Faith, Courage, and the Power of the Holy Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Community Church. It's a privilege to be here, especially since I only had to travel 30 minutes from Kings Heath. I live there with my wife and three daughters, Ruby, Alana, and Keris. Our eldest, who has cerebral palsy, is now studying theology and drama at Liverpool University, which is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite the challenges, God has never left us, and His promises hold true.
I recently attended the Elim Leaders Conference, and it was an incredible experience. Elim is in a great place, and I believe God has exciting plans for us, though they may come with challenges. We must be ready to lay down our plans and pursue what God requires of us.
When I was nine, my dad read "God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew to me. Brother Andrew took huge risks to smuggle Bibles into Eastern Europe, inspired by Revelation 3:2. His story deeply impacted me, and I encourage you to read the book. Brother Andrew's faith and courage are truly inspiring.
Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, urges us to be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Even in prison, Paul didn't complain but asked for prayers to proclaim the mystery of Christ. This challenges us to see our circumstances as opportunities to serve God's purpose.
I want to share the story of Pastor Wang Min Dao from China. During the Cultural Revolution, he was imprisoned for his faith. Despite being in solitary confinement for seven years, he preached the gospel through the sewage pipes, leading 94 prisoners to Christ. His story teaches us the importance of building a personal relationship with Jesus, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Today is Pentecost Sunday, a day to celebrate the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. In Acts 1:8, Paul says we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. We need this power to be bold and courageous in sharing the gospel.
Paul's letter to the Philippians, written under house arrest, shows how his imprisonment served to advance the gospel. His example encourages us to be confident in our faith, even in difficult situations. The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim the gospel without fear.
I also want to share the story of Susanna Koh from Malaysia. Her husband, Raymond Koh, was abducted for leading ethnic Malays to Christ. Despite the challenges, Susanna remains strong in her faith, often finding comfort in the song "Because He Lives." Her courage is a testament to the power of faith.
Another story is of Hye Woo from North Korea, who endured over ten prison camps for owning a Bible. Despite the harsh conditions, she shared her rice and faith with fellow prisoners, leading many to Christ. Her story reminds us to be thankful for our freedoms and to pray for those who don't have the same privileges.
Finally, I want to tell you about Bahir from Turkmenistan. Despite being tortured and imprisoned for his faith, he continued to share the gospel. His story of forgiveness and resilience is a powerful reminder that Jesus is worth any suffering we may endure.
As we close, let's remember that Jesus is worth it. No matter what we face, let's never give up following Him. Let's pray together, asking the Holy Spirit to fill us afresh, giving us the boldness and courage to be His witnesses.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness in Adversity: Despite the challenges we face, God's promises hold true. My daughter's journey from being told she wouldn't walk or talk to studying at Liverpool University is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Whatever we are going through, God will never leave us or forsake us. [01:58]
2. The Power of Prayer and Thanksgiving: Paul, even in prison, urged the Colossians to be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful. This teaches us to see our circumstances as opportunities to serve God's purpose. Instead of complaining, we should ask God to open doors for us to proclaim the mystery of Christ. [22:30]
3. Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus: Pastor Wang Min Dao's story of preaching the gospel through sewage pipes in solitary confinement highlights the importance of building a personal relationship with Jesus. We need to find our own "cell" where it's just us and Jesus, a place to commune with Him daily. [27:19]
4. The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit: On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. Acts 1:8 reminds us that we will receive power to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power gives us the boldness and courage to share the gospel, even in difficult situations. [29:08]
5. The Worth of Suffering for Christ: Bahir's story from Turkmenistan, where he endured torture and imprisonment for his faith, reminds us that Jesus is worth any suffering we may endure. His resilience and forgiveness, even towards those who persecuted him, show the transformative power of Christ in our lives. [41:01]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:04] - Introduction and Family Story
3. [01:58] - God's Faithfulness
4. [02:56] - Elim Leaders Conference
5. [03:38] - God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew
6. [21:29] - Devotion to Prayer
7. [22:30] - Paul's Imprisonment and Purpose
8. [23:46] - Story of Pastor Wang Min Dao
9. [27:19] - Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus
10. [29:08] - Pentecost Sunday and Holy Spirit
11. [30:30] - Paul's Letter to the Philippians
12. [31:36] - Confidence in Faith
13. [32:37] - Story of Susanna Koh
14. [34:45] - Susanna Koh's Faith and Courage
15. [36:21] - Story of Bahir from Turkmenistan
16. [39:07] - Bahir's Resilience and Forgiveness
17. [41:01] - Jesus is Worth It
18. [43:19] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 4:2-3: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains."
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. Philippians 1:12-14: "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul urge the Colossians to be devoted to in Colossians 4:2? How does he describe the manner in which they should pray? ([14:02])
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will believers receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and what will this empower them to do? ([29:08])
3. In Philippians 1:12-14, how does Paul describe the impact of his imprisonment on the spread of the gospel and the confidence of other believers? ([30:30])
4. What was the significant action that Brother Andrew took, inspired by Revelation 3:2, and what was the outcome of his efforts? ([03:38])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize being "watchful and thankful" in prayer in Colossians 4:2? How might this attitude affect a believer's perspective on their circumstances? ([14:47])
2. How does the power of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 1:8, enable believers to be effective witnesses for Christ? What might this look like in a modern context? ([29:08])
3. In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul sees his imprisonment as serving to advance the gospel. How can difficult circumstances in a believer's life be used to further God's purposes? ([30:30])
4. Reflecting on the story of Pastor Wang Min Dao, what does it mean to build a personal relationship with Jesus, even in the most challenging circumstances? How can believers cultivate this kind of relationship today? ([27:19])
### Application Questions
1. God's Faithfulness in Adversity: Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you see God's faithfulness during that period? How can you remind yourself of God's promises in current or future difficulties? ([01:58])
2. The Power of Prayer and Thanksgiving: How can you incorporate being "watchful and thankful" into your daily prayer life? What specific steps can you take to ensure your prayers are aligned with God's purposes rather than just personal desires? ([14:47])
3. Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus: Identify a specific time and place where you can regularly spend time alone with Jesus. How can you make this a consistent part of your routine? ([27:19])
4. The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit: In what areas of your life do you need more boldness and courage to share the gospel? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's power to help you in these areas? ([29:08])
5. The Worth of Suffering for Christ: Consider the story of Bahir from Turkmenistan. How does his willingness to suffer for Christ challenge your own commitment to your faith? What steps can you take to strengthen your resilience and forgiveness in the face of opposition? ([41:01])
6. Praying for the Persecuted Church: How can you incorporate praying for persecuted Christians into your regular prayer routine? What specific actions can you take to support them beyond prayer? ([19:52])
7. Living Out Your Faith Boldly: Reflect on the example of Paul and other believers who became more confident in their faith despite persecution. How can you apply this boldness in your own life, especially in situations where you might feel hesitant to share your faith? ([31:36])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Faithfulness in Adversity
Description: Despite the challenges we face, God's promises hold true. The story of a daughter with cerebral palsy who was told she wouldn't walk or talk, yet is now studying at Liverpool University, is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. This journey reminds us that no matter what we are going through, God will never leave us or forsake us. His faithfulness is evident in the way He supports and guides us through our trials, turning what seems impossible into a testimony of His power and love. [01:58]
Bible passage: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you see God's faithfulness in that situation? How can you remind yourself of His promises in your current circumstances?
Day 2: The Power of Prayer and Thanksgiving
Description: Paul, even in prison, urged the Colossians to be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful. This teaches us to see our circumstances as opportunities to serve God's purpose. Instead of complaining, we should ask God to open doors for us to proclaim the mystery of Christ. Paul's example challenges us to shift our focus from our difficulties to the opportunities they present for God's work. By maintaining a heart of gratitude and a commitment to prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and become more effective in our witness. [22:30]
Bible passage: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3 ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to be thankful? How can you incorporate more prayer and gratitude into your daily routine to better align with God's purpose?
Day 3: Building a Personal Relationship with Jesus
Description: Pastor Wang Min Dao's story of preaching the gospel through sewage pipes in solitary confinement highlights the importance of building a personal relationship with Jesus. Even in the most challenging circumstances, he found ways to share his faith and lead others to Christ. This story teaches us that we need to find our own "cell" where it's just us and Jesus, a place to commune with Him daily. Developing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus equips us to face any situation with strength and purpose. [27:19]
Bible passage: "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6 ESV)
Reflection: Where is your "cell" or quiet place where you can spend time alone with Jesus? How can you make daily communion with Him a priority in your life?
Day 4: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit
Description: On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. Acts 1:8 reminds us that we will receive power to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power gives us the boldness and courage to share the gospel, even in difficult situations. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is not just for our comfort but to empower us to fulfill God's mission. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome fear and be effective witnesses for Christ in every circumstance. [29:08]
Bible passage: "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." (Acts 1:8 ESV)
Reflection: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's power in your life? What steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit for boldness and courage in sharing your faith?
Day 5: The Worth of Suffering for Christ
Description: Bahir's story from Turkmenistan, where he endured torture and imprisonment for his faith, reminds us that Jesus is worth any suffering we may endure. His resilience and forgiveness, even towards those who persecuted him, show the transformative power of Christ in our lives. This story challenges us to consider the cost of following Jesus and to recognize that any suffering we face for His sake is not in vain. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the love and forgiveness of Christ to a watching world. [41:01]
Bible passage: "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have." (Philippians 1:29-30 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to endure suffering for Christ? How can you ask God to help you see this suffering as an opportunity to demonstrate His love and forgiveness?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, life's worth living because Jesus lives. And he's in you. And he's in me." [35:26]
2. "He said, how can I stop telling people about Jesus? Jesus has done so much for me. He's forgiven me. He's forgiven me of all my sin. He's set me free. He's given me a brand new life, a brand new start and a brand new future. He said, how could I possibly stop telling people about the good news of Jesus?" [37:12]
3. "And he said, I knew that Jesus, had done so much in me in that moment that I had to go and tell others about Jesus. Which was completely illegal. But he did it. And he went to, he told his friends, his family and many people about Jesus. And many of them came to follow Jesus for themselves." [36:21]
4. "And he said, Bahir my life has fallen apart. He said I became really ill. I was too ill to work. He said so I lost my job. He said I became an alcoholic. My friends, my family they all left me. He said the difference between you and me is that when you needed your God he was there for you. But when I needed my God he wasn't there. Will you introduce me to your God?" [39:59]
5. "Friends, aren't we privileged to live in a country where we can meet like this in freedom? We can meet in a beautiful building like this and worship God together without worry of police coming, without worry of being taken away. Aren't we privileged? Let's never, ever lose the privilege, that sense of privilege we have." [18:36]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's promise is he will never leave us. He will never forsake us. And he is faithful. Amen?" [01:58]
2. "Paul doesn't complain once. He just says, pray that God would open a door that I may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I'm in chains. Isn't that incredible? He knew that God had him there in that prison at that moment for a purpose, for a plan. And friends, we may not like where God has got us right now. We may not like the situation we're in, the circumstances that are around us. But could it be that God has us in this place right now for such a time as this because he has a plan, he has a purpose for you in the situation you find yourselves in?" [22:30]
3. "You need to build yourself a cell where it's only you and Jesus. Friends, we need those times alone with God. We need that place. I don't know what that looks like for you. Whether it's a chair in your house where you're sat on. When you're sat there, you just know that's the place where you can just talk to God. Just between you and God. might be a room in your house. It might be going for a walk. I'll have to go for a walk and talk to God. But friends, where is it for you? Where is that place where it's just you and God? Where he can commune with you, he can talk to you. You can talk with him. We need that place in our lives, friends. We need it. We need to build ourselves a cell where it's only us and Jesus." [28:24]
4. "Friends, how much do we need the power of the Holy Spirit at work? In our lives. And the thing I want to tell you is that as I travel around some of the countries on the world watch list and meet some of our brothers and sisters, the good news is that they are becoming more confident in their faith, even though they're living in areas where they face high or extreme levels of persecution, where their lives are at risk. But still, they're choosing to follow Jesus." [32:37]
5. "Friends, let's continue to be people devoted to prayer. Both personally and corporately. I think Paul knew when he was writing to the church in Colossae that we are designed, we've been created to be devoted to something or someone. And believe that we've been created to be devoted to Jesus in that place of prayer. So Paul is saying devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." [14:47]
6. "Friends, if God can do that, through Pastor Wang Mingdao in solitary confinement in a prison cell in China, what could he do through you and I? Pastor Wang Mingdao said this when I met him. He said, I had no Bible, no pulpit, no audience, no pen and paper. I could do nothing, nothing except get to know God. And for 20 years, that was the greatest relationship I had ever known. When I was in the cell, the only thing I was focused on was getting to know Jesus. It was only me and him in that cell." [27:19]
7. "And Paul writes this from being under house arrest. He says, now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel." [30:30]
8. "And he said, if I had to go through all that suffering again I would. If I had to go through that suffering again for Jesus I would. And then he said. Because Jesus is worth it. Jesus is worth it. And friends that's what I want to leave you with this morning. Jesus is worth it. He's worth giving everything for. He's worth it no matter what we face. No matter what comes our way. Let's never give up. Following Jesus." [41:01]
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