me i wonder why could it be because i'm a woman do you think that might be a clue yes hallelujah yeah i'm a woman and i it's one of my favorite things to do is to minister to women i ministered like pastor vera said i'm an instructor at rhema nigeria my husband and i graduated from rhema bible training center usa 31 years ago yes yes i know i know i'm an ancient in the sanctuary one of my students in lake us said ma you're an ancestor i said praise god hallelujah i'll take that i'm an ancestor can you believe that do i look like an ancestor to you do i look like an ancestor to you okay so i said and i teach ministers and i'm involved in training ministers i was a pioneer" [00:03:29]

"Jesus is the real liberator of women. I said, Jesus is the real liberator of women. You know, there's been the whole women's lib movement, but I'm telling you there's no liberator like Jesus. Why do I say that? You know, like I said, in those days, we're told that traditionally when a Jewish man would wake up and he would pray, he would pray a prayer like, thank God that he's a Jew. Thank God that he's not a Gentile. Thank God he's not a woman. And thank God he's not a dog. So you see, he's glad he's not a woman. But so that's the way women were viewed. But Jesus didn't see women that way. In Mark, in John chapter four, we see that it was not beneath Jesus to talk to a woman. This was the woman at the well, at the well of Samaria. And the disciples had gone into town to get some food and drink and food or whatever. And when they came back, verse 27 says, and at this point, his disciples came" [00:05:36]

"to him and said to him, you are talking to a woman. Eh, master, you are talking to a woman, lowly, ordinary woman. But Jesus is talking to us in the house today, women. I said, Jesus loves us and Jesus esteems us. Jesus lives inside us and Jesus talks to us every day. But no one yet, they said, they marveled that he talked with a woman. Yet no one said, what do you seek or why are you talking with her? They didn't dare to question him because he was Jesus. But inside them, they couldn't understand why the master, the teacher, the rabbi, the healer would condescend to talk to a woman. I'm so glad that he came from glory. He came from heaven and he condescended to live inside me. Praise the Lord. Somebody, is anybody excited in the house that Jesus not only talks to me, Jesus lives inside me. Praise the Lord. So I said, Jesus is the true liberator of women. And then we see the women who came and poured expensive perfume on Jesus's head. And honoring him with her worship, her faith. And humility. You can read that in Mark 14 and in Luke 7." [00:06:41]

"you I do not condemn you in fact I speak a word over you go and sin no more and in the power of that word that woman was transformed that woman was delivered that woman was set free and that woman was loose to go and sin no more and be the best that God made her to be hallelujah so I'm telling you today that Jesus is not accusing you praise the Lord turn to your neighbor and say Jesus is not condemning you Jesus esteems you Jesus empowers you hallelujah and we could go on and on but the last one I just want to touch on is the notable women who were partners in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ wow you mean Jesus had ministry partners yes the Bible says he does did you know that the apostle Paul also had ministry partners you read about that in Jesus in Luke 8 verses 1 to 3 new living translation now for our wonderful media people my default translation is the new King James version so unless I tell you otherwise I'm reading from the new King James but I like to read a variety of translations because we get all kinds of shades of meaning so Luke 8 1 to 3 we see soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages preaching and announcing the good news everybody say good news about the kingdom of God he took his twelve disciples with him along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases among them were Mary Magdalene from whom he had cast out seven demons Joanna the wife of Chusa Herod's business manager Susanna and many others many other women who were doing" [00:08:39]

" what? Contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. Hallelujah. Contributing from where? From their own resources. From their employment. From their businesses. From their deals and trades. Hallelujah. To do what? To support. What? Jesus and his disciples. And what were Jesus and disciples doing? Verse one says, they were going from towns and to towns and villages doing what? Preaching and announcing the good news and the kingdom of God. What is Morningstar doing in the city of Wari and beyond? Preaching and announcing what? The good news of Jesus. The gospel. And it takes ministry partners. Does it not? Hallelujah. So this is a good place to partner with because this is the ministry of Jesus that's continuing in this city and beyond. Hallelujah. So look at Jesus. Mentioning women by name. Ha. In a society where they don't count women. When the 4 ,000 were fed, when the 5 ,000 were fed, did they count the women? No. They said 4 ,000 men plus women and children. Women were not counted." [00:10:29]

"Then the occasion when the 5 ,000 were fed with the multiplication of the bread and the fish, once again, five thousand men plus women, women, and children but Jesus sees you Jesus recognizes you lift up your hands and thank him he sees you individually he recognizes you individually he acknowledges you as a woman because he made you to be a woman he says he has a plan he has a purpose for you you are not supposed to be limited you're not supposed to be bound you count because god says you count even when they weren't counting women jesus said you count and you matter and he acknowledged them and he took them with him on his ministry tours hallelujah somebody give him praise and glory so keep on doing the work of jesus in morning star church and wherever you go hallelujah so why did i say all of that because it's international women's day and we're at an international women's conference and when you know who you are when you know who god has made you when you know what god says about you when you know what the word of god says about you you won't let anybody keep you down you won't let satan keep you down it doesn't matter what your mother or your father said about you you it doesn't matter if your husband is trying to demean you it doesn't matter if your employer says you will never rise it doesn't matter whether the government does not recognize women it doesn't matter who it is it doesn't even matter if it's your negative thoughts you change them with the word of god and that's why we are here nobody will stop you nobody can ultimately stop and defeat you because jesus has liberated you and lifted you and we thank god today hallelujah and i just believe that in this conference we are receiving more grace everybody say more grace to take our place in our god -given space and run our race hallelujah thank you jesus and you know the theme of this conference is taken from mark 2 verses 1 to 13." [00:11:48]

"and he preached the word to them then they came to him then they came to him bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men and when they could not come near him because of the crowd they uncovered the roof where he was so when they had broken through everybody said broken through they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic son your sins are forgiving you and some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts why does this man speak blasphemies like this who can forgive sins but God alone but immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves he said to them why do you reason about these things in your heart which is easier to say to the paralytic your sins are forgiving you or to say arise take up your bed and walk but that you may know that the son of man has power on earth to forgive sins he said to the paralytic I say to you arise take up your bed and go to your house immediately he arose took up the bed and went out in the presence of them all so that all were amazed and glorified God saying we never saw anything like this okay then he left and went and he taught okay I want to just read a little bit of Luke chapter 5 because there's something else that Luke chapter 5 adds to this verse 17 of Luke chapter 5 and I'm reading from the new King James now it happened on a certain day as he was teaching everybody say as he was teaching" [00:15:46]

"the presence of the trap setters even in the presence of the naysayers even in the press even in hostile environments have you ever found yourself in a hostile environment they don't like you they don't support people of your tribe they don't want you in this job they don't want you in this government position even in a hostile environment Jesus was teaching his ditch his detractors were there satanically orchestrated opposition can't be there the power of God will always still be there because the power of God is always where the Word of God is Jesus was in the house Jesus was not there for decoration Jesus is not here for decoration the Word of God is going out with a purpose he sent forth his word he sensed why his word and his word will never return to him what void without accomplishing the purpose for which it was sent so Jesus is in the house Jesus is bringing forth the Word of God even in the presence of Satan of the satanic and satanically orchestrated the opposition in the it doesn't matter who it is the power of the Lord will always produce and lead to a manifestation of the spirit hallelujah are you getting a vision for yourself now satan cannot stop it and man cannot deny it hey I said satan cannot stop it and man cannot deny so as you're just looking at me here you're gonna leave this church you're gonna go back home you know we come to church and we get all excited because of something called the corporate anointing where does Jesus live in this house" [00:20:57]

"does he live in this house no he doesn't live in temples made of hand of bricks and mortar he doesn't mean that when Jesus died on the cross the Holy Spirit left the holy of holies he moved out and on the day of Pentecost when he came down we are anointed with the whole and then they were all baptized with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues the Holy Spirit is here in his power and Jesus said he's not living in houses anymore he now lives where inside know you not that you are what the temples of the Living God individually and collectively so Jesus lives inside us and when we come together in a church like this I bring Jesus you bring Jesus she brings Jesus and all these men who are the supporters of women in a women's conference can we appreciate the men who are so much more than we are in the church we are so much more than we are in the church we are so much more than we are in the church we are so much more than we are in the supporters of women in a women's conference yeah appreciate them because if they didn't support women they wouldn't be here hallelujah hallelujah so all of us men and women the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us we come together there's something called a corporate anointing hallelujah when I'm by myself in my bedroom I can talk to God God can talk to me but when we come into an atmosphere like this I said when we come into an atmosphere like this and an atmosphere of faith an atmosphere of the Holy Spirit Jesus is in the house hallelujah and where Jesus was back then there were miracles where Jesus is now there are miracles you" [00:22:40]

"we don't need to be afraid of what the enemy is doing we just need to show up with the holy ghost hallelujah we just show up with the holy ghost who lives mightily on the inside of us we preach the word we do the word and just like the bible says what the bible says as he was teaching the power of the lord was present as i am teaching tonight as we shall be teaching tonight tomorrow and sunday i said the power of the lord is present to save heal deliver whatever it you need the miracles are here right now so it doesn't matter who whatever satanic opposition whatever person does not like what we're saying the one to say women should not preach the one who says why is she dressed the way she's dressed it doesn't matter we'll just keep putting the word out hallelujah so we said woman break that ceiling what is a ceiling what in the world is a ceiling a simple definition of a ceiling is an upper limit and it could also mean the highest level that something is allowed to reach so if i wanted to jump in this auditorium now the highest i can jump is where that ceiling otherwise my head will make a hole through the ceiling and i'll land outside so a ceiling is an upper limit a ceiling is the highest level that you are allowed to reach thus far and no more a ceiling can also represent a barrier an obstacle a limitation" [00:27:56]

Chatbot

Transcript

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