Foundations of Faith: Word, Love, Praise, and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the foundational principles that guide our church: being Word-activated, love-motivated, and praise-saturated, which ultimately leads to liberation. We began by discussing the importance of understanding the difference between preaching the gospel and teaching doctrine. Preaching the gospel is about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, while teaching doctrine involves explaining the principles and beliefs that underpin our faith.
We delved into the concept of being Word-activated, emphasizing that everything God does begins with His Word. From the creation of the world to the miracles performed by Jesus, the spoken Word precedes action. Therefore, we are encouraged to speak life and blessings into our circumstances, aligning our words with God's promises.
Next, we explored the idea of being love-motivated. Love is the cornerstone of our faith, as Jesus commanded us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should be evident in our actions, relationships, and how we treat one another. True love is not just about feelings but is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands and genuine care for others.
We also touched on the importance of being praise-saturated. Praise is not just an act but a lifestyle that reflects our gratitude and reverence for God. We are called to be lively stones, reflecting God's light in a dark world. Our praise should be a testament to God's goodness and a means of drawing others to Him.
Finally, we addressed the need for unity within the church. Division and strife have no place in the body of Christ. We must support and uplift one another, recognizing the unique gifts and callings that each person brings to the table. By doing so, we create an environment where God's presence can dwell and His purposes can be fulfilled.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Spoken Word: Everything God does begins with His Word. From creation to miracles, the spoken Word precedes action. We are encouraged to speak life and blessings into our circumstances, aligning our words with God's promises. This principle reminds us that our words have power and can shape our reality. [13:30]
2. Love as the Cornerstone: Jesus commanded us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should be evident in our actions and relationships. True love is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands and genuine care for others. It is the foundation upon which all other commandments rest. [24:33]
3. Praise as a Lifestyle: Being praise-saturated means that praise is not just an act but a lifestyle. We are called to be lively stones, reflecting God's light in a dark world. Our praise should be a testament to God's goodness and a means of drawing others to Him. It is through our praise that we acknowledge God's sovereignty and invite His presence into our lives. [56:55]
4. Unity in the Body of Christ: Division and strife have no place in the church. We must support and uplift one another, recognizing the unique gifts and callings that each person brings. By fostering unity, we create an environment where God's presence can dwell and His purposes can be fulfilled. This unity is essential for the church to function effectively and fulfill its mission. [35:09]
5. The Process of Refinement: Just as a lively stone is polished and cut to reflect light, we too go through a process of refinement. Every challenge and trial we face is an opportunity for God to remove what is not needed and to make us more like Him. This process allows us to reflect God's light more clearly and to fulfill our purpose in His kingdom. [01:01:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Preaching vs. Teaching Doctrine
[03:23] - Word-Activated Principle
[05:59] - The Importance of Diversity
[07:39] - Presence-Driven House
[09:20] - Looking Beyond the Outside
[11:11] - The Power of God's Word
[13:30] - Speaking Life and Blessings
[15:25] - Declaring God's Promises
[17:30] - The Power of the Tongue
[19:21] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2
[21:54] - A Chosen Generation
[22:59] - The Enduring Word of God
[23:47] - Love-Motivated Principle
[24:33] - The Greatest Commandments
[25:44] - Obedience as an Act of Love
[27:51] - The Fulfillment of the Law
[29:14] - The Root of Evil
[30:56] - The Love of Money
[32:21] - Focusing on What Matters
[35:09] - Addressing Division
[37:52] - Shifting Our Approach
[39:09] - Breaking Spirits of Division
[41:21] - Personal Testimony
[42:28] - Embracing Unity
[43:49] - Recognizing Gifts
[46:36] - Honoring God's Gifts
[47:50] - Supporting the Storehouse
[49:46] - Embracing Diversity
[51:04] - Reflecting God's Light
[52:26] - Rejecting Division
[53:23] - Honoring Leadership
[54:37] - Personal Testimony Continued
[55:28] - Praise-Saturated Principle
[56:55] - Lively Stones Reflecting Light
[58:08] - The Process of Refinement
[01:00:20] - Jesus' Process and Purpose
[01:01:32] - Embracing the Process
[01:02:20] - Showing Off God's Light
[01:03:12] - Praising God for His Goodness
[01:04:26] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:05:38] - Men's Meeting Announcement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 - "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
3. 1 Peter 2:1-9 - "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.' Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,' and, 'A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:1, what was present in the beginning, and what is its significance?
2. In Matthew 22:37-39, what are the two greatest commandments that Jesus mentions, and how are they related?
3. From 1 Peter 2:1-9, what are believers compared to, and what is their purpose as described in these verses?
4. How does the sermon describe the process of becoming a "lively stone" and what does it signify?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the spoken Word so important in the context of creation and miracles, as discussed in the sermon and John 1:1?
2. How does loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind naturally lead to loving your neighbor as yourself, according to Matthew 22:37-39 and the sermon?
3. What does it mean to be a "lively stone" in 1 Peter 2:1-9, and how does this concept relate to the idea of being praise-saturated?
4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on unity within the church reflect the teachings in 1 Peter 2:1-9 about being a chosen people and a royal priesthood?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily speech. Are there areas where you need to align your words more closely with God's promises? How can you start speaking life and blessings into your circumstances this week?
2. Think about your relationships. How can you demonstrate love more effectively to those around you, especially those who are difficult to love? What specific actions can you take to show genuine care?
3. Consider your lifestyle of praise. How can you incorporate more praise into your daily routine to reflect God's light in a dark world? What are some practical ways to make praise a habit?
4. Reflect on the unity within your church community. Are there any divisions or strife that you need to address? How can you contribute to fostering a more supportive and uplifting environment?
5. The sermon mentioned the process of refinement. Can you identify a recent challenge or trial in your life? How might this be an opportunity for God to refine you and make you more like Him?
6. How can you actively participate in creating a presence-driven house of worship? What steps can you take to ensure that God's presence is welcomed and felt by everyone who enters your church?
7. Reflect on the concept of being a "lively stone." What areas of your life need more polishing or cutting away to better reflect God's light? How can you embrace this process of refinement?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of the Spoken Word
Description: Everything God does begins with His Word. From the creation of the world to the miracles performed by Jesus, the spoken Word precedes action. This principle reminds us that our words have power and can shape our reality. We are encouraged to speak life and blessings into our circumstances, aligning our words with God's promises. By doing so, we activate the power of God's Word in our lives, bringing His will to fruition. Remember, the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. [13:30]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you start speaking God's promises over that situation today?
Day 2: Love as the Cornerstone
Description: Jesus commanded us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should be evident in our actions and relationships. True love is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands and genuine care for others. It is the foundation upon which all other commandments rest. When we love as Jesus loved, we fulfill the law and reflect God's character to the world. Love is not just a feeling but a commitment to act in the best interest of others, even when it is difficult. [24:33]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who needs to experience God's love through you. What specific action can you take today to show them genuine care and love?
Day 3: Praise as a Lifestyle
Description: Being praise-saturated means that praise is not just an act but a lifestyle. We are called to be lively stones, reflecting God's light in a dark world. Our praise should be a testament to God's goodness and a means of drawing others to Him. It is through our praise that we acknowledge God's sovereignty and invite His presence into our lives. When we live a life of praise, we become beacons of hope and joy, pointing others to the source of all goodness. [56:55]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate moments of praise throughout your day to acknowledge God's presence and goodness?
Day 4: Unity in the Body of Christ
Description: Division and strife have no place in the church. We must support and uplift one another, recognizing the unique gifts and callings that each person brings. By fostering unity, we create an environment where God's presence can dwell and His purposes can be fulfilled. This unity is essential for the church to function effectively and fulfill its mission. When we embrace diversity and work together in harmony, we reflect the unity of the Trinity and become a powerful witness to the world. [35:09]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Think of a relationship within your church community that needs healing. What steps can you take to promote unity and reconciliation in that relationship today?
Day 5: The Process of Refinement
Description: Just as a lively stone is polished and cut to reflect light, we too go through a process of refinement. Every challenge and trial we face is an opportunity for God to remove what is not needed and to make us more like Him. This process allows us to reflect God's light more clearly and to fulfill our purpose in His kingdom. Embracing the process of refinement means trusting God even in difficult times, knowing that He is shaping us for His glory and our good. [01:01:32]
Malachi 3:3 (ESV): "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord."
Reflection: Consider a recent challenge or trial you have faced. How can you see God's hand in refining you through that experience, and what is He teaching you through it?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know people have asked me how do you get such a diverse crowd in your house and I said it all I can tell you is I love everybody. I just love people and they don't have to qualify themselves to be loved by me because God loved me when I was unable to qualify myself and he loved me in spite of me and he loved me when I was completely unlovable by anyone and I said and then he turned around and told me now you got to love others like I loved you." [06:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It is the presence of God that makes the difference and God’s presence welcomes everybody. God’s presence doesn’t cut anybody short. You may not like them, you may think they got too many tattoos, you may think they got too many piercings, you may think they wear their hair weird, you may not like the pink hair or the yellow hair or the purple hair or the green hair or anything else about them but that’s not up to you." [08:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you need something to happen in your life, you need to start saying. Whatever you need to happen in your life, you need to start saying it. Stop pushing it ahead by saying, when I get my breakthrough. Every time you attach a word, when, that means it’s not today." [13:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is likened to it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." [24:33](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Build your life on the word because the word is the only thing that’s going to last forever. You want a sure foundation, get a word." [23:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There is no place for that in the house of God. And everybody in this house ought to be shouting right now. Because we should not tolerate. You ought to lift up your mouth and your hands and shout unto God. And let the devil know we got his number. We’re not going to play your game. We’re not going to sit in here. We’re not going to fight each other. We’re not going to tear each other down. Because if you do that, you’re going to devour one another. And that’s what the scripture says. That’s not what your bishop says. That’s what the scripture says." [34:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Purpose plus pace. That’s timing. Plus process equals product. Say that one more time. You find your purpose and then you get in timing with the work of God in your life. Because it was, it was a long time. Remember when Jesus was lost and he’s 12 years eight and he was lost and they were looking for him they didn’t find him for three days, which speaks of his death, burial and resurrection. But on the third day, they found him because on the third day he came back." [58:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A lively stone is a stone that has been through the process of cutting, chipping away, taking away everything that was not supposed to be on the stone. Anybody been through a process lately? But you know what it does? What that does, every time something is chipped away, it allows the light, God have mercy, to be shown more clearly. Every time God takes a little something off of your life, it’s not to kill you. It’s not to hurt you. It’s not to destroy you. It’s so that he can shine through you better." [01:01:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There are things that we do. Y’all here. There are things that we do. In the name of religion. Not in. In the name of God. That is evil. That is ugly. Say, oh, Bishop, nobody in the church is evil or ugly. If my people. Who are called by my name would humble themselves and turn from their evil ways. Oh, he’s got a people that’s called by his name that still have evil ways. Yeah. And you know what evil is? It’s when you don’t respect and love one another and cherish one another like he loved one another." [29:57](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to be careful with our gifts. Because sometimes we perceive the gift is us. And we don’t realize that the gift is from God. And we just us. I’m just Gary. When it comes to Jesus, I’m just Gary. And that’s how he talks to me. He doesn’t call me Bishop. He doesn’t call me Almighty One. He don’t say Pastor. He don’t give me no kudos about nothing. He convicts me just like he convicts you. He challenges me just like he challenges you. But the gift is from God." [44:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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