Faith, Testimony, and Community Restoration in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the power of testimony and the miraculous works of God. We began by sharing a powerful story of healing, where a Muslim family witnessed the healing of their child from a virus after prayers were offered in the name of Jesus. This testimony serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all things, including science, and the profound impact of faith in Jesus Christ.
We also reflected on the journey of our church over the past year. Despite challenges and uncertainties, we have witnessed God's hand guiding us, fulfilling prophecies, and expanding our community. This journey has been a testament to the power of obedience and faith. When we listen to God's calling and remain steadfast, even in the face of adversity, He leads us to greater things. Our current situation is a testament to this truth, as we stand on the brink of a new chapter, trusting in God's provision and timing.
Drawing inspiration from the story of Nehemiah, we are reminded of the importance of standing in the gap for others. Nehemiah, a humble cupbearer, was moved to action by the plight of his people and the broken walls of Jerusalem. His story teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their position, to bring about restoration and change. We are called to be like Nehemiah, to pray and intercede for our community, to rebuild what is broken, and to stand firm in our faith.
As we move forward, we are encouraged to hold onto the prophetic words and promises God has given us. We must remain obedient and willing, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. Our faithfulness in the small things will lead to greater blessings and opportunities to advance God's kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of testimony is profound. Sharing stories of God's miraculous works, like the healing of a child, can plant seeds of faith in others and remind us of God's sovereignty over all things, including science. [08:30]
- Obedience to God's calling, even when it requires sacrifice, leads to blessings beyond our comprehension. Our church's journey over the past year is a testament to the power of faith and obedience. [17:42]
- Like Nehemiah, we are called to stand in the gap for others, to pray and intercede for our community, and to rebuild what is broken. God can use anyone, regardless of their position, to bring about restoration and change. [31:42]
- Holding onto God's promises and prophetic words is crucial. We must remain steadfast and trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing, even when we don't see immediate results. [34:20]
- Our faithfulness in the small things will lead to greater blessings and opportunities to advance God's kingdom. We are encouraged to remain obedient and willing, trusting in God's provision and timing. [51:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:30] - Testimony of Healing
[12:25] - Church's Journey and God's Hand
[15:23] - Prophecy and Expansion
[17:42] - Standing Firm in Faith
[21:07] - Vision for Greater Things
[30:22] - Nehemiah's Call to Action
[31:42] - Praying for Community Restoration
[34:20] - Holding onto God's Promises
[35:21] - Building the Wall of Faith
[37:39] - The Dwelling Place Within
[40:34] - Rebuilding What the Enemy Destroyed
[51:19] - Faithfulness and Blessings
[52:16] - Tasting the Good Fruit
[53:45] - Standing Firm on God's Word
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 1:1-11 - The story of Nehemiah's prayer and his call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
2. Matthew 17:20 - "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"
3. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the miraculous event that the Muslim family experienced, and how did it challenge scientific understanding? [08:30]
2. How did the pastor describe the journey of the church over the past year, and what role did prophecy play in it? [17:42]
3. What actions did Nehemiah take upon hearing about the broken walls of Jerusalem, and what does this reveal about his character? [30:22]
4. How does the pastor relate the story of Nehemiah to the current situation of the church and its community? [31:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the testimony of the Muslim family illustrate the power of faith in Jesus, and what impact might it have on their beliefs? [08:30]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that obedience to God's calling can lead to unexpected blessings and growth? [17:42]
3. What does Nehemiah's response to the news about Jerusalem teach us about the importance of prayer and intercession for others? [30:22]
4. How can the story of Nehemiah inspire individuals to take action in their own communities, even if they feel unqualified? [31:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or heard about a miraculous event. How did it affect your faith, and how can you share that testimony with others to inspire them? [08:30]
2. Consider the prophetic words or promises you believe God has given you. How can you remain steadfast in faith, even when you don't see immediate results? [34:20]
3. Nehemiah was moved to action by the plight of his people. Is there a situation in your community that stirs your heart? What steps can you take to stand in the gap and make a difference? [31:42]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of obedience to God's calling. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to be obedient, and what steps can you take to follow that calling? [17:42]
5. How can you cultivate a heart of intercession for your community, similar to Nehemiah's? Identify one specific need in your community and commit to praying for it regularly. [31:42]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of holding onto God's promises. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of these promises daily? [34:20]
7. Reflect on the idea of faithfulness in small things leading to greater blessings. What small act of faithfulness can you commit to this week, and how do you believe it might impact your life or the lives of others? [51:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Testimony
The power of testimony is profound, as it serves as a living witness to God's miraculous works and His sovereignty over all things, including science. In the sermon, a story was shared about a Muslim family who experienced the healing of their child from a virus after prayers were offered in the name of Jesus. This testimony not only highlights the miraculous but also plants seeds of faith in others, reminding us of the profound impact that faith in Jesus Christ can have on our lives and the lives of those around us. By sharing our own stories of God's work in our lives, we can inspire others to seek Him and trust in His power. [08:30]
"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction." (Psalm 107:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced a miraculous work of God. How can you share this testimony with someone who might need encouragement in their faith today?
Day 2: Obedience Leads to Unimaginable Blessings
Obedience to God's calling, even when it requires sacrifice, leads to blessings beyond our comprehension. The journey of the church over the past year is a testament to the power of faith and obedience. Despite challenges and uncertainties, the congregation has witnessed God's hand guiding them, fulfilling prophecies, and expanding their community. This journey underscores the importance of listening to God's calling and remaining steadfast, even in the face of adversity. When we trust in God's provision and timing, He leads us to greater things, and our current situation becomes a testament to this truth. [17:42]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where God is calling you to obedience. What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will, even if it requires sacrifice?
Day 3: Standing in the Gap for Others
Like Nehemiah, we are called to stand in the gap for others, to pray and intercede for our community, and to rebuild what is broken. Nehemiah, a humble cupbearer, was moved to action by the plight of his people and the broken walls of Jerusalem. His story teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their position, to bring about restoration and change. We are encouraged to be like Nehemiah, to pray fervently for our community, and to take action in rebuilding what is broken, standing firm in our faith and trusting in God's guidance. [31:42]
"I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one." (Ezekiel 22:30, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community or life needs someone to stand in the gap for them? How can you begin to intercede and take action on their behalf today?
Day 4: Holding onto God's Promises
Holding onto God's promises and prophetic words is crucial. We must remain steadfast and trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing, even when we don't see immediate results. The sermon encourages us to hold onto the prophetic words and promises God has given us, remaining obedient and willing, trusting that God will fulfill His promises. Our faithfulness in the small things will lead to greater blessings and opportunities to advance God's kingdom. [34:20]
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: What promise or prophetic word from God are you holding onto? How can you cultivate patience and trust in His timing, even when the fulfillment seems distant?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Small Things Leads to Greater Blessings
Our faithfulness in the small things will lead to greater blessings and opportunities to advance God's kingdom. As we move forward, we are encouraged to remain obedient and willing, trusting in God's provision and timing. The sermon reminds us that our faithfulness in the small things is crucial, as it prepares us for greater blessings and opportunities to serve and advance God's kingdom. By being faithful in the everyday tasks and responsibilities, we position ourselves to receive and steward the greater things God has in store for us. [51:19]
"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a small area in your life where you can practice greater faithfulness. How can you commit to being diligent and faithful in this area, trusting that it will lead to greater opportunities and blessings?
Quotes
Be obedient and listen hear what God has to say don't be shaken and stirred by the things and the winds and the waves that you do not see yet you're confused and you see all these don't look at that keep your eyes on Christ that's what you need to keep your eyes on. [00:21:07] (18 seconds)
See, the wall was just a partial thing that was taking place. But it was the heart of this man, Nehemiah, who was the cupbearer, who continued to say, I am just your servant. I am just your servant. I am just your servant. But in reality, he was the prophet of God that was willing to be meek and humble and willing to step out in such a dark place, in such a place of familiar, though, with his brethren that were against him. [00:36:46] (29 seconds)
There's always got to be that one that rises above. Everyone. That's why there's leaders. One will rise and stay strong in the forefront. And you see the Lord. Here's the humble hearts of those that pray and seek them. In meekness, not in proud, not all full authority because it wasn't a full authority here. [00:32:49] (23 seconds)
Receive in the name of Jesus and by faith you must walk away and say that word was mine and I'm standing on it I am not going to overthink it I'm not going to be double-minded about it I am not going to be shaken no I won't hear the lies of the enemy no I will not hear the voices of others telling me the opposite of what that word was. [00:56:45] (23 seconds)
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