Global Church: Faithfulness, Unity, and God's Promises

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Builds and Sustains His Church

The church of Jesus Christ is alive and well, not just in our own congregation but across the world, thriving in places and ways we may not always see. Even when some may say the church is in trouble, Jesus’ promise stands firm: He is building His church, and nothing—not even the gates of hell—can prevail against it. The Holy Spirit is at work in every corner, in small gatherings and large, in houses and sanctuaries, uniting believers everywhere. We are reminded that the church is not defined by numbers or buildings, but by the living presence of Christ among His people, and that we are part of a global, victorious body. [16:15]

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Reflection: Where have you seen God at work in the church—locally or globally—despite challenges or discouragement? How can you encourage someone today with the truth that Christ’s church is strong and alive?

Day 2: God Makes a Difference for His People

Throughout history, God has shown that He makes a clear distinction between those who belong to Him and those who do not. Just as there was darkness in Egypt but light in Goshen, God’s favor and protection rest on His people, even in troubled times. Belonging to the Lord brings a difference in our lives, our families, and our communities, and it is vital to pass this legacy of faith to the next generation. We are called to bring our children to church, to teach them God’s ways, and to trust that God’s hand is upon those who are His. [17:49]

Exodus 8:22-23 (ESV)
"But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally show or teach your family or someone close to you the difference that belonging to the Lord makes in your life?

Day 3: The Power and Fulfillment of God’s Word

Every word that God has spoken will be fulfilled, just as Jesus, even on the cross, honored the Scriptures and brought them to completion. The Bible is not just a book of the past; it is living and active, and God calls us to keep His Word before us daily. In a world that often neglects or discards the Bible, we are challenged to return to the Scriptures, to read and meditate on them, and to bring our children and others to hear the Word. God’s promises are true, and He blesses those who honor and obey His Word. [01:00:27]

John 19:28-30 (ESV)
"After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), 'I thirst.' A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to keep God’s Word central in your life or your family’s life?

Day 4: Jesus’ Sacrifice Is Complete—It Is Finished

Unlike any other system of belief or works, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross finished the work of salvation once and for all. There is nothing left for us to add; we do not need to earn our way to God or fulfill endless requirements. By putting our faith in Jesus, we are eternally saved, washed clean by His blood, and given new life. This finished work frees us from striving and invites us to rest in the assurance of Christ’s victory and grace. [01:02:56]

John 19:30 (ESV)
"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still trying to “earn” God’s approval or forgiveness? How can you rest today in the finished work of Jesus?

Day 5: The Church Is One—A Global Family in Christ

The body of Christ is vast and diverse, stretching across nations, languages, and denominations, yet united under one Lord and Savior. No single congregation or group is the whole church; we are each a part of the greater whole, called to love, support, and celebrate one another. When we gather, whether in small numbers or great assemblies, we reflect the unity and beauty of Christ’s church. Let us remember that we belong to a global family, and let our love and actions bear witness to the world. [24:27]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
"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: How can you reach out to or pray for believers in another part of the world this week, recognizing that you are part of one global family in Christ?

Sermon Summary

Returning from a powerful gathering in Brisbane, Australia, where believers from 168 countries and over 300,000 churches came together, it is clear that the church of Jesus Christ is alive and thriving across the globe. The sight of so many nations worshiping together, each with their own traditions and attire, is a reminder that God’s work is not confined to our local congregation but is moving powerfully worldwide. Even as some lament the decline of church attendance in our own country, especially since COVID, we must remember that the true church is not in trouble—God’s people are gathering in homes, small churches, and even in places where faith is costly. Jesus promised, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

God makes a difference in the lives of those who belong to Him, just as He did for Israel in Egypt, providing light in Goshen while darkness covered the land. Our faithfulness matters, especially in raising our children in the Lord. We cannot be surprised by the world’s troubles if we neglect to bring our children to church and teach them God’s Word. The church is not about size or popularity; it is about faithfulness, love, and obedience to Christ. Whether in a congregation of thousands or a handful, Jesus is present where two or three are gathered in His name.

We are called to be a blessing, to give generously, and to keep God’s Word central in our lives. The importance of reading Scripture daily and praying as Jesus taught us cannot be overstated. The Lord’s Prayer unites believers across languages and cultures, reminding us of our shared dependence on God’s grace and forgiveness. Jesus’ words from the cross—His fulfillment of Scripture, His care for His mother, His declaration that “It is finished”—are the foundation of our hope. Salvation is complete in Christ; we do not need to add to His work or seek other paths. Our calling is to lift up Jesus, keep Him central in our lives, and share His love with others, knowing that God is sovereign over all powers and authorities. Let us continue to trust, give, and serve, knowing that God’s blessings flow as we remain faithful.

Key Takeaways

1. The Global Church Is Alive and United Across continents and cultures, the body of Christ is vibrant and growing. The church is not limited to our local experience or the challenges we see in our own nation. God is at work in small gatherings and large assemblies alike, reminding us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. Our faith is strengthened when we see the global family of believers worshiping together, testifying that the church is strong and the Holy Spirit is moving. [14:47]
2. God Distinguishes and Protects His People Just as God made a distinction between Egypt and Goshen, He continues to make a difference in the lives of those who belong to Him. This is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but a reminder that God’s presence brings light, hope, and blessing even in dark times. Our faithfulness in following Him, especially in raising our children in the faith, has generational impact. We must not neglect the spiritual formation of our families, for it is in belonging to the Lord that true difference is made. [17:49]
3. Faithfulness Is Not Measured by Size or Popularity The world may celebrate megachurches and celebrity leaders, but Jesus values faithfulness wherever it is found. He promised to be present where even two or three gather in His name. Our calling is not to seek recognition or numbers, but to be faithful in love, reconciliation, and service. The strength of the church is not in its size, but in its obedience to Christ and its unity in the Spirit. [26:27]
4. The Centrality of God’s Word and Prayer A church or believer that neglects Scripture is spiritually impoverished. We are called to read God’s Word daily, to keep it before us, and to pray as Jesus taught. The Lord’s Prayer is not just a ritual, but a model for our dependence on God, our need for forgiveness, and our call to live in unity. Every time we return to Scripture, God reveals new depths and fresh insights, shaping us into His likeness. [36:13]
5. Salvation Is Complete in Christ—It Is Finished Jesus’ words from the cross, “It is finished,” declare that the work of salvation is done. We do not need to add religious works, rituals, or affiliations to what Christ has accomplished. Our hope is not in our own efforts, but in the finished work of Jesus, who paid the debt for our sins and rose in victory. This truth frees us from striving and invites us to rest in God’s grace, sharing this good news with others. [62:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:47] - The Global Church Is Alive
[16:15] - Jesus Builds His Church
[16:59] - Faith and the Parable of the Ten Virgins
[17:49] - God Makes a Difference for His People
[18:54] - The Importance of Raising Children in Faith
[22:09] - Testimonies from South Africa and Australia
[24:27] - The Church Is Bigger Than Us
[25:45] - Faithfulness Over Popularity
[26:27] - Reconciliation and Belonging
[29:15] - Winning Others by Love
[32:01] - No Retirement in God’s Service
[34:41] - Returning to God’s Word
[37:06] - The Power of the Lord’s Prayer
[39:59] - Generosity and Blessings
[42:03] - The Unity of the Church
[47:58] - Responsive Reading: The Word Made Flesh
[51:07] - Jesus’ Words from the Cross
[53:43] - Honoring Mothers and Spiritual Family
[60:02] - Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures
[62:56] - It Is Finished: The Complete Work of Christ
[69:28] - The Gift of Eternal Life
[71:16] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[74:10] - Giving and Final Announcements
[75:26] - Banquet Tickets and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 16:18 (ESV) — > And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

2. Exodus 10:21-23 (ESV)
> Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.

3. John 19:28-30 (ESV)
> After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Observation Questions

In Matthew 16:18, what does Jesus promise about the future of His church?
According to Exodus 10:21-23, what difference did God make between Egypt and His people in Goshen?
What are the last words Jesus says from the cross in John 19:30, and what do they mean in the context of the passage?
The sermon described a global gathering of believers from 168 countries. What impact did seeing so many nations worshiping together have on the pastor? [[14:47]]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against” the church? How does this shape our view of the church’s strength, even when local attendance seems to decline? [[16:15]]
The sermon compared God’s protection of Israel in Goshen to how He cares for His people today. In what ways might God’s presence bring “light” to believers in dark times? [[17:49]]
When Jesus says, “It is finished,” what is He declaring about salvation? Why is it important that we do not try to add to His finished work? [[01:02:56]]
The pastor emphasized the importance of raising children in the faith. Why does he say we should not be surprised by the world’s troubles if we neglect this responsibility? [[19:44]]

Application Questions

The pastor shared how seeing the global church alive and united encouraged his faith. Have you ever experienced worship or fellowship with believers from different backgrounds or cultures? How did it affect your view of God’s work in the world? [[14:47]]
The sermon stressed that faithfulness is not measured by size or popularity. In your own life, are there ways you have been tempted to measure spiritual success by numbers or recognition? How can you focus more on faithfulness, love, and obedience? [[26:27]]
God made a difference for His people in Goshen, providing light in darkness. Can you recall a time when you felt God’s presence or protection in a difficult situation? How did it impact your faith? [[17:49]]
The pastor warned that neglecting to bring children to church and teach them God’s Word can have consequences. If you are a parent, grandparent, or mentor, what specific steps can you take to invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation? [[19:44]]
The sermon highlighted the importance of daily Bible reading and praying the Lord’s Prayer. What is your current habit of engaging with Scripture and prayer? Is there a small change you could make this week to keep God’s Word more central in your life? [[36:13]]
Jesus’ words, “It is finished,” mean that salvation is complete in Him. Are there ways you find yourself trying to “earn” God’s favor or add to what Jesus has done? How can you rest more fully in His grace? [[01:02:56]]
The pastor encouraged the church to be generous and to serve. Is there a specific way you feel called to give or serve in this season? What might be holding you back, and how can you take a step forward? [[39:59]]

Sermon Clips

When you read your Bible, you will see, you will see in your Bible how God makes a difference. He told Moses, oh, Lord, have mercy. There'll be darkness in Egypt, but there'll be light in Goshen. There'll be flies in Egypt, but not one fly in Goshen. How God makes a difference. Oh, Lord, have mercy. He makes a difference. When you belong to the Lord. [00:17:32] (47 seconds) #GodMakesTheDifference

And I read the Bible over and over again. And every time I read it, I see something else I didn't see before. It was there, and I saw it before, but it never struck me. And one day, I was reading, and Jesus, they said, Lord, teach us to pray. And Jesus said, when ye pray, say. And when he said, when Jesus said, say, I said, why would we not say what Jesus said, say? [00:37:53] (27 seconds) #PrayAsJesusTaught

God has no problem with you running over with things. But he does have a problem with you falling in love with things. Thou shall have no other gods before me. Don't take your stuff and make it a god. God. [00:40:26] (16 seconds) #GodOverStuff

His Word is true. Your Word is the Word is true. His Word is true. And you won't bring your children to hear the Word. You're leaving your children at home in the bed. And then you want to tell me that you're surprised at what they do. And I'm laboring here every week trying to make a difference in their life and you won't even bring your own children to church. [01:01:28] (25 seconds) #GodsWordFulfilled

The plan of salvation is finished. No more. You be careful about wanting to be a Muslim. Muslims have five pillars of faith. And the first one is the most detrimental. They believe they say they believe they have to make this declaration that Allah is God. God. and Muhammad is his prophet that's their first declaration and the moment they make that that put them in opposition with Jesus he said I am the way the truth of the life no man coming under the father but by me [01:02:50] (41 seconds) #BringChildrenToChurch

Let them know that Jesus said that pilots you can have no power at all let them know that President Trump could have no power at all the Republicans would have no power at all the Lord didn't give that little bad neighbor you got down the street would have no power at all if God didn't give it to him and the Lord got power to take care of you and you got no reason the Bible said don't fear him that can destroy the body but fear him that can destroy the body body and put it in hell. That's the one to fear. Oh, Lord, have mercy. [01:10:28] (33 seconds) #NoNeedForOtherFaiths

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