Living Faith: Healing, Dedication, and Community Impact
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate significant milestones in our church family, including baptisms and baby dedications. We began with Taylor Calloway's baptism, a public declaration of her faith in Jesus Christ. This was followed by a heartfelt baby dedication ceremony, where we committed as a church and families to raise our children in the knowledge and love of Jesus. We emphasized that the greatest testimony is a life lived for God from childhood, and we prayed for the families to be strong influences in their children's spiritual journeys.
We then transitioned into a powerful message from Acts 3, focusing on the story of the lame man healed by Peter and John. This story is a vivid reminder of God's power and the importance of paying attention to His work in our lives. The lame man, who had been overlooked for years, received not just physical healing but also a profound spiritual awakening. This miracle drew attention to the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of being the church wherever we are, not just within the walls of a building.
The sermon challenged us to consider what it takes for God to get our attention. Often, it is through trials and tribulations that we are drawn closer to Him. We were reminded that the power of the church lies in the Holy Spirit, not in our human efforts. The message concluded with a call to action: to be attentive to God's work in our lives and to share His love and power with those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Public Declaration: Taylor Calloway's baptism is a powerful reminder of the importance of publicly declaring our faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is not just a ritual but a profound step of obedience and a testimony to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. It encourages others and strengthens our own faith. [11:42]
2. Raising Godly Generations: The baby dedication ceremony highlighted the crucial role of families and the church in raising children to know and love Jesus. The greatest testimony is a life lived for God from childhood. We are called to be intentional in our influence, using every opportunity to point our children to Jesus. [23:47]
3. God's Attention and Our Response: The story of the lame man in Acts 3 teaches us that God often uses extraordinary circumstances to get our attention. Whether through trials or blessings, God is always reaching out to us. Our response should be one of faith and obedience, trusting that He has a purpose for every situation. [40:56]
4. The Church Beyond Walls: We are reminded that the church is not a building but the people of God. Wherever we go, we carry the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to be the church in our communities, workplaces, and homes, sharing the love and message of Jesus with everyone we encounter. [39:18]
5. The Gift of Faith: Peter and John's interaction with the lame man shows that the greatest gift we can offer is not material but spiritual. The gift of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit can transform lives in ways that money never can. We are called to share this gift with others, trusting that God will work through us. [46:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:42] - Taylor Calloway's Baptism
[23:47] - Baby Dedication Ceremony
[26:48] - Prayer for Families
[36:38] - Introduction to Acts 3
[40:56] - What Does God Have to Do to Get Your Attention?
[45:18] - The Lame Man's Story
[46:16] - The Gift of Faith
[48:58] - Peter's Sermon
[53:02] - Moving Beyond Brokenness
[56:03] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[01:00:10] - Responding to God's Call
[01:09:58] - Being the Church Wherever You Are
[01:13:23] - Invitation to Respond
[01:23:19] - Closing Remarks and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the man Peter and John encountered at the temple gate? How long had he been in this condition? [45:18]
2. How did Peter and John respond to the lame man's request for alms? What did Peter offer him instead? [46:16]
3. What was the immediate reaction of the lame man after he was healed? How did this affect the people around him? [47:28]
4. During the baby dedication ceremony, what commitment did the church and families make regarding the upbringing of the children? [23:47]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter emphasized that he had no silver or gold to give the lame man? What does this signify about the priorities of the early church? [46:16]
2. How does the healing of the lame man illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit working through believers? What does this teach us about the source of the church's power? [39:18]
3. The sermon mentioned that the greatest testimony is a life lived for God from childhood. How does this perspective shape our understanding of spiritual upbringing and discipleship? [23:47]
4. What does the story of the lame man teach us about God's attention and our response to His work in our lives? How can trials and blessings both serve as means for God to get our attention? [40:56]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Taylor Calloway's baptism. Have you publicly declared your faith in Jesus Christ? If not, what steps can you take to make this declaration? If you have, how can you continue to live out this declaration in your daily life? [11:42]
2. The baby dedication ceremony emphasized the role of families and the church in raising children to know and love Jesus. How can you be more intentional in influencing the younger generation in your family or church community? [23:47]
3. Consider a time when God used an extraordinary circumstance to get your attention. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you be more attentive to God's work in your life now? [40:56]
4. The sermon highlighted that the church is not a building but the people of God. How can you be the church in your community, workplace, or home this week? What specific actions can you take to share the love and message of Jesus with those around you? [39:18]
5. Peter and John offered the lame man the gift of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. What spiritual gifts or resources do you have that you can share with others? How can you be more proactive in offering these gifts to those in need? [46:16]
6. Reflect on the question, "What does God have to do to get your attention?" Are there areas in your life where you feel God is trying to get your attention? How can you respond in faith and obedience to His call? [40:56]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to action to be attentive to God's work and to share His love and power with others. What practical steps can you take this week to be more aware of God's presence and to actively share His love with those around you? [01:00:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Public Declaration
Publicly declaring one's faith in Jesus Christ is a significant and transformative act. Taylor Calloway's baptism serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. Baptism is not merely a ritual; it is a profound step of obedience and a testimony to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. It encourages others and strengthens our own faith. When we publicly declare our faith, we are making a bold statement about our commitment to follow Jesus, and this act can inspire and uplift those around us. It is a moment of profound spiritual significance that marks the beginning of a new journey in Christ.
Baptism is a public acknowledgment of an inward change. It symbolizes the death of our old selves and the resurrection into a new life with Christ. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of Jesus. It is a declaration that we are no longer living for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again. This public declaration can serve as a catalyst for others to explore their own faith and take steps towards a deeper relationship with Jesus. [11:42]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Think about your own faith journey. Have you publicly declared your faith in Jesus? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you use your testimony to encourage others in their faith journey?
Day 2: Raising Godly Generations
The baby dedication ceremony highlighted the crucial role of families and the church in raising children to know and love Jesus. The greatest testimony is a life lived for God from childhood. We are called to be intentional in our influence, using every opportunity to point our children to Jesus. This dedication is not just a ceremony but a commitment by the parents and the church to raise the child in the knowledge and love of Jesus. It is a promise to provide a nurturing environment where the child can grow in faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
Raising godly generations requires intentionality and dedication. It involves teaching children about God's love, modeling Christ-like behavior, and creating an environment where they can experience God's presence. The church community plays a vital role in supporting families in this endeavor. By coming together to dedicate our children to the Lord, we are acknowledging our dependence on God and our commitment to raise the next generation to know and love Him. [23:47]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in pointing the children in your life towards Jesus? What practical steps can you take this week to model Christ-like behavior and teach them about God's love?
Day 3: God's Attention and Our Response
The story of the lame man in Acts 3 teaches us that God often uses extraordinary circumstances to get our attention. Whether through trials or blessings, God is always reaching out to us. Our response should be one of faith and obedience, trusting that He has a purpose for every situation. The lame man, who had been overlooked for years, received not just physical healing but also a profound spiritual awakening. This miracle drew attention to the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of being attentive to God's work in our lives.
God's ways of getting our attention can vary, but they are always purposeful. Sometimes, it is through trials and tribulations that we are drawn closer to Him. Other times, it is through blessings and answered prayers. Regardless of the method, God's goal is to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. Our response to His call should be one of faith and obedience, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory. [40:56]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial or blessing in your life. How did God use that situation to get your attention? What steps can you take to be more attentive to His work in your life?
Day 4: The Church Beyond Walls
We are reminded that the church is not a building but the people of God. Wherever we go, we carry the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to be the church in our communities, workplaces, and homes, sharing the love and message of Jesus with everyone we encounter. The story of the lame man healed by Peter and John illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit working through believers outside the walls of a church building. This miracle served as a powerful testimony to the community and drew many to faith in Jesus.
Being the church beyond walls means living out our faith in every aspect of our lives. It means being a light in the darkness and a source of hope and encouragement to those around us. We are called to carry the presence of Jesus wherever we go and to share His love and message with everyone we encounter. This requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are lost and hurting. [39:18]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be the church in your community, workplace, or home this week? What specific actions can you take to share the love and message of Jesus with those around you?
Day 5: The Gift of Faith
Peter and John's interaction with the lame man shows that the greatest gift we can offer is not material but spiritual. The gift of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit can transform lives in ways that money never can. We are called to share this gift with others, trusting that God will work through us. The lame man received not just physical healing but also a profound spiritual awakening. This miracle served as a powerful testimony to the community and drew many to faith in Jesus.
The gift of faith is a precious and transformative gift that we are called to share with others. It is through faith that we experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This gift has the power to transform lives in ways that material possessions never can. We are called to be vessels of God's love and power, sharing the gift of faith with those around us and trusting that God will work through us to bring about His purposes. [46:16]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience the transformative power of faith. How can you share the gift of faith with them this week? What specific steps can you take to be a vessel of God's love and power in their life?
Quotes
1. "See, I think the greatest testimony is not somebody who was a drunk and drug user and did horrible things in their life. Then all of a sudden they came to know Jesus. You know, the greatest testimony is the one that says, I live for God my whole life. I serve God since I was a child. I follow the Lord. I've been obedient to him. And that's what we're praying for with these little babies this morning." [23:47] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The power of the church is the Holy Spirit. Your power to do the work that God's called you to do as the church is through the Holy Spirit. I told the youth this last Wednesday night, this building is not the church. Well, we found that out four years ago when none of you were here. When I was preaching to two cameras and about six guys in the back running the live stream. The building's not the church. This property's not the church. Hollywood church is us. It's wherever we are." [39:18] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What does God have to do to get your attention? And I'd be cautious about asking that question. I'd be cautious about how I answer that question. Will it take a sickness? Will it take cancer? I've sat in the room when the doctor walked out and said I'm sorry to tell you. There's cancer. I've sat in the room when they said there's not a lot else we can do. It's out of our hands. I've sat in the room when the doctor walked in and said there's nothing else physically we can do at this moment. It's in the hands of God." [41:54] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want the Holy Spirit this morning to get your attention and get my attention so that it doesn't take something drastic or radical to get my attention. Because I've found over time a lot of times it takes something unique and out of the norm to get our attention. In Acts chapter 3, I want you to go there with me quickly please. In Acts chapter 3 you find an event happening. I don't want to say it's not a story. It's not just something that happened 2,000 years ago. This is a work of God in the moment." [42:47] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The power of the church is the Holy Spirit. Your power to do the work that God's called you to do as the church is through the Holy Spirit. I told the youth this last Wednesday night, this building is not the church. Well, we found that out four years ago when none of you were here. When I was preaching to two cameras and about six guys in the back running the live stream. The building's not the church. This property's not the church. Hollywood church is us. It's wherever we are." [39:18] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You know what I can tell you? I heard a guy say this a long time ago and I've repeated it a thousand times in these years. On every row, at every table, on every row of chairs, there's hurting people that you don't even know about. There's people with a broken heart or a broken life that are in need of somebody to pray for them, to minister to them. Hey, just to put your arm around them and encourage them. To go forward with God. That's the ministry that's right in front of us now." [59:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "What would God do through us if we were to look for and give attention to every opportunity God puts in front of us every day and not just Sunday? What would God do? You know what I think God would do? I think God would send revival to Rome. I think God would send revival to Floyd County. Matter of fact, I don't think it would take this whole crowd of people, a couple hundred folks in here this morning. You know what I think? It's probably 10 or 15 or 20 people. If they just got sold out to say, I'll be used by God wherever I am." [01:09:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You don't have to go to a priest or potentate or some religious power somewhere and confess that to them and tell them what your brokenness is. But I tell you what you do. If you'll come to God and confess that to him and say, God, I want you to heal me of this brokenness in my life. Whatever it is, I'm ready to give it to God. God will do a work in your life in that broken area. He can bring healing that nobody else can bring. And he will do a work that only he can do." [01:10:42] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "One of the greatest indicators of our grandchildren following God is if the grandparents are pointing the grandchildren to Jesus. One of the greatest indicators of whether they will follow God is what we do with our lives to point those children towards Jesus. Man I want to be faithful in that for as long as God gives me. And I know you do too. And so thank you church for being part of this special day as we baptize, as we dedicate babies, as we open the word of God, as we challenge people to follow God." [01:23:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "What could God do if we all truly gave like we're supposed to give? What would God do through this church to touch the world? It'd be incredible. So thank you. Thank you for your giving. Thank you for what you're doing. Just a couple of quick things. Please remember some families. Paul Jackson's dad passed away last night. Please keep him in your prayers. Daryl and Marie Hodges, keep them in your prayers. Tommy Renfro is going through some rehab work in Cedartown. Please remember that." [01:23:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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