Living Aligned with God's Will: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In today's message, I wanted to address the urgency and importance of living a life aligned with God's will. We began by reflecting on the brevity of life and the reality that we will all stand before God one day. This should prompt us to examine our lives and ensure we are living in a way that honors Him. The story of a man who died unexpectedly while living in sin serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of our choices and the importance of repentance.

Repentance is not merely a change of mind but a complete turnaround—a 180-degree shift in direction. It involves recognizing the beauty and worth of Jesus Christ and choosing to follow Him wholeheartedly, leaving behind our old ways. This is the essence of what it means to be a Christian: a follower of Jesus, not someone who asks Jesus to follow them.

We also discussed the significance of baptism as a public declaration of our faith and commitment to Christ. Baptism symbolizes our entry into the "ark" of Jesus, much like Noah's ark, where we find salvation and new life. It's not the physical act of water cleansing us that saves, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.

Furthermore, the role of the Holy Spirit is crucial in our journey. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a holy life, to turn away from sin, and to help others do the same. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot achieve the transformation and holiness that God desires for us. The Spirit is given for the common good, to build up the body of Christ and to enable us to live out our faith authentically.

In conclusion, I challenged everyone to reflect on their personal beliefs and desires. Do we truly see God as great? Do we believe His way of living is best? Do we want to be in a love relationship with Him? And do we desire His power to change us and impact others? If the answer is yes, then the call is clear: repent, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- The Urgency of Repentance: Life is short, and we must be prepared to stand before God at any moment. Repentance is a complete turnaround, a decision to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, leaving behind our old ways. It is not about asking Jesus to follow us but choosing to follow Him. [11:02]

- The Significance of Baptism: Baptism is a public declaration of our faith and commitment to Christ. It symbolizes our entry into the "ark" of Jesus, where we find salvation and new life. It's not the physical act that saves, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. [18:07]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a holy life and to help others do the same. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot achieve the transformation and holiness that God desires for us. The Spirit is given for the common good, to build up the body of Christ. [22:46]

- The Call to Authentic Faith: Being a Christian means being a follower of Jesus, not just someone who believes in Him. It involves a genuine desire to live according to God's ways and to be in a love relationship with Him. This requires a commitment to repentance, baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. [12:15]

- Reflecting on Personal Beliefs: We must examine our personal beliefs and desires. Do we truly see God as great? Do we believe His way of living is best? Do we want to be in a love relationship with Him? And do we desire His power to change us and impact others? If so, the call is clear: repent, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. [39:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Life's Brevity and Urgency
- [01:15] - The Reality of Standing Before God
- [02:02] - The Call to Repentance
- [03:17] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [04:40] - Questions About Baptism and the Holy Spirit
- [05:12] - The Response of Early Believers
- [06:08] - Obedience Over Questions
- [07:24] - Misunderstandings in Modern Christianity
- [08:19] - The Assumed Practice of Baptism
- [09:31] - Returning to Biblical Practices
- [10:48] - Understanding Repentance
- [12:15] - Following Jesus, Not Leading
- [14:31] - The True Meaning of Repentance
- [18:07] - Baptism as a Pledge to God
- [22:46] - The Holy Spirit's Purpose
- [30:22] - When Does One Become a Christian?
- [39:31] - The Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
2. 1 Peter 3:20-21 - "To those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God."
3. Romans 6:3-4 - "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Acts 2:38 say about the sequence of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on these steps? [03:58]
2. According to 1 Peter 3:20-21, what does baptism symbolize, and how is it connected to the story of Noah's ark? [17:41]
3. In Romans 6:3-4, what is the significance of being baptized into Christ's death and resurrection? How does this passage relate to the concept of new life mentioned in the sermon? [18:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, and what is its purpose according to the pastor? [22:46]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's story about the man who died unexpectedly illustrate the urgency of repentance? What message does this convey about the brevity of life? [00:55]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between repentance and the Holy Spirit? Why is the Holy Spirit necessary for living a holy life? [21:57]
3. How does the pastor explain the concept of repentance as a 180-degree turn? What does this mean for someone who wants to follow Jesus? [11:02]
4. In what ways does the sermon challenge modern Christian practices regarding baptism and repentance? How does it suggest we return to biblical practices? [09:31]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you need to repent and make a 180-degree turn? What steps can you take this week to align more closely with God's will? [11:02]
2. Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? If not, what might be holding you back, and how can you take steps toward this commitment? [18:07]
3. How do you currently experience the Holy Spirit in your life? Are there ways you can invite the Holy Spirit to empower you more fully in your daily walk with Christ? [22:46]
4. Consider your personal beliefs and desires. Do you truly see God as great, and do you believe His way of living is best? How can you deepen your love relationship with Him this week? [39:31]
5. Identify one area in your life where you desire transformation. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you change and impact others positively? [21:57]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to pursue authentic faith and live out their commitment to Christ? What role can you play in supporting their spiritual growth? [23:35]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to action. What is one specific step you can take this week to live out the gospel message of repentance, baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit? [39:31]

Devotional

Day 1: The Urgency of True Repentance
Repentance is a profound transformation, a complete 180-degree shift in direction, where one turns away from their old ways and chooses to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It is not merely a change of mind but a decision to align one's life with God's will, recognizing the beauty and worth of Jesus Christ. This urgency stems from the brevity of life and the reality that everyone will stand before God one day. The story of a man who died unexpectedly while living in sin serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of our choices and the importance of repentance. This call to repentance is not about asking Jesus to follow us but choosing to follow Him. [11:02]

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a 180-degree turn to align with God's will? How can you take a step towards that change today?


Day 2: Baptism as a Symbol of Commitment
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and commitment to Christ, symbolizing entry into the "ark" of Jesus, where salvation and new life are found. It is not the physical act of water cleansing that saves, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. Baptism represents a believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony to others of one's faith and commitment to follow Jesus. [18:07]

1 Peter 3:21 (ESV): "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? If not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience and commitment to Christ?


Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's journey, empowering them to live a holy life and to help others do the same. Without the Holy Spirit, achieving the transformation and holiness that God desires is impossible. The Spirit is given for the common good, to build up the body of Christ and enable believers to live out their faith authentically. The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and strengthens believers, helping them to turn away from sin and live in accordance with God's will. [22:46]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: In what ways do you rely on your own strength rather than the Holy Spirit's power? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you today?


Day 4: Authentic Faith as a Follower of Jesus
Being a Christian means being a follower of Jesus, not just someone who believes in Him. It involves a genuine desire to live according to God's ways and to be in a love relationship with Him. This requires a commitment to repentance, baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Authentic faith is characterized by a life that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus, where one's actions align with their beliefs. It is about following Jesus, not leading Him, and allowing His love and truth to transform every aspect of life. [12:15]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your commitment to following Jesus? What changes can you make to ensure your actions align with your faith?


Day 5: Reflecting on Personal Beliefs and Desires
It is essential to examine personal beliefs and desires to ensure they align with God's will. Do we truly see God as great? Do we believe His way of living is best? Do we want to be in a love relationship with Him? And do we desire His power to change us and impact others? If the answer is yes, then the call is clear: repent, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. This reflection is an invitation to assess one's spiritual journey and make necessary adjustments to live a life that honors God. [39:31]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Reflection: What beliefs or desires in your life need to be realigned with God's will? How can you invite God to search your heart and lead you in His ways today?

Quotes


I want you to think for a moment what in the world would go through that guy's mind as he stood before God. Can you imagine that's when God says it's your time? What in the world goes through your head as you stand before a holy God? [00:00:55]

Life is short man, I'm saying this and love how do you want to come before God know that whatever you're in the midst of doing just picture God at that time saying you know you know what it's your time now okay it's it's time today while there's time you know get things right in your life. [00:02:02]

Repent and be baptized and you will be filled with the holy spirit. I've had all sorts of emails and phone calls and letters asking okay well it sounded like you were saying I have to repent and then be baptized and then receive the holy spirit. [00:03:51]

They just did it, but we would rather ask a bunch of questions and we would rather philosophize and speculate and go well yeah but technically can't you really I mean did they really have to get baptized I mean I mean and when when did the holy spirit come in was it when they got under the water was that when he came in. [00:05:38]

You turn now most of the time when someone talks about becoming a Christian here in America anyways when they talk about this they don't talk about turning to follow Jesus most people never turn most church goers they're heading a certain direction in life they see Jesus Jesus come follow me and they go no you follow me. [00:11:03]

The message of the bible is Jesus saying come follow me I got a better way of living okay you know all that sin you know that's not going to bring you fulfillment follow me you know what and and don't you want to spend eternal eternity with me don't you want to be with me forever. [00:12:45]

Baptism was supposed to be the time that you pledged yourself to Jesus Christ and he uses the example the illustration of Noah's ark he says it's just like Noah's ark he says you know when the wrath of God came there were eight people that were saved and they were saved by climbing into the ark. [00:18:10]

The holy spirit is only if you want to repent see the holy spirit is if you truly do want to follow Jesus and you see a way of living that you go you know what I want to live the way God has prescribed in this book I agree with God I don't just hate the penalty of sin I hate sin itself. [00:21:57]

The reason why God gives us the holy spirit he says is for the common good he explains that he will gift you the holy spirit will distribute gifts all around this room and all of the services all these different people why he says it's for the purpose of the common good he gives you a gift so that you can help. [00:22:46]

Do you believe that God's way of living is best I mean do you really really do you believe that the way that he outlines it in this book do you agree with God that sin is a bad thing not that not just the penalty of sin not just hell we'll all agree hell is bad right amen bad okay. [00:36:19]

Do you want to have power in your life a power to actually live out this holiness and a power to actually impact other people to live out this holiness do you really want that do you really want to spend your life getting rid of sin putting to death the deeds of the flesh and spend your life encouraging other people to do the same thing. [00:38:49]

If you can answer yes to all four of those questions and you agree with God then repent be baptized be filled with the holy spirit that's it that's the gospel. [00:39:31]

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Transcript
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