Glorifying God Through Testimony and Discipleship
Summary
In today's gathering, we came together to glorify God, lifting His name high despite the rain and cold outside. Our purpose is to magnify His holy name, recognizing His worthiness in our lives. We shared a testimony of a young man who was on life support but is now recovering, a testament to God's power and the importance of prayer. This moment of praise reminds us to rejoice with those who rejoice, as the Bible instructs.
I also shared a personal milestone, having recently graduated with a Ph.D. This achievement is not about personal accolades but about God's grace and the opportunity to use this credential for His glory. The journey to this point was one of stewardship, obedience, and perseverance, reflecting the belief that with God, nothing is impossible. This degree will be leveraged to write academically, support theological institutions, and train pastors globally, furthering our mission to maximize lives in Christ.
Acknowledging those who have supported me, I expressed gratitude to my wife, who has been a steadfast partner in ministry and life. Her unwavering support has been crucial in our journey, allowing us to focus on God's calling without distraction. I also honored my mother, mother-in-law, and uncle, who have been pillars of encouragement and wisdom in my life.
Furthermore, I recognized the impact of spiritual mentors like Pastor Charles Bobo, who discipled me and taught me the Word of God. His influence has been instrumental in my spiritual growth and ministry. This journey is not just about personal achievements but about leveraging every opportunity for God's kingdom.
As a church, we continue to focus on making disciples, training leaders, and expanding our reach both locally and internationally. Our theme for the coming year is "surge," emphasizing multiplication and forward movement for Christ. We are committed to sharing the gospel and making disciples, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with God's purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Worthiness and Our Response: Despite external circumstances, our focus should be on glorifying God, recognizing His worthiness in our lives. This is evidenced by His daily mercies, such as waking us up and keeping us in our right minds. Our response should be one of praise and gratitude, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. [00:00]
- The Power of Testimony: Sharing testimonies of God's goodness, like the recovery of the young man, strengthens our faith and encourages others. It reminds us of the power of prayer and God's ability to perform miracles. Our testimonies are not just personal stories but declarations of God's faithfulness and power. [31:27]
- Stewardship and Obedience: Achieving a Ph.D. was an act of stewardship and obedience to God's calling. It wasn't about personal gain but about using the opportunity to glorify God and serve His kingdom. This journey teaches us that with God, all things are possible, and we must be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities He provides. [35:03]
- The Importance of Support Systems: The journey of life and ministry is supported by family, mentors, and spiritual leaders. Acknowledging and honoring those who have been instrumental in our lives is crucial. Their support, wisdom, and encouragement are invaluable, and we must express gratitude for their contributions. [41:37]
- Commitment to Discipleship and Kingdom Work: Our mission as a church is to make disciples and expand God's kingdom. This involves training leaders, sharing the gospel, and leveraging every opportunity for God's glory. Our focus is not on personal achievements but on fulfilling God's purpose and making a lasting impact for His kingdom. [57:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - Glorifying God Despite Circumstances
[02:00] - Testimony of Healing and Prayer
[03:30] - Rejoicing in Personal Milestones
[05:15] - The Journey to a Ph.D.
[07:45] - Leveraging Education for God's Glory
[10:00] - Acknowledging Family and Support
[12:30] - Honoring Spiritual Mentors
[15:00] - Commitment to Discipleship
[17:30] - Church's Mission and Future Plans
[20:00] - Recognizing New Elders and Leaders
[22:30] - Encouragement for the Congregation
[25:00] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
2. Revelation 12:11 - "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
---
Observation Questions:
1. What evidence did the pastor provide to demonstrate God's worthiness in our daily lives? [01:02:23]
2. How did the pastor describe the role of testimonies in strengthening faith and encouraging others? [31:27]
3. What was the pastor's perspective on achieving a Ph.D., and how did he plan to use it for God's glory? [35:03]
4. Who were some of the key individuals the pastor acknowledged for their support, and what roles did they play in his journey? [41:37]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's testimony of the young man's recovery illustrate the power of prayer and God's intervention? [31:27]
2. In what ways does the pastor's journey to obtaining a Ph.D. reflect the principles of stewardship and obedience to God's calling? [35:03]
3. How does the pastor's acknowledgment of his support system highlight the importance of community in one's spiritual and personal growth? [41:37]
4. What does the pastor's commitment to discipleship and kingdom work reveal about the church's mission and future direction? [57:37]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to glorify God despite challenging circumstances. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:02:23]
2. Consider a testimony from your life that demonstrates God's faithfulness. How can you share this story to encourage others in your community? [31:27]
3. Identify a personal goal or achievement that you can leverage for God's glory. What steps can you take to ensure it aligns with His purpose? [35:03]
4. Think about the people who have supported you in your spiritual journey. How can you express gratitude and honor their contributions this week? [41:37]
5. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to make disciples and expand God's kingdom? What specific actions can you take to contribute to this goal? [57:37]
6. Reflect on the theme of "surge" for the coming year. What areas of your life need multiplication and forward movement for Christ? How can you begin this process? [01:01:00]
7. Consider the role of spiritual mentors in your life. How can you seek guidance and wisdom from them to grow in your faith and ministry? [49:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Glorifying God Amidst Life's Storms
In life, external circumstances often challenge our focus on God. Yet, the call to glorify Him remains constant, regardless of the weather outside or the storms within. Recognizing God's worthiness is not contingent on our situation but is a response to His unchanging nature. His daily mercies, such as waking us up and keeping us in our right minds, are reminders of His sovereignty and grace. Our response should be one of praise and gratitude, acknowledging His presence and power in our lives. This perspective shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness, allowing us to experience peace and joy even in difficult times. [00:00]
Psalm 29:1-2 (ESV): "Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness."
Reflection: What is one specific challenge you are facing today where you can choose to glorify God instead of focusing on the difficulty?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Testimony
Testimonies of God's goodness serve as powerful reminders of His faithfulness and ability to perform miracles. When we share stories of healing, provision, or transformation, we not only strengthen our own faith but also encourage others. The recovery of the young man who was on life support is a testament to the power of prayer and God's intervention. Our testimonies are not just personal stories but declarations of God's faithfulness and power. They remind us that God is actively working in our lives and the lives of those around us, inviting us to trust Him more deeply. [31:27]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you witnessed God's hand at work. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 3: Stewardship and Obedience in Achievements
Achieving significant milestones, like earning a Ph.D., is an opportunity to reflect on stewardship and obedience to God's calling. Such accomplishments are not about personal gain but about using the opportunities God provides to glorify Him and serve His kingdom. This journey teaches us that with God, all things are possible, and we must be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities He provides. By leveraging our achievements for God's glory, we align our lives with His purpose and contribute to His work in the world. [35:03]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What is one talent or achievement you have that you can intentionally use to serve others and glorify God this week?
Day 4: The Value of Support Systems
Life and ministry are journeys that are enriched by the support of family, mentors, and spiritual leaders. Acknowledging and honoring those who have been instrumental in our lives is crucial. Their support, wisdom, and encouragement are invaluable, and we must express gratitude for their contributions. Recognizing the impact of these relationships helps us appreciate the community God has placed around us and encourages us to be a source of support for others. [41:37]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your life has been a significant source of support and encouragement? How can you express your gratitude to them today?
Day 5: Commitment to Discipleship and Kingdom Work
The mission of the church is to make disciples and expand God's kingdom. This involves training leaders, sharing the gospel, and leveraging every opportunity for God's glory. Our focus is not on personal achievements but on fulfilling God's purpose and making a lasting impact for His kingdom. As we commit to this mission, we align our efforts with God's plan and contribute to the transformation of lives both locally and globally. [57:37]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to contribute to the mission of making disciples and expanding God's kingdom?
Quotes
"How many y'all came to glorify him today? I know it's raining on the outside, it's cold on the outside, but how many y'all came to glorify him on the inside today? How many y'all came to lift up his holy name and to praise him and to worship him and to glorify him? God is worthy today, man. The son of God, the son said all I want is to be is for him to be glorified, for him to be lifted high, amen. And so we came to lift him high, we came to glorify him, we came to magnify his holy name today, amen. Our God is worthy. How many y'all believe God is worthy on today? God woke you up, that's evidence that God is worthy this morning, amen. You all drove up today, that's evidence that God is worthy. You've got your right mind, that's evidence that..." [00:21:53] (50 seconds)
"God has given me an engine, it's God, it's God, it's God. And God, I don't have the skills, the talents, and the abilities that most of you all have, but God has given me a do not quit and don't accept no mentality. And when I read the word of God and I see God do those miracles and says, I said, but there's nothing impossible for God, I really believe that. And I said, well, whatever God calls me to, I can do, and wherever there's God's will, it's God's bill." [00:46:11] (32 seconds)
"As a church, we're gonna continue to share the gospel locally, nationally, and internationally. We're gonna continue to, we're gonna train pastors all over the world, all over the world. We're gonna train all over the world, amen? So guys, sometimes a credential will open up doors for you that most people don't even know exist." [00:31:27] (21 seconds)
"And so, but my wife is the perfect pastor. She's the perfect pastor's wife. She's never complained about what God has called me to do. Amen? And so I don't have to wrestle with her. I don't have to explain why I'm up late. I don't have to explain why I forgot to tell her I'm leaving town in the morning and I'm preaching somewhere." [00:32:41] (20 seconds)
"She is 80 something years old. She drives people around the first of the month to go pick up their groceries, all that kind of stuff. She called me and said, how can we reach more people for Christ, for our church? I mean, the list just goes on and on and on. So I have a Proverbs 31 wife and a Proverbs 31 mother as well. Amen." [00:39:28] (20 seconds)
"And so we talk about discipleship and we talk about one-to-one discipleship. And we didn't have a name for it back then, but that's what Pastor Bobo did for me. And so I played basketball in town. And so a friend of mine would go to church because there wasn't many folks going to church from college. So I rode with the guy who was going to church." [00:46:11] (22 seconds)
"Matthew 28 says, go ye therefore into all nations, make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen? And so, we've got disciple makers who graduated our class. For the sake of time, we'll give you guys, you can stand up if you're here." [00:57:37] (15 seconds)
"And so, it's not about how big your church is, not about how many, whatever you got, Ph.D. It's about, are you a follower? Are you a follower of Christ? And are you a reproducer? So we celebrate each of them for becoming reproducers. Amen? I want to encourage you guys to go to our website and sign up there to be discipled." [00:59:08] (19 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 08, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?